Hyatt’s Playa deal is a fresh example of the asset-light model: sell the real estate, keep the brands and management contracts, and grow rooms and fee income while owners take the capital risk.
Hopper: One Last Hop Before Exit?
Hopper’s future is in question as Capital One moves to acquire the tech behind its travel portal and hires key teams, signaling a shift that leaves the once-hyped OTA struggling for relevance amid slowing growth and changing industry dynamics.
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Sonder Went Bust. Marriott Went Missing
Sonder’s collapse was predictable, Marriott’s mishandling wasn’t. The failed SPAC burned through cash, dissolved 7,700 licensed rooms, and left guests stranded, exposing major cracks in Marriott’s due diligence and partnership strategy.
Ace in the Hole: Prince Hotels Goes Lifestyle
Seibu Prince Hotels is acquiring Ace Hotels for $90M, adding nine properties and fresh lifestyle cred to the brand.
Lighthouse Acquires The Hotels Network
Lighthouse acquires The Hotels Network, aiming to merge pricing intelligence with personalization and direct-booking tools, an ambitious move that could reshape how hotels align revenue and marketing.
Marriott Buys Another Brand
Marriott snaps up lifestyle brand citizenM for $355M, adding 36 design-focused hotels and pushing its 2025 net room growth toward 5%.
HBX Group’s €5B IPO: A Distribution Giant Might Go Public
HBX Group, the wholesale giant formerly known as Hotelbeds, is gearing up for a €5B IPO—putting one of distribution’s biggest players on the Spanish stock exchange.
