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.
AS A NEW president prepares to take office amid continuing political turmoil, Atlanta hotelier and former AAHOA Chairman Mike Patel is taking an active role in recently turned blue Georgia’s politics, including holding a rally for a Democrat candidate. At the same time, a move by the Trump administration that some say is part of an effort to complicate the transition could put billions of dollars in stimulus money out of reach of desperate hotels suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Getting out the vote
Patel, who was AAHOA chairman from 1998 to 1999, hosted a meet-the-candidate event for the Rev. Raphael Warnock, a candidate for the U.S. Senate who, along with fellow Democrat Jon Ossoff, faces a runoff vote in January. The Democrats could gain control of the Senate if they win those races.
A crowd of around 50 gathered in the parking lot at Patel Plaza in Decatur, Georgia, to hear from Warnock on Nov. 19. It was nearly two weeks since the Nov. 3 election in which President-elect Joe Biden won the state, the first Democrat to do so since 1992.
“Can you imagine in our lifetime having Georgia turn blue?” Patel said. ”But, the icing on the cake is January where we get Rev. Warnock and John Ossof into our Senate.”
Patel explained one part of his passion for supporting the Democrats is the party’s position on healthcare. He lost his wife Hasmita in August after she was infected with coronavirus. She beat that infection, but the doctors gave her Pregnezone to suppress her infection, but which also suppressed her immune system, leaving her vulnerable to a second infection.
“Unfortunately, I never knew last year that this year I would be standing here and I lost my wife six months ago to COVID-19,” Patel told the crowd.
He said the Democrat platform would offer better healthcare options, including protections for pre-existing conditions.
“If you have a pre-existing condition, we must have it covered,” he said, citing for example the high rate of diabetes in the Southeast Asian community. “When you go back home, please explain why we must come and vote. Because this is a man that's going to protect inclusivity.”
Warnock said he planned to make sure that everybody in Georgia has access to affordable health care. Part of the problem is what he called Washington’s “incestuous relationship between political backrooms and corporate boardrooms.”
“As I move across the state, people are hurting. Folks are very concerned,” the candidate said. “And they want to know if there's anybody in Washington looking out for that.”
Pulling back CARES Act money
On the same day of Patel’s event, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin asked in a letter to Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Jerome Powell that $455 billion set aside for funding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security Act be returned to the treasury since it has not been used.
The funds were used for the Main Street Lending Program and other programs supporting businesses affected by the economic downturn.
“In the unlikely event that it becomes necessary in the future to reestablish any of these facilities, the Federal Reserve can request approval from the Secretary of the Treasury and, upon approval, the facilities can be funded with Core ESF funds, to the extent permitted by law, or additional funds appropriated by Congress,” Mnuchin said.
However, media reports indicated the secretary’s request may have been part of the Trump administration’s ongoing resistance to Biden’s efforts to set up his incoming administration.
“The intent of the Mnuchin move appears to be to prevent the next treasury secretary extending relief to state and local governments, and had been urged by Sen. Pat Toomey, the Republican senator from Pennsylvania who is set to chair the Senate Banking Committee, unless the Democrats win both the runoff elections in Georgia in January,” said a report from MarketWatch.com
Patel also saw Mnuchin’s decision as politically motivated.
“The true colors are showing now, especially how the Republicans are going great lengths to destroy the economy further. This is politically motivated and sour grapes,” Patel said. “Why would you want to pull the rug from small business at a time like this when especially the numbers in hospitals and ICU are maxed? So, I say to hotel owners, especially those with [commercial mortgage-backed security loans] mortgages, don’t hope for the government to bail you out. They are being set up to be sold at a discount to venture funds.”
Hotels may not survive
The disarray in Washington comes at a time when the U.S. travel and hotel industry face increasing pressure resulting from a resurgence of COVID-19 and renewed travel restrictions enacted in many states. It’s a situation many hoteliers responding to a recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association say is an existential threat.
According to the survey, 71 percent of respondents said they won’t make it another six months in the current market without further federal assistance, including the Main Street Lending Program and the Paycheck Protection Program. Also, 77 percent said they will be forced to lay off more worker and 47 would be forced to close hotels. More than one third face bankruptcy or being forced to sell by the end of 2020.
“Every hour Congress doesn’t act hotels lose 400 jobs. As devastated industries like ours desperately wait for Congress to come together to pass another round of COVID-19 relief legislation, hotels continue to face record devastation,” said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. “Without action from Congress, half of U.S. hotels could close with massive layoffs in the next six months.”
