Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

CEO says hotel franchisees are dissatisfied with brands

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted existing tensions, Advantage Hotels founder said

THE ONGOING COVID-19 pandemic has revealed growing numbers of franchisees dissatisfied with major hotel brands, according to the founders of Advantage Hotels. Patrick Mullinix, the company’s president and CEO, said the franchisee rebellion indicates larger companies are not supporting their hotel owners.

Mullinix, who formed the Austin, Texas-based company last year after acquiring Vista and Select Inn brands from Advantis Hospitality Alliance, said franchisees are tired of the lack of support they receive from the brands. The current economic downturn highlighted that lack of support, he said.


“Once the COVID pandemic hit the travel sector, it shut down the reservation system for every brand in U.S. It unveiled a realization, that brands didn’t provide much support,” he said. “The writing has been on the wall for a number of years. Now, dissatisfied franchise owners are now waking up to the real truth of how little their brands actually contribute to the success of their business compared to the high cost in which they pay to them monthly.”

An online petition for change by some Choice Hotels International’s franchisees is one example of the growing dissatisfaction, Mullinix said. Another group of Choice franchisees recently sued the company alleging, among other things, that the company has a racial bias against Indian American owners.

Mullinix said Advantage Hotels offers short-term franchise agreements with 12-month renewals and low transaction fees. He said the model goes “back to the basics” and “acts more like a brand membership.

“I believe during the recovery of the travel industry, we’re going to see hundreds, if not possibly thousands, of hotel owners making a change in their brand to regain their lost business,” he said. “They will be making the change not only as a result of their dissatisfaction, but more importantly, their need for survival.”

Ramesh Gokal was president and COO of Advantis, based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, before its closing. Advantage Hotel’s advisory board includes former AAHOA Chairmen Ramesh Surati, Dhansukh “Dan” Patel and Mukesh Mowji.

More for you

Trump H1B visa fee India
Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Trump’s $100K H-1B fee sparks panic in India

Summary:

  • Announcement of $100,000 H-1B visa fee triggers panic among Indian professionals.
  • The fee applies only to new petitions.
  • IT companies are reportedly reviewing staffing and travel.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S announcement of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions, effective Sept. 21, reportedly triggered panic among Indian H-1B holders. Many rushed to book last-minute flights, resulting in fully booked planes and higher fares.

Keep ReadingShow less
H-2B visa hospitality impact

Study: H-2B visas boost U.S. jobs and wages

Summary:

  • The H-2B visa program protects U.S. jobs and wages, according to AHLA citing a study.
  • It allows hotels and resorts to meet travelers’ needs while supporting the economy.
  • It provides foreign workers for seasonal jobs when domestic workers are unavailable.

THE H-2B VISA program does not harm U.S. jobs or wages but increases pay and supports the labor force, according to an Edgeworth Economics study. Citing that study, the American Hotel & Lodging Association said the program enables hotels and resorts to meet travelers’ needs while supporting the workforce and economy.

Keep ReadingShow less
AI digital assistant redefining guest loyalty in U.S. hospitality industry

Study: AI agents redefine hotel loyalty

Summary:

  • The use of AI agents hotels must rethink customer loyalty, a FAU study finds.
  • The paper proposes strategies as AI becomes the main booking channel.
  • Researchers warn of ethical and privacy issues.

HOTELS MUST RETHINK how they build and maintain loyalty as artificial intelligence systems make travel decisions and bookings for consumers, according to a study by Florida Atlantic University. The rise of artificial intelligence agents will complicate hotel customer loyalty management.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Fall 2025 survey results

Survey: Hotels expect Q4 RevPAR gain

Summary:

  • More than 70 percent expect a RevPAR increase in Q4, according to HAMA survey.
  • Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent, up from 65 percent in spring.
  • Only 37 percent expect a U.S. recession in 2025, down from 49 percent earlier in the year.

MORE THAN 70 PERCENT of respondents to a Hospitality Asset Managers Association survey expect a 1 to 3 percent RevPAR increase in the fourth quarter. Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent of respondents, up from 65 percent in the spring survey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group DST Mansfield Texas

Peachtree adds Mansfield, TX, industrial asset to DST

Summary:

  • Peachtree launched new DST with 131,040‑square foot industrial facility in Mansfield, Texas.
  • The property was acquired at $180 per square foot.
  • Peachtree completed $320M in debt-free transactions across multiple markets since 2022.

PEACHTREE GROUP LAUNCHED its latest Delaware Statutory Trust with the acquisition of a newly built 131,040-square-foot industrial facility in Mansfield, Texas. The company has completed about $320 million in debt-free transactions since launching its DST program in 2022, according to its statement.

Keep ReadingShow less