Sean O'Neill

Sean O’Neill is Skift's senior hospitality editor, reporting on hotels. Send him news tips at [email protected]. He's been a full-time journalist for two decades. He lives in Washington, D.C. Stop him before he starts another home improvement project.

Latest Stories

Hotels

Wyndham Pushes Premium Strategy After Fending Off Choice’s Hostile Bid

Wyndham wants to retain its stronghold in economy lodging while expanding into higher-end properties that generate larger franchise fees. The company saw a swift increase in development deal signings after rival Choice Hotels abandoned its hostile takeover attempt last month.

Sean O'Neill | 1 week ago

Business Travel

Hilton Sees Full Corporate Travel Rebound in Hotel Stays in 2024

Vacationers have been Hilton's bread and butter recently, but the hotel giant predicts a full house of the briefcase brigade soon.

Sean O'Neill | 1 week ago

Hotels

Hyatt Loyalty Play: Adding 700 Hotels via Mr & Mrs Smith Mash-Up

Hyatt has begun letting members of its loyalty program earn and redeem points at about 700 boutique and luxury hotels via Mr & Mrs Smith, a service that curates boutique properties.

Sean O'Neill | 1 week ago

Cruises

5 Facts About Aman’s Luxury Yacht

Aman has postponed the launch of its first yacht-style cruise offering until at least 2027. When it debuts, the palatial motor yacht will fuse Eastern mystique and minimalist chic.

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago

Hotels

Marriott Earns Nod for Hotel Climate Plan, Joining Hilton, Accor, and IHG

The world's largest hotel group has had its carbon reduction plans approved by the world’s main verifier of corporate climate targets. Marriott follows Accor, Hilton, and IHG in having SBTi verify its plans.

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago

Tourism

Thousands of Canary Islands Residents Protest ‘Overtourism’

Thousands of fed-up residents took to the streets of Tenerife. Activists want a new tourism model that puts locals first. But businesses seek sustained growth from a tourism sector that drives about a third of the local economy.

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago

Hotels

Ferragamo’s Formula: Behind Portrait Milano’s Luxury Hotel Launch

The Ferragamo family's Portrait Milano hotel has taken the Italian fashion capital by storm. It did so through its philosophy of "inclusive exclusivity," its celebrated pasta bianco dish, and some star-studded events. Is Naples, Venice, or Palermo next?

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago

Hotels

Paris’ Best Hotels: Michelin Ratings Vs. Online Reviews

Michelin has debuted its first ratings for hotels. But when a tech firm crunched the numbers from traveler reviews across 140 sites, it found that crowd favorites clashed with Michelin's picks.

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago

Business Travel

Wyndham Lures Businesses to Book Directly With New Loyalty Perks

Wyndham aims to woo businesses to book hotels directly by simplifying the process and turbocharging rewards. The hotel franchisor is betting big on America's infrastructure spending boom.

Sean O'Neill | 3 weeks ago

Hotels

Blackstone Weighs Sale of Motel 6 Owner: Report

A famous investment firm is leaving the light on for potential buyers of its budget hotel portfolio.

Sean O'Neill | 3 weeks ago