Cameron Sperance

Profitability is basically a foregone conclusion at this point for IHG, given its significant presence in the drive-to and leisure space. Investors now want to see how the company can beef up its growth trajectory coming out of the pandemic.

Accor has plenty of opportunities to transform itself into more of a lifestyle brand, but every one of its competitors is playing this strategy to some degree. Finding a way to stand out is easier said than done.

The U.S. hotel industry’s recovery is volatile heading into fall, especially in major cities. A vaccine mandate like at Ian Schrager’s Public Hotel is an added security blanket — but a bigger hotel company might face legal challenges trying to implement something like this in more anti-vax parts of the country.

U.S. hotels continue to post strong job numbers thanks to summer leisure travel demand, but the industry can't afford to ride on blind optimism. The Delta variant throwing a wrench in the expected return of business travel will show up in jobs reports later this year.

Profitability is one thing, but out-performing 2019 is the genuine sign of a rebound. Choice Hotels is lucky to not have to worry as much about corporate travel and conventions as some of its competitors.

Don't call it leaving Las Vegas so much as MGM Resorts taking advantage of inflated real estate prices to get into your pocket, by way of the increasingly lucrative online gaming business.

Seizing smart, strategic opportunities coming out of the pandemic is top of mind at Hyatt, of course. But the Chicago-based company shouldn’t expect any bargains in its potential European brand hunt. The competition is too fierce.

Hotels are not out of the woods yet. Marriott notched the best financial showing of hotel earnings season so far, but the Delta variant threatens the recovery everywhere — even in China, the company’s best-performing major market last quarter.

If Accor can go from billion-dollar losses to profitability in a matter of months, Marriott shareholders should expect plenty of financial gains and optimism on Tuesday's earnings call.

Leisure may lead the way for now, but Hilton is banking on business travel reviving in a matter of months. Without more people getting vaccinated, variants of the virus can quickly turn informed predictions into blind optimism.