News Releases

W Hotels Introduces a New Season of Hotel Tales: A Global Storytelling Series Spanning Music, Taste, Culture, and Connection

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- , part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, unveils the global rollout of the newest season of , an editorial-documentary series revealing the spontaneous moments that can only occur across the brand's expansive global portfolio and enticing guests to "next time, be there."

After debuting at the brand's newly transformed global flagship with Chloë Sevigny last year, this season expands across four continents and spotlights five creative forces: multi-hyphenate artist & performer , culinary creative , model and presenter , multidisciplinary artist , and multi-hyphenate artist . Hotel Tales is a cinematic series that captures the unpredictable energy and authenticity of a stay at W Hotels. Each story reveals spontaneous moments – where bold design, unexpected encounters, and playful twists blur the line between reality and performance. These are the experiences that transform an ordinary stay into something unforgettable, celebrating the vibrant spirit that defines W Hotels.

At the newly transformed , takes the lead in "The Masked Chase," a playful, cinematic escapade where he recounts the time when his iconic mask mysteriously goes missing before soundcheck. What follows is a high-energy pursuit through the hotel, until the chase concludes in signature W Hotels style: the mask is returned on a silver platter with a handwritten note, "Thought you might need this. - W Insiders."
In Hungary, British model and presenter stars in "Missed Postcards" a design driven whirlwind where a day meant for sightseeing was transformed into an irresistible immersion inside . A whispered recommendation for the brand's signature AWAY Spa, winding staircases with terrazzo-lined corridors, and a velvet-glow dinner at Le Petit Beefbar all conspired to seduce her away from her original plans. "I went back to my suite after an iconic day of surprises," she shares. "The hotel had stolen the show."
While visiting the newly unveiled , British chef and model tells the story of how he blurred the boundary between guest and gourmand. He set out to balance creativity, culinary inspiration, and his love of Italian cooking, but what began as a simple search for inspiration becomes a behind-the-scenes invitation into the hotel's culinary world: impromptu pasta tastings at the hotel's contemporary Italian food concept Tratto, animated conversations with chefs, and unexpected discoveries from the "Off Menu" repertoire.
Multidisciplinary artist stars in "Writer's Block, Unblocked," an experience that transforms creative frustration into unexpected inspiration. She arrived determined to draft her next piece, but the hypnotic energy at pulled her in new directions. Sun-drenched lounges and skyline-framed pools to late-night conversations and design-soaked corners, every space sparked unexpected clarity. Each encounter nudged her further from her notebook and deeper into the city-meets-desert rhythm of the hotel. By nightfall, her writer's block evaporated, replaced by a story she could only have unlocked at W Hotels.
At , multi-hyphenate artist recounts when a simple joke turned into a quintessential Whatever/Whenever moment in "A New Stage". After teased by his crew about cooking for them, a handwritten note slid under the door, inviting him to a private kitchen where a chef was waiting. Ingredients were prepped, the team gathered, and Kenny found himself crafting a scene that was entirely his own. "I finally wasn't playing someone else's story," he reflects. "I was being whoever I wanted to be. You had to be there."

"At W Hotels, every hotel is a stage for stories that could only happen here," says George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels. "From New York to Dubai, Macau to Florence, and beyond, our locations have sparked the bold, unscripted moments that define us; those fun, unexpected experiences you can't wait to share with others. Hotel Tales is our playful way of capturing that spirit: the creativity, spontaneity, and expressive energy that have always been at the heart of W Hotels while highlighting our newest and transformed hotels worldwide."

Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has shaped the trajectory of luxury lifestyle hospitality since 1998. The continued expansion of Hotel Tales reflects the brand's global evolution, blending provocative design, passion-driven programming, and a liberated approach to luxury for a new generation of travelers.

The latest season of Hotel Tales has been rolling out across the brand's digital channels, including , , , and the brand's editorial platform, . Audiences can explore more than 70 W Hotels destinations worldwide at whotels.com, uncovering moments and stories that make viewers say, 'you just had to be there,' while crafting their own hotel tale worth saying, 'you just had to be there' for."

New stories are set to debut in 2026, inviting audiences everywhere to embrace the unexpected and to plan their next adventure – because "next time, be there."

BWH Hotels Announces Viral (Victor) Patel as Board Chairperson for 2026

Phoenix, Arizona (December 15, 2025) – announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Viral (Victor) Patel as Board Chairperson for 2026. With over 25 years of industry experience, Patel will bring invaluable insights to the role. The Board also elected Rajesh Patel as Vice-Chairperson and Santosh Khanjee as Secretary-Treasurer and welcomed Rebecca Driggs as a new Board Member.

“I am thrilled to announce Victor Patel as our new Board Chairperson,” said Larry Cuculic, President and CEO of BWH Hotels. “Victor is a trusted leader whose guidance will be critical as BWH Hotels embarks on a transformational year, enhancing the customer journey through digital innovation, refreshing our loyalty programs and equipping hoteliers to deliver unforgettable stays.”

