3.2.26

ASAE Now Accepting DELP Applications

By Todd McElwee

Applications for the 2026–2028

ASAE Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) Class are now being accepted.

ASAE said the initiative supports association professionals with diverse lived experiences and a demonstrated

commitment to building associations that are inclusive of people of color, the LGBTQIA2+ community, and those with a disability so they may advance into the ranks of leadership in association management.

DELP, sponsored by Visit Detroit, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

“DELP is one of ASAE’s flagship

Host Hotels Sells Two Four Seasons Resorts for $1.1B

By Jordan Bradley

Host Hotels and Resorts announced the sale of two Four Seasons resorts in late February, for a combined $1.1 billion.

The Four Seasons resorts at the center of the sale are the 444-room Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, and the 125-room Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole in Teton Village, Wyoming.

Host Hotels purchased

the hotels in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the company said, for a collective $925 million.

“The sale of these two iconic properties represents another important step in advancing our capital allocation strategy,” said James F. Risoleo, President and CEO of Host Hotels. He added: “We are pleased with our ability to monetize two recently acquired hotels at an attractive profit and an accretive multiple, and we will continue to use

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leadership programs, designed to prepare high-potential association professionals from underrepresented communities for senior-level roles,”

DJ Johnson, IOM, CAE, FASAE, Chair, DELP Advisory Committee, said in a message about the program. “Over the years, DELP has helped cultivate Please turn to page 5

Brand USA Celebrating America’s 250th with Family-Friendly Travel Experiences

Page 3 Junction Café and Provisions Stirs in the Local Flavors

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PCMA Opens Registration for EMEA 2026 in Lisbon

Page 5 Industry Movers

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Barry White Resigns as CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Company

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Famed S.F. Rock Hotel Reportedly Under New Management

Hotel Union Report Finds Immigration Policies Make U.S. “Inhospitable”

By Jordan Bradley

Hotel worker union Unite Here believes the current administration’s approach to immigration policy and enforcement is making the United States “inhospitable,” according to a late February report.

“The American hospitality industry is quietly entering a crisis,” the union said. “Despite a boom in tourism worldwide, and major travel events like the World Cup on the horizon, the U.S. market is stagnating.”

The report includes case studies in Washington, D.C.; Las Vegas; Miami; and Seattle; pulling from testimonials from workers at restaurants, airports and hotels, as well as industry data collected by CoStar and other data firms.

In 2025, travel to the United States dropped 6%, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). This decline amounts to 2.5 million fewer trips into the U.S. by international

Please turn to page 2

The Importance of Being an Advocate Destination Professionals Day Highlights Leaders, Organizations

By Jonathan Trager

The world of destination organizations took center stage on February 19, which marked the second annual Destination Professionals Day honoring the leaders and organizations that drive tourism, economic growth, and community vitality worldwide. Destination organizations around the world recognized the day with local events and initiatives. This year’s observance included

acknowledgement from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and proclamations signed by Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, Illinois Gov. J.B. Prizker, and other elected leaders.

“Destination professionals are catalysts for economic opportunity and community alignment,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International (DI). “The recognition from national and state leaders reinforces what we

By Todd McElwee

Brand USA Celebrating America’s 250th with Family-Friendly Travel Experiences

Continuing with its America the Beautiful campaign, Brand USA unveiled 50 family-friendly travel experiences on February 23.

Spanning from sea to shining sea, the offerings highlight destinations and activities the organization believes will “inspire discovery for travelers of every age, from toddlers to grandparents.”

“There’s never been a better time for families to enjoy the best of the USA,” said Fred Dixon, President & CEO of Brand USA. “With once-in-a-generation experiences on tap like the events of America’s 250th, epic road trips for Route 66’s Centennial, and the FIFA World Cup matches, fanfests and watch parties, combined with more than 60 spectacular national parks, dozens of thrilling theme parks, beach resorts

Cincinnati Approves Financing for Convention Center Hotel

By Jonathan Trager

Local officials have approved financing to build a 700-room hotel adjacent to the newly named First Financial Center in Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati City Council approved a plan on February 25 to use loans to help pay for the 21-story hotel, which will be flagged under the Marriott brand. The Hamilton County Commission followed suit with its funding plan vote on February 26.

