The Best Western Plus Brooklyn-Prospect Park is now in Brooklyn, New York. It is owned by Mahesh Ratanji and is near several major attractions.
The 67-room property provides easy access to the area’s top attractions, including Barclays Center, Flatbush Avenue, Luna Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Zoo, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Brewery and many more. The hotel is also nearby popular Brooklyn neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, Dumbo, Red Hook, Coney Island and Sheepshead Bay.
The new construction hotel provides amenities including a 24-hour fitness center and a business center. The hotel guestrooms are designed in bright colors and has 55-inch flat-screen televisions, mini fridges and coffee makers. Free wireless internet is available throughout the property.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests to our brand-new hotel in the heart of Brooklyn, where we offer the highest degree of hospitality and unmatched value,” said Ratanji. “The hotel’s modern design and use of bright colors gives guests the ‘city life’ vibe and our guests will appreciate the close proximity to some of Brooklyn’s and Manhattan’s most interesting sights.”
Last month, Best Western Plus at Lake Powell in Page, Arizona, was acquired by a joint venture among Dallas-based Newcrestimage, Dabu Hotels, and Countrywide Hospitality.
Amex GBT and Chooose are launching a hotel emissions tracking tool to calculate users’ Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative reporting requirements.
Emissions data in Amex GBT’s Global Trip Record and Data Lake ensures consistency across travel programs.
In January, Finland-based Bob W found hotel carbon emissions are five times higher than HCMI estimates.
SOFTWARE FIRMS AMERICAN Express Global Business Travel and Chooose are launching a hotel emissions tracking tool in the third quarter of 2025. The new tool, integrated into Amex GBT’s platforms, will provide standardized hotel emissions data to calculate users’ Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative reporting requirements.
Chooose, which allows airline passengers to offset flight emissions, uses a hotel emissions calculation methodology aligned with HCMI reporting requirements, according to the companies. Clients can select emissions factor providers, including the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Greenview, both aligned with the same methodology, Amex GBT said in a statement.
“This is about giving our clients better data, better tools and better decision-making power,” said John Sturino, Amex GBT’s senior vice president for product and engineering. “We’ve engineered this capability to deliver more granular emissions data, deeply integrated into our platforms, so customers can access the insights they need, where they need them.”
Emissions data stored in Amex GBT’s systems include the Global Trip Record and Data Lake, the statement said. It complements traveler-facing hotel sustainability tools at point of sale, such as eco badges and filters for hotels with EV charging. The tool also supports Amex GBT’s Consulting and Meetings & Events teams with reporting capabilities.
Nora Lovell Marchant, Amex GBT’s vice president of global sustainability, said more accurate data can help companies assess the environmental impact of their travel programs.
“It’s part of our broader effort to provide the tools and insights that support more sustainable travel choices,” she said.
HCMI is a free tool created by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance for hotels to calculate the carbon footprint of hotel stays and meetings in their properties.
In January, Finland-based hospitality operator Bob W found that hotel carbon emissions are five times higher than estimates from frameworks such as HCMI. Bob W and UK-based consultancy Furthr developed the Lodging Emissions & Guest-night Impact Tracker to provide a broader view of the sector’s environmental impact.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Asian Media
Group USA Inc. and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Marriott International completed its $355 million acquisition of citizenM, a Netherlands-based select-service brand.
Integration into Marriott’s systems is underway.
Founded in 2008 by Rattan Chadha, citizenM targets travelers seeking smart room design, shared spaces.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL COMPLETED its $355 million acquisition of citizenM, a Netherlands-based select-service brand founded by Rattan Chadha, as announced in April. CitizenM’s portfolio includes 37 hotels with 8,789 rooms across more than 20 cities in the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific.
Its pipeline of two hotels totaling more than 300 rooms is expected to be added to Marriott’s portfolio, the company said in a statement.
“As travelers continue to seek lodging that blends technology with service, citizenM is a strong addition to our portfolio,” said Anthony Capuano, Marriott’s president and CEO. “Marriott has a track record of growing select-service lifestyle brands, including AC, Moxy and Aloft and we look forward to expanding citizenM’s global reach with our guests and Marriott Bonvoy members.”
With the acquisition complete, Marriott will begin integrating citizenM into its systems, the company said. Until integration is finished later this year, citizenM properties will remain bookable through citizenM’s digital channels. Subscription program members will continue to receive benefits, with more details to follow after integration.
