February’s Top Hotel & Resort Headlines
As winter turns to spring, the hotel and resort sector saw a flurry of major news in February 2025. Here’s a roundup of the biggest stories that captured industry attention this month:
Hyatt to Acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts made headlines with its offer to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts on February 25. The deal, valued at $13.50 per share, would bring over 20 Caribbean all-inclusive resorts under Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection and integrate them into the World of Hyatt loyalty program. Industry insiders expect the acquisition to bolster Hyatt’s presence in the all-inclusive segment and drive further global expansion.
Legislation and Operational Challenges
February also saw key developments in regulatory and operational challenges. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the Hotel Fees Transparency Act—a bill that would standardize the disclosure of all hotel fees. This move has garnered support from organizations like AHLA and brings the bill one step closer to becoming law.
At the same time, the industry continues to grapple with staffing shortages, with new AHLA data revealing that 65 percent of hotels are still facing workforce deficits. Despite efforts to raise wages and enhance benefits, overall hotel employment remains 10 percent below 2019 levels.
In addition, a recent survey highlighted that only 18 percent of Americans fully trust short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, citing ongoing concerns over data privacy and host vetting processes.
IHG’s Sustainability Setback
IHG Hotels & Resorts has come under scrutiny as its sustainability plan faces significant hurdles. Despite a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46 percent by 2030, IHG’s emissions have risen 7.2 percent since 2019. The company attributes its underperformance to slow energy grid transitions, insufficient commercial support for energy efficiency, and rapid brand growth, which has expanded its operational footprint.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Launches Advisor Portal
Innovation in technology was on display when Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel collection, debuted its first travel advisor portal. The new platform allows advisors to book and track reservations, search for hotels, and check commission details—all designed to streamline the booking process and enhance partner engagement.
New Hotel and Resort Openings
The month also brought exciting news on new property launches and expansions.
- Hilton announced the opening of several luxury properties this year, including the Conrad Athens, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, and LXR Hotels & Resorts — Casablanca, along with plans to add 350 lifestyle properties by 2028.
- Preferred Hotels & Resorts expanded its portfolio with ten new additions, such as the Aurika Udaipur – Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels.
- Hyatt Centric is set to open over 35 new hotels by 2028, with notable openings like Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare scheduled for this year.
- Marriott is boosting its luxury all-inclusive portfolio with new resorts in Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya, and Punta Cana.
- Finally, the luxury Bvlgari Resort & Mansions Cave Cay, a private island destination in the Exumas, is anticipated to open in 2029.
These stories highlight a dynamic period of transformation in the hospitality industry—characterized by strategic acquisitions, legislative progress, sustainability challenges, technological innovation, and ambitious expansion plans. Stay tuned for more updates as the sector continues to evolve in 2025 and beyond.
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