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.
THE FIRST PROPERTY representing Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham brand opened recently in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Among the attendees at the grand opening, along with executives from Wyndham and more, were the first two Indo American developers who are building upcoming ECHO hotels.
Wyndham also brought on Mandeep Singh as vice president for extended stay operations, overseeing ECHO Suites and the new Waterwalk Extended Stay by Wyndham brands. Singh has a more than 20-year background in extended-stay hotels, corporate housing, serviced apartments and multi-family properties.
The 124-room ECHO Spartanburg is owned by Cox Universal Group, led by Philip Cox as co-CEO and co-founder and is managed by Sandpiper Hospitality. The prototype for the all new-construction brand is designed to fit on less than two acres at 50,000 square-feet, 79 percent of which is designed for generating revenue.
Mandeep Singh is Wyndham’s new vice president for extended stay operations.
Kalpesh Patel of VKB Management in Des Moines, Iowa, and Amish Patel of Precision Hospitality in Chattanooga, Tennessee, created NXT Development to build at least 10 ECHOs over the next few years in markets including Chattanooga; Mobile, Alabama; and Columbus or Athens, Georgia. Both partners, who expect to complete their first ECHO Suites in Omaha, Nebraska, some time next year, attended the grand opening in Spartanburg.
“First off, it's a beautiful box. It looks great physically now you can see it. And it's what we want. It's what the drawings envisioned,” Kalpesh said. “We're learning little things. You're always going to learn something. It's the first one, it's almost like a prototype. Philip Cox and Chris Cox, they've been a little guinea pig for us, and we're learning from some of the things they had to do. There's always a few modifications that we can get and maximize some value, maximize space, both for the developer and for the guests.”
Amish learned similar lessons from the opening.
“Pay attention to detail, running and construction, the little things, they matter,” Amish said. “It was a wonderful build, terrific for our first time, first product. You don't know what to expect, right? I'm glad they did it. Now, we get to learn from them about our public spaces, our room layouts, little key things to pay attention to. It’s very exciting.”
Infrastructure bill driving extened-stay
A major driver for ECHO Suites and other extended-stay brands is the the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 as well as $280 billion as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 that funds new chip manufacturing plants across the U.S. Work crews for the projects are expected to bring in $3.3 billion in additional room revenue to Wyndham franchisees over the multi-year period of spend.
“I think [ECHO Suites] will remain our fastest growing brand for some time, given the interest that's out there in the development community for this type of product, the demand for extended-stay productS continues to outpace the supply,” said Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham president and CEO, during a press conference at the Spartanburg opening. “These developers believe that building right now, in the face of the most historic piece of legislation this country has ever seen since the Eisenhower administration, is going to reap, from a cash-on-cash return standpoint, significant benefits given the demand that's out there and the lack of supply, especially new construction economy extended stay.”
Kalpesh agreed that the Infrastructure Bill will be a big driver for his ECHO Suites.
“That money's being spent and spent everywhere, right across this country, large towns, small towns,” Kalpesh said. “In Iowa, we've got a ton of that money coming to improve roads and bridges. It is definitely a piece of what we're looking at that is that clientele working on those projects. They are a huge customer for us. They stay at our hotels.”
Cox said the Spartanburg ECHO Suites expects business from various projects in the growing city, including a battery production facility.
“Spartanburg, like many other cities around the country, is booming with projects that require long-term, comfortable and affordable stays,” he said. “ECHO Suites is the answer with a well-designed prototype created with the operator in mind. Plus, when you add in the collaboration with the world’s largest hotel franchisor, it’s a perfect match.”
Krishna Paliwal, president of Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham and Wyndham’s head of architecture, design and construction, said he expects Singh to further ECHO Suites’ expansion.
“With the addition of Mandeep Singh, we’re reinforcing our commitment to our owner first philosophy as we continue to grow ECHO Suites to meet the needs of today’s guests,” Paliwal said.
Choice Hotels International reported Q2 net income of $81.7 million.
Domestic RevPAR fell 2.9 percent due to macroeconomic conditions.
Extended-stay portfolio rose 10.5 percent YoY, with a domestic pipeline of 43,000 rooms.
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL reported second-quarter net income of $81.7 million, down from $87.1 million a year earlier. Its forecast for the year remained positive, but was downgraded some to account for changes in macroeconomic conditions.
The company’s global pipeline exceeded 93,000 rooms, including nearly 77,000 in the U.S. Its global system size grew 2.1 percent, including 3 percent growth in the upscale, extended-stay and midscale segments, Choice said in a statement.
“Choice Hotels delivered another quarter of record financial performance despite a softer domestic RevPAR environment, underscoring the successful execution and diversification of our growth strategy,” said Patrick Pacious, president and CEO. “We are especially pleased with our strong international performance, where we have achieved significant growth and accelerated global expansion through a recent strategic acquisition, the signing of key partnerships, and entry into new markets. With more diversified growth avenues, enhanced product quality and value proposition driving stronger customer engagement and a leading position in the cycle-resilient extended-stay segment, we remain well-positioned to deliver long-term returns for all our stakeholders.”
