HN2026: A New Chapter for Hospitality Net
On February 23, we launched HN2026. You will notice a refreshed design immediately. Pages are cleaner, navigation is simpler, and the reading experience is more consistent across devices. But while the new look is the most visible change, HN2026 is ultimately about something bigger: it is the start of a new foundation for Hospitality Net.
The platform overhaul includes AI optimization for content discovery, ensuring hospitality knowledge remains discoverable as search evolves. A completely rebuilt member dashboard gives organizations better tools to manage their content presence. Plans for regional versions in local languages will bring more on-the-ground perspectives into industry conversations. After more than three decades connecting hospitality professionals with independent, high-quality industry information, this marks the next phase.
The new visual identity centers on conversation. The speech bubble logo, with HN at the center, represents what Hospitality Net has always been: a place where the industry speaks, shares, challenges, and learns. Read the full announcement →
Mews Raises $300M at $2.5B Valuation
Mews raised $300 million at a $2.5 billion valuation. The PMS company now serves 15,000 properties across 85 countries with 55% SaaS growth. The funding round signals continued investor confidence in hospitality infrastructure despite broader economic uncertainty.
The valuation positions Mews among the highest-valued pure-play hospitality technology companies globally. The capital will likely fund continued product development, geographic expansion, and potential acquisitions as the company strengthens its platform strategy. Read more →
From Paycheck to Purpose: Culture Tackles Labor Shortage
Recruitment is a race in hospitality. There’s urgency in filling open roles, especially when guest expectations remain high and operations never pause. When you have openings in certain roles, you risk revenue. Take a Sales Manager vacancy: who is handling that role’s book of business?
The opinion argues the solution isn’t higher wages alone. Purpose-driven culture that gives employees meaningful work and clear growth paths retains talent more effectively than pay increases that competitors can match within months. Read the analysis →
Why 2026 Will Reshape Hospitality Dealmaking
After several years of post-pandemic reset, the hospitality and leisure dealmaking sector is settling into a new rhythm. Growth is no longer about adding scale alone, but about how well companies can connect experiences, customer data, and loyalty across their portfolios. The assets attracting the most interest are those designed to work together.
The shift reflects maturation in how investors value hospitality assets. Standalone properties command less premium than those that integrate into larger ecosystems with shared technology, data, and loyalty infrastructure. Read more →
Signals
Direct booking infrastructure launched. Shiji introduced Booking Studio, a customizable direct booking engine that integrates natively with Daylight PMS to eliminate sync delays and give hotels full control over their booking experience design.
Brand negotiation goes beyond royalty rates. A comprehensive guide covers 12 key areas hotel owners must negotiate beyond fee concessions. PIPs, technology mandates, and termination clauses often cost more than royalty reductions over franchise agreement lifecycles.
Mobile ordering recaptured F&B revenue. InterContinental New Orleans deployed IRIS mobile ordering to compete with third-party delivery apps, transforming room service into a digitally driven operation that retains margin instead of paying platform commissions.