The Hospitality Newsletter
Today Wednesday, September 9, 2026

The Hospitality Newsletter

· 🇺🇸 North America

Florida Hospitality News

Florida hospitality news covering Miami hotels, Orlando theme park resorts, Tampa tourism, and Sunshine State developments.

45
Transactions we have recorded
2025–2026
8,607
Rooms across deals with a stated count
29 of 45 disclose it
27
Distinct hotel brands involved
11
Openings and conversions

The data

Source: TSA ↗

2,706,184▼ 0.1% vs prior week

average daily US air travellers (7-day) · 7/28/2026

US-wide screening volume — a demand proxy, not a local figure.

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Florida — Market Analysis

51 stories

Florida attracts massive institutional resort capital and expansion projects despite uneven weekly RevPAR trends across major markets.

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Resort Liquidity ·Ryman Hospitality Properties acquired the 1,592-room Grande Lakes Orlando Resort from Trinity Investments for $1.38 billion.

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RevPAR Divergence ·Tampa led top 25 U.S. markets in August revenue growth, while Miami posted year-over-year RevPAR declines.

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Debt Execution ·IPA Capital Markets secured $75.1 million to recapitalize the ongoing redevelopment of The Monroe Hotel in Miami Beach.

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Management Expansion ·HHM Hotels added 11 Wurzak Hotel Group properties across Florida and Philadelphia to its operating system.

Outlook

Kabani Hotel Group's Annual Investment Forum convenes October 29 in Miami to address institutional financing shifts.

Florida Stories

51 stories
Host Spends $105M on Hurricane Repairs at The Don CeSar
financeSkift··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, Ops, GM

Host Spends $105M on Hurricane Repairs at The Don CeSar

Host Hotels & Resorts spent an estimated $105 million to remediate and repair damage at Florida's The Don CeSar following hurricanes Helene and Milton. The disclosure highlights the mounting impact of severe weather events on hotel capital expenditures and resilience investments.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Host allocated $75 million, or 11.6% of its 2025 total capex, toward hurricane and restoration work
  2. 2The Don CeSar faced prolonged closures through March 2025, offset by $73 million in insurance payouts
  3. 3Host directed approximately 8% of overall capex toward climate resilience initiatives over a six-year span
Rockpoint and Newbond Buy Oceanfront Hotel Maren
financeasianhospitality.com··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM

Rockpoint and Newbond Buy Oceanfront Hotel Maren

Rockpoint and Newbond Holdings have acquired the 141-key Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale, Curio Collection by Hilton. The joint venture plans to upgrade the 2021-built oceanfront property's public spaces and food and beverage offerings.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Acquired 141-room Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale, Curio Collection by Hilton for an undisclosed sum
  2. 2Built in 2021, the 12-story oceanfront property features views from every room, a pool deck, and retail space
  3. 3New owners plan targeted enhancements to the hotel's food and beverage programs and public areas
Blueleaf and 3VP Acquire Florida Aloft Hotel
financeasianhospitality.com··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM

Blueleaf and 3VP Acquire Florida Aloft Hotel

Blueleaf and 3VP have acquired the 2018-built Aloft hotel near the University of Florida campus with plans to renovate guest rooms and public spaces. Island Hospitality Management will operate the property, while Ashburton Hospitality manages the asset.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Acquired 2018-built Aloft near University of Florida, brokered by Hunter Hotel Advisors.
  2. 2New owners plan upgrades to guest rooms and public areas to drive market share.
  3. 3Island Hospitality Management tapped to operate; Ashburton Hospitality to handle asset management.
Seattle Leads Top Labor Day Destinations as Travel Costs Rise
marketingasianhospitality.com··1 min·For: GM, Revenue, Owner, Marketing

Seattle Leads Top Labor Day Destinations as Travel Costs Rise

AAA ranks Seattle, Orlando, and Boston as the top domestic travel spots for Labor Day weekend, driven by cruise demand and national park tourism. Travel costs remain elevated, with domestic airfares and gas prices trending higher year-over-year.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver, and New York lead AAA's top five Labor Day weekend domestic destinations.
  2. 2Domestic airfares to top destinations average nearly $800, up 20% compared to last year.
  3. 3High demand for Alaska cruises and national park road trips is driving regional hotel and car rental bookings.
Braemar Sells Key West Resort for $190M
financeHotel Dive··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM

