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

Chart showing decline in U.S. extended-stay hotel occupancy and RevPAR in May 2025

Report: May fifth month for drop in extended-stay occupancy

Summary:

  • Extended-stay occupancy fell 2.2 percent in May, the fifth straight monthly decline; ADR and RevPAR also dropped for a second consecutive month.
  • May marked 44 straight months of supply growth for the segment at 4 percent or less, with annual growth below the 4.9 percent long-term average.
  • Extended-stay room revenues rose 0.5 percent, while total industry revenue grew 0.9 percent, led by segments with little extended-stay supply.

EXTENDED-STAY HOTEL occupancy fell 2.2 percent in May, the fifth consecutive monthly decline, exceeding the 0.7 percent drop reported for all hotels by STR/CoStar, according to The Highland Group. Extended-stay occupancy was 10.5 percentage points above the total hotel industry, at the lower end of the long-term average premium range.

Keep ReadingShow less
Auro Hotels Showcases India Culture at TCMU Exhibit

Auro unveils 'India Cultural Corner' for children

Summary:

  • Auro Hotels opened the India Cultural Corner, where children can check in and explore Indian culture at The Children's Museum of the Upstate.
  • Families can engage with community art, activities and storytelling about daily life in India.
  • The exhibit runs through May 2026, offering interactive learning on Indian culture.

AURO HOTELS RECENTLY opened the India Cultural Corner at The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, offering a look into Indian stories for American families. The exhibition, held at The Grand Geo Hotel and running through May 2026, includes a hotel desk where children can check in and explore Indian culture through interactive activities.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. Firms Lose $2.4 Trillion by Skimping on Business Travel

Report: Business travel gaps cost U.S. firms $2.4T

Summary:

  • U.S. companies risk losing more than $2.4 trillion in sales due to underinvestment in business travel, says GBTA.
  • An 8.3 percent T&E increase could drive a 6 percent sales gain, despite post-COVID virtual meeting tools.
  • Current T&E spending is $294 billion—$24 billion short of the $319.1 billion needed for peak profitability.

U.S. COMPANIES ARE missing more than $2.4 trillion in potential sales due to underinvestment in business travel, according to a Global Business Travel Association report. Despite a post-pandemic rebound, travel and entertainment spending remains $66 billion below 2019 levels.

Keep ReadingShow less
Newly renovated Marriott Saddle Brook hotel in New Jersey, now managed by Stonebridge Cos.

Stonebridge to manage Marriott in Saddle Brook, NJ

Summary:

  • Stonebridge Cos. has added the Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service portfolio.
  • The renovated property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.
  • Located 20 miles from New York City, it is near the Meadowlands Sports Complex, Garden State Plaza and Hackensack University Medical Center.

STONEBRIDGE COS. RECENTLY added the 244-room Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service managed portfolio. The property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arizona SpringHill Suites Added as 9th DST by Peachtree

Peachtree adds AZ SpringHill Suites as 9th DST

Summary:

  • Peachtree Group added the 128-key SpringHill Suites Phoenix West Avondale in Avondale, Arizona, its ninth Delaware Statutory Trust offering.
  • The hotel, opened in August 2024, is positioned to benefit from Avondale’s population and economic growth.
  • Peachtree’s DSTs offer tax deferral for investors reinvesting proceeds from appreciated real estate.

PEACHTREE GROUP RECENTLY added the 128-key SpringHill Suites Phoenix West Avondale in Avondale, Arizona, structured as a Delaware Statutory Trust. This marks the company’s ninth DST offering since launching the program in 2022.

Keep ReadingShow less