AccorHotels signed an agreement to acquire 85 percent of 21c Museum Hotels, an award-winning hospitality management company that melds the hotel world with a museum experience. The 21c company features a multi-venue contemporary art museum, boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants, with 11 properties currently open and under development across the U.S.

Marriott International is merging its three customer loyalty programs August 18, 2018, according to the company. On that date, Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) programs will be combined into one program.

Marriott International unveiled a new vision for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. The brand announced its new look will transform the lobby and public areas into gathering places for locals and guests.

In December 2018, the newest Gaylord Hotels property and latest member to Marriott’s Convention & Resort Network is set to open its doors. Just after leaving the Denver International Airport you can’t miss the massive structure standing alone in the distance that will soon debut as the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. Less than 20 miles from downtown Denver, the resort offers easy access to and from the airport, downtown Denver and the outdoor playground that are the Rocky Mountains.

Floating 5,200 feet above ground in a basket with 15 other people is not how I usually spend Saturday mornings. As we pulled up to the open field in Temecula, California, before 6 a.m. and I watched a large red balloon to inflate to the equivalent of an 11-story building, I wasn’t sure why I had committed to this excursion. Once the initial anxiety wore off, I was able to enjoy the calm ride and serene views of the vineyards below and surrounding mountains.

Labor disruptions from union Unite Here threaten disruptions in Marriott hotels in eight U.S. cities and Toronto.

Joint venture partners the Bernstein Companies and Boston Properties broke ground on the new Marriott International headquarters complex and adjacent Marriott hotel in downtown Bethesda, Maryland.

Universal Orlando Resort is maintaining its 10 percent commission rate for third-party meeting planners.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s luxury brand, announced it will convert the Mandarin Oriental on the Las Vegas Strip to the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas in August 2018. Waldorf Astoria will assume full operation of the property with plans to reimagine and renovate the hotel.

Cvent released its annual lists of “Top Meeting Hotels” for meetings and events worldwide in 2018. The top venues were sorted geographically and rankings are based on each hotel’s group business performance on the Cvent Supplier Network.