Checking Inn
The Conrad Indianapolis is undergoing $25 million renovations in celebration of its 20th anniversary.
The renovations began on September 1 and are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Conrad will remain open while the property undergoes renovations to its guest rooms, suites, and common areas throughout the luxury hotel.
“As we celebrate 20 years in Indianapolis, we’re proud to usher in a new chapter for Conrad Indianapolis that places our guests at the center of every detail,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, General Manager, Conrad Indianapolis. “This transformation honors the hotel’s legacy while introducing a fresh, contemporary design that will elevate the guest journey, creating meaningful and memorable experiences that reflect the energy and culture of downtown Indianapolis.”
Find more information here.
Margaritaville at Sea, the cruise line version of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville hotels, resorts and restaurants, is adding a new port in Galveston, Texas, in October 2027. The cruise line is the seventh for the port, and provides “new options for Caribbean and Central American vacations,” the Port of Galveston said in a late-August release.
““We’re incredibly excited to bring Margaritaville at Sea to Galveston for the first time and introduce our signature blend of fun, escapism and laid-back hospitality to even more guests across Texas and the Central U.S.,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “Galveston is an important and growing cruise gateway, and this agreement represents another significant step in the continued expansion of our brand.”
Find more information here.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) is applauding an announcement from the Government Services Administration (GSA) updating the per diem guidelines for FY2027. Beginning on October 1, the standard daily lodging allowance for most of the continental United States will increase by $3 to $113 per day, AHLA said.
In a September 4 release, AHLA President and CEO Rosanna Maietta said: “Fair, market-based federal per diem rates that reflect current operating costs are essential to sustaining hotels, supporting local jobs, and generating community investment. Government travel is a critical economic driver, making it imperative that per diem rates keep pace with increased costs. A strong economy requires a thriving hospitality sector and this increase will help achieve that goal.”
Find more information here.
The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection, in New York City announced the completion of its property-wide renovation on September 8. The renovation encompassed the hotel’s guest rooms, elevators and corridors.
“The Algonquin Hotel has long served as a safe haven for wild minds, a quiet place along Club Row in the center of the wonderful whirlwind that is New York City,” said Willis Loughhead, General Manager of The Algonquin. “Our focus was to honor the past without being beholden to it; timeless rooms were built where creativity can be sparked, and our landmark charm will be enlivened.”
The renovation was led by design firm CRÉME, who “leaned into the intimacy and scale of the guestrooms” in the historic building. As part of the design details, rooms are completed with oversized luggage-tag-inspired room signage featuring 181 “individually curated quotes from legends who created or influenced the hotel,” including Kermit the Frog, Maya Angelou, John Leguizamo, and more.
