From new venue options and property updates to supplier partnerships that affect the guest experience, these recent hotel industry announcements offer updates for meeting and event planners to keep on their radar.
Marriott Names Coca-Cola Global Beverage Partner
Marriott International and The Coca-Cola Company have entered into a global strategic beverage agreement that will bring Coca-Cola brands to hotels across Marriott’s worldwide portfolio.
Under the agreement, Coca-Cola becomes Marriott’s global beverage partner across multiple categories, including carbonated soft drinks, hydration and functional beverages. A phased rollout begins immediately, with Coca-Cola products appearing in guestrooms, restaurants, lounges, and meetings and events spaces over the coming months.
The agreement was developed in collaboration with Hot Shoppe Services International, Marriott’s global procurement organization, with the goal of delivering greater guest choice while creating value for hotel owners and operators.
Fattal Hotel Group Completes First U.S. Hotel Acquisition
Fattal Hotel Group has completed its first hotel investment in the United States with the acquisition of The Blakely Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The deal closed July 7, 2026.
The 117-room property, located on West 55th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues, includes 42 suites and is within walking distance of Central Park, Times Square and Fifth Avenue. Following the acquisition, the hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation and repositioning program. It will remain closed during redevelopment and is expected to reopen in mid-2027 under one of Fattal’s existing brands.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the company, which owns and operates 329 hotels in 22 countries, including the Leonardo Hotels brand.
Kimpton Opens Boutique Hotel in Mexico City’s Polanco District
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened Kimpton El Castelar in Mexico City’s Polanco neighborhood, expanding the Kimpton brand’s presence in the Mexican capital.
The 34-room boutique hotel occupies the restored Roel Building, a 1940 architectural landmark designed by Francisco J. Serrano, and is located near Lincoln Park, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology.
The property features multiple private terraces, a rooftop pool, locally sourced furnishings and artwork, complimentary bikes, yoga mats, pet-friendly accommodations and Kimpton signature amenities, including the daily Kimpton Kickstart coffee service and evening Social Hour.
Kimpton El Castelar joins Kimpton Virgilio, which opened in Polanco in 2024, bringing the brand’s Mexico City portfolio to two hotels as Kimpton continues its expansion across the Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean region.
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The Culver Hotel Introduces Full-property Buyouts
The Culver Hotel in Culver City, CA, is now offering full-property buyouts, giving groups exclusive access to the historic 46-room boutique hotel for meetings, corporate retreats, weddings, celebrations and private events.
The buyout option includes exclusive use of guestrooms, event spaces, dining venues and public areas, allowing planners to customize the guest experience.
Thoughtful inclusions, such as welcome amenities, a champagne toast, room upgrades and tailored culinary programming, also help create a more elevated, turnkey experience at the 102-year-old hotel.
