{"id":115183,"date":"2026-01-28T16:10:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T16:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/115183\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T16:10:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T16:10:20","slug":"new-resorts-nyc-junk-fee-ban-and-more-top-hotel-resort-news-from-january","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/115183\/","title":{"rendered":"New Resorts, NYC Junk Fee Ban and More: Top Hotel & Resort News From January"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Lacey<\/a>by Lacey Pfalz<\/a>
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Wed January 28, 2026<\/p>\n

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\u2019ve curated for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Check out the top news you should know from this month down below, and click the links to read the full stories if they\u2019re relevant to you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Hospitality Industry in the US\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"American<\/p>\n

American flag waves in front of New York City skyline. (Photo Credit: Volodymyr\/Adobe)<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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<\/a> of ICE and DHS officers. Hilton has since cut ties with the property, removing the hotel from its booking systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/a><\/p>\n

Lastly, New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani has banned junk fees<\/a>, so-called because they are often-hidden charges that aren\u2019t disclosed to hotel guests upon booking. The new rule will go into effect February 21, 2026.<\/p>\n

New Hotels, Resorts & Renovations
\n\"RIU<\/p>\n

Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster (Photo Credit: RIU Hotels & Resorts)<\/p>\n

A few announcements for hotels and upgrades to existing resorts also help us to look ahead to new travel experiences across the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wynn Resorts<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Secrets Playa Mujeres, which underwent a renovation <\/a>to its public and private spaces, has reopened this month with a completely refreshed style.<\/p>\n

Across the pond, RIU celebrated the opening of its second hotel in London, the Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster<\/a>, 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. <\/p>\n

Sonesta announced new plans to build a resort in Cura\u00e7ao <\/a>in January. The property will open during the second quarter of the year, but its name and other details have yet to be announced. <\/p>\n

Lastly, the new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines resort will be unveiling new Rondoval Villas <\/a>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead
\n\"Iberostar,<\/p>\n

Iberostar Selection Zanzibar will be the company’s first East Africa hotel. (Photo Credit: Iberostar Group)<\/p>\n

Major hotel corporations and collections are looking ahead to this year and beyond, with several major announcements, celebrations and anniversaries. <\/p>\n

WorldHotels<\/a> added over 100 hotels across 25 different countries to its independent luxury and lifestyle portfolio last year, and it\u2019s celebrating 40 new hotels currently in development this year. <\/p>\n

Hilton also announced a new expansion to rival Airbnb: the Apartment Collection by Hilton<\/a>, a new option that\u2019ll be offering short-term rentals to book in major cities across the United States beginning later this year. <\/p>\n

Marriott recently announced five new hotels in Saudi Arabia<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n

Iberostar Group<\/a> 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\u2019s first-ever resort in East Africa.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lastly, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts <\/a>hopes to capitalize on its second-year partnership with Hyatt with a $117 million investment plan that will focus on renovating the company\u2019s resorts across the Caribbean and rebrand the company.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n


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