What if a hotel operated less like a hotel, and more like software?
Sojern’s 2026 State of Destination Marketing Report: Measuring Economic Impact Ranks as DMOs’ Top Priority Amid AI Disruption
SAN FRANCISCO – 17 February 2026 – Sojern, the leading digital marketing platform built for hospitality and recently acquired by RateGain, today announced the launch of its “State of Destination Marketing 2026” report, examining how destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are navigating economic pressure, rising performance expectations, and accelerating AI-driven change across the travel industry.
Success story: The Priory Hotel
Situated in the historic town of Caerleon, The Priory Hotel & Restaurant offers visitors a quaint and unique stay with 27 bedrooms and a 100-cover restaurant. Known for its warm hospitality and charming character, the hotel caters to leisure and business guests who are looking for an unforgettable experience.
Sencie Launches Collaboration with The Bower Coronado to Layer Sleep Wellbeing into Luxury Guest Rooms
Irvine, California – February 17, 2026 — Sencie, a restorative design and sleep health company, has launched today to bring a new, integrated approach to in-room sleep and wellbeing for luxury hospitality. Through its signature “WellSense” design framework, Sencie layers carefully choreographed sensory experiences directly into the guest room—blending scent, sight, sound, touch, and materiality to create immersive experiences that leave guests feeling rested and restored without adding friction to their stay.
Quinta’s Daniel Doppler on Why Hospitality AI Now Starts With Data, Not Chatbots
There is a lot of noise around hospitality AI right now. Every week brings a new interface, a new demo, a new promise that the “experience” will be revolutionised. But when you listen closely to Daniel Doppler, the founder behind Quinta (formerly Quicktext), the story becomes far less theatrical and far more useful.
IHG unveils new premium collection brand, Noted Collection™
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) today announces the launch of its new premium collection brand, Noted Collection, with initial discussions already underway with multiple owners, including several with portfolios of hotels, for potential addition into IHG’s system.
LodgIQ Partners with Quintessential Portuguese Boutique Retreat Quinta da Amendoeira to Bring Explainable AI and Operational Insight
LodgIQ, the AI-driven revenue management and commercial strategy platform for the hospitality industry, today announced a new partnership with Quinta da Amendoeira, a boutique farmhouse-style hospitality property near the historic city of Évora in Portugal’s Alentejo region. This collaboration will leverage LodgIQ’s AI-driven revenue intelligence, which not only delivers pricing and demand recommendations but also explains the underlying rationale behind each insight, supporting more confident and transparent decision-making.
Luxury Hospitality Moves Beyond Opulence
Luxury hotels have always been associated with the grandeur of glittering chandeliers, lavish rooms, opulent lobbies and overly attentive service. Yet, today’s most affluent travelers are seeking something far subtler and understated, commonly referred to as quiet luxury hospitality. In the hotel industry, quiet luxury has come to mean seamless service, simple yet high-quality materials and cuisine crafted from local ingredients in discrete locations. While quiet luxury has become a trending topic, its meaning and application in hospitality are still evolving and call for a deeper understanding.
HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin – Week Ending 13 February 2026
French owner-operator Dunamis Hospitality, together with French investment firm Eternam, has acquired a portfolio of nine budget hotels (630 rooms) in the north west of France. The transaction was structured as a club deal through a French Professional Private Equity Fund (FPCI). The properties are primarily operated under the Ibis Budget and Ibis Styles brands and are located in the Normandy and Hauts-de-France regions (Deauville, Cabourg, Le Havre, Rouen, Fécamp, Abbeville, Berck-sur-Mer, Le Tréport). Dunamis and Eternam plan to renovate the hotels to enhance both the customer experience and energy performance.
Why Labour Cost Pressures Are Outsmarting Hotel Planning – And What Smart Operators Are Doing Differently
Labour costs are rising faster than revenue in many markets, and hotel operators are being squeezed. From statutory wage increases and national insurance obligations to evolving overtime rules and inflationary pressures, the cost of maintaining staff is becoming a structural business challenge.

