Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Hilton, Be My Eyes launch support for vision-impaired travelers

The hotel company is piloting a program for reservations and customer care in the U.S. and Canada

Hilton, Be My Eyes launch support for vision-impaired travelers

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS is working with Be My Eyes, a mobile app that connects blind and low vision users with sighted volunteers and companies through live video and AI, to provide more accessible experiences for guests with visual impairments. They are piloting an AI-powered assistance and dedicated support for reservations and customer care across the U.S. and Canada.

Assistance is available across various Hilton brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, DoubleTree, and Hampton by Hilton, providing personalized support for leisure and business travelers who are blind or have low vision, the companies said in a joint statement.


“As a leading hospitality company, Hilton is committed to creating an experience that is welcoming for every guest, at every hotel, every time,” said Mike Gathright, Hilton’s senior vice president of customer excellence and innovation. “We believe that every guest—regardless of ability or any other factor—deserves a reliable and friendly travel experience. We are proud to partner with Be My Eyes to make that a reality for thousands of users.”

Be My Eyes users in the U.S. and Canada can access Hilton's teams through the app’s “Service Directory” under the “Hotels” category, the statement said. These teams assist guests with navigating the hotel, adjusting in-room thermostats, operating coffee machines, identifying window coverings and finding meeting spaces or amenities like bars, restaurants, gyms and spas.

“Our mission at Be My Eyes is to break down accessibility barriers in everyday life, and this collaboration with Hilton is a significant step toward making travel and hospitality more inclusive,” said Mike Buckley, Be My Eyes’ CEO. “Hilton is leading by example, and we’re excited to provide the best customer service platform to help Hilton better serve blind and low vision consumers.”

Hilton began working with Be My Eyes in 2023 to train “Be My AI,” an OpenAI GPT-4 model on which the app is based, enhancing its ability to recognize objects and navigate hotel room furniture and fixtures. Earlier this year, the partnership expanded to develop a specialized team of Hilton reservations and customer care agents to assist Be My Eyes users during their stay.

In addition to Hilton’s reservations and customer care team, guests can use Hilton's "straight-to-room" digital self-service tools for a seamless experience from check-in to check-out. Where available, these tools allow guests to choose their room, check in, use a digital key to open doors with their phone and check out—all digitally. This technology enables guests who need extra assistance to tailor their travel experience to their needs.

Hilton reported a net income of $422 million for the second quarter ending June 30, up from $413 million last year, while the development pipeline grew 15 percent year-over-year to 3,870 hotels with 508,300 rooms, reflecting an 8 percent increase from the previous quarter.

More for you

Trump reviewing 55 million us visas
Getty Images

Trump reviewing 55 million visas

Summary:

  • The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million visa holders.
  • Reviews cover a wide range of visas for law enforcement and overstay violations.
  • The administration also suspended worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations. It is expanding a policy of “continuous vetting” that could result in revocation and deportation.

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
Stonebridge hotel management expansion
Photo credit: Stonebridge Cos.

Stonebridge adds Statler Dallas to managed portfolio

Summary:

  • Stonebridge Cos. added the Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, to its managed portfolio.
  • The hotel, opened in 1956 and relaunched in 2017, is owned by Centurion American Development Group.
  • The property is near Main Street Garden Park, the Arts District and the Dallas World Aquarium.

STONEBRIDGE COS. HAS contracted to manage the Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton in Dallas to its managed portfolio. The hotel, opened in 1956 and relaunched in 2017, is owned by Centurion American Development Group, led by Mehrdad Moayedi.

Keep ReadingShow less