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.
THE RECOVERY CONTINUED in the final full week of June for U.S. hotels, according to STR. Occupancy reached its highest level since late October 2019.
For the week ending June 26, occupancy averaged 69.9 percent up from 68 percent the week before and down just 7.3 percent from the same time period in 2019. ADR reached $133.36, up from $128.90 the week before and down 0.5 percent from 2019, and RevPAR was $93.19 compared to $87.62 the previous week and down 7.8 percent from two years ago.
“In addition to occupancy reaching its highest point since the week ending Oct. 26, 2019, ADR and RevPAR were the highest of the pandemic-era,” STR said. “Weekend occupancy surpassed the 2019 comparable for the second time in three weeks, while ADR was 13 percent higher than the corresponding weekend from June 2019.”
At 78.5 percent, Tampa’s occupancy rate was the only one among STR’s top 25 markets to exceed 2019 levels, up by 3.5 percent. San Francisco/San Mateo, California, saw the steepest decline in occupancy compared with 2019, down 39.3 percent to 53.4 percent. That market also saw the largest drop in RevPAR, down 59.3 percent to $84.14, followed by Boston, down 53.9 percent to $90.07.
Miami reported the largest increases over 2019 in both ADR, up 48.5 percent to $222.95, and RevPAR, up 44.7 percent to $163.37.
Vision held its Red Sand Project to combat human trafficking in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
It fights trafficking through partnerships, staff training and philanthropic support.
Tennessee reported 213 human trafficking cases in 2024, involving 446 victims.
VISION HOSPITALITY GROUP held its fourth annual Red Sand Project with WillowBend Farms to combat human trafficking in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The event brought together organizations working to combat human trafficking, including the Family Justice Center for Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Health Department.
“We were honored to stand with our partners and our community to bring attention to this issue,” Patel said. “Together, through awareness and action, we are working toward a future where every individual is safe, seen and supported.”
The Red Sand Project is a symbolic initiative to raise awareness and promote action on human trafficking, the statement said. Participants poured red sand into sidewalk cracks to represent victims who have fallen through the cracks of society. This year’s event came as the Chattanooga community reported progress in prevention and survivor restoration over the past year.
“The Red Sand Project reminds us that human trafficking continues to be a pressing public health issue and a devastating reality in every state,” said Jenelle Hawkins, Vision's director of operation excellence. “As members of the hotel industry, we understand our unique position to help identify and prevent trafficking. We are proud to be part of a community that is not only raising awareness but also driving real solutions. As we mark our fourth year, our commitment is stronger than ever.”
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, there were 213 reported human trafficking cases in Tennessee in 2024, involving 446 victims. Events like the Red Sand Project raise awareness, promote education and encourage community action.
Vision Hospitality Group combats trafficking through community partnerships, staff training and philanthropic support. In 2024, it donated $100,000 to the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund, which provides housing and job placement services to survivors nationwide.
If you know someone who needs help escaping trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484. To report a suspected victim, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233722.
In June, Vision broke ground on a 150-key Hilton dual-brand in Lookout Valley, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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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.
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.
G6 brands consistently outperform others in guest satisfaction and value, said Galaxy, which rejoined the G6 network after a short break.
“This partnership marks a new chapter in our mission to deliver modern, value-driven hospitality, as we now proudly rejoin G6 Hospitality," said Carlos Cuevas, Galaxy Hotels' COO. "Having previously moved from Choice Group/Park Inn by Radisson, we’ve closely compared the performance of various franchises. Our experience and data show that G6 brands consistently outperform others in guest satisfaction and value. This is why we’re back."
Recent additions include Studio 6 Suites Las Vegas with 308 rooms, Motel 6 Las Vegas – I-15 Stadium with 139 rooms and Motel 6 Las Vegas – Boulder Highway with 160 rooms, the companies said. Studio 6 Suites Las Vegas on the Strip, with more than 300 rooms, will be one of the largest Studio 6 hotels in the U.S., while Motel 6 Las Vegas is also near the Strip and Allegiant Stadium. The portfolio also includes Motel 6 hotels in Modesto, San Jose and Santa Rosa, California and Lakewood, Fort Collins, Thornton and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Texas-based Galaxy Hotels Group, founded in 1999 and led by CEO Jagmohan “Jag” Dhillon, operates more than 41 hotels in the U.S. One Galaxy hotel in the G6 network generates $8 to 10 million in annual revenue. The full G6 portfolio is expected to reach about $50 million.
OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal is chair of G6 Hospitality and Sonal Sinha is its CEO. OYO added more than 150 hotels to its U.S. portfolio in the first half of 2025 and plans 150 more by year-end.
Marriott International ended Q2 with a record pipeline of about 3,900 properties and more than 590,000 rooms.
Global RevPAR rose 1.5 percent, including a 5.3 percent gain in international markets.
Net income slipped 1 percent to $763 million; 17,300 net rooms were added.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S GROWTH continued in the second quarter, according to the company’s recent earnings report. Along with its active pipeline, the company saw rising revenue and launched a new brand.
Marriott’s global development pipeline stood at approximately 3,900 properties with more than 590,000 rooms at the end of the second quarter. The company added about 17,300 net rooms, signed nearly 32,000 and reported more than 70 percent of signings and 8,500 of added rooms in international markets.
“Marriott delivered another solid quarter, highlighted by strong financial results and robust net rooms growth despite heightened macro-economic uncertainty,” said Anthony Capuano, Marriott president and CEO. “Global RevPAR increased 1.5 percent in the second quarter, primarily driven by the leisure segment. International RevPAR rose more than 5 percent, with strong growth in APEC and EMEA. In the U.S. and Canada, RevPAR was flat year over year with continued strength in the luxury segment offset by a decline in select-service demand, largely reflecting reduced government travel and weaker business transient demand. Adjusting for the Easter holiday shift, U.S. and Canada RevPAR increased by nearly 1 percent.”
Base management and franchise fees rose nearly 5 percent to $1.2 billion, driven by RevPAR growth, room additions and co-branded credit card fees, the statement said. Reported operating income increased to $1.236 billion from $1.195 billion, while net income declined 1 percent to $763 million. Reported diluted earnings per share were $2.78, up from $2.69.
Adjusted operating income rose to $1.186 billion from $1.120 billion, Marriott said. Adjusted net income increased to $728 million from $716 million and adjusted diluted EPS rose to $2.65 from $2.50. Adjusted EBITDA grew 7 percent to $1.415 billion.
Pipeline and brands
Marriott added about 17,300 net rooms in the quarter, including over 8,500 internationally, bringing its global system to more than 9,600 properties and around 1.736 million rooms. It signed nearly 32,000 rooms, over 70 percent in international markets. Conversions made up about 30 percent of signings and openings in the first half. Full-year net rooms growth is expected to approach 5 percent.
Marriott Bonvoy membership also reached nearly 248 million by the end of June, the statement said.
“Development activity remained robust,” Capuano said. “We signed nearly 32,000 rooms, more than 70 percent of which were in international markets, and our quarter-end pipeline stood at a record of more than 590,000 rooms. Conversions continued to be a key driver of growth, representing approximately 30 percent of our room signings and openings in the first half of this year. We still expect full year net rooms growth to approach 5 percent this year.”
The development pipeline included 3,858 properties and more than 590,000 rooms, with 234 properties and over 37,000 rooms approved but not yet under contract, the statement said. The pipeline included 1,447 properties with more than 238,000 rooms under construction or conversion. Over half of the pipeline rooms were outside the U.S. and Canada.
The company launched Series by Marriott, a regional collection brand for midscale and upscale segments, and announced its first agreement to affiliate India’s Fern portfolio. Marriott also completed the acquisition of citizenM. However, the citizenM and Series by Marriott additions were not included in the pipeline total.
Capuano said both brands are expected to support international expansion.
2025 outlook
Marriott’s outlook assumes no major shifts in macroeconomic conditions. The company expects RevPAR to be flat to up 1 percent in the third quarter of 2025 and grow 1.5 to 2.5 percent for the full year. Net rooms growth is projected to approach 5 percent in 2025.
Gross fee revenues are expected to total $1.310 billion to $1.325 billion in the third quarter and $5.365 billion to $5.420 billion for the year. Adjusted EBITDA is forecast at $1.288 billion to $1.318 billion for the third quarter and $5.310 billion to $5.395 billion for the full year.
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.