Hotel News

Qatar Airlines is making a splash with its expansion, and so are the country's hotel acquisitions around the world, especially in Europe.

Prices in the U.S. are up this year, but in return properties are offering more suites at all price points and have made investments in comfortable beds they want to brag about.

Rooftop spots have become big draws both for hotel guests and locals looking for a good time. But hotels need to strike a balance: hot spots can quickly turn off hotel guests who expect to be treated better than a nightclub visitor.

This Hilton "research" is their own PR, but the larger point stands: the presence of a quality spa offering with reliable availability can create a halo effect for the entire property.

The Times story highlights the tension between old tenant and new, but illegal rentals on sites like Airbnb cross all demographic divides.

Buffets are about choice as well as about eating as much as a person can in hope that something will eventually taste good. Hotels that love their guest go a la carte.

Florida and California demonstrate that being (geographically) tall and thin does equal luxury and collectively take up seven of the top ten slots.

After getting slapped on the wrist by UK regulatory authorities regarding the trustworthiness of its reviews, and being subjected to adverse press reports, TripAdvisor is anxious to portray its tourism status as a solid citizen. Of course 25% of TripAdvisor users stay longer at hotels than other travelers -- it takes time to pack and write all those reviews before heading out to the next destination.

Travelzoo -- like almost everyone else -- is facing competitive pressures in the deals arena so it is looking for new revenue streams from hotels, and is seeking to manufacture some momentum through increased marketing spend.

Plenty of heated emotions on all sides, with delays on implementation of the new rules the main issue. Can a larger boycott of hotels be pulled off? Social media these days amplifies lot further, so wait and see.