The $543 million planned hotel will include meeting space, restaurants, and amenities designed to serve convention attendees as well as leisure travelers. It will be located across the street from the First Financial Center and be connected by skybridge.

3CDC is managing the project with Atlanta-based developer Portman Holdings. Supporters say the addi-

tion of the large, adjacent hotel will maximize the public investment in the facility.

“What this hotel will bring is not just a physical space, but dedicated room blocks for our colleagues at Visit Cincy to be able to bring in conventions to go hand-in-hand with the convention center,” 3CDC Chief Legal Officer Caitlin Felvus said, according to local news outlet WVXU. “There’s also additional dedicated meeting space that can complement what’s going on at the convention center.”

The First Financial Center completed a major renovation aimed at modernizing exhibit halls and meeting rooms. The facility reopened in January after being closed for a year and a half.

The city says it hopes to break ground on the hotel this spring with an anticipated opening in late 2028.

and culture packed cities, the USA is the top family choice for 2026.”

The featured experiences span all regions of the country and showcase how families can tailor trips to different interests, ages, and travel styles while exploring the United States together.

The Smithsonian Institute, St. Louis’s City Museum, Buddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, New Hampshire, North America’s Largest Urban Bat Colony at Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin, Texas, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Disneyland Resort, Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul,

Host Hotels

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our competitive advantages to create value for our shareholders.”

The sale of the two Four Seasons properties follows the January completion of its sale of the the 232room St. Regis Houston property,

Inhospitable

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visitors, Unite Here said.

With widespread Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) operations inducing confusion and chaos in communities, foreign governments have begun issuing travel advisories for the United States, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, and more. Some countries have cited protests and demonstrations in Minneapolis area in their advisories, reminding their citizens to carry identification with them while traveling.

Unite Here’s “Inhospitable” report notes that employment in the tourism and hospitality sector is down and hotel revenue “is almost flat, growing at its slowest ever rate outside of recessionary periods and 2020.”

National reports speaking with hospitality industry workers have claimed that due to immigration enforcement operations, individuals with valid visas and citizenship have been afraid to report to work. The union said members in cities where ICE operations have been carried out are experiencing harder shifts because there are fewer workers.

“Industry leaders and our elected officials need to act to protect the hospitality industry and the people who make it run. While immigrant families are on the front lines of the White House’s violent crackdowns and

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine, and 804 Trail on The Oregon Coast comprise a few of the selections on the menu. Each profile includes detailed information and links to begin trip planning.

“Togetherness, connection, memories—this is why you take family vacations. In the USA, you’ll create all three no matter where you explore,” said Brand USA. “Whether your crew prefers the thrill of theme parks, the buzz of the big city or the beauty of the great outdoors—or perhaps all of the above – you can tailor your epic U.S. getaway your way.”

Find more information here

which the company sold for $51 million to Saddlebrook Equity and Management.

Risoleo said Host “will continue to be opportunistic in our capital allocation strategy while positioning Host to outperform over the long term.” Host did not share the buyer of the two Four Seasons properties.

enforcement actions, our members— immigrant and U.S.-born alike—are struggling with their economic impact,” said Gwen Mills, President of Unite Here. “If current immigration policies remain in place, conditions in the industry will worsen, threatening not only the workers who sustain it but industry leaders, municipalities and communities that depend on tourism revenue.”

A survey conducted by Skift Research found that almost half of international travelers surveyed were less likely to visit the United States “due to its current leadership,” Unite Here said.

