Sean O'Neill

Sean O’Neill is Skift's Senior Hospitality Editor. Sean's forte is reporting, and he's broken multiple industry scoops. Sean has also received praise as an event moderator, having interviewed the CEOs of major hotel groups such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG on stage. He writes analysis pieces that pinpoint industry trends, and he profiles rising industry leaders. In his personal life, someone should stop him before he starts another home improvement project.

Latest Stories

Hotels

Interest Rate Cuts Could Unlock Hotel Dealmaking: 9 Trends to Watch

Cuts to interest rates would inject much-needed momentum into hotel deals and development. It's time to dust off those "When Rates Fall, Hotels Call" t-shirts you've had in the closet.

Interest Rate Cuts Could Unlock Hotel Dealmaking: 9 Trends to Watch

Business Travel

Hotel Chains Bet on New Ways of Selling to Corporate Travelers

Hotel chains are quietly planning to shift their distribution strategies, aiming to bypass traditional intermediaries and boost direct bookings from corporate travel buyers. But with billions at stake, expect fights from legacy players.

Hotel Chains Bet on New Ways of Selling to Corporate Travelers

Hotels

Hotel Loyalty Race: Marriott Leads

Marriott leads in the competition for the largest membership in a hotel loyalty program, with over 210 million members. But its rivals are hot on its heels.

Hotel Loyalty Race: Marriott Leads

Hotels

Hyatt to Buy Lifestyle Hotel Group Standard International for up to $335 Million

The Standard is part of a category of hotels that Hyatt and all major groups covet. Hyatt's CEO has previously said adding luxury and lifestyle brands can create a “network effect,” driving loyalty program growth and engagement.

Hyatt to Buy Lifestyle Hotel Group Standard International for up to $335 Million

Hotels

Hilton Revamps Luxury Travel Advisor Program, Adds Concierge Desk and Perks

Just about every hotel brand is trying to target luxury, and Hilton’s no different. Its approach with this move is strengthening relationships with influential travel advisors.

Hilton Revamps Luxury Travel Advisor Program, Adds Concierge Desk and Perks

Hotels

Hotel Giants Turn to Loyalty Licensing Deals: 10 Things to Know

Major hotel groups are playing Pokémon with their loyalty programs. Instead of collecting rare game cards, they're adding new sets of travelers to their databases. Gotta catch 'em all.

Hotel Giants Turn to Loyalty Licensing Deals: 10 Things to Know

Hotels

Marriott Signs Loyalty Tie-Up With Sonder Similar to MGM Resorts Deal

Sonder has recently struggled, having not been profitable since going public in a blank check deal in 2022. The heft of Marriott's distribution system will boost the company. Marriott will gain access to Sonder's units, many of which are roomy apartment-style lodging and in neighborhoods where it's hard to build hotels.

Marriott Signs Loyalty Tie-Up With Sonder Similar to MGM Resorts Deal

Business Travel

Business Travel 2024: Hotels Bet on the New Road Warriors

Business travel is nearly back – but with an asterisk. Road warriors aren't taking as many trips, longer stays are becoming the norm, and traveler health is a primary focus. So, for those hotels willing to pivot, there’s an opening to snag these lucrative guests.

Business Travel 2024: Hotels Bet on the New Road Warriors

Hotels

EasyHotel Chain Says It’s Exploring a Sale

A news report put the potential valuation at roughly $500 million, but that would mark a big jump from the value before the pandemic of just $170 million.

EasyHotel Chain Says It’s Exploring a Sale

Business Travel

Hotel Manager Highgate Shifts Strategy Amid Uneven Business Travel Recovery

The U.S. business travel recovery has been uneven. New York City? Thriving. San Francisco? Not so much. But the hotel manager giant Highgate sees signs for optimism.

Hotel Manager Highgate Shifts Strategy Amid Uneven Business Travel Recovery