Blackstone Group will reportedly buy luxury hotel owner LaSalle Hotel Properties for $4.8 billion. The deal comes three days after Blackstone agreed to give up the last of its Hilton stake and represents a premium of nearly 35% above LaSalle's share price on March 27, the day before Pebblebrook Hotel Trust announced a proposed all-stock bid for LaSalle.

Shanghai has added about 10 luxury properties over the past year, among them the St. Regis Shanghai Jingan and W Shanghai -- The Bund.

Celebrated film director Francis Ford Coppola owns the Family Coppola Hideaways hotel collection. He says developing hotels is "storytelling."

Hyatt and Ctrip have started a partnership that will give more than 300 million Ctrip members the ability to book stays at Hyatt properties in China and eventually worldwide.

A free smartphone app that affords wide-ranging real-time communication between guests, staff and management has been unveiled by the One&Only hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. Called ALICE ("A life-improving customer experience"), the feature offers access to TripAdvisor as well as the hotel's amenities.

The Fairmont Maldives Dirru Fen Fushi has opened to guests with 112 villas. The property's Willow Stream Spa features a serenity pool.

The historic Sayre Mansion and Wilbur Mansion in Bethlehem, Pa., are joining forces to create a 55-key hotel and event center.

Marriott's Autograph Collection is making its South Africa debut with the rebranding of five African Pride properties.

Topas Ecolodge features 33 bungalows inside Vietnam's Hoang Lien National Park. The property added an infinity pool last year.

Become a sponsor or exhibitor at INSPIRE SUMMIT ’18, taking place in Las Vegas, December 13 and 14. Find out more.

How to highlight your culinary offerings with style. Read article.