First Hospitality's Outlook: What's Next for Hotel Stays in 2026

As travelers look ahead to 2026, First Hospitality, the Chicago-based national hotel operating, management, and development company, is reimagining what it means to stay, dine, and connect while on the road.

Industry Context
- First Hospitality, a Chicago-based hotel operator with 70+ hotels and 30 restaurants/bars across the U.S., is reimagining guest experiences for 2026.
- The company emphasizes blending technology, AI, and human connection to meet evolving traveler expectations amid economic uncertainty.

Dining Trends
- Mindful indulgence is shaping menus:
- Low-alcohol and spirit-free cocktails that still feel celebratory.
- Elevated bar menus with shareable dishes and carved proteins (e.g., prime rib).
- Rooftop venues and tapas-style dining are reviving tableside experiences.
- “Dining at the bar” is becoming a social, cost-friendly option for both business and leisure travelers.

Guest Experience
- Rise of the “value economy”: guests prioritize meaningful local connections and personalization over price.
- Examples:
- The Hancock Hotel (Findlay, OH) welcomes guests with lavender mist, local chocolates, and handwritten notes.
- The Lively Hotel (Oklahoma City) offers an art-infused stay, including hidden sculptures from the Unauthorized Secret Art Society and the bold Cloud Puncher centerpiece sculpture.

Housekeeping Evolution
- Housekeeping teams are now ambassadors of wellness, safety, and sustainability.
- With labor shortages, they’re adopting smarter workflows, technology, and advanced training to deliver higher-quality service faster.
- This reflects First Hospitality’s “People First” culture.

Strategic Vision
- CEO David Duncan stresses that success depends on authentic responses to change.
- The company aims to balance economic and technological trends with personalized, local storytelling.
- Marketing leadership highlights 2026 as “the year of the story”—where hotels intertwine local culture, art, and partnerships to create memorable narratives.

✨ Takeaway: Hotel stays in 2026 will be defined by mindful dining, personalized touches, art-driven storytelling, and empowered housekeeping teams—all blending tech with humanity to create seamless yet soulful experiences.