#257: Losing the $150 Hotel Room, Hotel Investments in 2026, Airbnb World Cup Push, and More | Hospitality Hot Topics — The Modern Hotelier

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran, David Millili, and Jon Bumhoffer break down the latest trends and insights from February in the hospitality industry. From rising midscale hotel rates to the booming luxury market, they explore what’s shaping travel in 2026 and beyond.

What we cover in this episode:

Why the $150 midscale hotel room is disappearing and what travelers are paying now
How inflation, rising operating costs, and labor expenses are changing hotel pricing
The shift towards AI-driven personalization and dynamic hotel packages
Opportunities for Airbnb hosts during the World Cup and the changing landscape of long-term stays
Tips for getting better hotel rates: price matching, direct bookings, and leveraging technology

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0pidWSZCog

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/257

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.