Braemar Sells Key West Resort for $190M

Braemar Hotels & Resorts has completed the $190 million sale of the 142-key Pier House Resort & Spa in Key West to Sixth Street and Riller Capital. The transaction supports Braemar's portfolio deleveraging strategy as it transitions toward becoming a self-managed REIT.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Braemar sold the 142-room luxury oceanfront Pier House Resort & Spa for $190M ($1.34M per key).
  2. 2Sixth Street acquired the property alongside Riller Capital, marking its second major resort buy from Braemar this year.
  3. 3The sale advances Braemar's plan to deleverage and narrow its holdings to 6–8 core luxury assets.
Sixth Street Buys Pier House Resort for $190M
financeLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Investor, Owner, GM

Sixth Street Buys Pier House Resort for $190M

Sixth Street, in partnership with Riller Capital, has acquired the 142-room oceanfront Pier House Resort & Spa in Key West from Braemar Hotels & Resorts for $190 million.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Sixth Street and Riller Capital acquired the 142-room luxury resort for $190 million.
  2. 2The five-acre Key West property features private beach frontage, two dining venues, a spa, and 3,000 square feet of meeting space.
  3. 3Starwood Property Trust provided transaction financing, with CBRE and The Plasencia Group acting as advisors.
Trinity Sells Grande Lakes Orlando for Record $1.38B
financeHotel Business··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM

Trinity Sells Grande Lakes Orlando for Record $1.38B

Trinity Investments has agreed to sell the 1,592-key Grande Lakes Orlando Resort to Ryman Hospitality Properties for $1.38 billion. The deal marks the largest non-gaming U.S. resort transaction on record.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Trinity originally acquired the 409-acre luxury property in 2018 for $870 million.
  2. 2The resort includes a Ritz-Carlton, a JW Marriott, 320,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and a golf course.
  3. 3This marks Trinity's third major resort disposition in the past 15 months.
Rosen Hotels Begins $150M Renovation of Two Orlando Properties
operationsLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Investor

Rosen Hotels Begins $150M Renovation of Two Orlando Properties

Rosen Hotels & Resorts has launched a historic $150 million renovation across two of its major Orlando properties, Rosen Plaza and Rosen Shingle Creek. The project will redesign 2,300 guestrooms and over 524,000 square feet of event space with completion targeted for 2026 and 2027.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Rosen Hotels is investing $150M+ in the largest renovation project in its 52-year history.
  2. 2The project covers 2,300 guestrooms, suites, corridors, and 524,000 sq ft of event space across two properties.
  3. 3Renovations at Rosen Plaza finish in fall 2026, followed by flagship property Rosen Shingle Creek in 2027.
U.S. Hotel Performance for June 2026
financehotel-online.com··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Revenue, Investor

World Cup Boosts U.S. Hotel RevPAR Up 8.4% in June 2026

U.S. hotels recorded significant year-over-year gains in June 2026, driven by World Cup demand that pushed RevPAR up 8.4% to $120.97 and ADR up 6.7% to $173.76. Key host markets like San Francisco and Miami experienced massive double-digit RevPAR and ADR surges.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1U.S. RevPAR grew 8.4% to $120.97, while occupancy rose to 69.6% and ADR reached $173.76.
  2. 2San Francisco/San Mateo led top markets with a 31.2% RevPAR surge and 80.5% occupancy.
  3. 3Miami recorded the highest ADR gain, climbing 23.2% to $218.37.
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Weston exterior building view
financeLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM, Revenue

Driftwood Capital Launches DST With Marriott Acquisition

Driftwood Capital has officially launched its Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) platform with the acquisition of the 174-key Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Weston. The move allows the firm to cater to 1031 exchange investors seeking passive institutional-quality hotel assets.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Leverage the new DST platform to access tax-deferred 1031 exchange capital for hotel investments.
  2. 2Capitalize on Florida's high-growth markets by targeting well-located suburban assets like the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Weston.
  3. 3Utilize Driftwood Capital's vertically integrated model for streamlined acquisitions, development, and ongoing hotel management.
A low-angle shot of palm trees against the W South Beach hotel exterior.
operationsHotel Dive··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Investor, Ops, Revenue

W South Beach to Cut Ties With Marriott and Lay Off 337

The W South Beach in Miami is set to terminate its affiliation with Marriott, resulting in the layoff of 337 employees as the hotel closes for a significant renovation and rebranding.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Anticipate the permanent layoff of 337 employees starting August 25, 2026, as the property ends its Marriott contract.
  2. 2Prepare for a major renovation and brand transition as the property shifts away from the W Hotels portfolio.
  3. 3Monitor property rebranding trends in Miami as owners Reuben Brothers opt for independent or alternative luxury affiliations.
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generalHotels Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Revenue, Investor, Ops

