Future of Lodging

As the lines continue to blur between hotels and short-term rentals, Skift is focused on the technology and the consumer behaviors that are driving this. Follow our coverage across the wide world of lodging, from traditional hotels and motels to urban short-term rentals and traditional vacation rentals.

Online Travel

Expedia's Vrbo Plays Its Hand in the Shadow of Airbnb

How would Expedia and its Vrbo unit compete in short-term rentals against a juggernaut like Airbnb? Set realistic expectations and play to your strengths.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge - Saratoga Springs, New York. Source: Lark Hospitality.

Hotels

Designers Herald a Motel Makeover for Next-Gen Travelers

Updates to fixtures, furnishings, and food can reinvigorate motels for the next generation. But you need to use a consumer lens, not just a developer's budget, to make the right design choices.

Sean O'Neill | 2 years ago

Located in Spain’s stunning Balearic Islands in Menorca, Villa Le Blanc by Gran Meliá opened in July 2022

Hotels

Spain's Melia Looks for Partners to Grow Premium Resort Portfolio

We bet that Hyatt or one of its rivals will partner with Meliá by 2025, adding a bigger loyalty program and scale efficiencies. But the Spanish leader in resort locations worldwide should reject any offer that would dilute its strategy. Call it turn-down service.

Sean O'Neill | 2 years ago

Hotels

A Few Top Takeaways From Hotel Earnings Season

Hotel companies have been booking it in the post-pandemic rebound. The latest earnings season suggests that the good times should continue to roll through much of the year, barring a surprise.

Sean O'Neill | 2 years ago

Vacation rental apartment flat london source altido

Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals See Last-Minute Bookings Rise But at Lower Rates

Discounted deals on last-minute bookings are more than just a passing trend. It's fast becoming a market with many entrants. But it's unlikely to alarm bigger players like Airbnb and Vrbo unwilling to compromise on brand and experiences.

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 2 years ago

Hotels

Oyo Claimed to Have Outpaced U.S. Budget Hotel Recovery

Oyo, which advertises itself online as "India's Best Online Hotel Booking Site for Sanitized Stays," said it is performing well in the U.S. — after de-emphasizing its U.S. presence during…

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago

Business Travel

Dubai Accelerates Positioning as Remote Working Hub

The emirate’s digital nomad-friendly tourism blueprint, now endorsed by Airbnb, has a lot going for it. But rising accommodation costs could deter the more price-conscious traveler.

Matthew Parsons | 2 years ago

Le Splendid Hotel Lac d_Annecy accor handwritten collection source accor group

Hotels

Accor's Robust 2022 Invigorates Bet on Local Hybrid Hospitality

Accor executives believe their competitive advantage is becoming more apparent as U.S.-based hotel groups go abroad to expand. They claim to have a more global organizational footprint and a better sense of what hotels need to profit in many non-U.S. markets.

Sean O'Neill | 2 years ago

Hotels

North American Hotels See Guest Satisfaction Drop

Travelers are only modestly more dissatisfied with hotel stays on average worldwide than before the pandemic, according to a review of 6 million user-generated reviews and 20 million online comments.…

Sean O'Neill | 2 years ago

Online Travel

Online Travel Storytelling Spin Cycle Is Running at Full Speed

What happened to the good old days of rich travel companies getting richer through digital marketing? Ha. Airbnb said brand marketing and public relations (both forms of storytelling) let it reduce its reliance on performance marketing.

Dennis Schaal | 2 years ago