“The Trump administration’s erratic and punitive immigration enforcement policies are causing disruption across the economy. This includes the leisure and hospitality industry, which relies on international tourism and employs millions of immigrant workers,” said Justin Bloesch, Assistant Professor in the Cornell University Department of Economics and School Industrial and Labor Relations.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) have both been long-standing advocates for increases in the number of H2-B visas—work visas that support the hotel industry—allotted each year. Neither organization responded to USAE request for comment by press deadline.

Find the report here

HOTS Unusual License Plate… A driver in New York has been allowed to keep his somewhat crass, but still funny license plate thanks to the intervention of Gov. Kathy Hochul, UPI reports. Seth Bykofsky, a grandfather on Long Island, was found to be in violation of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ rule regarding vanity plate messaging. Specifically, Bykosfky’s “PB4WEGO” plate—which he confirmed stands for “pee before we go”—had violated the DMV’s rule prohibiting messages that could be

E

Publisher & Executive Editor 1982 – 2021 Anne Daly Heller

Publisher-Emeritus Ross E. Heller ross@usaenews.com

Publisher James Heller james@usaenews.com

Associate Publisher Todd McElwee todd@usaenews.com

Managing Editor Jonathan Trager jon@usaenews.com

Hotel Editor Jordan Bradley jordan@usaenews.com

Creative Director Diane Nichols dkn@usaenews.com

Graphic Designer Danielle Erbe

Marketing & Circulation

To

HOTS HOTS

considered “derogatory, contemptuous, degrading, disrespectful or inflammatory,” UPI reports. The driver took to social media to question the DMV’s ruling. “In all my years as a parent and now, grandparent, the worst I’ve gotten has been a gentle roll of the eyes from my kids and grandkids,” he wrote. Thanks to his social media post, the situation found its way to the governor’s screen, who pledged to get Bykofsky his license plate back. “We’ll get it back for you,” she said in a call to the driver shared on Hochul’s social media. “I think everybody should be

reminded to pee before you go. I have kids and grandkids, and I support the effort wholeheartedly.” HOTS didn’t “pee” that coming in this crass-butfunny turn of events!

HOTS Svetlana the Stowaway…

A woman on probation for sneaking onto an international flight has been arrested for... well, doing it again. According to the Associated Press, Svetlana Dali was arrested in 2024 and convicted last May for flying to

Paris without a passport or ticket. On February 26, she was caught at the Malpensa Airport in Milan after a United Airlines flight that departed from Newark, New Jersey, and was taken into custody for the same crime. According to the Associated Press, Dali had made other attempts to board planes without purchasing tickets, evading security measures at two other airports before she was initially caught stowing away on the 2024 flight to Paris. HOTS has to admit this woman’s tenacity is sky-high.

Junction Café and Provisions Stirs in the Local Flavors

Hilton Launches Pilot Food & Beverage Concept in New Orleans

By Jordan Bradley

Experienced business travelers have all surely had the quintessential hotel-coffee-outlet line experience: though there are one or more coffee options inside the hotel itself, the line first thing in the morning is formidable.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts is in the process of revolutionizing every business-traveling-caffeine-addicted guest’s experience with the launch of a new food and beverage concept: Junction Café and Provisions. The outlet is an elevated grab-and-go experience, featuring a collection of standard food and beverage options guests find at markets in Hiltons worldwide with a mix of menu items influenced by the local food and beverage scene,

as well as an artisan corner featuring location-specific wares.

The pilot Junction location launched in early February at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel.

For Blake Brennan, Director of Food and Beverage at the property, the concept just makes sense.

At the Hilton Riverside, Brennan said that a full house means that the property’s 1,662 guest rooms “would generate huge lines” that would easily overwhelm its two coffee outlets, so when the plan for Junction was introduced, it was the perfect solution.

