Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Striking hotel workers urge Congress to address resort fees

More than 4,000 workers are striking at hotels in Honolulu, San Diego and San Francisco seeking new contracts

Striking hotel workers urge Congress to address resort fees

DOZENS OF STRIKING hotel workers arrived in Washington on Sept. 23 to meet with Congress members, urging action against hotel resort fees. More than 4,000 workers are striking at Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott hotels in Honolulu, San Diego and San Francisco, vowing to continue until new contracts are secured.

Many of the workers traveled from these strike-affected cities, according to UNITE HERE, the union representing hotel, casino and airport workers across the U.S. and Canada.


The union is lobbying against legislation backed by hotel corporations that would limit states’ ability to regulate resort fees. Hotel workers argue that resort fees, along with COVID-era service and staffing cuts, undermine the hospitality that guests expect. The workers' visit included a briefing for congressional staff, hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

“We’re here because guests and workers share a common goal – we want hotels to reverse COVID-era cuts, protect guests from resort fees, and refocus on providing the best possible hospitality,” said Gwen Mills, UNITE HERE’s president.

Despite hotel room rates reaching record highs and the U.S. hotel industry earning more than $100 billion in gross operating profit in 2022, workers report that wages are insufficient to support their families, often requiring them to work multiple jobs. Meanwhile, staffing per occupied room was down 13 percent from 2019 to 2022.

The union claims that many hotels used the pandemic to cut staffing and services like daily housekeeping and room service, leading to job losses and increased workloads for remaining staff.

“I love my job, but dealing with frustrated guests over resort fees is a challenge,” said Briana Canencia, a server at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. “We want guests to stay with us, but those extra fees cause a lot of frustration.”

Leading up to the strikes, workers have called on hotels to "respect our work" and "respect our guests," launching websites to educate guests on deceptive practices like resort fees and the devaluation of loyalty programs.

“We’ve been fighting staffing and service cuts since the pandemic,” said Violeta Reyes, a House Attendant at the Westin Seattle. “Between those cuts and extra fees, hotels are treating both workers and guests unfairly. That’s why we’re here in D.C.”

On Sept. 24, around 2,000 workers went on strike at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the largest Hilton hotel and the biggest in Hawaii. Striking workers include housekeepers, front desk agents, cooks, and more.

“I’m on strike because, despite record profits, I work three jobs to support my family,” said Aileen Bautista, a housekeeper at Hilton Hawaiian Village. “We’re committed to negotiating, but hotel management doesn’t seem to understand.”

The union is urging guests to avoid staying at hotels on strike, which may suspend services and operate with skeleton staffing. During previous strikes, guests faced disruptions like unavailable housekeeping, piled linens, closed restaurants, and reduced pool hours. Guests are encouraged to consult the union’s Labor Dispute Map at FairHotel.org for alternatives.

After months of contract negotiations, more than 10,000 hotel workers went on strike during Labor Day weekend, with many engaging in limited duration strikes. More strikes have followed, with unresolved issues in all cities. Additional strikes could be authorized at hotels in Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu, Kauai, New Haven, Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo County, and Seattle.

“My workload is exhausting, and I’m stretched thin,” said Jason Viveiros, a front desk agent at Hilton Hawaiian Village. “With a baby on the way, a reasonable workload would allow me to take care of my family and not be completely depleted every day.”

More for you

Global Hotel Rates to Stay Stable in 2026

Report: Global hotel rates steady despite uncertainty

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump reviewing 55 million us visas
Getty Images

Trump reviewing 55 million visas

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spark Acquires Home2 Suites Wayne, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Hunter Hotels

Spark acquires Wayne, N.J., Home2 Suites

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global hotel construction pipeline reaches record 15,871 projects in Q2 2025, with U.S. and Dallas leading growth
Photo Credit: iStock

Report: Global pipeline hits 15,871 projects

Summary:

  • Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
  • The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
  • Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.

THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.

Keep ReadingShow less