Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

'Wyndham Connect' launched in North America

Nearly 2,000 North American hotels already use the platform

'Wyndham Connect' launched in North America

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS recently launched Wyndham Connect, a new guest engagement platform by Canary Technologies, in North America. The platform, first announced at the company’s 2023 global conference, is available at no additional cost to owners, with nearly 2,000 North American hotels already using it, Wyndham said in a statement.

“We always put our franchisees first, and investing in innovative technology like AI sets them apart from the competition," said Scott Strickland, Wyndham’s chief commercial officer. "With access to powerful solutions like Wyndham Connect, our franchisees can manage their businesses more efficiently and curate guest experiences to help make stays more meaningful than ever. The result? Happier guests, higher chances for repeat business and money in franchisees’ pockets.”


Wyndham Connect features mobile-centric tools, using AI-driven large language models, the statement said. It enables owners to meet the needs of modern travelers, increasing profitability by streamlining operations. The company invested nearly $325 million delivering sales, marketing and digital innovations over the last six years.

Features of Wyndham Connect include:

  • Enables AI-generated messaging for guest communication via text.
  • Smart mobile check-in that accelerates check-in processes for guests and front desk agents, facilitating pre-verified guest information and reducing chargebacks.
  • Offers opportunities for incremental revenue through early check-ins, late check-outs and personalized upgrades.
  • Smart mobile check-out provides a quick, contactless check-out experience, notifying front desk agents and housekeeping of room availability.
  • Prompts guests to complete post-stay surveys via text, boosting the likelihood of positive online reviews and addressing guest concerns promptly.
  • Simplifies leaving housekeeping tips without cash, with an average tip exceeding $10 based on adoption across Wyndham hotels.

“I do business with Wyndham because they invest in my success,” said Ajit Patel, Wyndham franchisee. “With industry-leading property and revenue management services and access to technology like Wyndham Connect, I’m building relationships with my guests and its translating to hundreds of dollars a week that I’d otherwise miss out on.”

In May, Wyndham appointed Amit Sripathi as chief development officer, succeeding Chip Ohlsson, who left the company in June. Formerly Wyndham’s senior vice president of strategic and corporate development, Sripathi now heads the North American franchise sales team.

More for you

U.S. travelers using mobile devices to book independent boutique hotel stays with personalized offers and smart tech in 2025

Study: Personalization boosts independent hotel bookings

Summary:

  • Around 95 percent of U.S. travelers are more likely to book independent hotels with personalized offers, according to TakeUp.
  • 59 percent plan more travel in 2025, with 78 percent favoring weekend getaways and 65 percent domestic trips.
  • Top booking deterrents are few reviews at 39 percent, unclear cleanliness or quality at 38 percent and inflexible cancellations at 29 percent.

PERSONALIZED OFFERS BASED on interests would make 95 percent of U.S. travelers more likely to book at an independent hotel, according to TakeUp, a revenue management platform for independent hotels. About 85 percent are open to technologies such as smart check-in, recommendations and AI-based pricing.

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