New technology, loyalty program and expansion in India on the agenda
Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham Hotel & Resorts president and CEO, announced several new initiatives at its 2025 Global Conference at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently assistant editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
NEW TECHNOLOGY, MARKETING, the company’s loyalty program and expansion in India were topics covered at Wyndham Hotel & Resorts’ 2025 Global Conference at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Company leaders announced several initiatives in providing technology, sourcing, loyalty and marketing.
Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham president and CEO, said the initiatives aimed to lower costs and improve efficiency to improve franchisees’ bottom lines.
"As the world's largest hotel franchiser, we believe in putting hotel owners first,” Ballotti said. “That means listening to their needs and responding with solutions that help them take their business to the next level. Whether it's our No. 1 rated rewards program, our best-in-class technology, or our top-tier sales, marketing and operational support, everything we do, every decision that we make, is grounded in their long-term success."
Adding onto the tech stack
Among the initiatives announced were several new additions to Wyndham’s tech stack, such as Wyndham Connect PLUS, an improvement to the company’s existing guest engagement platform, by adding several AI capabilities. They include automated AI text messaging and voice assistance, as well as a self-service QR code.
“Wyndham Connect has been a game changer for so many of you in terms of upping your game, connecting with guests, saving your staff time,” Ballotti said. “There is just so much benefit to your operation to increase your staff compensation, which not all of us are doing and our housekeepers, those hard-working housekeepers need those extra tips.”
Scott Strickland, Wyndham’s chief commercial officer, said the improvements are based on owner feedback.
“It helps you drive revenue, makes life easier for your employees, and is going to continue to delight your guests,” Strickland said. “It's ultimately more than a tool. It's an AI powered guest engagement platform designed to drive more direct bookings, reduce front desk workload and create seamless, personalized guest experiences.”
Strickland provided details of Connect PLUS’s three components, starting with its AI voice function.
“When a guest calls the hotel, the AI powered voice agent will answer questions, make a reservation, and if needed, pass it over to a live agent with all the context and a full recount of what the guest has already said behind the scenes,” he said.
The messaging channel allows hotel staff to receive direct messages from guests via Google or Apple Business Manager. The system’s new chatbot can answer basic questions and handle bookings.
Strickland also talked about the new QR code.
“Imagine a guest walks into the lobby and sees a line. They can scan the QR code, check in, make a new booking, and then proceed to the front desk to just pick up their key,” Strickland said. “It reduces waiting times and reduces the load on your personnel. We expect franchisees on window connect, plus can generate about 5 percent of PRR, or their equivalent labor savings.”
Qualified franchisees can pilot the new platform at no additional cost through the end of the year.
Wyndham also unveiled Wyndham Gateway, a new guest Wi-Fi portal that provides consistent, centralized login. It also gives owners upsell opportunities, and the company has eliminated loyalty enrollment requirements for hotel owners.
‘We should never overlook India’
Dimitris Manikis, Wyndham’s president for the Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa region, said the company has a strong focus for growth in India. That market should never be overlooked, he said.
“We cannot ignore how the booming economy in India and the rising of the middle class is actually fueling the growth,” Manikis said. “Two million Indians visited the United States in 2024, a nearly 50 percent increase from 2019 making India a critical growth market for this market, and that's why we're growing in India, because wherever they go, they want to stay in a Wyndham.”
The company plans to launch its Microtel by Wyndham brand in India, Manikis said. Previously, it said it plans to add 50 more hotels to the 70 it already has in the country.
“India is such an amazing destination. Whether you're traveling for business, you are in for a spiritual journey, or you're exploring nature, India’s rich culture has so many things to do,” Manikis said.
Manikis also said Wyndham is “in the wedding business.” Last year, Wyndham released a report saying on business opportunities found in catering to weddings in the country, which tend to be lavish affairs.
“I can organize the wedding of your dreams for your daughters and your sons,” he said.
All the rest
Other initiatives announced at the conference include:
Wyndham Marketplace: A new hotel shopping platform that, when combined with the new Wyndham PriceIQ, makes it faster and easier for owners to find, compare and purchase brand-approved products at negotiated rates.