“From an operational standpoint, it’s antithetical to what a grab-andgo is with those kinds of lines,” said Laura Lanio, Cluster Director of Marketing for Atlanta & New Orleans at Hilton. “I think anybody who travels

for work has had that experience of coming down to the hotel lobby to grab a cup of coffee and having to find a different option, which is not what you want.”

Over the course of approximately four months, Brennan said, the hotel renovated the two coffee outlets into one Junction, “the first of its kind” to offer a more efficient guest experience that would allow the hotel to capture more sales at the same time with satellite kiosks throughout the storefront.

The pilot property opened on February 9, which was also the first bustling day of Mardi Gras, Brennan said, and so far the feedback has been positive—despite some learning-curve-hiccups on the back end.

“I would give it a B+—just being honest,” Brennan said. “Everything, from a guest perspective, was excellent. Product-wise, layout of the store. We did have some equipment issues that you can only work through when you have volume.”

By the second week, “guests are flowing through the lines” and having great experiences, Brennan said.

Christy Pumphrey christy@usaenews.com usaenews.com

dept. at christy@usaenews.com.

“We’ve had some unbelievable feedback,” Brennan said about return guests and groups “that have come back and said, ‘Oh my gosh, what a difference.’”

He added: “They’re excited for it to roll out at other places and become a part of the Hilton culture.”

Lanio, too, is eager to see Junction’s in more Hilton hotels, she said. For Hilton, the motivation to test out the new outlet is innovation.

“Junction is a powerful addition to our growing StiR Creative Collective portfolio, further strengthening Hilton’s position as an industry innovator across the Americas,” said Brian Abel, Sr. Vice President of Please turn to page 4

PCMA Opens Registration for EMEA 2026 in Lisbon

By Todd McElwee

Registration for PCMA’s Convening EMEA 2026 in Lisbon is live.

Last year’s edition in Rotterdam, Netherlands attracted more than 600 event professionals from 49 countries. Portugal’s capital will host from September 13–15.

Bringing the global events community together in Lisbon, PCMA said it and

Poornima Luthra to Give Keynote

its host destination partners are putting together a program for a “for a few energizing days of bold ideas, meaningful connections, and experiences designed to challenge how we think about the future of our industry.”

Dr. Poornima Luthra, a senior faculty member at the Imperial Business School in London and a globally recognized voice on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), has been announced as

Repurposed Richmond Hotel Project Holds Groundbreaking

By Jordan Bradley

Local officials and developers celebrated a forthcoming adaptive reuse hotel project in downtown Richmond, Virginia, with a symbolic groundbreaking on February 24.

The project’s developer, Douglas Development, will transform the former Dominion Energy Tower, an out-of-use office building, into a hotel, restaurant and residential units, according to local reports. The 200-plus-room Marriott hotel is expected to be completed by spring next year.

Douglas Development purchased the building in late 2024, according to the company’s website. Developers told local outlets that the indoor of the building had already been gutted by the time of the groundbreaking, and that the first floor of the property had been divided into two separate entrances. One entrance will lead to the forthcoming AC Hotel and a restaurant, and the other will serve as the entrance for

apartment tenants.

“We think we have a spectacular product, well located, we’re very excited about the city of Richmond, we’re very bullish on it,” said Norman Jemal, Sr. Managing Principal at Douglas Development, at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The project was made possible by a statewide program supporting clean energy development projects, which allows property owners to access loans with longer terms and lower interest rates, according to city officials.

“This milestone project is the first in the City to leverage C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing, unlocking clean energy funding to improve the building’s energy performance and long-term sustainability,” the City of Richmond said in a social media post celebrating the groundbreaking.

“By thinking creatively about how to use and reuse what is already here, we’re setting a new standard for sustainable development in Richmond.”

a keynote speaker. She is the author of four books, including Can I Say That? (2025) and The Art of Active Allyship (2022), and has been ranked among Thinkers50’s top 30 emerging management thinkers.

