Midscale Hotel Brands Get Smarter and 4 Other Hospitality Trends This Week

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 hospitality.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Travelers won't be happy about Marriott's new cancellation policy but investors and operators will: Marriott Joins Competitors in Extending Cancellation Deadline From 24 to 48 Hours

>>The hotel company that started the boutique hotels movement in the U.S. wants to set a precedent for scaling up — without losing its soul in the process: Interview: Kimpton CEO Sees IHG Helping to Propel Its International Expansion

>>What's in a name? Well, for IHG, that's the next big and pretty crucial step in rolling out its 13th hotel brand. Another big step needed? Making sure it'll stand out from all the other value-driven midscale brands out there: IHG Announces New Midscale Hotel Brand — Without a Name

>>It’s a relatively small deal from one of Europe’s smallest hotel companies but Scandic’s acquisition of Restel will certainly help shore up its position in the Nordics market: Scandic Hotels Bolsters Nordics Strategy With $127 Million Finnish Acquisition

>>If you're a hotel company planning to launch and/or reinvest in a midscale brand, please make it interesting: Midscale Hotel Brands Are Getting Smarter About Not Being Boring