Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Hihotels’ franchisee advisory council marks two years

The council supports policies, initiatives and brand operations

Hihotels Franchisee Advisory Council

Hihotels by Hospitality International marked the second anniversary of its franchisee advisory council, which includes five franchisee hotel owners, one vendor, and President and CEO Chris Guimbellot. Pictured is Red Carpet Inn in Rochester, Minnesota.

How Hihotels Franchisee Advisory Council Drives Growth in 2025?

HIHOTELS BY HOSPITALITY International, a franchiser of conversion and new-build economy hotels, marked the second anniversary of its franchisee advisory council, which supports policy development, new initiatives, and brand operations. The council includes five franchisee hotel owners, one vendor and hihotels President and CEO Chris Guimbellot.

The council also helps prioritize and refine strategies to ensure franchisees use existing services fully before new programs are introduced, hihotels said in a statement.


“The advisory council is an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas, implement strategies, and create real change that benefits hihotels, our brands, and fellow franchisees,” said Amit Patel, co-owner of the Red Carpet Inn in Rochester, Minnesota.

The council advised on industry events and networking strategies to support franchise development, the statement said. It helped shape changes to hifranchise.com, resulting in a 31 percent year-over-year increase in page views. Members also contributed to the update and relaunch of the loyalty program, which has seen average annual membership growth of 25 percent, offering instant rewards to consumers at no cost to franchisees.

Guimbellot said each advisory council member brings commitment, knowledge and ideas that support hihotels’ progress.

“Their commitment and innovative ideas have helped increase efficiency and expand resources throughout the system, and we are all very grateful for their contributions,” he said.

The council provided direction for the development of “hihub,” a portal for education, operations, CRS and marketing resources, with engagement increasing over time, hihotels said. It also guided the creation of Best of the Best, a rewards-based program focused on increasing revenue through guest experience improvements.

In January, Hihotels launched “Best of the Best”, a rewards-based recognition program for top-performing inns, hotels, and suites across its system. Participating properties received incentives, revenue tools, and cost-saving opportunities.

The council also streamlined messaging and incorporated franchisee input in emails, leading to a 9 percent increase in open rates and a 20 percent rise in program participation over the past several years, the company said. It introduced WhatsApp groups for real-time discussions on promotions, operations, vendor products and CRS questions.

Hihotels held its Southeast Regional Convention in Spring, Texas, in November as part of a series of regional gatherings that brought together franchisees from Texas and nearby areas. Led by Guimbellot and his team, the event focused on core strategies—communication, education, participation, and differentiation—to guide the brand and its franchisees.

More for you

Hyatt Way partnership

Hyatt taps Way for unified guest platform

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spark Acquires Home2 Suites Wayne, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Hunter Hotels

Spark acquires Wayne, N.J., Home2 Suites

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global hotel construction pipeline reaches record 15,871 projects in Q2 2025, with U.S. and Dallas leading growth
Photo Credit: iStock

Report: Global pipeline hits 15,871 projects

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Launches 20th Student Case Competition in USA
Photo Credit: iStock

HAMA launches 20th student case competition

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less