“At Convening EMEA, Dr. Luthra will challenge assumptions, spark critical conversation, and equip our community with the tools to lead inclusively, communicate courageously, and create environments where diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress,” PCMA said.

Convene for Climate, which is powered by PCMA in collaboration with The Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE), is set for September 15–16 in Lisbon.

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Food and Beverage Operations and Development in the Americas at Hilton. “By pairing strategic insight with creative, culturally resonant design, Junction exemplifies how StiR elevates the guest experience and reimagines food and beverage across our brands. It expands a portfolio of concepts that are both commercially impactful and redefining hotel dining for guests, meeting attendees, and locals.”

While moving through the process of developing Junction at the Hilton Riverside, Brennan said the hotel’s team “had guidance from Hilton corporate of what menu items they wanted to roll out.”

Right away, the property’s culinary staff saw an opportunity, Brennan said, executing the corporate menu, but adding a local twist to some of the recipes. The sentiment was: “Here’s what we do in New Orleans,” he noted.

At a tasting with representatives from Hilton’s corporate office, Brennan said his culinary team—led by Executive Chef Samuel Murillo—executed the Hilton corporate recipes but

It aims to accelerate the transition of the business events industry towards sustainability and regeneration.

“This platform will bring together BEI and other sectors to explore future scenarios, growing knowledge and creative solutions around the intersection of climate-tech and the world of Business Events,” organizers said. “Through creating workshop-based and lasered-focus content environments we will find tools and technology, skills and people to propel better decisions and the ability to act now. Join us in Lisbon in September 2026 as our journey continues.”

Find more information here.

included the same menus with some New Orleans flavor stirred in.

“They tasted it side-by-side and said, ‘You know what, guys? Ya’ll just take it and run with it because ya’ll have done an excellent job.’”

As it stands, about 75% of the menu items align with Hilton standards, but 25% of the items will be inspired by local cuisine, making it a customized, city-centric experience for guests, Brennan said.

Hilton says it expects to launch two additional Junction Café and Provisions outlets later this year.

Industry Movers

Dr. Adrienne Sponberg has been elevated by the Ecological Society of America (ESA) to be its new Executive Director, effective March 2. She’s being promoted from a director of publications post. Sponberg brings more than 25 years of experience to the role. Before joining ESA, she served as director of communications and science and editor in chief at the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography.

DI Advocate

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know to be true—destination organizations are essential infrastructure for economic development, talent attraction, global competitiveness and community vitality. This day celebrates the professionals who bring that mission to life every day.”

First launched internationally in 2025, Destination Professionals Day was created to mark the founding of the world’s first destination organization on February 19, 1896, in Detroit, Michigan.

Central to Destination Professionals Day is the concept of advocacy, which DI defines as “the intentional practice of positioning destination organizations as essential leaders in advancing community vitality and growth.”

“Advocacy has become an essential role and core pillar of destination organizations,” Andreas Weissenborn, Vice President of Research and Advocacy for DI, told USAE “This is not expressed uniquely through lobbying, but in the sense of showcasing value, impact, and community engagement and how we broadly support our communities. It’s expressed through storytelling, brand work, and community engagement. In the 21st century, all of us are competing for our share of attention on the world stage, so it’s our job to consistently tell the story and narrative about why destination organizations matter.”

DI tries to better educate members

Nicholas Jones has been promoted to Manager, Technology User Services at the Atlanta CVB (ACVB). Jones will serve as the primary manager for technology user services and oversee tech support for team members. He’ll also lead training, onboarding and documentation for core technology tools and processes while coordinating user-focused technology initiatives. Jones joined ACVB in 2023 as a technology specialist then advanced to assistant manager in 2024.

about how they can showcase leadership and impact to their communities in a variety of ways, Weissenborn noted. In 2017, the organization launched its annual Advocacy Summit in Baltimore. The association’s tourism lexicons, catalyst research, and destination reputation research are all geared toward improving the ability of destination organization professionals to become better advocates.

