Lodging Daily News

NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland—Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced the opening of the first new construction hotel to feature the Lobby in a Box package, a MainStay Suites in Chesapeake, Virginia. By using the Lobby in a Box and Kitchen in a Box packages, the hotel leveraged designs with lower costs that are constructed for the extended-stay consumer. The Lobby in a Box package designed the lobby into a communal space that provides a flexible setup for

FLORENCE, South Carolina—Raines announced the groundbreaking of The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista in Columbia, South Carolina. Developed and managed by Raines, this will be the second Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina. With design and architecture by Garvin Design Group and built by Mashburn Construction, the Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025. The first Shepherd Hotel opened in downtown Clemson, South Carolina, in September of 2022. The brand was

Kessler hired John Luckett as president of hospitality operations. Formerly Kessler’s chief operating officer, Luckett is returning to the brand and expanding on his 15-year tenure with the company. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced the appointment of Tiffany Cooper as head of development, Americas. Cooper will lead the development and investment initiatives for the Americas region. McKibbon Hospitality appointed Jason Caughron as dual general manager of the Courtyard Atlanta Midtown and Element Atlanta Midtown. Caughrom

CHARLESTON, South Carolina—Highline Hospitality Partners (HHP) announced the acquisition of the dual-branded Hyatt Place/Hyatt House Charleston Historic District. This acquisition marks HHP’s 13th and 14th hotels, representing the company’s first entry into the Charleston, South Carolina, market. Situated along King Street in Charleston’s Historic District, the property is near dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. The city is known for its leisure offerings and is home to several industries, including education, healthcare, logistics, and the U.S.

NEW YORK CITY—Waldorf Astoria New York shared details on the property’s signature restaurant, Lex Yard, helmed by Chef Partner Michael Anthony. Expected to debut in spring 2025, the two-story American Brasserie-style restaurant will combine the energy of New York and contemporary dining, including a bar and dining room for locals, residents of Waldorf Astoria New York, and guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. “I’m honored to be opening Lex Yard in Waldorf Astoria New York,