Domestic RevPAR declined 2.9 percent, reflecting macroeconomic conditions and a difficult comparison with 2024 due to the timing of Easter and eclipse-related travel, the statement said. Excluding those effects, RevPAR fell approximately 1.6 percent. Meanwhile, the domestic extended-stay portfolio outperformed the broader lodging industry by 40 basis points in RevPAR, while the economy transient portfolio exceeded its chain scale by 320 basis points.
Adjusted EBITDA rose 2 percent to $165 million, or $167 million excluding a $2 million operating guarantee related to the Radisson Hotels Americas acquisition. Adjusted diluted EPS increased 4 percent to $1.92, the statement said.
Expansion and development
The domestic extended-stay portfolio grew 10.5 percent year over year, with a pipeline of nearly 43,000 rooms as of June 30, Choice said. The combined domestic upscale, extended-stay and midscale portfolio grew 2.3 percent. WoodSpring Suites expanded 9.7 percent to nearly 33,000 rooms and ranked first in guest satisfaction among economy extended-stay brands in the J.D. Power 2025 study. The domestic economy transient pipeline increased 8 percent to more than 1,700 rooms.
Choice acquired the remaining 50 percent interest in Choice Hotels Canada for approximately $112 million in July, funded through cash and credit. The deal expanded its Canadian brand portfolio from eight to 22 and added 327 properties and more than 26,000 rooms. The business is expected to contribute approximately $18 million in EBITDA in 2025.
International activity included a renewed master franchise agreement with Atlantica Hospitality International in Brazil for more than 10,000 rooms; a direct franchise deal with Zenitude Hotel-Residences in France, which nearly tripled room count and two agreements with SSAW Hotels & Resorts in China. These include a 9,500-room distribution deal for 2025 and a master franchise agreement projected to add 10,000 rooms over five years.
Global net rooms for upscale brands increased 14.7 percent year over year, the statement said. The pipeline for these brands rose 7 percent since March 31 to nearly 29,000 rooms.
2025 outlook
Choice revised its RevPAR outlook to reflect more moderate domestic expectations due to macroeconomic conditions, the statement said. The adjusted EBITDA forecast includes a $6 million contribution from the Choice Hotels Canada acquisition for the remainder of 2025. It also reflects the $2 million Radisson-related operating guarantee payment incurred in the second quarter.
Net income guidance was lowered to a range of $261 million to $276 million, down from $275 million to $290 million. Adjusted net income remains at $324 million to $339 million.
Domestic RevPAR growth was revised to between negative 3 percent and flat, compared to the earlier range of negative 1 percent to positive 1 percent. The global net system rooms growth projection remains at approximately 1 percent.
In May, Choice reported 2.3 percent year-over-year growth in domestic RevPAR for the first quarter.
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OYO added more than 150 U.S. hotels in early 2025 and plans 150 more by year-end.
Ten additions have more than 100 rooms, reflecting a focus on high-inventory properties.
It is targeting urban and suburban markets in the Sun Belt and Great Lakes regions.
HOSPITALITY TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OYO added more than 150 hotels to its U.S. portfolio in the first half of 2025 and plans to add 150 more by year-end. The additions span Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, California, Michigan and Illinois.
The company is focusing on high-inventory properties and has added 10 with more than 100 rooms, OYO U.S. said in a statement.
“2025 is shaping up to be a busy year for all of us at OYO,” said Nikhil Heda, head of development, OYO U.S. “We’re helping hotel owners drive revenue and improve operations through our technology. Our growing portfolio gives travelers more options, and momentum on our direct channels shows OYO is becoming a trusted brand for new and returning guests.”
Recent additions include the 400-room Palette Sunset Waves Resort in Myrtle Beach, the 130-room Capital O Kings Inn in Memphis, the 130-room Travellers Inn by OYO in Douglas, Georgia, and the 140-room Jackson Hotel and Convention Center in Jackson, Tennessee. All were previously independent hotels.
The company is exploring urban and suburban markets across the Sun Belt and Great Lakes regions, targeting areas with high demand and growth potential, the statement said.
OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal, who also chairs G6 Hospitality, the parent of Motel 6 and Studio 6, recently launched a contest to rename Oravel Stays, offering a $3,500 prize.
Choice launched two campaigns to boost bookings across its four extended-stay brands.
Based on guest feedback, the campaigns focus on efficiency, cleanliness, value and flexibility.
They will run through 2026 across social media, Connected TV, digital display and online video.
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL launched two marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and bookings across its four extended-stay brands. The "Stay in Your Rhythm" campaign promotes all four brands by showing how guests can maintain daily routines, while "The WoodSpring Way" highlights the service WoodSpring Suites staff provide.
The company has more than 550 extended-stay locations open, 51 under construction and more than 350 in the pipeline under Everhome Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Studios and WoodSpring Suites, Choice said in a statement.
"As leaders in the extended stay segment, Choice Hotels has long understood that this category is unlike any other in the hospitality industry, defined by distinct guest expectations that we continuously strive to exceed," said Noha Abdalla, Choice’s chief marketing officer. "These first-of-their-kind campaigns reflect our deep understanding of why people stay longer — from work assignments and relocations to life transitions and personal journeys. No matter the reason, we know our guests aren't looking to escape their routines; they're looking to maintain them. That's why we take pride in our unique position to offer what matters most: consistency, comfort and connection."
