Sean O'Neill

Sean O’Neill is Skift's senior hospitality editor, reporting on hotels. Send him news tips at [email protected]. He's been a full-time journalist for two decades. He lives in Washington, D.C. Stop him before he starts another home improvement project.

Latest Stories

Tourism

Thousands of Canary Islands Residents Protest ‘Overtourism’

Thousands of fed-up residents took to the streets of Tenerife. Activists want a new tourism model that puts locals first. But businesses seek sustained growth from a tourism sector that drives about a third of the local economy.

Sean O'Neill | 13 hours ago

Hotels

Ferragamo’s Formula: Behind Portrait Milano’s Luxury Hotel Launch

The Ferragamo family's Portrait Milano hotel has taken the Italian fashion capital by storm. It did so through its philosophy of "inclusive exclusivity," its celebrated pasta bianco dish, and some star-studded events. Is Naples, Venice, or Palermo next?

Sean O'Neill | 18 hours ago

Hotels

Paris’ Best Hotels: Michelin Ratings Vs. Online Reviews

Michelin has debuted its first ratings for hotels. But when a tech firm crunched the numbers from traveler reviews across 140 sites, it found that crowd favorites clashed with Michelin's picks.

Sean O'Neill | 4 days ago

Business Travel

Wyndham Lures Businesses to Book Directly With New Loyalty Perks

Wyndham aims to woo businesses to book hotels directly by simplifying the process and turbocharging rewards. The hotel franchisor is betting big on America's infrastructure spending boom.

Sean O'Neill | 6 days ago

Hotels

Blackstone Weighs Sale of Motel 6 Owner: Report

A famous investment firm is leaving the light on for potential buyers of its budget hotel portfolio.

Sean O'Neill | 6 days ago

Hotels

Marriott and IHG to Add About 100 Hotels Each in Europe

The hotel giants are reluctant to wait to grow through new construction. They're instead speeding along by rebranding existing buildings. In IHG's case, it means out with the old, in with the "Holiday Inn — the Niu."

Sean O'Neill | 6 days ago

Hotels

U.S. Budget Hotels Feel the Pinch: Is Inflation the Culprit?

America's economy hotels experienced a case of the first-quarter blues as the budget travel crowd appeared to spend less. Could inflation be to blame?

Sean O'Neill | 1 week ago

Hotels

Who Hit the Jackpot in 2023? CEO Pay at MGM Resorts, Wynn, and Sands

MGM Resorts CEO William Hornbuckle made around $37.9 million in pay last year. The financial windfall was a reward for seeing the company notch record revenue and sign a landmark loyalty partnership with Marriott.

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago

Hotels

Hotel CEO Paydays Soared in 2023: Hilton’s Chief Leads with $57 Million

Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta led the pack among hotel executives with a total compensation of $56.8 million in 2023, followed closely by Hyatt's Mark Hoplamazian at $56.4 million and Marriott's Anthony Capuano at $55.5 million.

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago

Online Travel

Viator Chief Resigns: Big Change at Tripadvisor’s Travel Experience Brand

Ben Drew took over Tripadvisor's Viator brand right as the pandemic began and helped guide the online travel seller. Drew's departure comes at a pivotal time for the brand as it faces heavier competition.

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago