Natalie Harms

4 weeks ago | costar.com | Natalie Harms

ATLANTA — Essex Hotel Management is on a mission to double its portfolio, fueled by a marketing refresh, newer technologies and a bet on its boutique, hands-on approach. The company is currently trying to hit the sweet spot for business, where Essex can still maintain its hands-on approach while seeing notable growth, Barbara Purvis, president at Essex Hotel Management, told Hotel News Now at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference.

1 month ago | costar.com | Natalie Harms

Texas will soon be home to its first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts  location thanks to a collaborative partnership. The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country is expected to open in 2027 in Fredericksburg with 60 rooms and suites, 87 residences, five dining concepts, an 11,000-square-foot spa and fitness center and two resort-style pools. The hotel will have approximately 6,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including a 4,000-square-foot event barn.

1 month ago | costar.com | Natalie Harms

ATLANTA — With artificial intelligence technology only growing in popularity and proficiency, hoteliers say the industry must come to terms with how best to use it and — more importantly — who should take the lead to implement it within the business. AI was a huge topic of discussion at the recent Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, and experts are looking at the technology from two different angles: how hotels can use AI to optimize business and how consumers are using it to plan travel.

1 month ago | costar.com | Natalie Harms

ATLANTA — On the second day of the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, experts presented contrasting thoughts on where the United States economy is, how external factors are affecting the hospitality industry and the disconnect between brands and owners, especially with the potential effects of tariffs, labor shortages and more. Something everyone seemed to agree on, though, is that the uncertainty and inevitable effects of the current administration’s actions feel familiar.

1 month ago | costar.com | Natalie Harms

Big changes are brewing in Austin, Texas, in ways that will challenge hoteliers in the region over the next few years. However, hotels also will have new opportunities to grab business — especially when it comes to one of the city's hallmark annual festivals. SXSW — a two-week interactive music and film festival — attracts participation from hundreds of thousands of people every year across its in-person and online attendees.