CoStar News Hotels
by CoStar News Hotels
CoStar News Hotels' experienced, award-winning journalists bring diverse perspectives and voices to the news. From exclusive interviews with CEOs, to conference news from around the world, to coverage of public hotel companies, our stories are accessible for free 24/7 to inform your business today and in the future.CoStar News Hotels is part of the global CoStar News team, which reports commercial real estate news from all over the United States, Canada and the U.K.
Episodes
-
Fourth quarter hotel earnings preview with Baird's Mike Bellisario
Mike Bellisario, senior research analyst and managing director at Baird, joins the podcast to discuss the broad expectations for the upcoming earnings reports for publicly traded hotel brand companies and real estate investment trusts, including what companies are best poised to succeed.
-
Chicago hotel market enjoys summer of conferences
CoStar Group's Didio Pequeno and CoStar News' Ryan Ori join Trevor Simpson on the "CoStar News Hotels" podcast to discuss Chicago's hotel performance this summer and how market is shaping up across the commercial real estate industry in general.
-
Live from The Lodging Conference
Stephanie Ricca and Natalie Harms report live from The Lodging Conference in Phoenix, Arizona to share their takes from the event.
-
Hanoi rocks (with STR's Jesper Palmqvist)
STR's Jesper Palmqvist once again joins the podcast to take us on a tour around the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting recent performance across that part of the globe.
-
Marriott's Tony Capuano reflects on transformative Starwood deal 10 years later
Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano speaks with CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten about the impact Marriott's acquisiton of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has had on the hotel industry a decade since the deal closed.
-
Why travel doesn't need to be perfect and other takeaways from Hilton's 2027 Trends Report
Each year, Hilton announces a new list of travel trends they expect to dominate the year ahead, and each year Jess Petitt, Hilton's senior vice president of strategy, insights and full service brands Jess Petitt, joins the podcast to dive into what those new trends are and what they mean for...
-
The ongoing evolution of commercial strategy with Aimbridge's Allison Handy
Aimbridge Hospitality Chief Commercial Officer Allison Handy speaks with CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten about the latest developments within her department, including its new global sales office, as well as the ongoing evolution of commercial strategy and how Aimbridge is adapting to travelers...
-
The importance of keeping humanity in hotel sales in the AI era (with Doug Kennedy)
Automation and artificial intelligence are looking to take a bigger role in hotel sales, particular the group RFP process, and Doug Kennedy, president and co-founder of the Kennedy Training Network, joins the podcast to share why and how hoteliers must keep a human touch in sales.
-
Update on Hawaii's recovery from pandemic, wildfires (with Outrigger's Jenna Villalobos)
Jenna Villalobos, senior vice president and chief revenue officer at Outrigger Hospitality Group, joined CoStar News Hotels' Trevor Simpson for an interview at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
-
Commercial strategy leaders shift to focus on profitability, AI (with Sage's Priya Chandnani)
Sage Hospitality Groups’ Senior Vice President of Sales, Revenue and Distribution Strategy Priya Chandnani joined the podcast during the recent Hotel Data Conference to discuss how commercial strategy teams are adjusting to heavier use of AI, owners' focus on profitability and more.
-
Will hotel REITs move the needle in China? (with Jesper Palmqvist)
2026 is the first year for hotel real estate investment trusts in China, and STR's Jesper Palmqvist joins the podcast to talk about what that means for their broader hotel industry, along with other news around the Asia Pacific region.
-
Ancillary spend, guest satisfaction top priorities at Crestline (with Aaron Olson)
In an interview at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference, Crestline Hotels & Resorts' Executive Vice President of Operations Aaron Olson talks with CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten about strategies to maintain and grow profit margins, the current labor environment, the company's outlook and more.
-
Getting past the barriers of adoption for AI (with Vivander's Michael Goldrich)
Michael Goldrich, founder and chief advisor for Vivander Advisors, joins the podcast (recorded live at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference) to discuss his work in helping the hotel industry get ready for artificial intelligence, which he said is changing the industry faster than other major tech...
-
Kasa's revenue strategy focuses on guest demand for each room type (with Kelly McGuire)
In an interview at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference, Kasa's Kelly McGuire talks to CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten about what guests want from their stays in an aparthotel accommodation, how revenue strategy for an aparthotel unit compares to a traditional hotel room and more.
-
The need for the return of international travel (with Highgate's Kerry Mack)
During an interview with CoStar News' Natalie Harms at the 18th annual Hotel Data Conference, Highgate Hotels Chief Revenue Officer Kerry Mack says that even with domestic hotel demand performing well, the U.S. hospitality industry needs to see a return of international inbound travel.
