For the week of July 19-23, Hotel News Now’s most-read stories include the power of storytelling for boutique hotels, a look at the pace of California hotel construction and more.

Click on each headline below to read more.

Female hoteliers discuss the importance of storytelling and finding an edge over branded hotels, whether it's for a historic property or a new-build hotel.

A midyear survey of hotel development in California shows a drop in the number of projects currently under construction, but hotel values in the state will keep new-builds a viable option.

Transient demand has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, but group demand remains well below comparable 2019 figures, which is a concern for the hotel industry as conference season approaches in the fall.