Quotes of the Week: Ashford, Hyatt, ESA, Vision Hospitality

“Overall, our main focus there [Ashford Hospitality Trust] is to really just put that platform in a much healthier place. [Interest] rates over the years have not helped, being that all of our hotels are at a floating rate. We’re really trying to focus on divesting of quite a few assets to just make it healthier… I wouldn’t completely eliminate the possibility of us doing something from a bigger transaction standpoint, but the focus there is to leverage it and just put it in a good place.” – Hector Sanchez, Ashford Inc.   Read story

“We’re even more excited about corporate groups. Our group pace for 2026 is up 9%.” – Mary Beth Cutshall, Vision Hospitality   Read story

“They [construction costs] continue to go up, like everything else does, but we just have to work through it. If you delay it, you’re just delaying the inevitable. Build when you’re ready to go; don’t wait around.” – Mark Williams, Extended Stay America   Read story

“We continue to hear positive feedback from our group and corporate customers about their intent to travel this year, particularly for customer-facing travel. Pace for our all-inclusive resorts in the Americas is up over 9% in the first quarter, reflecting the continued strength of leisure travel.” – Joan Bottarini, Hyatt Hotels Corp.   Read story

“In 2026, we are optimistic about the state of travel for luxury and upper-upscale hotels, as affluent consumers continue to prioritize spending on experiences. With an investment-grade balance sheet, significant liquidity, and a diversified portfolio of iconic properties, Host is well positioned to capture additional upside from lodging demand growth and take advantage of potential opportunities in the future.” – Jame Risoleo, Host Hotels & Resorts   Read story

“The launch of Noted Collection follows the acquisition in 2025 of the Ruby brand, which further enriches our premium portfolio.” – Elie Maalouf, IHG Hotels & Resorts   Read story

“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, which I deeply regret. I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.” – Tom Pritzker, Hyatt Hotels Corp.   Read story

“Usually, we’re able to do a sale-and-leaseback of the property after two or three years. We continue to operate the asset and earn capital gains, which we reinvest into higher-yielding opportunities.” – Kelvin Lim, Coliwoo co-living brand   Read story