Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

SaaS firm Virdee integrates with FreedomPay

The transition allows the companies to offer end-to-end protection for credit card payments

SaaS firm Virdee integrates with FreedomPay

CONTACTLESS CHECK-IN TECHNOLOGY firm Virdee is now integrated with commerce technology platform FreedomPay. The companies will offer a PCI-validated, point-to-point encryption solution with EMV, NFC, currency conversion and real-time data capabilities.

The transition will help Virdee to offer end-to-end protection for credit card payments made through FreedomPay’s cloud-based payments platform. It also provided FreedomPay compatibility with Virdee’s check-in/check-out process with software for identity verification, payment collection, access control and remote support, according to Virdee.


“Our integration with Virdee offers our customers expanded options, flexibility and, most important, security,” said Chris Kronenthal, president of FreedomPay. “We help streamline and simplify complex payment options, while providing a single flow of data to facilitate consumer insights and engagement for our hotel clients. We’re proud to partner with best-in-class solution providers, like Virdee, as we work together to revolutionize hotel operations and guest-facing technologies.”

Virdee claimed that owners and management companies using its platform can reduce costs at any property that requires front desk payment or access control services. It also enables the ability to purchase upgrades and order room service, making real-time transactional security and data protection essential, the company said.

“Virdee is happy to announce FreedomPay as our latest payment integration partner, extending the benefits of both of our companies to our mutual hotel customers,” said Nadav Cornberg, co-founder at Virdee. “This integration further strengthens the protections we can offer FreedomPay users on the Virdee network, while growing our roster of trusted hotel payment platforms. Hoteliers and guests need to know that data is safe and transactions are secure at every stage of their journey, and Virdee and FreedomPay are working together to provide solutions.”

In April last year, Virdee brought in new funding that increased its total seed money to $4 million. Rajiv Trivedi, former brand president for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.’s La Quinta Inn and chairman of TST Capital, is a founding investor in the company.

More for you

Hotel exterior of Motel 6 Las Vegas under G6 Hospitality and Galaxy Hotels partnership
Photo credit: G6 Hospitality

G6, Galaxy aim to grow Motel 6, Studio 6

Summary:

  • G6 Hospitality and Galaxy Hotels Group are expanding Motel 6 and Studio 6 in the U.S.
  • Galaxy said G6 brands outperform others in guest satisfaction and value.
  • One Galaxy hotel generates $8–10M annually; the full G6 portfolio is expected to reach $50M.

G6 HOSPITALITY AND Galaxy Hotels Group are now working to expand the Motel 6 and Studio 6 footprint in the U.S. About 10 Galaxy-managed hotels, totaling more than 1,300 rooms, will operate under the G6 brands, with more to follow.

Keep ReadingShow less
OYO Adds 150 U.S. Hotels in 2025, Plans Another 150
Photo credit: OYO U.S.

OYO adds 150 U.S. hotels, plans 150 more

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Choice Hotels campaigns

Choice launches campaigns for extended-stay brands

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
US Hotel Employee Background Checks
iStock

Survey: Employee background checks up for hotels

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hotel industry leaders unite at AHLA Summit to support trafficking survivors
Photo credit: AHLA Foundation

AHLA Foundation hosts human trafficking summit

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less