Witches’ Tea comes to haunted Hotel Sorrento, Seattle

Changing traveler behavior is reshaping hotel demand worldwide

Which regions are resisting 2025’s hotel rate downturn?

The first half of 2025 paints a mixed picture. Despite global ADR softening, some regions are experiencing unexpected resilience.

Forward demand is climbing across North America, but hotel rates remain lower than last year—signaling a possible rebound ahead.

Knowing where demand shifts next could make or break your revenue strategy.

💂 Four Seasons Westlake Village goes full “Nutcracker” for holidays

Starting December 1, 2025, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village will turn into a “Nutcracker”-themed holiday wonderland. The immersive experience includes snowfall on the front drive, whimsical décor, and live musical entertainment. Dining is elevated with holiday brunch, special New Year’s Eve menus, and seasonal offerings at its restaurants. Spa treatments, children’s activities, ballet classes, and workshop events round out the festive programming. This concept aims to create a multisensory holiday escape for guests and locals alike. Read more.

🔮 Forecasts warn of ADR declines if occupancy slips late 2025

CBRE’s September “U.S. Hotels State of the Union” report warns that persistent drops in occupancy may soon push down average daily rates (ADR). After a 1.1% RevPAR dip in July, August saw another contraction, with occupancy falling 1% and ADR growth slowing to just 0.4%. Luxury properties remain an exception, posting a 2.3% RevPAR gain in August. Rising costs are also squeezing profits, with margins contracting 0.1% despite modest revenue growth. On the financing side, CMBS issuance slumped from $2.5 billion in July 2024 to $1.1 billion this year, and average loan sizes shrank as credit conditions tightened. Read more.

💰 AC Hotel Prescott brings Gilded West style to Arizona

A new 109-room AC Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy is set to open in Prescott, Arizona. The four-story property is being developed out of the historic Howey Hall, first built in 1876, with its past serving as a key design inspiration. Interiors, led by Dallas-based Pickard Design Studio, will blend frontier ruggedness with modern sophistication, paying tribute to the Gilded West. The project aims to preserve historic character while delivering the refined AC brand experience. Read more.

✨ Gunter Hotel reopens after $57M overhaul

The historic Gunter Hotel in San Antonio has reopened after a $57 million renovation, preserving its 116-year legacy under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. Its refreshed features include 311 rooms (including 30 suites), a recording studio, rooftop pool, and over 20,000 ft² of meeting space. In homage to blues legend Robert Johnson, each room includes a record player and his first album. Food & beverage venues include Jots and Keystone Club; a hidden speakeasy (“Bar 414”) and Paris Baguette café are planned. Partial opening is now, with full operations rolling out through late 2025. Read more.

⚡ Four Seasons Yachts expands sea-level access

Four Seasons Yachts is pushing boundaries with its marine concept, unveiling a "marina day" design that opens a transverse marina across both sides of the vessel for direct water access. The marina spans ~676 m² and includes retractable platforms, a lounge, bar, and watersport areas. Voyages planned for the Caribbean and Mediterranean will include days where the yacht remains stationary to let guests enjoy water-based activities. The first yacht, Four Seasons I, is set to sail in 2026. They also secured funding for a second vessel (Four Seasons II). Read more.

🧙🏻‍♀️ Witches’ Tea comes to haunted Hotel Sorrento, Seattle

Hotel Sorrento in Seattle will host a “Witches’ Tea” every weekend in October (2:30–4:30 p.m.), including Halloween itself. Guests are encouraged to dress in witchy attire. The $55 ticket includes tea service, savory and sweet snacks; those 21+ may opt for “magical elixirs.” The hotel opened in 1909 and is considered one of the most haunted in the U.S. Reservations are required and the event concludes after October ends. Read more.

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