Sean O'Neill

Sean O’Neill is Skift’s Senior Hospitality Editor. Sean’s forte is reporting, and he’s broken multiple hotel industry scoops. He has also conducted 1:1 interviews on stage with the CEOs of Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Wyndham.

Hotels

Marriott CEO Frames Yacht-Like Cruises as a Bet on Luxury and Loyalty

Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano on Tuesday toured the Evirma, the first sailing vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Capuano said in an interview that yacht-style cruises on the 623-foot…

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago

Hotels

IHG Expects Hotel Rates to Stay Strong Thanks to Digital Investments

IHG's hotel rates are higher than in 2019 even though occupancy hasn't recovered. We hear a lot about pent-up demand as a factor, but technology matters more in the long run. Plus, IHG's claim to market-share leadership in China bodes well.

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago

Hotels

The Trends Boutique Hotels Need to Watch in 2023

Few people have given more thought to boutique hotels than Frances and Ariela Kiradjian. Today they believe boutique hotels need smarter local partnerships, more design that's functional as well as stylish for our post-Instagram era, and more wellness offerings than just yoga.

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago

Hotels

Look for European Hotel Dealmaking to Pick Up Later in 2023

Deloitte's top hotel consultant, Andreas Scriven, has a finger on the pulse of European dealmaking. He forecasts more assets changing hands in the year's back half.

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago

Hotels

China to Power Global Hotel Development in 2023

China is set to be the biggest engine driving hotel development in 2023. Macau now has more five-star hotels than London. And more hotel news from worldwide.

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi lobby source hyatt

Hotels

Hyatt Hotels Expects Room Rate Rebound to Roll On Through 2023

Hyatt's forecast for 2023 in one phrase? World boom ahead.

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago

TRYP by Wyndham Remarkables Queenstown Exterior source wyndham worldwide

Hotels

Wyndham’s Recovery in Hotel Room Rates May Plateau This Year

Middle-income U.S. consumers have yet to let price hikes or declining savings get in the way of booking travel. Wyndham benefited in the fourth quarter. Yet the world's largest hotel franchisor expects rate gains to plateau in 2023.

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago

William Desena LINE LA hotel independent hotel source the line la

Experiences

Independent Hoteliers Seek Every Edge Against the Big Brands

Many consumers are eating up experience-led storylines in travel. That gives an opening to independent hoteliers to compete with the global hotel groups on everything from hiring to word-of-mouth marketing.

Samantha Shankman | 3 years ago

Hotels

Choice Hotels’ Record 2022 Hinged On Moving Upmarket

Choice Hotels sees itself moving upmarket thanks to the addition of Radisson's Country Inn & Suites and other brands. That could help sustain revenue and profits while fending off rivals like Hilton's new Spark brand.

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago

Hotels

Marriott’s Record Quarter Boosted by Rebound in Luxury and Group Bookings

As the Chinese travel again, luxury and group bookings should rebound further worldwide. That dynamic could set up Marriott for continued performance gains, given how many luxury and business hotels it has.

Sean O'Neill | 3 years ago