This holiday season, Hilton and Universal Pictures have teamed up to offer travelers and fans of Wicked a truly magical experience at the New York Hilton Midtown. As the highly anticipated movie Wicked prepares to hit theaters on November 22, 2024, guests will be able to "Stay Like Wicked" in a one-of-a-kind suite inspired by the beloved characters Elphaba and Glinda.

The collaboration brings the Land of Oz to life, with an immersive suite that transports guests along the yellow brick road from the moment they arrive. The experience begins with an enchanting entrance, complete with Emerald City-inspired wallpaper and a custom-designed door, evoking the vibrant magic of the film.

Once inside, guests are taken on a visual journey. The living area is styled after the Wizard’s Throne Room, while the bedroom reflects the iconic personalities of Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba’s side of the room is moody and green, inspired by the enchanted forest, while Glinda’s side offers a bright pink wonderland, with whimsical touches straight from the film. Every detail, from the tree branches twirling around the headboard to the glamorous pink décor, is crafted to reflect the dynamic world of Wicked.

Beyond the stunning décor, guests can expect Hilton’s signature hospitality with magical extras. A hidden beverage bar, themed happy hour with green and pink cocktails, and a mystical balloon delivering breakfast pastries are just some of the enchanting touches that await. Additionally, the suite offers exclusive Wicked-themed gifts, including a backpack from the Wicked x Béis collection, pampering products from Beekman 1802, and tickets to see Wicked on the big screen.

Up to four guests can book the suite, making it a perfect holiday getaway for friends and family looking to celebrate the movie’s release and create unforgettable memories. The suite is available for booking from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and includes access to the hotel's Executive Lounge for added comfort.

"We are excited to welcome fans into the world of Wicked through this uniquely immersive stay experience," said Chris Silcock, president of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton. "Our collaboration with Universal Pictures allows us to merge Hilton’s renowned hospitality with one of the year’s most anticipated films, offering guests an unforgettable experience."

As part of Hilton’s ongoing “Stay Like” series, the Wicked suite highlights the growing trend of ultra-themed accommodations, blending pop culture with unique stay experiences. For fans of the film, or anyone looking to add a little magic to their trip to New York City, this suite promises an adventure like no other.

For more information or to book your stay, visit Hilton.com/StayLikeWicked.

IHG Hotels & Resorts is accelerating the expansion of its midscale brand, Garner, with four new signings across Europe. Launched in August 2023, Garner offers guests a straightforward experience at competitive prices while giving hotel owners flexibility and faster returns. The new properties will open in the UK, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Türkiye, strengthening the brand’s presence across key European markets.

In the UK, two Garner hotels are scheduled to open in late 2024. Garner Hotel Reading Centre will feature 53 rooms and is located near the city’s commercial and shopping hubs. The second property, Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury, will have 80 guest rooms and easy access to the M6 motorway, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Garner’s Northern Europe expansion includes more than 50 new hotels in Germany, developed through a long-term partnership with NOVUM Hospitality. These properties are being converted from NOVUM's Yggotel, Select, and Novum brands. Key locations set to open later this year include Garner Hotel Hamburg Nord, Garner Hotel Mannheim City, and Garner Hotel Berlin – Mitte. Additional properties are planned for Vienna, Austria, and Maastricht, Netherlands, further extending the brand's footprint in Europe.

The brand will also enter Türkiye in 2025 with a 126-room hotel near Istanbul Airport. Developed in collaboration with FRT Turizm and supported by AB Consulting, the property will cater to travelers passing through one of the busiest airports in the world.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG, expressed excitement about Garner’s rapid growth: “Our newest brand offers owners quicker returns by minimizing pre-opening costs and accelerating time to operation. We are pleased to see such strong interest from partners across Europe and look forward to welcoming guests to these new properties soon.”

The Garner brand has signed 79 properties worldwide since its launch, including locations in the US, Japan, and Germany, with four hotels already open and operating. With its focus on simplicity, accessible locations, and 24/7 refreshment options, Garner aims to meet the needs of today’s travelers looking for no-fuss stays.

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) is pleased to announce its partnership with the International Platform for Insetting (IPI), marking a significant step toward enhancing sustainability efforts in the global hospitality industry. This collaboration aims to revolutionise the sector by promoting knowledge sharing, aligning sustainability measurements, and accelerating impactful changes across businesses and communities worldwide.

The Alliance, comprising over 100 members and partners dedicated to addressing key environmental challenges, is poised to lead transformative initiatives through this partnership with IPI. Known for its work on integrating climate action into global value chains, IPI brings its expertise in scalable, nature-based solutions that reduce Scope 3 emissions while delivering positive social and environmental outcomes.

Through this collaboration, the Alliance emphasises its commitment to industry training and its goal of advancing Net Positive Hospitality. By incorporating insetting practices—strategies that promote biodiversity restoration and sustainable practices—hospitality businesses can not only meet ambitious climate goals but also build resilient, regenerative business models that contribute to environmental preservation.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, commented, “IPI’s impressive track record with global brands in advancing Net Positive goals aligns perfectly with our mission. Our collaboration will empower our members with invaluable insights, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing that is essential for creating resilient business models in our industry.”

Adding to the conversation, Jamil Benabdallah, Executive Director of the International Platform for Insetting, said, “Together, we aim to embed insetting into hospitality operations, enabling businesses to reduce their environmental footprint and foster positive social impact throughout their value chains. Our combined efforts will support the hospitality sector in becoming a leader in sustainable and regenerative practices.”

This partnership represents a major step toward harmonising sustainability efforts across the hospitality sector. It also reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to create a responsible, sustainable future for the industry and beyond.

For more information on the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and its initiatives, please visit World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.