Once integrated, citizenM will join the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
Founded by Chadha in 2008, citizenM targets travelers seeking smart room design, common areas with artwork and local artifacts, shared living rooms, meeting spaces, grab-and-go F&B and rooftop decks.
Hilton reported 7.5 percent net unit growth in the second quarter while systemwide RevPAR declined 0.5 percent year-over-year.
Net income and adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2025 were $742 million and $1.8 billion, up from $690 million and $1.67 billion YoY.
For the third quarter of 2025, Hilton expects systemwide RevPAR to be flat to slightly down.
HILTON WORDLWIDE HOLDINGS reported 7.5 percent net unit growth in the second quarter of 2025, however systemwide RevPAR declined 0.5 percent year-over-year. The company said economic fluctuations are being felt but not hindering performance.
The company approved 36,200 rooms for development, bringing its pipeline to a record 510,600 rooms, up 4 percent year-over-year excluding acquisitions and strategic partner hotels. It added 26,100 rooms in the quarter, resulting in 22,600 net additions and 7.5 percent net unit growth over the year, Hilton said in a statement.
“We continued to demonstrate the power of our resilient business model as we delivered strong bottom line results in the quarter, even with modestly negative top line performance given holiday and calendar shifts, reduced government spending, softer international inbound business and broader economic uncertainty,” said Christopher Nassetta, Hilton’s president and CEO. “With that being said, we believe the economy in our largest market is set up for better growth over the intermediate term, which should accelerate travel demand and, when paired with low industry supply growth, unlock stronger RevPAR growth.”
Meanwhile, on the development side, Nassetta said growth was strong.
“We achieved the largest pipeline in our history, and we remain confident in our ability to deliver net unit growth between 6 percent and 7 percent for the next several years,” he said.
Systemwide comparable RevPAR declined 0.5 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, due to lower occupancy partially offset by ADR gains, the statement said. For the six-month period, RevPAR rose 1 percent year-over-year, driven by higher ADR. Management and franchise fee revenue rose 7.9 percent year-over-year.
Net income and adjusted EBITDA were $742 million and $1.8 billion, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, compared to $690 million and $1.67 billion for the same period in 2024.
Pipeline and outlook
Hilton opened 221 hotels totaling 26,100 rooms in the second quarter of 2025, resulting in 22,600 net room additions. Its luxury and lifestyle portfolio grew to more than 1,000 hotels globally.
Hilton added 36,200 rooms to its development pipeline in the second quarter. As of June 30, the pipeline totaled 3,636 hotels with 510,600 rooms across 128 countries and territories, including 29 where it had no existing hotels.
Nearly half of the rooms were under construction with more than half outside the U.S.
Hilton projects systemwide comparable RevPAR to range from flat to up 2 percent in 2025 compared to the prior year. Net unit growth is expected between 6 percent and 7 percent. The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA between $3.65 billion and $3.71 billion, with general and administrative expenses projected between $420 million and $430 million. Net income is expected to range from $1.64 billion to $1.68 billion.
For the third quarter of 2025, Hilton expects systemwide comparable RevPAR to be flat to slightly down from the same period in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to range between $935 million and $955 million, while net income is expected to be between $453 million and $467 million.
Peachtree provided a $42 million floating-rate loan to Banyan Street Capital for the acquisition and repositioning of Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead.
The deal delivers capital at a reset basis, with comps pricing 98 percent higher, reflecting strong collateral and execution.
It recently launched a $250 million fund to invest in hotel and commercial assets mispriced from market illiquidity.
PEACHTREE GROUP PROVIDED its first mortgage loan to Banyan Street Capital for the acquisition and repositioning of the 914,774-square-foot Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead, Georgia. Peachtree said the office sector is at an inflection point, similar to the retail segment previously.
The $42 million floating-rate loan has a 36-month initial term and a 12-month extension option, with interest and completion guarantees from Banyan Street. The deal provides flexible capital for transitional assets at a reset basis, with comparable transactions pricing 98 percent above the loan basis, reflecting collateral strength and execution, Peachtree said in a statement.
“This transaction highlights how private credit continues to fuel opportunities across the commercial real estate landscape,” said Daniel Siegel, Peachtree’s president and principal of CRE. “In today’s volatile environment of elevated interest rates and persistent inflation, private credit remains a critical source of capital.”