A partnership with sbe's- Everybody Eats: The F&B company will allow hotel owners offer chef-driven, restaurant quality offerings without the need for equipment or large back-of-house operations.
Affordable insurance: HUB International, the 5th largest insurance brokerage firm globally, will provide Wyndham franchisees access to insurance solutions designed to ensure compliance with Wyndham brand standards, improve coverage and lower costs.
Wyndham Rewards Experiences: Through partnerships with sports and entertainment brands, including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Minor League Baseball and Caesars Rewards, members can now use their points to bid on premier live events as well as other experiences.
Other new Wyndham Rewards perks: A partnership between Wyndham and Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar, part of Dine Brands Global, launching later this year, will allow Wyndham Rewards members staying at a hotel by Wyndham to earn points when they place a mobile order with any of nearly 1,500 Applebee's restaurants nationwide with free hotel delivery.
Hyatt partners with Way to unify guest experiences on one platform.
Members can earn and redeem points on experiences booked through Hyatt websites.
Way’s technology supports translation, payments and data insights for Hyatt.
HYATT HOTELS CORP. is working with Austin-based startup Way to consolidate ancillary services, loyalty experiences and on-property programming on one platform across its global portfolio. The collaboration integrates Way’s system into Hyatt.com, the World of Hyatt app, property websites and FIND Experiences to create a centralized booking platform.
World of Hyatt members can earn and redeem points on experiences booked through Hyatt websites, including wellness programs, cultural activities, ticketed events and local collaborations, the companies said in a statement. Members can also access FIND Experiences, which includes activities and auctions where points can be used to bid on events.
"In our search for an on-brand platform to power experiences and tap into ancillary revenue opportunities, Way's collaboration has been a true unlock for us," said Arlie Sisson, Hyatt’s senior vice president and global head of digital. "After a thorough evaluation of potential solutions, Hyatt chose Way to power the next chapter of our digital strategy by streamlining operations, elevating brand differentiation, enhancing personalization and, most importantly, delivering care at every touchpoint in the guest journey."
The Way initiative spans Hyatt’s portfolio, covering cabana rentals, in-room amenities and partnerships with local providers, the statement said. Way’s technology supports real-time translation, more than 100 currencies, multiple payment methods and data insights to help Hyatt manage operations globally.
"Hyatt set a high bar and Way is proud to bring their vision to life," said Michael Stocker, Way’s co-founder and CEO.
"The platform supports enterprise needs while preserving the guest experience."
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Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.
PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
The 2,520-room Rio, now under the Destinations by Hyatt brand, was renovated in 2024 and comprises two hotel towers connected by a casino, restaurants and retail, Peachtree said in a statement.
“This transaction is a milestone for Peachtree Group and a testament to the ecosystem we have built over the past 18 years,” said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's managing principal and CEO. “Through our vertically integrated platform, deep expertise and disciplined approach, we have developed the infrastructure to be a leader in private credit. Our ability to deliver speed, creativity and certainty of execution positions us to provide capital solutions that create value for our investors and partners across market cycles.”
Atlanta-based Peachtree is led by Friedman; Jatin Desai as managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel as principal.
The CPACE loan retroactively funded the renovations, allowing the owners to pay down their senior loan, the statement said. The property improvement plan included exterior work, upgrades to the central heating and cooling plant, electrical infrastructure improvements and convention center renovations.
Jared Schlosser, Peachtree’s head of originations and CPACE, said the deal marks an inflection point, with major financial institutions consenting to its use for the benefit of the capital stack.
“By closing quickly on a marquee hospitality asset, we were able to strengthen the position of both the owner and its lenders,” he said.
The CPACE market has surpassed $10 billion in U.S. originations in just over a decade, according to the C-PACE Alliance, with growth expected as more institutional owners and lenders adopt it.
“We see significant opportunity for retroactive CPACE and its use in funding new commercial real estate development,” Schlosser said. “It is an alternative to more expensive forms of capital.”
In June, Peachtree named Schlosser head of originations for all real estate and hotel lending and leader of its CPACE program. Peachtree recently launched a $250 million fund to invest in hotel and commercial real estate assets mispriced by capital market illiquidity.