Weissenborn pointed out the association also has a “very engaged and vibrant” Advocacy Committee, which is co-chaired by Domenic Bravo of Travel Wyoming and Kelly Haussler of Tourism Ottawa.

Bravo told USAE advocacy is essential for destination organizations “because travel doesn’t happen in a vacuum.”

“It depends on infrastructure, public lands, workforce housing, air service, and the policies that shape the visitor economy,” he said. “When we advocate, we’re not just promoting tourism; we’re protecting a critical economic driver for our communities. Destination Professionals Day matters because it shines a light on the people who do this work every day building partnerships, supporting small businesses, stewarding our assets, and ensuring the benefits of travel reach residents as much as visitors.”

Destination organizations serve as the trusted bridge between community, government, and visitor economy, Haussler noted.

Matt Herrick has been named President & CEO of the International Bottled Water Association. He has more than 20 years of experience in food and beverage policy, strategic communications, and advocacy. Herrick joins IBWA following a tenure as Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), where he led a strategic pivot to rebrand the association and launch the IDFA Foundation.

While her destination doesn’t have an official proclamation for the day, Haussler said advocacy work is done year round. That doesn’t merely include conversations with local officials, but also spreading the message at local events, making sure the destination’s visitors center represents the community’s values, and using the proceeds from a destination development fund for collaborative projects such as a zip line that runs between Ontario and Quebec and an annual holiday market.

“Destination Professionals Day is just a reminder that behind every successful destination are professionals doing sometimes that invisible work of advocacy to build relationships, educate leaders, and ultimately ensure that tourism is used as a force for good,” Haussler said.

ASAE Delp

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Duncan is now the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach, California. Duncan has been part of the Hotel Maya team for more than a decade. Most recently, she was director of catering & convention services. Prior to Hotel Maya, Duncan held sales and convention services roles with Choura Events in Long Beach and at properties including Shutters on the Beach.

See More Indusry Movers

leaders who now serve as CEOs, executive directors, and senior staff across the profession.”

Facilitators said DELP scholars partake in an accelerated leadership program of education, mentoring, and volunteer service in the association sector.

To qualify, an applicant must: Be currently employed full-time as a mid-senior level association employee

Demonstrate a desire to advance in their association management career and possess a minimum of three years’ experience in a mid-to-senior level association management position(s) or as an association CEO for a minimum of one year

Have demonstrated professional, volunteer, or civic/community leadership experience

Be committed to fully engage in all DELP scholarship benefits

The deadline to apply is March 30.

Find more information here

Barry White Resigns as CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co.

By Jonathan Trager

The head of the Chattanooga Tourism Co. announced his resignation on February 23, days after the Hamilton County Commission voted to divert $480,000 from the Tennessee tourism organization to the local Sports and Athletics Corp

Barry White has served as CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. since 2018. He didn’t directly link his departure to the funding vote.

“Retirement has been on my radar, and I am eager to explore new pursuits and dedicate more time to friends, family, and grandchildren,” White said.

The commission in late February approved the $480,000 allocation for the Sports and Athletics Corp., a non-

profit focused on recruiting and hosting sporting events in the region. That group is led by Tim Morgan, who left the Tourism Co. after a reorganization.

Darik Dawes, Chairman of the Chattanooga Tourism Co., said White had led the organization for eight years “with vision, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of tourism to strengthen our economy and our community.”

“[White’s] leadership elevated our organization and positioned Chattanooga as both authentic and globally competitive,” Dawes said. “We are deeply grateful for his service and the foundation he leaves behind. Because of Barry’s work, we are well positioned to carry this momentum forward—together.”

White oversaw several major marketing campaigns and partnerships aimed at promoting the city’s outdoor assets, cultural attractions, and convention business. During his tenure, the agency reported steady growth in tourism-related revenue and hotel occupancy rates, though the industry faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in business, White joined the Augusta, Georgia, CVB in 1991 and became president of the group three years later.

