Skift Take

This week in hospitality, Oyo is jostling to become one of the largest hotel brands worldwide, expanding aggressively into new markets and leveraging its ability to offer lower prices. Meanwhile, Marriott encounters difficulties related to resort fees and a recent data breach.

Hotel News Weekly Roundup

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines hotels.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

Oyo Claims It Has Overtaken IHG as World’s Third Largest Chain: Oyo has been making upbeat announcements more than usual in the past few weeks. Is it building itself up toward an IPO or more funding, or is it fending off critics, skeptics, and issues in India and China?

Oyo Is Betting U.S. Strategy on Aggressive Dynamic Pricing: Oyo’s dynamic pricing strategy could turn out to be a bit of a double-edged sword in the U.S., where the company faces greater competition. On one hand occupancy is sure to go up for many of its hotel partners, but if a majority of rooms are booked last-minute at incredibly low prices, hotel managers can start enduring some losses.

Marriott Is Sued by D.C. as Hotel Resort Fees Come Under Renewed Fire: Resort fees are embedded into many hotels’ business models, so it would take a lot to upend them. But the prospect is picking up a lot of momentum.

Marriott Handed $124 Million Fine Over Starwood Data Breach: The headline fine amount might seem pretty substantial, but as with an earlier British Airways breach case, the penalties likely will be challenged. Both companies will no doubt vigorously defend themselves in the hope of getting the figure reduced.

Marriott, Hilton, Choice Hotels Refuse to Serve as Detention Centers in Trump-Backed Immigration Raids: Want to talk about an easy public relations win? This is it. Hotel business and politics don’t mix.

Agoda Dubbed ‘Hotel California’ in Asia as Hotel Suppliers Say They Can Never Leave: There appears to be a growing chorus of voices saying they are not able to completely delist themselves from Agoda, which begs the question why they want to do so in the first place.

Regent Wants to Reclaim Its Crown Under IHG: With new hotel brands popping up every day, it can be a challenge to establish name recognition among consumers. That’s one challenge InterContinental Hotels Group doesn’t have to deal with as it works to revive the Regent brand.

Accor Finds Middle East Poses Unique Challenges After Acquisitions: If more than a month goes by without an acquisition or partnership announcement from Accor, does it even count? There are high expectations from the Middle East and Africa division in the wake of recent deals, especially from owners that may be anxious about potential disruptions.

Generator Hostels Backer Is Spending $400 Million to Buy Micro-Hotel Operator Freehand: Hostels and micro-hotels have been sexy again for the last few years. Sydell Group and Ron Burkle are cashing in as Generator works to move away from its hostel roots and into the wider world of boutique hospitality.

Inside IHG’s Plan to Rejuvenate Regent: For years Intercontinental Hotels Group lacked the brands to truly compete at the luxury end of the hotels market, but by buying Regent and Six Senses, it has totally transformed its high-end offering.

Hotel Startup Life House’s Hedge: Selling Its Own Tech as Well as Rooms. The lifestyle hotel space has gotten very crowded, especially over the last 18 months. But it appears Life House has a viable fallback plan in place in case expansion plans don’t work out.

Is a Peloton Hotel Next? Whether it’s travel companies looking to partner with fitness brands, private equity firms buying up exercise businesses, or new investors looking to pour money into fitness-tech startups, the outlook is rosy for the exercise industry.

Visitor Centers Are Bringing Leisure Experiences Directly to Biz Travelers: Many business travelers simply don’t have time to explore destinations on their own, no matter how much of a priority they say it is. This is where convention centers can play a key role, bringing the destination to time-strapped attendees.

Destinations Find Ways to Make Bleisure a Reality: The concept of bleisure has gained increasing popularity over the past few years, but time remains an issue for travelers. Attendees want to do more than pass through a destination, and event hosts can go a long way in making that happen.

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Tags: Travel Trends, trends roundups

Photo credit: Oyo Townhouse is one of two brands that will lead new growth in the U.S for the India-based startup. Oyo Hotels & Homes

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