Mower Study Reveals Emotional Forces Reshaping Travel & Why Boutique Hotels Are Well Positioned

New research explores how guilt, wellness and financial tradeoffs influence travel decisions and what it means for hoteliers NEW YORK — New national research from Mower shows that emotions—not just economics—are increasingly shaping Americans’ travel decisions, creating new opportunities for boutique and luxury lifestyle hotels. Titled The Cost of Escape: How Emotions and Economics Shape […]

Clarity as a Competitive Advantage in Hospitality Leadership

Hospitality is, at its core, a people business. Service defines the guest experience, and people deliver that service at every touchpoint—placing employees squarely at the center of competitive advantage. In this industry, disengagement is never hidden. It shows up in every interaction. And service quality depends on whether employees understand not only what they are […]

BLLA’s Investment Conference Brings Blank Rome LLP Into the Room

A Partner-Level sponsorship that reflects the undeniable momentum of boutique hospitality as an investment category — June 3, 2026, Convene 237 Park, New York City Register Now NEW YORK, NY, April 6, 2026 — The Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) today announced Blank Rome LLP will serve as a Partner-Level sponsor of its 2026 […]

Lark Appoints Three New Senior Leaders

Portsmouth, New Hampshire — Lark, the premium development and management company encompassing multiple boutique hospitality brands, announces today the onboarding of three senior leaders: Michael Albert (Senior Director of Technology), Chamesha Beniefield (Director of Marketing), and Jesse Souza (Director of Restaurants and Bars). This news follows the recent appointment of Lynsey Kreitzer as Lark’s Executive […]

After 14 Years, BLLA’s Investment Conference Lands at Convene Hospitality Group

A landmark partnership with Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) brings the industry’s defining independent hospitality conference to 237 Park in Midtown Manhattan on June 3, 2026, marking a new chapter for an event that has shaped the boutique sector since 2013 Register Now NEW YORK, NY, March 17, 2026  — The Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association […]

Forbes Travel Guide Reveals 2026 Star Awards 

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Earns First Five-Star Cruise Ship; Celebrity Snags First Five-Star Restaurant at Sea Atlanta, February 2026 — Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”)—the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises—today unveiled its 2026 Star Awards. See the full list of honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.  The 68th annual list hits a […]

hotelkit Transforms How Hotel Teams Access Operational Know-How

Salzburg – February 2026 – hotelkit, the collaboration and knowledge platform used by hotel teams worldwide, today announced the launch of hotelkit Knowledge AI, a new 24/7 internal AI assistant designed to make hotel knowledge accessible exactly when it is needed in daily operations. With Knowledge AI, hotelkit builds on its original idea of combining […]

RBS Acquires Retvens to Accelerate AI-Driven Revenue Management Across Hospitality

ST. LOUIS, MO — RB Software, Inc. (“RBS”) today announced the completion of its acquisition of Retvens (www.retvensservices.com), a company specializing in AI-driven revenue management and commercial strategy. The acquisition strengthens RBS’s AI roadmap by combining its software platforms with Retvens’ applied revenue management expertise and its innovative platform, KnowMyHotel (www.knowmyhotel.com). Together, the organizations will […]

Kama Carter on Presence, Stewardship, and Purpose-Driven Growth

From early service roles to leading a destination with community at its heart, Kama Carter, CEO of Southall Farm & Inn, has built a career grounded in care, discipline, and intention. Her path through hospitality has been shaped not by trends, but by a deep belief in the power of service. “I fell in love […]