October 1, 2026

 

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AAHOA NEWS

California Governor Gavin Newsom Vetoes Hotel Guest Disclosure Bill

 

AAHOA welcomes Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of AB 2721, which would have imposed new disclosure and notice requirements on California hotels when federal immigration agencies stayed at their properties. AAHOA Members own some 61 percent of hotels in the state. The veto follows advocacy from AAHOA and its industry partners throughout the legislative process.

 
 

Women Hotel Owners Learn, Connect at HerOwnership

 

Earlier this week, hundreds of women gathered in Nashville for two days of conversation, learning, and connection at the fifth annual HerOwnership Conference. From conversations about hotel financing, legal issues, and operations to building long-term value, AI, portfolio growth, and service and leadership, HerOwnership was full of ideas that women hotel owners can apply to their businesses. Plus, Simi Shah, founder and CEO of South Asian Trailblazers, shared her story about growing up in hospitality and building something of her own.

 
 

Follow AAHOA on Social Media

 

While Hotelier Weekly hits your inbox once a week, you can keep up with all things AAHOA on a daily basis by following us on social media. Before you keep reading, take a moment to follow us on Facebook (@aahoaofficial), Instagram (@aahoaofficial), LinkedIn (AAHOA), YouTube (@AAHOA), and WhatsApp (AAHOA.com/WhatsApp).

 
 

Heading to The Lodging Conference?

 

Join us in Phoenix on October 6 for the AAHOA Reception at The Lodging Conference! Be part of this annual tradition where hoteliers and industry leaders come together to connect and celebrate.

 
 

Attend an Upcoming Virtual Learning Session

 

October is packed with practical learning opportunities from AAHOA’s Hotel Owners Academy. 


Join us for three upcoming virtual sessions designed to help hotel owners and operators work smarter, strengthen performance, and prepare for what’s next.


Thursday, October 8: From Handwritten Checks to Centralized Control

Thursday, October 15: Think Like an Owner: Building Leaders Who Drive Hotel Profitability

Tuesday, October 27: AI for Everyday Hotel Operations


All sessions begin at 2 p.m. EDT.

 

Member Spotlight: Rahul Patel

 

AAHOA Member Rahul B. Patel has continued his involvement with AAHOA while expanding his work in commercial real estate and property tax in Texas. The managing partner of Patel Gaines, PLLC, Patel was also recently appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to a state advisory board related to healthcare and recently testified before the Texas Senate on property tax issues. He's also remained connected to AAHOA and its members, encouraging HYPE 2026 attendees to advocate for themselves.

 

AAHOA Georgia Regional Director Builds Connections at Georgia Indo-American Chamber Event

 

AAHOA Georgia Regional Director Nilesh (Nelly) Patel recently represented AAHOA at an event hosted by the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, welcoming Dr. Sumit Seth, the new Consul General of India. There, Patel connected with business and community leaders, including the Office of Gov. Brian Kemp and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

 

Better Coverage, Lower Costs

 

AAHOA is developing an insurance program built specifically for hotel owners – with the goal of stronger coverage, better pricing, and institutional-quality solutions tailored to our industry.


Your participation is critical to helping shape the future of this program, which will target approximately 20 percent premium savings. We're inviting members to authorize the release of their current insurance information to help guide the development of this new program. All participation data is collected by a third-party law firm, is confidential and privileged, and is not accessible to AAHOA internally. Learn more here.

 

MEMBER BENEFITS

 

Work with AAHOA Vendor Partners

When you do business with AAHOA Vendor Partners, you're supporting the companies that support you. Explore exclusive savings and industry-leading products designed to help AAHOA Members succeed.

 


Maximize Your Member

Benefits

AAHOA's Membership Benefits Brochure is your quick guide to all the exclusive perks and programs available to all hotelier members. From advocacy to savings and networking opportunities, this brochure highlights how AAHOA supports hotel owners at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Common Cents Act Would Impact Pennies, Nickels and Cash Transactions. It May Soon Become Law

 

Bridge Cuts Hotel Debt Placement Fees by 50% as AI Drives Down the Cost of Financing

 

IN THE MARKET

U.S. RevPAR +14.2% y/y last week; Major Jewish holiday shifting closer to early week from midweek a big tailwind

As Truist Securities wrote, "Overall, U.S. RevPAR was +14.2% y/y for the week ending 9/26/2026, per STR/CoStar, above the prior week's result of +10.4% y/y and the 10-week average of +6.8% y/y. Last week's results were especially strong, driven by the timing shift of the major Jewish holidays. The timing of the Yom Kippur holiday, which fell on Sun/Mon this year was less impactful to Business/Group travel than the Rosh Hashanah holiday that fell on Tues/Wed in the comparable week last year. Net-net, a fairly easy y/y comparison. The current week, to be reported on next week, also has a very easy y/y comparison as Yom Kippur fell on Wed/Thur Oct 1-2 last year and there are no major holidays in the comparable (this) week this year. Upscale RevPAR: +13.2% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: +11.7% y/y."


For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

North Florida Town Hall

Ocala, FL

October 12, 2026

North Pacific Town Hall

Elk Grove, CA

October 13, 2026

North Florida Town Hall

Tampa, FL

October 20, 2026

North Texas Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show

Irving, TX

October 29, 2026

Georgia Town Hall

Augusta, GA

October 29, 2026