Other findings of the survey of 1,200 owners, operators, and employees included:
34 percent of hotel owners say they can only last between one to three more months at current projected revenue and occupancy levels absent any further relief.
63 percent have less than half of their typical, pre-crisis staff working full time.
82 percent of owners say they have been unable to obtain additional debt relief, such as forbearance, from their lenders beyond the end of this year.
59 percent of owners said that they are in danger of foreclosure by their commercial real estate debt lenders due to COVID-19, a 10 percent increase since September.
52 percent of respondents stated their hotel(s) will close without additional aid.
98 percent of hoteliers would apply for and utilize a second draw PPP loan.
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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Global hotel rates are expected to remain stable through 2026, according to AMEX GBT.
New York is a key business travel and meetings destination.
India is likely to be a focus for travel programs during 2026 negotiations.
GLOBAL HOTEL RATES are expected to remain stable through 2026, as geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. tariffs limit demand and constrain price increases, according to American Express Global Business Travel. New York remains a popular destination for business travel and meetings.
AMEX GBT’s Hotel Monitor 2026, an annual forecast of global hotel rates in business travel destinations, identified India as a key market, with hotel rates and occupancy set to rise.
“This year’s forecast reveals a global environment where geopolitical uncertainties are tempering hotel rate increases,” said Dan Beauchamp, Amex GBT’s vice president for consulting. “These insights allow businesses to make more informed travel decisions. Understanding local market conditions will help companies optimize travel budgets and strategies.”
The report also projects continued rate increases for high-end accommodation based on demand.
New York hotel rates are projected to rise 4 percent in 2026. Despite expected softening in inbound U.S. travel from tariff uncertainty, New York remains a leading destination for business travel and meetings. The forecast is based on company data and IMF inflation and GDP projections.
India is expected to see rising hotel rates and occupancy in 2026. Rate growth will be below last year’s levels but above regional and global averages. India is likely to be a focus for many travel programs during 2026 negotiations. Bengaluru, a major technology and AI hub, recorded the country’s highest occupancy and ADR in the first quarter of 2025.
Simon Fishman, Amex GBT’s vice president for global hotels, said data shows news cycles can affect hotel prices in unpredictable ways.
“Amex GBT’s hotel marketplace gives companies access to over two million properties across 180 countries, including more than 45,000 hotels with pre-negotiated discounts and amenities via the Preferred Extras Hotel Program,” he said. “It enables companies of all sizes to adapt to changing business needs while accessing the best rates and traveler experiences.”
A May report by commerce media firm Criteo found that hotel booking values in Asia-Pacific rose 23 percent in early 2025, compared with 2 percent growth in the Americas.
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.
The State Department confirmed all visa holders are subject to ongoing review, which includes checking for overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety or ties to terrorism. Should violations be found, visas may be revoked, and holders in the U.S. could face deportation, according to the Associated Press.
Officials said the reviews will include monitoring of visa holders’ social media accounts, law enforcement records and immigration files. New rules also require applicants to disable privacy settings on phones and apps during interviews. The department noted visa revocations since President Trump’s return to office have more than doubled compared to the previous year, including nearly four times as many student visas.
The administration also announced an immediate halt on issuing worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing road safety and competition concerns for U.S. truckers.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio posted on X.
The Transportation Department linked the move to recent enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements for truckers, aimed at improving safety. The State Department later said it was pausing visa processing while it reviewed screening protocols.
Critics, including Edward Alden of the Council on Foreign Relations, warned the actions could have significant economic consequences.
“The goal here is not to target specific classes of workers, but to send the message to American employers that they are at risk if they are employing foreign workers,” Alden wrote, according to AP.
Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows there are 12.8 million green card holders and 3.6 million temporary visa holders in the United States. The 55 million figure under review includes many outside the U.S. with valid multiple-entry tourist visas.
Earlier this week, the State Department reported revoking more than 6,000 student visas for violations since Trump returned to office, including around 200 to 300 for terrorism-related issues.
The vast majority of foreign visitors require visas to enter the U.S., with exceptions granted to citizens of 40 countries under the Visa Waiver Program, primarily in Europe and Asia. Citizens of China, India, Russia and most of Africa remain subject to visa requirements.
A $250 Visa Integrity Fee in President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill drew criticism from groups that rely on seasonal workers from Latin America and Asia on J-1 and other visas.
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.