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THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and Hospitality Technology Next Generation recently launched new safety resources to help hoteliers prevent, address and respond to battery-related fire incidents. Many of these are unknowingly caused by guests using lithium-based devices such as e-bikes, laptops and mobile phones. Lithium battery incidents-particularly from micromobility devices-have become a rising concern for hotels nationwide, AHLA said in a statement. "The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority, which is why we continuously update protocols and guidance to address emerging risks," said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA's president and CEO. "Lithium battery fire incidents are on the rise and can pose significant risks without proper education and procedures. Our new tools will help hoteliers take practical steps to protect guests and employees, while staying ahead of this growing issue."

IN ANOTHER SIGN of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Super Bowl is expected to bring increases in hotel business to host city Los Angeles, according to STR. ADR and RevPAR are projected to reach the second-highest levels for any Super Bowl weekend on record. During the weekend of the game, Feb. 11 to 13, STR forecasts that ADR will reach $445 and RevPAR will be around $396 in the L.A. market. Occupancy is expected to hit 89 percent as fans flock in for the game. "Since July, the Los Angeles hotel market has consistently achieved monthly rates near or above pre-pandemic levels," said Blake Reiter, STR's director of custom forecasts. "Occupancy has been rapidly improving toward 2019 levels as well, but it hasn't reflected the same degree of recovery. We expect there will be, at least to a certain extent, a curtailing of occupancy because of COVID. Of course, if the NFL decides to switch venues as media reports have suggested, or implement more stringent protocols, L.A. hotel performance will certainly be among the ripple effects." Los Angeles's Super Bowl hotel occupancy is projected to outperform last year's venue, Tampa, Florida, which saw 82.4 percent occupancy when the home team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. However, it is well below the 92.8 percent Miami saw when it hosted the game in 2020, and also is lower than what L.A. saw over the comparable weekend period in 2020, 87.7 percent.

Studio 6 Katy, Texas, a new-build extended-stay hotel, is now open in the Houston suburb. It is owned by Sharin Patel and Ripan Modi. The 63-suite hotel was built under the new design parent company G6 Hospitality introduced last year. Nearby attractions include Rhodes Stadium and Legacy Stadium, Nelson Water Gardens and Nursery and Typhoon Texas Waterpark. The hotel also is pet friendly, and G6's recently implemented "Clean@6" cleaning and safety protocols are in effect at the new property. "Katy is a vibrant town and popular destination for business and tourism, and we are excited to partner with G6 Hospitality to bring more affordable lodging options to the area," said Modi, who also is the hotel's general manager. "We chose to open a Studio 6 because of the brand's longstanding commitment to leaving the light on for guests, which has been of even greater need for those required to continue travel during these times. Whether guests are looking to stay for an extended period or just a night or two, our goal is to make traveling affordable and accessible for all."

The Park Inn by Radisson Florence is open in Florence, South Carolina. It is owned and operated by Ankit Patel and is one of the first new-build Park Inns in the U.S. The 60-room hotel is six miles from Florence Regional Airport and near the city's downtown. Nearby attractions include the Florence Center, Francis Marion University Beaver Creek Golf Club, Timrod Park, the Florence County Museum and Darlington Raceway. Amenities include an indoor pool, a patio with fire pit and a fitness center. Radisson Hotel Groups' new Safety Protocol program has been implemented at the hotel featuring increased sanitation to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

IN RECOGNITION OF National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, G6 Hospitality, the parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6, has intensified efforts to combat and raise awareness about human trafficking. This month, the company is introducing an updated mandatory training program, "The Room Next Door," to identify signs and response protocols for human trafficking within the lodging industry, G6 Hospitality said in a statement. "G6 Hospitality remains committed to combating human trafficking across the country and maintains a zero-tolerance policy against it," said Julie Arrowsmith, CEO of G6 Hospitality. "Our expanded anti-human trafficking program will ensure that our team members, franchisees, and hotel teams are educated advocates who can help the industry move toward eradicating human trafficking." The training is mandatory at every Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations, the statement said. The company is also renewing ongoing partnerships in 2024 with law enforcement agencies and survivor advocate organizations, including: