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1. More Americans report their financial situation is worsening
According to a new Gallup poll, 55% of Americans said they are struggling financially — the highest reported in the past 25 years and an increase from 53% last year and 47% in 2024, reports Axios.
Cost of living is the biggest concern for respondents, with 31% citing that as the most important financial problem. Energy costs were also mentioned by 13% of the group polled, which is up 10 percentage points and the highest since 2008.
It's the fifth year in a row that there are more Americans saying their financial situation is worsening rather than improving.
2. Noble acquires 10-hotel portfolio
Noble Investment Group acquired 10 upscale select-service and upscale extended-stay hotels for an undisclosed amount, the company reported in a news release. The portfolio of properties includes Marriott, Hilton and IHG-branded hotels across the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Southeast and Northeast, and the buildings have an average age of six years.
“This is precisely the kind of opportunity our platform is built to source, underwrite, and execute,” said Dustin Fisher, principal and head of acquisitions at Noble, in the release. “Ten newer-vintage, well-located assets, premium brands, geographic diversification, and an attractive basis — paired with a hands-on operating capability that allows us to compound value through disciplined asset management.”
3. Hilton raises full-year forecast in first-quarter earnings call
With system-wide comparable revenue per available room increasing 3.6% in the first quarter, Hilton has raised its full-year RevPAR expectations to between 2% and 3%.
"We delivered great top- and bottom-line results for the quarter with RevPAR growth across all chain scales and brands and customer segments," said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, in the news release. "The results demonstrate a continuation of strengthening demand trends we’ve seen since late 2025 that are supported by macroeconomic tailwinds most evident in the U.S."
Hilton also reported an addition of 16,300 hotel rooms to its system in the quarter, a net 10,900-room growth of its portfolio.
4. Japan Airlines trials humanoid robots
Beginning in May, Japan Airlines will start a two-year trial of humanoid robots that could ease the workload of airline employees, per the BBC. The pilot program, in partnership with GMO AI & Robotics, will include having the Chinese-made robots load and unload cargo containers.
Future uses of the robots, according to the airline, would be to clean cabins and operate ground support equipment. In Japan, robots have already been deployed for security patrol and retail.
5. Gencom secures $125 million refinancing joint venture deal for Chicago hotel
In a joint venture deal with GD Holdings, Gencom has secured $125 million refinancing for the 192-room The St. Regis Chicago, CoStar News' Ryan Ori reports. The deal was arranged by Banco Inbursa, according to the news release, and the new loan replaces a $76 million loan from the original acquisition financing provided by Varde Partners. GD Holdings and Gencom acquired the property when it opened in 2023.
“The refinancing secured with Banco Inbursa reflects the strong operational performance and market positioning the St. Regis Chicago has achieved since our acquisition three years ago,” said Karim Alibhai, founder and principal of Gencom, in the news release. “As the first luxury hotel to open in downtown in over a decade, the property has resonated with both business and leisure travelers, as well as the local community, reinforcing our conviction in the Chicago market’s long-term fundamentals.”