For the week of Aug. 16-20, Hotel News Now’s most-read stories include Hyatt Hotels Corp.'s intent to acquire Apple Leisure Group, the latest U.S. hotel forecast, and more.

Click on each headline below to read more.

Hyatt Hotels Corp. has agreed to buy Apple Leisure Group in a $2.7 billion deal that doubles its footprint in the resort segment.

While leisure travel demand is already exceeding 2019 levels, projected to end 2021 17% higher, business transient and group bookings have a longer road to a full recovery, according to the latest STR forecasts.

Noble Investment Group founder and CEO Mit Shah said he believes the best hotel deals might come two to three years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.