Travel & Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 6, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 6, 2025 – The hospitality industry is as dynamic as it is demanding, drawing passionate individuals who thrive on building connections and creating memorable experiences. Sara Masterson, President of Olympia Hospitality, is one such individual who found her calling in this ever-evolving business from an early age.

A Passion for Hospitality from the Start

Growing up on Cape Cod, an area deeply intertwined with tourism, Masterson was naturally drawn to the hospitality sector. "My first jobs in high school were in resorts and restaurants, and I found that it was an industry that just clicked for me," she shares. Although she initially considered a career in education, her love for the dynamic nature of hospitality kept her engaged. "Each day is its own," she adds, emphasizing the variety of experiences and people that made her stay in the industry.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 6, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 6, 2025 – Cendyn has taken a major leap forward in business intelligence by integrating AI-enabled analysis into its suite of hotel solutions. By incorporating AI into its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and Knowland platform, the company empowers hotel sales and marketing teams with actionable insights, significantly reducing the need for manual spreadsheet management and complex reporting.

AI-Powered CRM Analytics for Hotel Marketing Optimization

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 6, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 6, 2025 — PMZ Realty Capital LLC has successfully arranged a $14.5 million loan for the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Haltom City – Fort Worth. This financing will be used to refinance a high-interest-rate construction loan, providing the borrower with more favorable financial terms through a private capital provider.

Strategic Financing for a New Hospitality Investment

“This transaction demonstrates our ability to secure competitive financing solutions for well-located hotels even with no operating history given that this hotel opened in the 4th quarter of 2024,” said Peter Berk, president, PMZ Realty Capital LLC—Hotel Finance Group. “The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Haltom City-Fort Worth has strong demand drivers and sponsorship making it a good investment for lenders despite the lack of operating history.”

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 6, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 6, 2025 — SH Hotels & Resorts has officially rebranded as Starwood Hotels, marking its 10th anniversary with a revival of the globally recognized brand founded by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago. This transformation underscores Starwood Hotels' ambitious expansion plans, with over 40 properties currently open or in development across its three distinct brands on four continents.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 6, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 6, 2025 – JLL Capital Markets has successfully arranged a $15.9 million financing deal for Woodland Flats, a 120-unit hotel-to-multifamily conversion project located in Gresham, Oregon.

Strategic Financing for Affordable Housing

JLL facilitated this financing on behalf of PH Development LLC, securing a two-year bridge loan from AGP Capital. The transformation of Woodland Flats marks a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in the region.

Located just 25 minutes east of downtown Portland, Woodland Flats offers easy access to public transit, major employers, and various retail amenities. The project aims to provide affordable and modern housing options, reflecting the increasing trend of hotel-to-multifamily conversions in urban areas.

Project Scope and Timeline

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 6, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 6, 2025 — Cloudbeds and Duetto have officially announced a strategic partnership designed to revolutionize revenue optimization for hoteliers. By integrating Duetto’s revenue strategy platform with Cloudbeds’ industry-leading hospitality management software, this collaboration will provide a comprehensive solution aimed at maximizing profitability and operational efficiency for hotels worldwide.

A Game-Changing Integration for the Hospitality Industry

This partnership brings together two of the most innovative companies in the hospitality technology space, offering hoteliers a streamlined, data-driven approach to revenue management. The integration enables seamless two-way synchronization, enhancing automation, scalability, and data accuracy.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 6, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar 6, 2025 — IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially introduced its midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, to the United Kingdom. The milestone is marked by the launch of Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury, further strengthening IHG’s presence in the midscale segment following the brand’s global debut in 2023.

A Milestone for IHG's Midscale Growth
The newly opened Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury is operated by KRO Hospitality and is strategically positioned in Northern England. This expansion comes after IHG’s long-term partnership with NOVUM Hospitality, which is set to introduce over 50 Garner hotels across Germany. The launch of Garner in the UK signals a major step in IHG’s commitment to offering quality midscale accommodation in key European markets.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 6, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 6, 2025 – Over the past few years, hoteliers have faced an increasingly complex regulatory environment. In November, the industry won a significant victory when a federal court struck down a Department of Labor (DOL) rule that threatened to dramatically increase overtime costs for small businesses. The ruling, which followed a lawsuit filed by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and other business groups, is a major relief for small businesses across the country, particularly as operating costs continue to rise for America’s hoteliers. While this ruling is certainly a win, it’s important to understand how the overtime rule would have impacted not just hotel owners, but also the employees who rely on career advancement within the industry.

The Overtime Rule: A Costly Mandate for Hotels

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – The hospitality industry is one of the few fields where individuals can begin in entry-level roles and rise to executive leadership positions. Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), exemplifies this journey. From managing marketing and communications to leading the AHLA Foundation and now overseeing AHLA, Maietta's career is a testament to the industry’s unique opportunities.

The Journey to Leadership

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – PMZ Realty Capital LLC, a national boutique real estate investment banking firm, has successfully arranged a $14.5 million loan for the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Haltom City – Fort Worth. This financing deal enables the borrower to refinance a high-interest-rate construction loan, securing more favorable terms through a private capital provider.

Strategic Financing for a Strong Investment

“This transaction demonstrates our ability to secure competitive financing solutions for well-located hotels even with no operating history given that this hotel opened in the fourth quarter of 2024,” said Peter Berk, president, PMZ Realty Capital LLC – Hotel Finance Group. “The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Haltom City-Fort Worth has strong demand drivers and sponsorship, making it a good investment for lenders despite the lack of operating history.”