Sean O'Neill Archives

Sean O’Neill is Skift's Senior Hospitality Editor. Sean's forte is reporting, and he's broken multiple industry scoops. Sean has also received praise as an event moderator, having interviewed the CEOs of major hotel groups such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG on stage. He writes analysis pieces that pinpoint industry trends, and he profiles rising industry leaders. In his personal life, someone should stop him before he starts another home improvement project.

view of a fireplace in a cozy hotel room in Scandinavia

Hotels

Strawberry Bets Big on Two New Hotel Brands in Nordic Market Shake-Up

Strawberry's two new brands are a mirror of modern Nordic society: sustainability-minded, design-conscious, and determined to address a loneliness crisis by encouraging guests to socialize.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

Two Canadian passports pictured at the airport.

Tourism

Trump's Potential Trade War With Canada: What's at Stake for Tourism

When you pick a trade fight with your neighbor, they might be less inclined to visit.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

Hotels

Hotel CEOs Navigate Trump's DEI Crackdown

The Trump Administration says many DEI initiatives are illegal, and hotel groups are among the many companies evaluating their efforts. Both the Oval Office and C-suites are leaving the details on changes for a later time.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

inside a cozy member's club in Portland run by Soho House

Hotels

Billionaire Face-Off: Loeb Battles Burkle Over Soho House Deal

This isn't just about money – it's a power struggle over a troubled member's club brand.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

Cruises

Royal Caribbean to Add River Cruises Under Celebrity Brand in 2027

Bookings are already off to a record start in 2025 for Royal Caribbean, and the company is now set to expand its offerings further by breaking into river cruises, the CEO told Skift.

Jade Wilson and Sean O'Neill | 2 months ago

exterior view of business hotel, the ac hotel minneapolis, at night

Hotels

Hotel Deals to Soar — Exclusive Look at JLL Forecast

Hotel broker JLL sees global hotel transactions jumping at least 15% this year. It expects more M&A, too, as brands seek other ways to grow besides constructing new properties.

Sean O'Neill | 2 months ago

a view of the lobby of the 1Hotel Tokyo, a luxury hotel that is environmentally minded

Hotels

Barry Sternlicht Brings Back Starwood Brand – Full Timeline

Barry Sternlicht's first attempt at building a hotel empire worked out pretty well: He started Starwood in 1991 with $20 million, and eventually sold a 1,300-property empire to Marriott for about $13 billion. Will the sequel be as good?

Sean O'Neill | 2 months ago