Both campaigns are based on research and guest feedback showing travelers prioritize efficiency, cleanliness, value and flexibility, the statement said. They will run through the rest of the year and into 2026 across paid social media, Connected TV, digital display and online video.
The "Stay in Your Rhythm" campaign shows how Choice's extended-stay brands support routines with in-room kitchens, laundry, fitness centers and pet-friendly options, Choice said. It focuses on daily habits like making coffee, cooking, walking the dog, or exercising.
"The WoodSpring Way" highlights how property teams support guests by providing home-like conveniences, the company said. General managers in Chicago, Denver, Atlanta and Orlando are featured for creating a consistent guest experience and welcoming all guests, including pets.
"We've designed our extended stay properties to ensure we provide guests with everything they need when circumstances take them away from home for weeks at a time," said Matt McElhare, Choice's vice president for extended stay brands. "Through the launch of our campaigns, we aim to educate the growing population of extended stay travelers on how our brands offer the best value in the industry, while also highlighting the culture of our flagship brand, WoodSpring Suites, which has consistently set the standard for guest satisfaction in the segment. We're especially thankful to our owners and management company teams who help build and sustain this culture on property, consistently delivering a great guest experience."
U.S. hotels increased background checks by 36 percent in early 2025.
The trend follows President Trump’s immigration policies impacting seasonal labor.
Immigrants making up a third of the travel workforce.
U.S. HOTEL HIRING managers requested 36 percent more background checks in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to Hireology. The move follows President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and proposed visa fee hikes affecting seasonal labor.
Trump sought to end temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants in the U.S.and vowed to deport millions of undocumented people in the country, Reuters reported. Hireology said in a blog post that background checks were a cornerstone of any effective hiring strategy.
"They ensure that candidates meet the qualifications for the role, protect your organization from potential risks and help you build a safe, compliant, and high-performing workforce,” the hiring platform said. “Negligent hiring can have serious consequences, from legal liabilities to reputational damage.”
At least one-third of workers employed or supported by the U.S. travel industry are immigrants, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Meanwhile, hotels directly employed more than 2.15 million people in 2024, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
Total hires across 1,000 hotels rose by 22 percent, reaching more than 8,000 workers, Reuters reported, citing Hireology report.
Increases in the most in-demand roles such as front desk associates, housekeepers and cooks were flat or grew slightly year-over-year. About 34 percent of housekeepers and 24 percent of cooks are foreign-born, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Tourism Economics.
A $250 Visa Integrity Fee in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is drawing criticism from groups that rely on J-1 and other seasonal worker visas, who warn the sometimes-refundable charge could shrink the summer workforce supporting U.S. beach towns and resorts.
AHLA Foundation held its No Room for Trafficking Summit and announced Survivor Fund grantees.
The summit featured expert panels and sessions on survivor employment and trafficking prevention.
Since 2023, the program has awarded more than $2.35 million to 27 organizations.
AHLA FOUNDATION RECENTLY held its annual “No Room for Trafficking Summit” to advance practices and reinforce the industry's commitment to addressing human trafficking through collaboration, education and survivor support. It also announced the 2025–2026 NRFT Survivor Fund grants, which support organizations providing services and resources for survivors.
The event aligned with the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 and convened survivors, experts and industry leaders, AHLA Foundation said in a statement.
"For years, the No Room for Trafficking initiative has leveraged our resources to unite the hotel industry against human trafficking,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA Foundation president & CEO. “The NRFT Summit serves as a powerful call-to-action, bringing together the industry and our partners to strengthen our commitment and drive meaningful change.”
The NRFT Survivor Fund supports community-based anti-trafficking organizations and initiatives, the statement said. Since 2023, it has awarded more than $2.35 million to 27 organizations nationwide.
This year’s grantees include two survivor-founded groups and others focused on prevention and survivor support, including:
3Strands Global Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking
Empowered Network
Hoola Na Pua
New Friends New Life
Rebecca Bender Initiative
Restore NYC
Safety Compass
Salt & Light Coalition
UMD Safe Center
Wellspring Living
"The organizations supported through the No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund are doing essential work to prevent human trafficking and support survivors," said Joan Bottarini, chief financial officer at Hyatt and chair of the NRFT Advisory Council. "Their expertise—especially the voices of those with lived experience—continues to shape how our industry engages as part of the solution to this global issue.”
The NRFT Advisory Council and Survivor Fund supporting companies include Aimbridge, Choice Hotels, Extended Stay America, Hilton Global Foundation, Hyatt Hotels Foundation, IHG Hotels & Resorts, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Marriott International, Real Hospitality Group, Red Roof, Sonesta, Summit Foundation, Vision Hospitality Group and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
The summit included keynotes and panels featuring lived experience experts on survivor employment and sessions with vendors and industry stakeholders on trafficking prevention.
In July 2024, AHLA Foundation granted $1 million to eight community-based organizations through the Survivor Fund at the third annual NRFT Summit.