-
Business travel brings hope to Hawaii, PM Hotel Group's Erica Lipscomb says
In an interview at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference, PM Hotel Group's Erica Lipscomb talks to CoStar News Hotels' Sean McCracken about the demand dynamics at play for Hawaii, budgeting season, guest booking behavior and more.
-
Virgin Hotels' Jeff Borman on leveraging uniqueness
In an interview at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference with CoStar News Hotels' Sean McCracken, Virgin Hotels' Jeff Borman talks about how the boutique, experience-focused Virgin Limited Edition is outperforming the company's larger hotel portfolio.
-
Targeting market leadership and stronger shoulder days (with Parks Hospitality's Chris Hardy)
Reporter Natalie Harms chats with Chris Hardy, vice president of commercial strategy at Parks Hospitality Group, at the 18th annual Hotel Data Conference to learn more about what the hotel owner and operator is focused on, including targeting shoulder day growth and market dominance.
-
Recapping the first day of the 2026 Hotel Data Conference
CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten and Terence Baker speak with STR's Kelsey Fenerty about the new U.S. hotel industry forecast and other topics from the first day of the 2026 Hotel Data Conference in Nashville.
-
China, Korea show divergent hotel performance across Asia (with STR's Jesper Palmqvist)
There are clear winners and losers across the Asia Pacific region's hotel industry, and STR's regional vice president in the Asia-Pacific region Jesper Palmqvist joins the podcast to dissect just what that means.
-
How hotels can prepare for guests of the future (with Gettys Group CEO Ron Swidler)
In this episode, Gettys Group CEO Ron Swidler speaks with CoStar News Hotels' Sean McCracken about the many down-the-stream effects of keeping tabs on changing consumer behavior, and how artificial intelligence is making that more achievable.
-
Hotel performance recap from the World Cup
CoStar Group's Jan Freitag and Walker Hotel Collection's Peter Yeung join CoStar News Hotels' Trevor Simpson to discuss results and lessons learned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
-
The state of hotel financing (with Peachtree Group's Greg Friedman)
Peachtree Group Managing Principal and CEO Greg Friedman joins the "CoStar News Hotels Podcast" to explain the current financing environment for hotels.
-
Escaping hospitality's "AI hype echo chamber"
Max Spangler, vice president of technology of third-party hotel management company Charlestowne Hotels, joins CoStar News Hotels reporter Natalie Harms to discuss the practical uses of artificial intelligence in the hotel business and the advancement of cybersecurity threats as technology…
more -
Rockbridge CEO Jimmy Merkel is expanding the investment company in new ways
Private membership clubs are next for hospitality investment firm Rockbridge, according to CEO and co-founder Jimmy Merkel. Merkel shared details about the company's latest hotel acquisitions in Texas, plus his philosophy about hospitality and why independent luxury lifestyle hotels are exciting...
-
Lender confidence returning for Asian hotels (with STR's Jesper Palmqvist)
STR's Jesper Palmqvist dives into how lender confidence is buoying hotel investment across the Asia-Pacific region, which is seeing record-high development and a wave of refinancing.
-
Hotel performance expectations for the World Cup knockout stage
CoStar Group's Didio Pequeno joins CoStar News' Trevor Simpson to discuss what hoteliers can expect in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
-
No matter the downturn, hotels and travel always bounce back, Peregrine CEO says
Peregrine Hospitality CEO Greg Kennealey speaks with CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten about his hotel portfolio's performance, the resiliency of travel and changing guest expectations in luxury experiences.
-
Marriott's Dana Jacobsohn on what makes a true luxury stay
Dana Jacobsohn, chief development officer, North America luxury brands and global mixed-use speaks with CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum about luxury hotel development and how Marriott meets guests expectations now and prepares for them in the...
-
Olympia Hospitality takes boutique approach to both franchised, independent hotels (with John Schultzel)
Olympia Hospitality's John Schultzel speaks with CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten at the 2026 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum about his company's approach to hotel management, applying a boutique strategy to both independent and franchised properties, as well as its focus on hotels...
-
Virgin Hotels Collection's Greg Doman on the four factors needed to add a hotel to its portfolio
Greg Doman, chief development officer at Virgin Hotels Collection, joined CoStar News Hotels' Trevor Simpson for an interview at the 2026 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum.
-
Rebel Hotel Co.'s Brian Sparacino talks growth strategy, operating luxury hotels and the evolution of third-party management
At the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum, Rebel Hotel Co. President and CEO Brian Sparacino talks with CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten about his company's new division, Reserve Collection Resorts & Hotels, as well as their growth strategy and how the third-party management space is...
-
PM Hotel Group's Joseph Bojanowski on World Cup demand, rise in experiential travel
Joseph Bojanowski, president of PM Hotel Group, chatted with CoStar News Hotels' Trevor Simpson about this summer's mega events and the future growth avenues for the third-party hotel operator.
