DALLAS LEADS THE U.S. hotel construction pipeline for the fourth consecutive quarter, according to Lodging Econometrics. Among brands, Marriott International led the pipeline.
Dallas had a record 173 projects with 20,707 rooms in the second quarter of this year, followed by Atlanta with 140 projects containing 18,131 rooms, Los Angeles with 124 projects with 20,365 rooms, New York, with 113 projects with 19,238 rooms and Phoenix with 108 projects containing 14,964 rooms,
Marriott had 1,355 projects with 167,034 rooms, up 4 percent by projects year-over-year, tops the pipeline during the period.
The Q2 2022 U.S. Construction Pipeline Trend Report said that major markets and popular tourist destinations in the U.S. reported highest occupancy rates since the pandemic began in early 2020 in the second quarter mainly due to robust leisure travel, group, and international travel.
New York City with 78 projects with 13,063 rooms, Atlanta with 25 projects containing 3,905 rooms, Dallas with 25 projects with 3,725 rooms, Phoenix with 23 projects with 4,955 rooms and Los Angeles with 22 projects with 3,606 rooms are the top five markets with the most projects under construction during the end of June. They account for 22 percent of rooms under construction in the U.S.
According to LE, Atlanta has the most projects scheduled to start in the next 12 months, with 62 projects containing 8,020 rooms. It is followed by Atlanta and Dallas, with 55 projects with 6,465 rooms respectively.
Phoenix with 49 projects with 5,968 rooms, Houston with 45 projects containing 4,619 rooms and Los Angeles with 43 projects with 6,715 rooms are the next major markets.
Dallas has the most projects in early planning with 93 projects containing 10,517 rooms, followed by Los Angeles with 59 projects with 10,044 rooms, Atlanta with 53 projects containing 6,206 rooms, Orlando with 44 projects with 7,640 rooms and Washington DC with 40 projects with 5,659 rooms.
Most new projects were announced in Dallas in the second quarter with 16 projects containing 1,654 rooms. Atlanta followed with 11 projects with 1,206 rooms, the Inland Empire CA with 11 projects containing 1,113 rooms, Houston with 9 projects with 929 rooms, and Charlotte with 9 projects with 916 rooms.
LE report revealed that a total of 1,889 projects with 237,420 rooms are currently in the renovation and conversion pipeline. Houston tops the list in this segment with 42 projects containing 4,666 rooms, followed by Atlanta with 39 projects with 5,246 rooms, Chicago with 34 projects with 4,908 rooms, Dallas with 30 projects with 3,785 rooms, and San Diego with 28 projects containing 4,753 rooms.
Twenty-six percent of new hotels are expected to open in New York, Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Detroit, and the Inland Empire in the second half of the year. In the second quarter, the top 25 markets in the U.S. are forecast to open 46 percent of the rooms by year-end.
Among top 50 markets, New York City is forecast to open 58 projects with 8,329 rooms this year, followed by Austin with 25 projects containing 3,291 rooms, Atlanta with 22 projects with 2,598 rooms, Los Angeles with 18 projects containing 3,191 rooms, and then Nashville with 17 projects with 2,630 rooms. As many as 151 projects with 18,966 rooms were opened in the first half of 2022 in the top 50 markets, and another 252 projects with 33,948 rooms are expected to open in the remaining two quarters, which will take the total to 403 projects with 52,914 rooms by year-end.
LE predicts that 366 projects accounting for 46,176 rooms will be opened in 2023 within the top 50 markets, with a growth rate of 1.7 percent, and 402 new hotel projects with 47,065 rooms in 2024, with similar growth rate.
Marriott, Hilton lead among brands
According to LE, projects by Marriott International leads U.S. hotel construction pipeline among franchise companies.
It is followed by Hilton Worldwide with 1,312 projects containing 147,780 rooms, an 8 percent year-over-year increase, and InterContinental Hotels Group with 789 projects with 79,701 rooms, up 2 percent by projects year-over-year. They comprise 66 percent of the projects and 64 percent of the rooms in the pipeline in the first half of this year.
Marriott has the most projects under construction and scheduled to start within the next 12 months, with 249 projects with 33,398 rooms and 653 projects with 80,395 rooms respectively. Hilton has the most projects in the early planning stage of the pipeline, with 725 projects containing 78,879 rooms, together they account for a record 32 percent of projects in the early planning stage.
Home2 Suites by Hilton leads among brands in the pipeline with 465 projects with 47,825 rooms, followed by Holiday Inn Express by IHG with 299 projects containing 28,598 rooms. Hilton’s Hampton by Hilton with 281 projects with 28,591 rooms, Marriott’s TownePlace Suites with 270 projects containing 25,340 rooms and Fairfield Inn brand with 235 projects with 21,885 rooms are next in the list.
During the first half, 247 hotels with 28,116 rooms opened across the U.S. Marriott, Hilton, and IHG branded hotels accounted for 70 percent with 172 new hotel openings and 20,365 rooms.
Marriott opened 78 new hotels with 9,475 rooms, Hilton opened 64 new hotels containing 7,901 rooms and IHG opened 30 new hotels with 2,989 rooms. LE said that they will open another 248 hotels with 30,756 rooms by the end of 2022.
According to LE, Marriott will open 169 new hotels with 21,834 rooms this year, up 2.5 percent, followed by Hilton with 150 new hotels containing 17,698 rooms, an increase of 2.3 percent, followed by IHG with 101 new hotels with 11,589 rooms, with a growth rate of 2.7 percent.
Marriott is expected to open another 181 new hotels with 21,850 rooms next year, up 2.4 percent, Hilton will open 154 new hotel projects containing 18,974 rooms, up 2.5 percent, IHG top open 153 new hotels accounting for 15,650 rooms, with a growth rate of 3.6 percent in 2023.
In 2024, Marriott is forecast to open 227 projects with 26,807 rooms, up 2.9 percent, Hilton is expected to open 189 new hotels with 20,048 rooms, an increase of 2.5 percent, and IHG is expected to open 202 new projects with 19,781 rooms, up 4.4 percent, according to LE forecast.
The recent LE report said that U.S. hotel construction pipeline continued its growth at the end of the second quarter of 2022 with 5,220 projects with 621,268 rooms.
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.