Siegel said negative sentiment is preventing some from seeing opportunities.
“The market is bifurcated, with most vacancy tied to troubled assets, and when you adjust for those, the fundamentals tell a different story,” he said. “While sentiment will take time to shift, we’re ready to back smart business plans in this space.”
The private credit market continues to fill the gap left by traditional lenders, providing certainty for sponsors with defined strategies, the statement said.
Atlanta-based Peachtree is led by CEO and managing principal Greg Friedman, managing principal and CFO Jatin Desai and principal Mitul Patel.
“This transaction reflects a careful approach to how we de-risk—by structuring a basis reset in a top submarket with an experienced sponsor and a clear repositioning plan,” Siegel said.
Banyan plans to reposition AFC, starting with leasing the North Tower, using reserves for capital expenses, tenant improvements, and leasing. It will also explore larger tenants and redevelopment options.
While the broader office market faces headwinds, Buckhead remains a strong submarket, supported by financial firms, MARTA access, highway connectivity and retail and hospitality infrastructure, Peachtree said. Limited new supply, declining sublease inventory, and steady tenant demand position Buckhead and AFC for recovery and growth.
“Borrowers are seeking flexible capital that can adjust to changing market conditions, and that’s what we’re delivering,” said Jared Schlosser, head of originations and CPACE at Peachtree. “By providing execution certainty, we’re giving sponsors the runway to carry out their plans.”
Peachtree recently launched a $250 million fund to invest in hotel and commercial real estate assets mispriced due to capital market illiquidity.
Trump’s proposed $250 Visa Integrity Fee faces pushback from groups relying on seasonal J-1 workers from Latin America and Asia.
J-1 visa holders often work as housekeepers, amusement park staff, and lifeguards from pre-season through Labor Day; more than 300,000 use the visa annually.
DHS and the State Department have not clarified how the fee will be implemented or who qualifies for a refund.
A $250 VISA Integrity Fee in President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is drawing criticism from groups that rely on seasonal workers from Latin America and Asia on J-1 and other visas, Newsweek reported. The organizations warn the cost, though sometimes refundable, could reduce the summer workforce that supports U.S. beach towns and resorts.
The BBB Act introduces the fee for many non-immigrant applicants, including J-1 cultural exchange and seasonal workers.
“In general—In addition to any other fee authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require payment of a fee, as specified in this subsection, by any alien issued a non-immigrant visa at the time of issuance,” the bill reads.
Kasey Simon, president of United Work and Travel, told Newsweek the cost could prevent some applicants from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic from joining the program.
“Even a 10 or 20 percent reduction in participation would significantly impact the seasonal hospitality industry nationwide,” Simon was quoted as saying. “We're talking hotel housekeepers, student restaurant workers, lifeguards, amusement staff—everything would be affected.”
J-1 visa holders fill roles many Americans do not, such as hotel housekeepers, amusement park staff, and lifeguards, often working from pre-season through Labor Day, the report said. More than 300,000 people use the visa each year, according to the State Department.
Newsweek reported that the $250 fee would be charged when the visa is issued and refunded only if the applicant leaves the U.S. on time without overstaying or working illegally. Those who later seek permanent status likely won’t be reimbursed.
The bill also expands funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Meanwhile, tourism leaders have raised concerns about ESTA fees increasing from $21 to $40, though the Visa Integrity Fee does not apply to Visa Waiver Program travelers. The U.S. Travel Association warns even this increase could hurt tourism.
“Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, in a recent statement. “These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices. As Congress begins work on FY26 appropriations, it must fully fund Brand USA and ensure visitor fees are lowered, if not eliminated, wherever possible.”
The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have not yet said how the fee will be implemented or who will qualify for a refund.
“President Trump and House Republicans are committed to restoring immigration integrity and enhancing national security,” the House Judiciary Committee said in a May press release. “The Judiciary Committee’s reconciliation provisions, which passed out of our committee, deliver critical resources to advance both priorities. Our provisions provide funding for at least 1 million annual removals, 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, and detention capacity sufficient to maintain an average daily population of at least 100,000 aliens. It also introduces a new series of fees that provide funding and resources to various agencies.”
Sponsors hope for answers soon, before workers start backing out, as planning for summer 2026 is already underway, the Newsweek report said.