BELLEVUE, Wash., Apr. 22, 2025 — Staypineapple, the national boutique hotel brand, has continued to build on its sustainability achievements over the past year. The company is expanding green practices across all properties and at the corporate level. With these efforts, it is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the hospitality space.

“At Staypineapple, we are proud of the significant progress we've made in fostering a more sustainable environment for our guests, team members and the communities we serve,” said Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple. “In 2024, we set clear goals to reduce our carbon footprint, and I’m excited to say we’ve made solid advancements over the past year. As we move forward, we’re dedicated to consistently working toward our year-by-year sustainability targets, always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our eco-friendly practices.”

A major milestone in Staypineapple's sustainability journey came in 2024 with the complete elimination of single-use plastic water bottles across all properties. This initiative, which continued through 2025, provided guests with complimentary PATH refillable water bottles and access to Quench Water Bar refill stations. In total, this effort has helped divert approximately 600,000 single-use plastic water bottles from landfills in just over a year. With options for still and sparkling water available at these stations, guests have embraced this eco-friendly upgrade, joining Staypineapple in its mission to reduce waste and promote recycling.

Furthering its green initiatives, Staypineapple has been working toward Green Key certification across its properties. The company is particularly focused on obtaining certification for Staypineapple Chicago by the end of 2025, with other properties actively pursuing the same recognition. The Green Key certification program is one of the leading sustainability certifications for the hospitality industry, and Staypineapple is honored to be part of this effort to promote eco-friendly practices.
The company’s commitment to sustainability also extends to establishing a culture of environmental awareness within its own team. Staypineapple actively engages in opportunities that support local environmental initiatives and participates in sustainability activities throughout the year. Additionally, Staypineapple continues to invest in team member waste diversion training programs to ensure its staff is equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to promote sustainability in their daily operations, keeping Staypineapple on track to achieve its goal of 75% waste diversion by 2027.

“We believe that sustainability is a company-wide effort, and we’re grateful for the positive impact our team has made in the communities where we operate,” added Belon. “Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just reducing waste; it’s about cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility that extends to everything we do.”

TORONTO, ON (April 15, 2025) – Days Inns - Canada is proud to spotlight the remarkable hotels and dedicated teams setting the benchmark for guest satisfaction. The 2024 Awards of Recognition honour those who go the extra mile, delivering exceptional service, spotless accommodations, and memorable stays.

“A great hotel experience is more than just a comfortable bed—it’s about the people who create a welcoming atmosphere and make every visit special,” said Irwin Prince, President & COO, Days Inns - Canada. “Our award winners excel in customer care, ensuring every guest feels at home. We’re delighted to celebrate their achievements.”

2024 Award Recipients:

• Guest Choice Award –
• Housekeeping Team of the Year –
• Property of the Year (85 rooms or less) –
• Property of the Year (86 rooms or more) –
• New Property of the Year –
• Best Renovation of the Year – Days Inn & Conference Centre, Penticton, BC
• General Manager of the Year – Jon Maclam,

The excellence demonstrated by our award winners not only sets a benchmark for the industry but also solidifies Days Inns' position as a trusted leader in lodging. These properties embody the core values of our brand: exceptional service, cleanliness, and a personalized guest experience that keeps guests coming back time and time again.

“The dedication of these standout properties shines through in every detail,” added Prince. “From a warm greeting at check-in to clean and comfortable accommodations, they consistently go above and beyond. Their efforts help elevate Days Inn’s reputation as the preferred brand for travellers across the country.”

At Days Inn, enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site dining or complimentary breakfast, and family-friendly accommodations. For reservations or more information, visit daysinn.ca or call 1-800-DAYS-INN (1-800-329-7466). Plus, earn valuable Wyndham Rewards points for every qualified stay, redeemable for free nights at thousands of Wyndham hotels, vacation club resorts & vacation rentals worldwide. Members can also redeem points for flights, car rentals, gift cards, online merchandise, and more.

Toronto, ON, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  is proud to share that  has been named a recipient of the(CFA) . This marks the fifth consecutive year Motel 6 has received this prestigious recognition, highlighting the brand's consistent excellence in franchise service. The announcement came during the 2025 CFA National Convention's Awards Gala held April 7 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

"Earning this honour for five straight years is a direct result of our team's dedication to fostering strong relationships with our franchisees and providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed in today's competitive market," said Irwin Prince, President & COO, Realstar Hospitality.

The recognition comes as Motel 6 continues to innovate within the economy lodging segment, introducing modernized accommodations while maintaining its commitment to value. These improvements, guided by franchisee feedback, have contributed to increased guest satisfaction scores across the brand's locations.

"When our franchisees succeed, our guests receive better service and our brand grows stronger. This designation validates our comprehensive support system that enables franchisees to focus on what matters most – delivering exceptional guest experiences," added Prince.