At just 26 years old, Patel became the owner of the Best Western Corbin Inn in Corbin, Kentucky, a property which he still owns today. Under his stewardship, the hotel has earned several accolades, including the renowned Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 10 times.

“I’m honored to serve as Board Chair of BWH Hotels,” said Patel. “Alongside our incredible leadership team and fellow Directors, I’m excited to help shape the future of our company—delivering hospitality that makes every guest feel truly welcome and creating lasting impact for our hoteliers and the communities we serve.”

Outside of his support for BWH Hotels, Patel has also served as Board Chairman for the Corbin Tourism & Convention Commission, was the first hotelier to chair the Kentucky Travel Industry Association and has served as an ambassador for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. He holds a degree in Psychology and Pre-Law from Penn State University and resides in London, Kentucky, with his wife, Sejal, and their two daughters.

The Trust Factor: How Brand Recognition Drives Hotel Guest Satisfaction

In today’s hyperconnected world, guest satisfaction isn’t just a feel-good metric. It is a proven driver of revenue, reputation, and repeat bookings. As competition grows and traveler expectations rise, one of the simplest ways to elevate the guest experience is also one of the most effective: offering brands guests already know and trust. Globally recognized names like Dove, trusted for both quality and sustainability, allow properties to tap into years of consumer confidence and brand equity.

How Recognizable Brands Instantly Build Guest Trust

The comfort of brand recognition plays a critical role in hospitality, where guests are removed from their normal routines. Familiar brands act as anchors of consistency, easing the uncertainty of new environments and creating instant positive associations. When guests encounter trusted names, they relax—a mental shortcut that often leads to higher satisfaction and a greater likelihood of recommending the property.

Today’s travelers expect more than comfort; they want brands that reflect their values. From trusted names they know to amenities delivered in eco-friendly, waste-reducing formats, sustainability is now part of what makes a stay feel both memorable and rewarding.

How Reviews and Social Media Magnify Guest Impressions

The stakes for guest satisfaction have never been higher. 97% of travelers read reviews before booking, meaning every stay influences future demand.¹ Online review platforms and social media make each guest experience highly visible, with both praise and criticism amplified.

In today's landscape, user-generated content from satisfied guests and organic influencer endorsements carry the same weight, if not more, than traditional million-dollar television advertising campaigns. When a travel influencer shares an Instagram story featuring premium amenities, or when guests post positive reviews specifically mentioning brand-name products, these authentic endorsements reach highly targeted audiences with unprecedented credibility.

Turning Satisfaction into Revenue Growth

The business case for prioritizing guest satisfaction has never been stronger. Higher ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor, Google, or Booking.com can lead to increased visibility and higher booking rates. A single point increase in review score on a five-point scale can result in an 11.2% increase in room rates.² Hotels with consistently positive reviews often enjoy better rankings, stronger brand loyalty, and higher average daily rates (ADR).

Recognizable, trusted brands expedite the path to delivering an elevated experience, without reinventing the wheel. They carry with them years of consumer trust, marketing investment, and brand equity. When a hotel chooses to partner with a leading consumer brand, it’s essentially borrowing that credibility and weaving it into its own guest experience.

The Loyalty Multiplier Effect

In an industry where customer acquisition costs continue rising, the value of satisfied guests extends far beyond individual stays. Guests who experience consistently high satisfaction become brand ambassadors, generating organic marketing through positive reviews, social media posts, and word-of-mouth recommendations. This multiplier effect makes investments in guest satisfaction through trusted brand partnerships one of the highest-ROI strategies available to modern hoteliers.

Dove: A Trusted Name, Now in Hospitality

For decades, Dove has been the world’s #1 bath and shower brand, known for its commitment to gentle, hydrating care. Now, hotels can bring that same level of trust and quality into their guest rooms through Dove’s hospitality amenity collection.

By choosing Dove, hoteliers can:

Offer a globally recognized brand guests already love

Enhance satisfaction scores through perceived and actual quality

Streamline operations & reduce waste with easy-to-refill dispensers

Align with a brand committed to performance and sustainability

In a market where every detail matters, choosing a trusted brand like Dove isn’t just about amenities. It is about making a lasting impression that drives satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term business success.

For properties seeking to enhance guest satisfaction through strategic brand partnerships, Dove’s hospitality program offers proven amenities that deliver the trust and quality today’s travelers expect, backed by decades of consumer confidence.

Discover how Dove’s hospitality solutions can boost guest satisfaction, loyalty, and revenue. Request your free Dove hospitality kit at UnileverPartnerships.com.

Sources Cited

Accor. “97% of Hotel Guests Check Reviews when Booking a Stay in a Hotel or Resort.” Hotel News Resource, 17 June 2024, https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article131960.html. Accessed 9 August 2025.
Dong, Tracey. “The power of experience: how guest satisfaction can influence hotel pricing strategies.” eHotelier logo, 10 October 2024, https://insights.ehotelier.com/insights/2024/10/10/the-power-of-experience-how-guest-satisfaction-can-influence-hotel-pricing-strategies. Accessed 9 August 2025.