Susan Harris, COO of the Chattanooga Tourism Co., will serve as interim CEO while the board chooses White’s successor.

Famed S.F. Rock Hotel Under New Management

Phoenix Hotel Rises from the Ashes

By Jordan Bradley

The Phoenix Hotel, a famed San Francisco hangout for the rock and roll crowd in the city’s Tenderloin neighborhood, is no longer closing.

Despite the fanfare of a grand finale and closing bash on New Year’s Eve, the Phoenix Hotel has returned for an encore with a new operator, local hotelier Binoy Patel, taking center stage, according to local reports.

The aptly named Phoenix Hotel was scheduled to shut down on New Year’s Day, according to founder and operator Chip Conley. Conley and the Phoenix team made the announcement last summer.

But according to Mission Local, the owner of the property, Michel Suas, “unexpectedly stepped in to continue operating” the Phoenix. San Francisco

business filings from early February obtained by Mission Local indicate that a new LLC associated with Patel, the Phoenix Hotel TL, took over the property.

The hotel first opened in 1987 on the site of the former Caravan Motor Lodge originally built in 1956, according to Mission Local. Over the decades, the Phoenix hosted cultural icons such as David Bowie, Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Keanue Reeves, as well as local political events and nonprofit galas.

In 2024, the property was bought by Suas, a French baker and James Beard award winner, for $9 million.

It’s unclear why Conley and Suas chose to part ways, but Conley in a LinkedIn post from early February mentioned the lease ending at the

property.

Conley’s post was a heartfelt goodbye to the property and included a poem name-dropping some of the hotel’s most notable guests and events.

In a comment on Conley’s LinkedIn post, Patel said: “Your heart still beats here. Glad to take that responsibility Chip to keep it alive. Good things are forthcoming. The Phoenix is alive and

well!! Can’t wait for you to come and see what I will do next. Blessed to have opportunity to continue.”

Patel said he wants to keep the spirit of the hotel alive going forward.

“We want to continue all the historical events—the pride party, the swimming pool parties, the DJs, the pool toss,” Patel told the Chronicle. “I am carrying forward all that stuff and adding more if I can.”

Luxury San Antonio Hotel to Be Sold at Auction

By Jordan Bradley

The Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, a luxury hotel in downtown San Antonio, Texas, will go to auction on March 3 after the property’s owners allegedly defaulted on a $44 million property loan.

According to Bexar County court documents, a foreclosure notice for the Riverwalk hotel was filed on February 5 alleging that Lex Avenue Hotel LLC, a subsidiary of Houston-based real estate and development firm DC Partners, had failed to repay a loan from Maryland-based Sunrise Realty Trust and Delaware-based Southern Realty Trust.

According to local news outlet San Antonio Report, the property opened in 2021. In December 2024, owner Lex Avenue Hotel put the building up as security for the loan.

The foreclosure notice shows that Lex Avenue Hotel had been notified of its default on the loan several times throughout 2025. The most recent

notice was delivered on December 16, according to court documents.

Property owner DC Partners said that a challenging market made loan repayment difficult.

“Like many hospitality assets across the country, Thompson San Antonio’s performance has been significantly impacted by a combination of prolonged stabilization timelines, a high influx of hotel properties downtown, and most significantly today’s elevated interest rate environment,” the company said in a statement. “These factors—including opening during COVID and a broader softness in the San Antonio hotel market—created challenges that were not anticipated and challenging to overcome.”

The Thompson consists of 162 guest rooms, 33 suites, and a rooftop pool and bar—all included, along with common areas, in the foreclosure sale. The Thompson also consists of 59 branded residences, the Arts Residences, which are not included in the sale.

