Labor
Hotel Tech-in: The boutique hotel in Maine operating without a front desk
The upcoming Foreside Inn in Kittery, Maine (24 rooms, opening August 1st) will completely eliminate the traditional front desk, employing remote concierge and mobile key technology. Guests enter the hotel and their rooms using one-time PIN codes and contact a 24/7 digital concierge via phone or text. Owner Taylor McMaster states that streamlined staffing saves approximately $200,000 annually, and the remote team can manage multiple properties simultaneously. General Manager Christina Lehmann emphasizes that technology has not diminished personalized service but rather enhanced the experience by eliminating pain points such as waiting in line.
NYC hotels remain ‘vulnerable’ from loss of international visitors: report
According to a report by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, New York City's hotel industry, though supported by domestic tourists, remains fragile as international visitor numbers have not fully recovered. In 2025, international visitors totaled 12.5 million, only 92.6% of pre-pandemic levels, and a decline from 2024.
Mews lays off 15% of staff in pivot to ‘AI-native’ future
Mews cuts 15% of staff, pivoting to an AI-native strategy. The founder stated the company is in a 'very strong position,' and the layoffs are a proactive decision aimed at adapting to the fundamental changes AI brings to the hotel industry's economic model.
W South Beach to drop Marriott affiliation, lay off 337 workers
The W South Beach Hotel and Residences plans to close for renovations on August 20 and terminate its operating agreement with Marriott International. According to a letter to Florida officials, this change will result in the permanent termination of 337 employees on August 19. Owner Reuben Brothers stated it is actively supporting affected employees and will announce a new management operator in the near future.
Workers prefer a human-centered approach, still anxious about AI: Hilton
Hilton, in partnership with Ipsos and Morning Consult, released its first workplace trends report, indicating that employees crave human connection amid accelerating digitalization, with 52% of respondents feeling anxious about AI's impact on work and 55% hoping employers provide AI training. The report also found that 96% of Gen Z employees recognize the value of in-office work, and nearly half of early-career employees experience workplace loneliness.
Hotel workers strike in another World Cup host city: Philadelphia
Employees at the Sheraton hotel in downtown Philadelphia initiated a strike on Sunday, demanding a new union contract that includes a minimum wage of $30 per hour and better benefits. This marks another host city experiencing hotel strikes during the World Cup, following Seattle.
Union workers at Seattle Hilton strike amid World Cup
Unionized workers at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square went on strike Thursday, demanding that a new contract include year-round health coverage, protection from ICE, fair wage increases, and restoration of pre-pandemic staffing levels. The strike occurred one day before the United States' World Cup match against Australia. The union urged the public not to stay, dine, or hold meetings at the hotel until the strike ends. Hilton stated it has implemented contingency plans and remains committed to negotiating in good faith.
Union hotel workers at Seattle Hilton authorize strike
Union workers at Seattle's Hilton Embassy Suites Pioneer Square authorized a strike with a 94% vote, and Unite Here Local 8 can call a strike at any time. Workers demand higher wages, year-round healthcare, restoration of pre-pandemic staffing levels, and ICE notification protections.
Hotel CEOs talk the economy, travel demand and AI at NYU IHIF 2026
At the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum held in New York, several hotel industry CEOs discussed the industry outlook for the remainder of 2026. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta proposed the "C-shaped economy" hypothesis, while Stonebridge CEO Rob Smith expressed cautious optimism regarding World Cup bookings falling below expectations. Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin predicted that AI will replace approximately one-third to 40% of corporate jobs, whereas Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian believes the impact will be smaller and emphasized that AI should enhance rather than replace humanized service.
NYC hotel workers ratify historic wage contract, averting strike
Unionized hotel workers in New York City voted Thursday to approve a new contract with the Hotel Association, covering about 27,000 employees, with the largest wage increases in union history, along with new housing and childcare funds, lifting the threat of a strike.