Drury Hotels Breaks Ground on Daytona Beach Plaza Property

Drury Hotels has officially broken ground on the Drury Plaza Hotel Daytona Speedway, a 180-room property featuring 2,000 square feet of meeting space. This project marks the brand's fourth major Florida announcement or opening in 2026.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Expand Florida footprint by leveraging proximity to high-traffic hubs like Daytona International Speedway and I-95.
  2. 2Utilize the 'Meetings with More' program to attract groups with no F&B minimums and flexible cancellation policies.
  3. 3Capitalize on the upper-midscale segment by offering inclusive amenities such as free hot breakfast and dinnertime snacks.
Aerial view of South Seas resort on Captiva Island
operationsLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Investor, Revenue

Pyramid Global to Manage South Seas Resort in Florida

Pyramid Global Hospitality has officially taken over management responsibilities for South Seas, a renowned 330-acre resort located on Captiva Island, Florida.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Leverage Pyramid Global Hospitality's management expertise to oversee operations at the 330-acre South Seas resort on Captiva Island.
  2. 2Integrate the historic Florida Gulf Coast property into Pyramid’s extensive portfolio of luxury and lifestyle resorts.
  3. 3Focus on maintaining the resort's legacy while enhancing guest experiences through professional management services.
The Visit Orlando app interface on a mobile device
technologySkift··1 min·For: Marketing, IT, GM, Owner

Inside Orlando's IBM Watson-Powered Travel App

Visit Orlando has launched a new travel application powered by IBM Watson to deliver highly personalized travel recommendations through machine learning.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Leverage machine learning to provide contextual and customized destination recommendations based on user behavior.
  2. 2Utilize AI interfaces like IBM Watson to process natural language queries for improved travel discovery.
  3. 3Anticipate initial technical challenges as AI systems require user interaction to refine accuracy over time.
Pool view of Club Captiva at South Seas resort with palm trees and lounge chairs.
operationsHotels Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Investor

Pyramid Global Hospitality to Manage South Seas Resort

Pyramid Global Hospitality has been selected to manage the South Seas resort on Captiva, Florida, overseeing its extensive operational scope and redevelopment efforts.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Monitor the transition as Pyramid Global Hospitality takes over operations of the 330-acre South Seas resort on Captiva Island.
  2. 2Leverage Pyramid's regional expertise to manage a complex portfolio including 9 F&B outlets, two marinas, and a condo-hotel rental program.
  3. 3Focus ownership efforts on long-term redevelopment goals to position the property as the top family resort in the U.S.
The exterior or beachfront of the Delano Miami Beach hotel
generalHotel Dive··1 min·For: Owner, GM, IT, Investor, Marketing

Delano Miami Beach Reopens; AI Alliance Forms Board

The hospitality industry sees major shifts with the reopening of the iconic Delano Miami Beach and the establishment of a strategic advisory board for the AI Hospitality Alliance.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Monitor the reopening of the iconic Delano Miami Beach, signalizing a resurgence in Florida's luxury oceanfront market.
  2. 2Prepare for AI disruption as the AI Hospitality Alliance establishes a new advisory board to guide industry-wide technology standards.
  3. 3Track expansion in the glamping and boutique sectors with Under Canvas growing in the Northeast and historic re-openings in Austin.
The Oliver Hotel Knoxville flagship property exterior
generalHospitalityNet··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Investor, Ops

Oliver Hospitality Plans to Double Portfolio by 2027

Oliver Hospitality is expanding its footprint by entering the Florida market with the acquisition of The Sarasota Modern as part of a mission to double its portfolio by 2027.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Target a portfolio doubling by 2027 through strategic entries into high-growth markets like Florida.
  2. 2Focus on the adaptive reuse of historic landmarks to create design-forward lifestyle hotels and community-driven destinations.
  3. 3Leverage diverse assets ranging from urban boutique properties to outdoor retreats to balance the investment portfolio.
Exterior of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville Airport
financeLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM, Revenue

