Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

‘Smart hotel’ company EV Hotel going public

Biotech company will become parent company for trading when deal is finalized

‘Smart hotel’ company EV Hotel going public

EV HOTEL CORP., the Atlanta-based tech centric “smart hotel” company, is in a “change of control” stock purchase agreement with Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Plandai will become the parent company to EV Hotel, founded by Ken Patel, for the purposes of going public.

Before closing the agreement, both parties must complete independent financial audits, a third-party valuation of EV Hotel Corp. and the company completing corporate actions with the Secretary of State of Nevada, according to EV Hotel.


Trading regulatory organization FINRA will change Plandai’s name and trading symbol, along with implementing a reverse split of the company's common stock, with management plans at 100:1. Upon closing, Plandai will acquire all of the authorized stock and assets in EV Hotel in exchange for common stock and Patel will acquire all of the company's Series "A" Preferred stock, resulting in a change of control.

“Via our transaction with Plandai, we will achieve public trading status with all the prestige and privileges of being a public company,” Patel said. “Our company focuses on culture and technology for the guest stay experience that resonates with modern travelers. It creates a less task driven system for our employees. Once achieved, our publicly traded status for our common shares will allow us to better access the public markets for growth capital and will increase our global brand awareness. This is all about revolutionizing the hospitality industry and providing a better future for our employees and guests”

EV Hotel developed the "smart hotel," which incorporates technology, including a cryptocurrency trade-floor and non-fungible tokens guest rooms and lobby. Other tech elements include the company’s proprietary EV Smart app that automates hotel operations using a central control point over the guest experience including room controls, concierge and room service.

The EV Smart app provides control over 20 uniquely designed and integrated smart devices for in each guest room. EV Hotel's "IoT Smart Rooms" allows guests to relay requests directly to hotel staff who can then respond in real-time, based on device specific data. The app automatically provides alerts about problems, reducing guest disruptions and out of-service rooms and eliminating the need for preventative maintenance, saving both labor and equipment costs, all while providing energy savings.

“We have been patient to vet and select a merger candidate that we believe will return value to our shareholders. We think the patience and hard work of the Plandai team over the last two years brought the company from its abandonment to a very positive turning point,” Tad Mailander, Plandai CEO. “The company will diligently complete its conditions to closing. We expect the independent audit of the company will be completed this week. EV Hotel is committed to moving forward diligently with its audit. I expect that to be completed as soon as possible. The company will update shareholders only through its authorized press releases."

EV Hotel’s first franchisee is converting a 63-year-old 114-room historical hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. It also recently partnered with Spanish firm CLERHP to construct a luxury resort in the new Larimar City & Resort project in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic. The 400-room hotel will be built on an area of nearly eight acres, the company said in a statement.

More for you

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
GSA keeps FY 2026 federal per diem lodging and meal rates flat

Federal per diem rates stay flat for FY 2026

Summary:

  • GSA will keep federal per diem rates the same for FY 2026.
  • The lodging rate stays $110 and meals allowance $68.
  • AHLA raised concerns over the impact on government travel.

THE U.S. GENERAL Services Administration will keep standard per diem rates for federal travelers at 2025 levels for fiscal year 2026. The American Hotel and Lodging Association raised concerns that the decision affects government travel, a key economic driver for the hotel industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comfort Hotels to Host "Waffle Lounge" Pop-Up in NYC, USA

Comfort hosting ‘Waffle Lounge’ in NYC

Summary:

  • Comfort Hotels will host the one-day Waffle Lounge in New York City on Aug. 21.
  • The Union Square event runs from 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Visitors can win a one-night stay at a participating Comfort or other Choice hotel.


CHOICE’S COMFORT HOTELS is bringing its signature breakfast item to life with the Waffle Lounge, a one-day pop-up event in New York City on Aug. 21. The event, timed to coincide with National Waffle Day on Aug. 24, highlights the brand’s role in offering guests a sense of home during their travels.

Keep ReadingShow less
us hospitality job loss
iStock

Survey: Hospitality drops most jobs in June

Summary:

  • Hospitality job openings fell by 308,000 in June, the largest drop of any industry.
  • National openings held at 7.4 million, a 4.4 percent rate.
  • Hospitality quit rates remain above the national average.

THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR saw the largest decline in job openings of any industry in June, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accommodation and food services fell by 308,000 positions from the previous month.

Keep ReadingShow less
Travel & Tourism Deals Fall 8% Globally
iStock

Report: Travel and tourism deals down 8 percent

Summary:

  • Global travel and tourism deal activity fell 8 percent YoY in H1 2025.
  • Venture financing dropped 25 percent and private equity fell 20 percent.
  • North America recorded a 10 percent decline while Central America dropped 12 percent.

THE GLOBAL TRAVEL and tourism sector recorded an 8 percent year-on-year decline in total deal activity during the first half of 2025, according to market data firm GlobalData. Reduced investor appetite was seen across major deal types: mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture financing.

Keep ReadingShow less