Spark acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey.
Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the transaction with DC Hospitality Group affiliates.
The 2020-built hotel is near William Paterson University and less than 20 miles from Manhattan.
SPARK GHC RECENTLY acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey, from affiliates of DC Hospitality Group. Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the deal for an undisclosed amount.
The 2020-built hotel is less than 20 miles from Manhattan in a commercial corridor with major employers including Driscoll Foods, FedEx Group, Advanced Biotech, St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital, and the Passaic County Administration, Hunter said in a statement. William Paterson University, Willowbrook Mall, and MetLife Stadium are also nearby.
It features an on-site fitness center, business center and indoor pool.
“The Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne represents the type of asset we target,” said Patel. “Its proximity to major corporate demand generators, higher education institutions, and retail and entertainment venues supports strong performance.”
Hunter’s senior vice presidents, David Perrin and Spencer Davidson, brokered the transaction.
Patel said this is their second transaction with Hunter and praised the process and partnership.
“We look forward to building on the hotel’s recent performance and continuing to deliver guest experiences in the Greater New York City community,” he said.
Northstar Hotels Management recently acquired a 78-key Residence Inn and an 81-key Courtyard near the Jacksonville, Florida, airport.
Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.
THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.
The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects and 737,036 rooms, 40 percent of the global total. Dallas leads cities with 199 projects and 24,497 rooms, the highest on record.
LE’s Q2 2025 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report showed 6,257 projects with 1,086,245 rooms under construction worldwide, unchanged in project count and down 3 percent in rooms from last year. Projects scheduled to start in the next 12 months totaled 3,870 with 551,188 rooms, down 3 percent in projects but up 1 percent in rooms. Early planning reached 5,744 projects and 798,792 rooms, up 10 percent in projects and 9 percent in rooms year-over-year.
Upper midscale and upscale hotels accounted for 52 percent of the global pipeline, LE said. Upper midscale stood at 4,463 projects and 567,396 rooms, while upscale reached 3,852 projects and 655,674 rooms. Upper upscale totaled 1,807 projects and 385,396 rooms, and luxury totaled 1,267 projects and 245,665 rooms, up 11 percent year-over-year.
In the first half of 2025, 970 hotels with 138,168 rooms opened worldwide. Another 1,884 hotels with 280,079 rooms are scheduled to open before year-end, for a 2025 total of 2,854 hotels and 418,247 rooms. LE projects 2,531 hotels with 382,942 rooms to open in 2026 and 2,554 hotels with 382,282 rooms to open globally in 2027, the first time a forecast has been issued for that year.
HAMA is accepting submissions for its 20th annual student case competition.
The cases reflect a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
Teams must submit a financial analysis, solution and executive summary.
THE HOSPITALITY ASSET Managers Association is accepting submissions for the 20th Annual HAMA Student Case Competition, in which more than 60 students analyze a management company change scenario and provide recommendations. HAMA, HotStats and Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting are providing the case, based on a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
Student teams must prepare a financial analysis, a recommended solution and an executive summary for board review, HAMA said in a statement.
“Each year, the education committee looks forward to the solutions that the next generation of hotel asset managers bring, applying their own experiences to issues in ways that reveal new directions,” said Adam Tegge, HAMA Education Committee chair. “This competition demonstrates that the future of hotel asset management is in good hands.”
The two winning teams will each receive a $5,000 prize and an invitation to the spring 2026 HAMA conference in Washington, D.C. HAMA will cover travel and lodging.
Twenty industry executives on the HAMA education committee will evaluate submissions based on presentation quality, the statement said. HAMA mentors volunteer from September through November to assist teams seeking feedback and additional information. Schools will select finalists by Jan. 15, with graduate and undergraduate teams reviewed separately.
The competition has addressed topics in operating and owning hospitality assets and HAMA consulted university professors to update the format for situations students may encounter after graduation, the statement said.
This year’s participants include University of Denver, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Boston University, Florida International University, Michigan State University, Columbia University, Morgan State University, Howard University, New York University and Penn State University.