Lodgco Hospitality Acquires Fairfield Inn Jacksonville

Lodgco Hospitality has announced the acquisition of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville Airport, marking a strategic expansion of its management and ownership portfolio in the Florida market.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Monitor Lodgco Hospitality's expansion strategies as they diversify their regional portfolio into the Florida market.
  2. 2Analyze the strategic value of airport-adjacent select-service properties for high-occupancy stability.
  3. 3Leverage Marriott's Fairfield brand reputation to capture business and transit travelers in major transportation hubs.
Oceans Edge Resort & Marina in Key West, Florida
operationsLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Revenue, Investor, Marketing

Hilton Expands Florida Presence With Curio Collection Additi

Hilton is rebranding the Oceans Edge Resort & Marina in Key West as part of its Curio Collection. The 20-acre oceanfront property features 175 suites, six pools, and a private marina.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Monitor the conversion of the 20-acre Oceans Edge Resort & Marina into the Curio Collection by Hilton, strengthening Hilton's presence in the Florida Keys.
  2. 2Leverage the property's 175 suites and full-service marina to attract high-yield leisure and nautical travelers.
  3. 3Capitalize on Hilton’s global distribution system and Honors loyalty program to drive direct bookings at this premier Stock Island destination.
Parrot Key Hotel & Villas exterior view
financeLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM, Revenue

Northwood Hospitality Acquires Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

Northwood Hospitality has acquired Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, a premier waterfront resort in Key West, adding to its growing portfolio of high-end Florida properties.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Monitor key property acquisitions and management shifts within the Florida Keys luxury market.
  2. 2Evaluate the performance of waterfront villa layouts which continue to drive high-end leisure demand.
  3. 3Follow Northwood Hospitality's regional strategy as they integrate Parrot Key Hotel & Villas into their portfolio.
Miami Beach Convention Center aerial view during an event
operationsHospitalityNet··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Revenue, IT, Investor

Registration Opens for The Hospitality Show 2026 in Miami

The Hospitality Show, produced by Questex and AHLA, has opened registration for its November 2026 event in Miami Beach focused on operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Register early for the premier event focusing on hotel operations and performance optimization at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
  2. 2Access exclusive insights from global industry leaders like Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta on navigating industry change and labor pressures.
  3. 3Explore practical solutions for AI implementation, operational excellence, and maximizing profitability across the entire hotel ecosystem.
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operationsHotels Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Investor

Davidson Hospitality to Manage Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

Davidson Hospitality Group has added the Parrot Key Hotel & Villas in Key West to its Florida portfolio and will oversee an upcoming renovation of the 148-room resort.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Note the transition of management for the 148-room Parrot Key Hotel & Villas to Davidson Hospitality Group.
  2. 2Analyze the impact of the planned summer renovation covering dining outlets and public space upgrades.
  3. 3Leverage Davidson's regional expertise as they expand their Florida Keys footprint to six properties.
One-bedroom oceanfront suite at The James Nautilus Miami Beach
operationsHotels Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Investor, Marketing, F&B

Sonesta to Relaunch The James Brand with Miami Flagship

The Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach is undergoind a $40 million renovation to reopen in late 2026 as The James Nautilus Miami Beach, marking the debut of Sonesta's reimagined lifestyle brand.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Monitor Sonesta's $40 million renovation of the Nautilus property as it relaunches The James Hotels lifestyle brand.
  2. 2Leverage the partnership with LDV Hospitality to integrate high-end F&B concepts including a signature Mediterranean restaurant and omakase experience.
  3. 3Capitalize on the "Architect of Joy" design aesthetic to appeal to travelers seeking "intimate and elevated" Miami Beach experiences.
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financeHotels Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM, Revenue

Mast Capital Sells Solé Miami Resort in Sunny Isles Beach

Mast Capital has completed the sale of Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort, an oceanfront property in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, to an undisclosed buyer.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Leverage oceanfront assets in South Florida as limited development opportunities drive high investor demand.
  2. 2Monitor the ongoing trend of corporate relocations to Miami which is bolstering long-term hotel performance fundamentals.
  3. 3Note the successful exit by Mast Capital following key operational and physical upgrades made since their 2021 acquisition.
Palm Tree Residences Miami rendering
financeBoutique Hotel News··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, Marketing, GM

Palm Tree Crew Extends Brand Into Real Estate

Palm Tree Crew, the lifestyle brand co-founded by Kygo and Myles Shear, has announced its expansion into the real estate sector with a new branded residence project in Miami.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Identify how lifestyle brands like Palm Tree Crew are leveraging entertainment equity to enter the high-end residential and hospitality markets.
  2. 2Note the collaboration between PMG, Lion Development Group, and Palm Tree Crew to develop a luxury branded residential tower in Miami.
  3. 3Monitor the convergence of music, events, and real estate as a strategy to build long-term brand loyalty and diverse revenue streams.
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generalHotels Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Investor