The Franchisees’ Choice Designation, now in its 15th year, highlights brands that excel in franchisee satisfaction and partnership. The program helps prospective franchisees identify companies that foster a strong franchise network and uphold high standards of support and engagement.

“We celebrate Franchisees’ Choice Designees for exemplifying franchising's core principle of working in partnership, sharing success, and Growing Together™,” says Sherry McNeil, CFA President & Chief Executive Officer. “Our congratulations go out to this year’s Franchisees’ Choice Designees on receiving this outstanding vote of confidence from their franchisees.”

To learn more about Motel 6 or to book your stay, please visit 

VANCOUVER, BC, April 9, 2025 /CNW/ - To build the 10,000 hotel rooms Vancouver urgently needs by 2050 to keep pace with growing demand, a new report released today by Destination Vancouver and the BC Hotel Association, Hotel Community Impact Assessment, outlines a clear strategy to meet this target while boosting jobs, animating neighbourhoods, and unlocking billions in economic activity.

Shifts in the real estate market—such as declining demand for office and strata developments—have created a rare window of opportunity for hotel development.

"Hotel development needs to be seen as a city-building tool, said Royce Chwin, President & CEO of Destination Vancouver. "We're seeing unprecedented interest for investment in new hotel properties in Vancouver. There is an opening to take swift action, otherwise capital will move wherever conditions are more favourable."

Destination Vancouver's 2023 study on the lack of new hotel capacity demonstrated that without new investment, that lack of hotel supply would translate into significant losses to the provincial economy.

Following the publication of that report, Destination Vancouver and the BC Hotel Association formed the Vancouver Hotel Development Task Force to take concrete action on the issue. Made up of representatives from industry and the City of Vancouver, the goal of the Task Force is to identify and recommend strategies to enable a sustainable and appropriate supply of new hotel development.

"This is about more than hotel rooms—it's about building a vibrant, resilient city. Hotels are economic engines and social anchors," said Ingrid Jarrett, co-chair of the Task Force with Chwin and the former CEO of the BC Hotel Association. "They support jobs, events, tourism, local businesses, and can enliven neighbourhoods."

This new report was commissioned by the Task Force and was undertaken in parallel with a report City staff has been preparing for presentation to Council on April 15.

Hotel Crunch Threatens Growth

Vancouver hotels are operating at near full capacity, with 80% average annual occupancy and up to 95% during peak seasons—well above rates in peer cities. The lack of new capacity makes it increasingly difficult to attract major conferences and marquee events and meet visitor demand.

Compounding the issue has been a marked decline in hotel supply. Between 2002 and 2022, Vancouver saw a net loss of hotel rooms, largely due to hotel closures and conversions (the pandemic removed 550 rooms from the city's inventory, with purchases by BC Housing and the City of Vancouver to convert those rooms into supportive housing).

Meanwhile, development stalled: just 12 new hotels were built in the last 20 years.

"Vancouver has the same number of hotel rooms as we did 2002," said Chwin. "There are 22 projects currently in the development pipeline, representing approximately 4,200 rooms, which is encouraging. We're looking forward to the industry moving ahead with these new projects."

Five Hotel Models to Drive Growth and Inclusion

Five hotel development scenarios tailored to Vancouver's neighbourhoods and market needs are detailed in the report. Each scenario offers a scalable model to deliver a mix of price points, hotel types, and community benefits across the city.

• The Event Space: Large, luxury hotels with state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces.
• The Big Brand: Large full-service hotels at an upper mid-market price point located near transit and attractions.
• The Familiar: These are limited-service, extended-stay hotels in local commercial districts.
• The Basics: Modern, budget-friendly options that cater to young people.
• The Urban Resort: High-end, boutique hotels offering unique local experiences.

Massive Economic Impact Within Reach

If the needed 10,000 new hotel rooms are built, the report forecasts:

• 5,450 direct local hospitality jobs.
• Up to 8,000 indirect jobs in retail, events, and services.
• $125 million in annual municipal tax revenue.
• $78 million in provincial tax revenue.

To overcome development barriers, the report outlines recommendations, including:

1. Deferring development charges.
2. Pre-zoning for hotel use in transit-oriented areas.
3. Creative solutions for parking and loading.
4. Pairing hotels with residential developments.
5. Building strategic partnerships to reduce risk and boost demand.

"We're grateful to Destination Vancouver for their leadership in bringing the industry together and providing clear recommendations through this report," said Mayor Ken Sim. They've been an invaluable partner in the Hotel Development Task Force, collaborating with City staff to shape proposed updates aimed at encouraging new hotel developments and supporting a thriving visitor economy. These updates will be presented to City Council later this month."

Although this report is focused on hotel development in Vancouver, both the methodology and many of the opportunities identified are likely to apply across other municipalities experiencing a hotel shortage.

Report: Hotel Community Impact Assessment.