6 Hospitality Trends We’re Tracking at Skift This Week

Every week we post hundreds of stories across various sectors in travel, connecting the dots across various global trends, and in these weekend posts we highlight the stories that tackle these trends. This one looks at top digital trends. For all of our trends roundups, go here.

>> Foreign investors eye trophy American properties: Hilton Considers Selling Stake in New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel

The property is outdated in comparison to today’s design hotels that offer luxurious environments and digital tools. If Hilton decides to sells, the property will likely be picked up by one of several global wealth funds bullish on trophy U.S. properties.

>> Foreign investors eye trophy American properties: Global Wealth Funds Buy ‘Trophy’ Hotel Properties Away From Big Brands

The impact of these, and larger future investments, could change the face of hospitality in the U.S. and abroad as the culture and labor expectations of executives and decision-makers changes up top.

>> Hotel brands introduce design-driven brands for millennial guests: Carlson Rezidor Puts $80 Million Into 2 New Design-Driven Brands

It’s admirable that hotels aren’t content to live off their existing clientele and are going after younger travelers with design-driven concepts. Has Carlson Rezidor struck the right with its target audience? We’ll see. There has been some pushback on Twitter, but these are early days for the brand.

>> Muslim tourism market represents a huge opportunity for hotels: Malaysian Hotels Target $126 Billion Muslim Tourism Market with Cultural Changes

Hotels worldwide are learning how to serve a new kind of customers with cultural differences, but instead of attempting to offer everything for everyone, hotels should focus on a certain set of customers and make that experience flawless.

>> Hotels think of new ways to connect consumers and neighborhoods: New York City’s Newest Boutique Hotel Brand Is Banking on Neighborhood Appeal

Triumph Hotels’ development of individual blogs and walking tours for each historic property celebrates a local, deep-rooted New York neighborhood experience.

>>  Hotels think of new ways to connect consumers and neighborhoods: Hotel Indigo Puts Large Touch Screens in Lobbies to Serve as Neighborhood Guides

Hotel Indigo’s interactive Neighborhood Guys won’t point you toward the Empire State Building or Radio City Music Hall, but may direct you to Blue Smoke Jazz Standard for “urban barbecue where live music lives.” For a hotel brand that prides itself on local, and digging roots in the neighborhood, this is a very nice touch.