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Chinese state-linked firms profit from UK migrant-hotel contracts
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Legendary New York hotel reopens after multi-billion-dollar revamp
Waldorf Astoria New York reopened in 2025 after eight years of closure and a reported $2–3.1 billion restoration. The hotel now features 375 guest rooms (a major reduction from previous counts) combined with luxury residences and restored Art Deco features. The renovation sought to preserve historic elements (such as the lobby clock and mosaics) while introducing spacious rooms, upgraded amenities and modern hospitality infrastructure. Read more.
Devastating wildfire hits North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
A lightning-ignited wildfire named the “Dragon Bravo Fire” destroyed the historic lodge and dozens (50–80) of other structures on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in July 2025. The particular lodge affected had served visitors since 1937 and was the only hotel on the North Rim. The fire also damaged utilities (including a water-treatment plant) and forced closure of the area for the rest of the season. Access is limited as recovery continues and structural safety is assessed. Read more.
Historic Lange Hotel in West Alexandria destroyed by fire
Lange Hotel, a historic Italianate-style building in West Alexandria, Ohio and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was destroyed by a late-night fire on October 25–26, 2025. The loss of the landmark is significant for the community’s heritage and tourism appeal. Fortunately no injuries were reported, but the building’s status as a historic tourism asset is lost. Read more.
Sticking with the same home insurance could cost you
Home insurance costs are rising fast, up nearly 40% nationwide in just the past few years. With premiums changing constantly, sticking with the same provider could mean overpaying by hundreds of dollars. Shopping around and comparing multiple insurers can help lock in better rates without losing the protection your home needs. Check out Money’s home insurance tool to shop around and see if you can save.
Chinese state-linked firms profit from UK migrant-hotel contracts
A report shows that companies tied to the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese state-linked entities are earning millions of pounds through UK government contracts for migrant accommodation hotels. The firms are reported to be part of a broader £190 billion portfolio of UK assets under Chinese ownership, which has broadened significantly since 2021. The story raises questions about governance, transparency and national-security risks. Read more.
Nobu launches in Baku and returns to Montenegro
Nobu Hospitality has announced two new developments: the brand’s first entry into Azerbaijan with Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and Residences Baku (80-room hotel + 100 residences) and a new project in Montenegro (also 80-room hotel + 100 residences) in partnership with Sea Breeze Resort. Both properties emphasize residential-hotel living, signature dining and waterfront locations (Caspian Sea for Baku; Adriatic coast for Montenegro). The brand is positioning these developments to meet high-end lifestyle demand in emerging destinations. Read more.
Touchstone 1 rebrand and hotel connectivity future
Hotel Internet Services (HIS) has officially rebranded as Touchstone 1, reflecting its expanded ambitions beyond hotel Wi-Fi into broader guest-experience and technology provision across hospitality and affiliated sectors. The company emphasizes “A Higher Level of Connection” as its tagline, anchored in services from streaming platforms to IoT integrations in guest rooms. The rebrand signals a shift from its prior identity (founded in 2003) to one aiming to lead in smart, integrated experiences across hotels, senior living, multifamily housing and other built environments. Read more.
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