Pendry Tampa Appoints Stephane Mercier as General Manager

Pendry Hotels & Resorts has appointed luxury veteran Stephane Mercier as the general manager for the upcoming Pendry Tampa development. Mercier will lead the pre-opening and operations for the property, which is slated to open in 2027 with 220 rooms and 200 residences.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Leverage excessive luxury pre-opening experience to oversee the brand's entry into the Tampa market.
  2. 2Integrate 220 guestrooms and 200 branded residences into a cohesive downtown Riverwalk development.
  3. 3Focus on high-end amenities including Spa Pendry, a rooftop lounge, and 11,000 square feet of event space.
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financeHospitalityNet··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Revenue, Investor

US Hotel RevPAR Increases 5.4% for Mid-May Week

The U.S. hotel industry saw year-over-year growth in occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR for the week ending May 16, 2026. Orlando and San Francisco emerged as top-performing markets, while Detroit and San Diego faced declines.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Monitor the 5.4% RevPAR growth trend driven by strong ADR gains across major US markets.
  2. 2Leverage high demand in Orlando which led performance with a 23.7% RevPAR increase.
  3. 3Analyze San Francisco's 10.3% ADR growth as a benchmark for urban market recovery.
Drury Plaza Hotel Tallahassee exterior view
financeLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Revenue, Ops, Investor

Drury Hotels Opens New Property in Tallahassee, Florida

Drury Hotels has officially opened the Drury Plaza Hotel Tallahassee, marking the brand's fifth location in Florida and offering 180 guestrooms and extensive meeting space.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Expands the brand's Florida footprint to five locations with a new 180-room hotel in Tallahassee.
  2. 2Leverages proximity to the Florida State Capitol and Florida State University to capture diverse demand segments.
  3. 3Includes Drury's signature amenities such as free hot breakfast, the 5:30 Kickback® program, and 2,800 square feet of meeting space.
Aerial rendering of Anantara Miami Resort & Residences
financeBoutique Hotel News··1 min·For: Owner, Investor, GM, Revenue

Anantara To Debut In The US With Miami Hotel And Residences

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has announced its entry into the United States market with the Anantara Miami Resort & Residences, slated for completion in 2030.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Monitor the expansion of luxury brand Anantara as it enters the US market with a mixed-use hotel and residences project in Miami.
  2. 2Identify opportunities in the Miami luxury real estate market, which continues to attract international hotel brands and branded residential developments.
  3. 3Anticipate a 2030 opening for this flagship property, signaling long-term investor confidence in South Florida's high-end hospitality sector.
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Westshore exterior at dusk
operationsLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Investor

Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Westshore Completes Renovation

The Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Westshore has completed an extensive multi-million dollar renovation covering its 179 guestrooms and all public spaces.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Focus on high-traffic areas by updating the lobby, meeting rooms, and fitness center to meet modern guest expectations.
  2. 2Enhance guest room value with comprehensive updates including new furniture, carpet, lighting, and window treatments.
  3. 3Leverage strategic location advantages, as the hotel remains a key asset near Tampa International Airport and local sports venues.

Frequently asked

+Which investment firms recently acquired the Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale?

Rockpoint and Newbond Holdings acquired the 141-room Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale, Curio Collection by Hilton. The joint venture plans upgrades to the public spaces and food and beverage venues of the oceanfront property, which was built in 2021.

+What is the new brand and operator for the former Grand Bohemian Orlando?

Grand Bohemian Orlando rebranded as Hotel Beauden, an Autograph Collection Hotel, operated by Davidson Hospitality Group's Pivot division. The transition follows an $18 million renovation that added redesigned public spaces, updated guest programming, and a dining concept named Libra.

+Who manages the Reitz Union Hotel at the University of Florida?

Meyer Jabara Hotels manages the 36-room Reitz Union Hotel on the University of Florida campus. The assignment marks the operator's first on-campus hotel deal, with plans focused on sales, marketing, revenue management, and evaluating potential property renovations.

+When will the dual-branded Marriott property in Miramar, Florida open?

The 160-key property is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2027. Luckey’s Management broke ground on the seven-story development, which combines a Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites to serve event and corporate travel demand.