50 Years of Fresh Air and Fresh Perspectives Kiawah-Style

After a long winter of short days and hectic schedules, early spring at Kiawah Island Golf Resort sets the stage to re-energize and inspire your team. Here, gatherings are a time to step into the sunshine, reset the focus, and reconnect in a mild year-round climate that feels both restorative and productive. A place where fresh air, thoughtful spaces, and Southern hospitality set the tone for new ideas—50 years and counting.

Unforgettable recreational experiences are woven into every day at the resort. The clatter of keyboards is replaced with the chatter of dolphins and the invigorating roar of the Atlantic Ocean. Attendees can journey through subtropical forest trails on guided nature tours, view wildlife in their coastal habitats, and watch local bird species make their way along the shore and the sky. Sightings of Loggerhead Sea Turtles, alligators, and indigenous plants all offer an immersive look into the island’s unique ecosystem.

Kiawah’s meandering salt marshes, lagoons, the Atlantic Ocean, and tranquil Kiawah River invite fun on the waterfront. Popular teambuilding activities include kayaking, fishing charters, sunset cruises, and paddleboarding. When it’s time to trade the tides for the tubes, pool complexes provide a great place to pause, cool off, and kick back.

Following an afternoon of agendas at the West Beach Conference Center, co-workers can engage in a little friendly competition on pickleball or padel courts at the resort’s acclaimed tennis center or take in the scenic surroundings with 30 miles of paved biking, jogging, and walking trails. Fitness classes and yoga on the beach

are also excellent ways to soak up the sun and unwind.

The Treehouse Activity Center at Night Heron Park is the latest chapter in Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s long list of offerings. Inside the new space, guests will find golf simulators, bowling lanes, and a lively arcade. Eight full-size bowling lanes welcome up to six guests each. Two state-of-the-art golf simulators feature the resort’s very own legendary layouts, such as The Ocean Course, as well as famed courses from around the globe.

At the arcade, guests can step away from their routine and enjoy everything from Skee-ball and shooting hoops to shuffleboard, air hockey, or Mario Kart. They can also take a break between games to enjoy a drink

and pub fare at The Perch—the new casual hangout inside The Treehouse. Groups can also request private buyouts to create an environment where downtime becomes a reward for the entire team.

Outdoors, golf skills are tested on five championship courses, including The Ocean Course. This Pete and Alice Dye masterpiece—renowned for PGA and Ryder Cup play—is proudly set to host the PGA Championship again in 2031. Legendary designs continue at Turtle Point by Jack Nicklaus, Oak Point by Clyde Johnston, Cougar Point by Gary Player, and Osprey Point by Tom Fazio. Each distinguished clubhouse provides the perfect setting for catching up and celebrating before or after a round.

Those seeking serenity need not look any further than The Spa at The Sanctuary. At this award-winning paradise, trickling fountains and essential oils soothe the senses, while elevated treatments from detoxifying massages to holistic facials leave mind, body, and spirit refreshed.

Culinary experiences here are just as engaging. The 16 exceptional restaurants and eateries that comprise The Kiawah Dining Collection not only aim to please, but they continually exceed. Favorites include the bold flavors of the property’s top-tier steakhouse, succulent seafood delicacies, authentic Italian dishes, and specialty seasonal milkshakes made with locally sourced ice cream and piled high with handmade sweets.

A true taste of Lowcountry culture awaits at the authentic Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ . This outdoor dining event is the property’s longest-standing tradition, where conversation flows easily, surrounded by steamed oysters, slow-cooked barbecue, and live music overlooking the salt marshes of the Kiawah River. All in Kiawah’s signature laid-back, spirited Southern atmosphere.

Stays here recharge as well as inspire, whether it’s the luxury of The Sanctuary—South Carolina’s only destination with a Forbes Triple FiveStar rating—or the private comfort of Resort Villas and Homes. All of these accommodations provide full access to resort amenities, including pool complexes and preferred times for dining and golf. From beachside strolls at sunrise to dancing under the stars, nothing delivers a post-winter reset quite like Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a meeting legacy since 1976.