Latest news: Curio to Hawaii; deal in Connecticut; Sage adds in Colorado

First Curio in Hawaii. Hilton is partnering with Denver-based Silverwest Hotels for the 210-key Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the lifestyle brand’s first hotel in Hawai‘i. The hotel is expected to open in the fall and is located in the Hōkūala Resort community on the island of Kauaʻi. The property will include a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space, and 10,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space. Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 25 hotels in Hawaii, including a development pipeline of nearly 10 hotels in various stages of design and construction.

West Anderson buys a Graduate. Greenwich, Connecticut-based West Anderson Partners has acquired the Graduate by Hilton Storrs, located on the campus of the University of Connecticut. The seller and amount were not disclosed. The acquisition advances West Anderson Partners' strategy of investing in institutionally branded hospitality assets in university-anchored markets with durable demand drivers.

Sage adds in Colorado. Denver-based Sage Hospitality Group has assumed management of the 106-key The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club located on the CU Anschutz medical campus in Aurora, Colorado. The hotel opened in 2023 and was developed by Denver-based AIMCO but was recently acquired by the University of Colorado.

Dreamscape adds 2. Houston-based Verge Hospitality Management has selected Dallas-based Dreamscape Hospitality to manage two of its Marriott-branded properties in Louisiana and Arkansas. The hotels are Courtyard by Marriott Houma in Houma, Louisiana, and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Springdale in Springdale, Arkansas.

Hilton introduces AI planner. Hilton announced its new Hilton AI Planner, a generative AI–powered digital concierge, is now in beta testing and addresses the growing use of AI tools for travel planning. The Hilton AI Planner uses conversational intelligence to deliver real-time responses to help travelers plan stays with Hilton.

IHG adds in India. IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Modest Structures Private Ltd. for the 45-key Garner Bhiwadi, further expanding the midscale conversion brand in India. Scheduled to open in 2027, the hotel will be managed by United Hospitality Management (UHM).

Azizi developing 151 in the UAE. UAE-based Azizi Developments will develop 151 hotels, including 100 4-star and 50 5-star hotels, with more than 90% of the portfolio in Dubai. Its hospitality unit has laid the foundation for its first 5-star hotel, marking the beginning of the rollout of its AED75 billion ($20.4 billion) hospitality investment plan. The first hotel is within the Azizi Riviera community in Mohammed Bin Rashid City and is among 10 hotel developments at various stages of development.