Duetto announces global summit for hospitality leaders on profitability and revenue performance

San Francisco — December 16, 2025 — Duetto, the hospitality industry’s leading provider of revenue and profit software, today announced its first global flagship event: , a summit dedicated to revenue and profit performance for hotels.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Florida, bringing together hotel innovators, technology partners, and industry leaders around the world for a full day of education, inspiration, and community building.

“Profit is the new priority, yet many hoteliers are still asking what comes next. PERFORM will bring real conversations about what’s working, what’s changing, and how hotels can build more resilient commercial strategies. This summit is about learning from one another, challenging old assumptions, and exploring the practical steps that drive true performance. It’s designed for all hospitality professionals ready to elevate their strategy, whether they are Duetto customers or not.” — Alex Zoghlin, CEO at Duetto

About the event

As the hospitality industry shifts from room revenue optimization to total revenue and profitability, PERFORM is designed to provide clarity, direction, and practical strategies for what comes next.

Attendees will gain access to:

Inspiring thought leadership from global voices shaping the future of hospitality and technology.
Interactive workshops and hands-on product sessions designed to help hoteliers maximize performance within their own organizations.
Networking and evening events that bring together hotel leaders to connect, collaborate, and celebrate progress across the industry.
Exclusive insights into Duetto’s product roadmap, including innovations redefining revenue and profit decision-making.

PERFORM is designed for commercial leaders of hotels

Whether managing an independent property or overseeing a global portfolio, attendees will hear first-hand stories from peers who have tested new ideas, navigated difficult decisions, and are willing to share both their results and their process. While the event is hosted in Florida, a global turnout of attendees is anticipated, featuring an international roster of speakers who will share their expertise throughout the program.

Early bird tickets are now available: .

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Becomes the Hotel with the Highest Number of Les Clefs d'Or Concierges in Canada

Québec City, Monday, December 15, 2025 – Following the official awarding of recognition to three additional concierges last month, has reached a historic milestone, it now holds the highest number of Les Clefs d’Or members of any hotel in Canada. With these new distinctions, the property proudly counts ten of the finest hotel concierges in the world, each proudly wearing the iconic crossed golden keys—the international symbol of excellence and unwavering dedication to guest service. This recognition highlights the essential work of our concierge team, who guide, advise and support our guests daily, uncovering the best the city has to offer and curating truly memorable experiences.

“We are extremely proud that our concierge team is recognized among the best in the world. Every day, they bring their expertise and passion to our guests, ensuring each stay at the Château is unforgettable. Congratulations—and above all, thank you—to our entire Les Clefs d’Or team between our concierge desks: Jason Turpin, Guillaume Giordano, Eric Sabetta, Catherine Leblanc, Iris Germain, Stéphanie Guay, Diane Gauthier, Maleni Rendon Chavez, Christine Gingras and Francis Bélanger,” says Simon Bovoli, Director of Luxury Experience & Concierge Services.

LES CLEFS D’OR – THE ELITE OF CONCIERGE SERVICE

Les Clefs d’Or is a prestigious international association of professional hotel concierges, with nearly 4,000 members across more than 80 countries and 530 destinations. Instantly recognizable by the crossed golden keys worn on their lapels, these concierges form an elite worldwide network committed to continuous professional development and exceptional guest service. Officially founded in France in 1952, with origins dating back to 1929, the organization is built on its core motto: service through friendship. Serving more than 100 million travelers annually, Les Clefs d’Or members handle requests ranging from the everyday to the truly extraordinary, relying on unparalleled local expertise and the strength of their global network. From Berlin to New York, Paris to Tokyo, no one knows the world—or delivers service with such inspired dedication—quite like Les Clefs d’Or concierges.

A SELECTION PROCESS AS DEMANDING AS ITS PRESTIGE

Becoming a Les Clefs d’Or member marks the culmination of an exceptionally rigorous journey. To qualify for the golden keys, candidates must have at least five years of hospitality experience, with a minimum of two specifically as a concierge, and must demonstrate impeccable professionalism. Before being admitted to the official examination, their abilities are tested through six mystery evaluations conducted over a two to three months period by their regional peers. This phase assesses, in real service conditions, the finesse, precision and excellence of their daily guest interactions. Candidates then advance to the final stage: an extensive, month-long practical examination. They must design a detailed, cross-Canada itinerary featuring truly exclusive experiences made possible through their professional relationships across the country. This in-depth evaluation encompasses a wide range of skills, including ethical knowledge, foreign language proficiency, and foundational sommelier principles, and concludes with an oral presentation before established members. Upon successful completion, the candidate’s file is reviewed by the regional council, then by the national council, which formally confirms their admission into this international fraternity built on excellence, trust and mentorship.