US Hospitality Slows as Global Development Stays Strong: September Hotel & Resort Highlights

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Unlike the US hospitality industry which seems to be slowing down, the rest of the world continues to advance. With an increase of popularity in all-inclusive resorts, the hotel industry continues to grow from the Caribbean to the Red Sea. Though the US hospitality industry seems to be in decline, there are multiple hotel renovations and openings which the rest of the world seems to be growing towards.

US Hospitality Shows Hesitance Amid Rising Costs

American hotels are slowing down on new investments. Reports show that 30% of hoteliers are experiencing declining leisure customers. Moreover, a third of hoteliers in the country have either delayed or scaled down major projects due to ballooning operational expenses and erratic demand. When viewed in this light, the hoteliers’ caution seems to be the antithesis of the global rush to expand with new resorts in other countries.

Key Hotel Openings and Renovations

In September, several high-profile resorts and hotels made their debut. The Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, located in the Dominican Republic, has opened its doors, offering 500 rooms designed for families. The resort shares amenities with the adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, catering to a wide range of vacationers. In addition, the Inclusive Collection’s Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana will be the next adults-only addition to the Dominican Republic in 2026.

Across the globe, the Red Sea region has also seen a surge in luxury accommodations. Three high-end resorts SLS Red Sea, EDITION Red Sea, and InterContinental Red Sea Resort launched on Shura Island in September, marking a major step in the island’s development as a luxury travel destination. This area is expected to feature up to 11 resorts in the future, enhancing the region’s tourism appeal.

Back in the U.S., renovations are breathing new life into iconic properties. The W New York – Union Square has undergone a $100 million renovation, revitalizing the historic hotel with new features, including a rooftop bar and a café.

Growing Global Developments

Hotel chains continue to expand their reach into new markets. IHG is set to add six new voco hotels across Mexico, including locations in Cancun and San Luis Potosi. These will be converted properties, adding to the growing portfolio of the brand in popular tourist areas.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is becoming a more sought-after resort destination, with four new hotels scheduled to open in the next three years. These developments, including a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel and the Beaches St. Vincent and the Grenadines, reflect the country’s rising appeal as a Caribbean retreat.

In the luxury travel sector, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has launched its first private jet journey for affluent travelers. The journey, priced at over $133,000 per person, offers stays at some of the world’s finest independent hotels, with stops in global destinations such as Singapore, London, and Rwanda.

Rebranding of Iconic Resorts

A few resorts went through major rebranding over the past month. In the case of Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, the name was changed due to renovations costing millions of dollars. The new name for this resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is now Sandos Caracol Nature Resort & water Park. This is also due to the renovation which now includes new and improved amenities and rooms. The resort now aims to provide patrons with a stronger nature based experience.

Similarly, the Sunseeker Resort in Florida’s Gulf Coast has been rebranded as the Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast, Curio Collection by Hilton. This rebranding includes new management and the integration of Hilton Honors benefits, allowing guests to earn and redeem points during their stays.

Travelers’ Guide to New Hotel Openings and Rebranding

• If you’re seeking family-friendly resorts, the Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic offers a unique blend of luxury and convenience for all ages.
• For a luxurious getaway, consider the SLS Red Sea and EDITION Red Sea resorts in Shura Island, offering exclusive stays with picturesque views of the Red Sea.
• Those interested in iconic hotels can visit the revamped W New York – Union Square, which now boasts a rooftop bar and modern amenities.
• Mexico’s expanding voco hotels, particularly in Cancun, offer comfortable stays with the added benefit of IHG’s reward program.

Overview

Although the US hospitality industry is growing very slowly, the development of hotels and resorts around the world is thriving, proving the industry are ever more resilient and expansive. The global market is growing rapidly, especially around the Red Sea and the Caribbean. While hoteliers in the US are remaining patient and cautious, international destinations continue bringing more and more travelers with their new offerings and renovations. September’s new luxury hotels and resorts very much illustrate that the US may be stagnant, but the world is thriving.