-
Hyatt's Julienne Smith discusses return to company, next targets for portfolio growth
Hyatt Hotels Corp.'s Julienne Smith talks with CoStar News Hotels' Trevor Simpson at the 2026 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum.
-
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Americas CEO Kevin Davis on the narrowing bid-ask gap and more favorable hotel transactions environment
Americas CEO of JLL Hotels & Hospitality Kevin Davis talks with CoStar News Hotels' Stephanie Ricca at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum about why the first half of 2026 has fostered more hotel transactions.
-
Raffles and Fairmont CEO Omer Acar on the evolving nature of luxury hotel experiences
Omer Acar, CEO of the Raffles and Fairmont hotel brands at Accor, speaks with CoStar News Hotels' Bryan Wroten about the luxury hotel space while at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum.
-
Hotel investors see opportunity in Indonesia (with STR's Jesper Palmqvist)
STR's Jesper Palmqvist joins the podcast for our monthly check-in on hotel industry trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
Thoughts from the last day of the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum
CoStar News Hotels' Stephanie Ricca, Bryan Wroten and Trevor Simpson share their observations from the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum as the conference has wrapped up for 2026.
-
Recapping the first day of the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum 2026
CoStar News Hotels' Stephanie Ricca, Bryan Wroten and Trevor Simpson share their takeaways from the first day of the 2026 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum.
-
World Cup pregame: How hotel performance projects two weeks out
CoStar Group's Didio Pequeno joins the CoStar News Hotels podcast to break down how hotel performance is trending across the 16 World Cup host markets.
-
It's game time for hotels scoring sports tourism business this summer
Brandon Ehrhardt, vice president of marketing for travel partners and advertisers at Expedia Group, joins the show to share details from Expedia Group's new report that found that North America has $8.1 billion in tourism spend up for grabs this summer.
-
How hoteliers are sorting through the complicated tariff refund question (with Alan Benjamin)
Procurement expert Alan Benjamin, founder and president of BenjaminWest, joins the podcast to discuss what hoteliers might expect from the $166 billion in promised tariff refunds and how getting that money back in the pockets of owners will be a complicated process.
-
Smaller markets are winning hotel group demand
In this episode of the CoStar News Hotels podcast, reporter Natalie Harms discusses hotel group demand trends with STR's Hannah Smith, including how smaller markets in the U.S. appear to be coming out on top when it comes to attracting group hotel business.
-
How Japan moneyballed its way to strong tourism demand
When Japan lost more than half of its travelers from China, many worried the year's long stretch of strong performance for hotels would end in that country. Instead, it replaced that demand in the aggregate. Listen for that and other highlights from across the Asia Pacific region with STR's…
more -
A hotel-hostel concept for the digital nomad era
In this interview from the 2026 IHIF EMEA conference, CoStar News Hotels' Terence Baker speaks with Navneet Bali, founder and CEO of LyvInn Hotels, who explains his goal of gearing his hostel-hotel brand toward the growing number of young, IT-savvy European travelers.
-
Trinity expands its investment criteria for European hotels
CoStar News Hotel's Sean McCracken speaks with Trinity Investments' Ryan Donn at the 2026 IHIF EMEA conference in Berlin where Donn spoke about the company's newer approach to finding deals and his interest in the demand outlook in Southern Europe in particular.
-
Why Wyndham’s Dimitris Manikis sees big growth ahead in Europe, India
Dimitris Manikis, president of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, joins the podcast from the International Hospitality Investment Forum EMEA in Berlin.
-
Turbulent times call for portfolio scale, geographical reach and trusted investors, says TUI Blue’s Wesam Okasha
In this interview from the 2026 IHIF EMEA conference, CoStar News Hotels' Terence Bakers speaks with Wesam Okasha, managing director of TUI Blue Hotels and head of global development, Asia, Greater China and Europe, Middle East and Africa, about the necessity of security in travel, new projects…
more -
Kew Green Hotels readies for next stage of growth
Kew Green Hotels CEO David Taylor talks with CoStar News Hotels' Terence Baker at the 2026 IHIF EMEA conference about his company's next growth phase, which he said is undeterred by geopolitical headwinds.
-
Democratizing branded residential
In this episode, CoStar News Hotels reporter Natalie Harms discusses the rise and growth of branded residential projects with Nate Siehr, co-founder of The Big Key Group. The company's first project, the Ambar Residences Orlando, is rising to meet changing traveler behavior and deliver on a…
more
About this show
CoStar News Hotels' experienced, award-winning journalists bring diverse perspectives and voices to the news. From exclusive interviews with CEOs, to conference news from around the world, to coverage of public hotel companies, our stories are accessible for free 24/7 to inform your business today and in the future.CoStar News Hotels is part of the global CoStar News team, which reports commercial real estate news from all over the United States, Canada and the U.K.
Hosted by
CoStar News Hotels