New Resorts, NYC Junk Fee Ban and More: Top Hotel & Resort News From January

by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Wed January 28, 2026

The start to 2026 was a busy one for hotel and hospitality companies worldwide: new developments from Saudi Arabia to Mexico and the latest research on the issues facing the U.S. hospitality industry are only a few of the biggest stories we’ve curated for you. 

Check out the top news you should know from this month down below, and click the links to read the full stories if they’re relevant to you. 

The Hospitality Industry in the US 

American flag waves in front of New York City skyline. (Photo Credit: Volodymyr/Adobe)

During the first month of the year, we reported on some news surrounding the state of the hospitality industry here in the United States, including a junk fee ban in a major tourist destination.

First, a Hampton Inn in the Minneapolis area went viral after refusing to allow immigration officers to book rooms at the hotel and cancelling existing reservations of ICE and DHS officers. Hilton has since cut ties with the property, removing the hotel from its booking systems. 

A new report by Deloitte is detailing the challenges the U.S. hospitality industry faces this year: a historic labor shortage, the proliferation of AI and slowing economic development spurred by tariffs and economic instability are just a few. Read the full report here.

Lastly, New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani has banned junk fees, so-called because they are often-hidden charges that aren’t disclosed to hotel guests upon booking. The new rule will go into effect February 21, 2026.

New Hotels, Resorts & Renovations

Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster (Photo Credit: RIU Hotels & Resorts)

A few announcements for hotels and upgrades to existing resorts also help us to look ahead to new travel experiences across the world. 

Wynn Resorts announced a new proposal to build two new hotels in the Boston outlying town of Everett, on the waterfront, with the hotels being built around 2028. 

Secrets Playa Mujeres, which underwent a renovation to its public and private spaces, has reopened this month with a completely refreshed style.

Across the pond, RIU celebrated the opening of its second hotel in London, the Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster, a 464-room hotel located near Westminster Cathedral, a major city attraction. The property was originally a Curio Collection by Hilton property, but underwent a massive renovation to become a RIU hotel.

Sonesta announced new plans to build a resort in Curaçao in January. The property will open during the second quarter of the year, but its name and other details have yet to be announced.

Lastly, the new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines resort will be unveiling new Rondoval Villas this November. Reservations are open now for the new villas, which come with luxury amenities like a king-sized bed, a private pool, media rooms, butler service and more. 

Looking Ahead

Iberostar Selection Zanzibar will be the company’s first East Africa hotel. (Photo Credit: Iberostar Group)

Major hotel corporations and collections are looking ahead to this year and beyond, with several major announcements, celebrations and anniversaries.

WorldHotels added over 100 hotels across 25 different countries to its independent luxury and lifestyle portfolio last year, and it’s celebrating 40 new hotels currently in development this year.

Hilton also announced a new expansion to rival Airbnb: the Apartment Collection by Hilton, a new option that’ll be offering short-term rentals to book in major cities across the United States beginning later this year.

Marriott recently announced five new hotels in Saudi Arabia. The new hotels will be the JW Marriott Jeddah, The Apartments; Four Points by Sheraton Shesha, Makkah; Four Points by Sheraton Madinah King Fahd Road; and Element Madinah Sultana Road. Marriott did not share a timeline for when they would open.

Iberostar Group is celebrating the start to its 70th anniversary this year, looking ahead to two new resorts opening this year in Montenegro and Zanzibar in Tanzania, the brand’s first-ever resort in East Africa. 

Lastly, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts hopes to capitalize on its second-year partnership with Hyatt with a $117 million investment plan that will focus on renovating the company’s resorts across the Caribbean and rebrand the company. 

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