by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu August 28, 2025
This August, we’ve covered important news like new resorts opening in Fort Lauderdale and the Dominican Republic, how hotel giants are doing financially in the current economic climate, Airbnb’s new ‘reserve now, pay later’ option and more.
Get up to speed on the biggest hotel and resort headlines from the month down below, and click the links provided to read the full stories.
New Hotels & Resorts
W Punta Cana. (Photo Credit: Marriott International)
Several resorts opened or announced future openings this past August.
The Secrets Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic will open September 1 as an adults-only all-inclusive. With 500 rooms and suites, the resort boasts swim-up rooms configurations, Preferred Club amenities, eleven dining venues, full spa, beach, daily programming and much more.
Devossion by Live Aqua Playa del Carmen has debuted in a previous resort in Playa del Carmen, with a full opening this October. The adults-only all-inclusive resort will be the first in the Devossion by Live Aqua brand, which focuses on the socially driven lifestyle with plenty of daily programming and events for guests.
Also debuting October 1 is The Garden Hotel & Resort, Fort Lauderdale’s newest all-inclusive resort property. Formerly the Royal Beach Palace, the transformed property offers 155 rooms and suites with pet-friendly and adults-only options, a restaurant, easy beach access and more.
Additionally, the W Hotels brand has debuted its first all-inclusive resort with the opening of the W Punta Cana, with 340 rooms and suites, 12 restaurants and dining venues, a full spa, beach area and more.
Financial Outlooks & Brand Expansions
The name change reflects Royalton’s strength and recognition. (Photo Credit: Blue Diamond Resorts)
Hospitality giant Marriott has lowered its financial outlook for the rest of the year after experiencing no revenue gains in the U.S. and Canada, expecting the current economic climate to continue throughout the end of the year.
Meanwhile, international RevPAR increased 5 percent, spurred by economic growth in other regions, including Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Hyatt, on the other hand, exceeded financial analysts’ expectations during the second quarter, which contributed to its acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts along with an increase in gross fee revenue, which grew 9.5 percent from the year prior.
In other big news, Blue Diamond Resorts, which has a portfolio of resort brands including Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, Royalton CHIC Resorts and Royalton Luxury Resorts, has rebranded, changing its name to Royalton Hotels & Resorts.
As part of the change, Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts is now Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts by Royalton.
Additionally, Posadas is eyeing major expansion this year, with plans to add 1,300 more rooms to its portfolio of resorts in the Mexico and Caribbean by year-end. Its Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana is expected to open by the end of the year, marking the brand’s biggest international development.
AIC Hotel Group is also strengthening its commitment to the travel trade and travel agents with the formation of a new host agency sales department.
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