Hilton and AutoCamp Join Forces for an Unforgettable Summer Getaway

Hilton and AutoCamp Join Forces for an Unforgettable Summer Getaway

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 11, 2024

Hilton Honors members can now indulge in an adventurous yet luxurious outdoor experience thanks to Hilton’s new partnership with AutoCamp. As summer approaches, travelers looking for unique getaways can book stays at AutoCamp properties directly through Hilton’s platforms, including Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app.

AutoCamp, known for its distinctive blend of outdoor adventures and upscale amenities, offers locations in eight stunning settings, from national park-adjacent sites to coastal retreats. These properties provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable summer escape.

Hilton Honors members can not only earn and redeem points at AutoCamp locations but also enjoy exclusive benefits. Depending on their membership level, perks include eco-friendly waters, firewood bundles, s’mores kits, and space-available upgrades. To sweeten the deal, members can earn 1,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each stay completed by August 12, 2024.

Each AutoCamp site is designed to immerse guests in nature without compromising on comfort. Here’s a glimpse into what each location has to offer:

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AutoCamp Yosemite: Just 45 minutes from Yosemite National Park, this property spans 35 acres and features a 4,000-square-foot Clubhouse with large seating areas, fire pits, and a unique light installation by Brendan Ravenhill. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, skydiving, and horseback riding.

AutoCamp Russian River: Nestled among the Sonoma redwoods and near the Russian River, this site offers 35 accommodation options, including Redwood Suites with private hot tubs. The Clubhouse’s indoor-outdoor pavilion and communal fire pit enhance the experience, with activities like yoga, meditation, fishing, and kayaking.

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AutoCamp Cape Cod: This East Coast location is within walking distance of acclaimed beaches and features a two-story Clubhouse with an indoor fire pit and The Kitchen, serving local food and drinks. Guests can participate in foraging walks, oyster farm tours, birding, and biking along the Shining Sea Bikeway.

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AutoCamp Joshua Tree: Located near Joshua Tree National Park, this property features native plants and rock formations with specialty lighting for stargazing. Accommodations include custom-designed Airstreams and Cabins, some with outdoor showers. Guests can also enjoy river rafting, an outdoor pool, and a General Store with local items.

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AutoCamp Catskills: Situated on 37 acres west of the Hudson River, this site offers Family Cabins and BaseCamp Suites. The Clubhouse, inspired by Hudson Valley architecture, opens to a covered porch, with activities ranging from fireside chats to ATV riding and live DJ sets.

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AutoCamp Zion: Located 20 minutes from Zion National Park on 16 acres along the Virgin River, this property offers 81 accommodations, an all-season pool, river access, and extensive event spaces. The Clubhouse features art installations reflecting the surrounding rock formations.

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AutoCamp Asheville: Opening in fall 2024 along the French Broad River and near the Great Smoky Mountains, this site will introduce the Bambi Suite for solo travelers and couples. Amenities include an all-season plunge pool and local cultural experiences like live music, wine and brewery tours, and outdoor skills workshops.

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AutoCamp Sequoia: Also opening in fall 2024, this property near Sequoia National Park offers a heated pool and outdoor fire pit. Guests can start their day with yoga and local dishes before visiting General Sherman, the world’s largest single-stem tree.

Hilton’s partnership with AutoCamp combines the thrill of outdoor adventures with the comfort and luxury of boutique hotel stays, offering a unique and rewarding experience for summer travelers.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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