JW Marriott’s First All-Inclusive Opens, Ritz-Carlton Naples Gets a Makeover, and More Hotel News

It was a busy week for hotel news, with JW Marriott opening its first all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica, a major Ritz-Carlton renovation in Florida, and new hotel announcements from Marriott, Hilton, and IHG around the world.

Here’s a look at the biggest hotel updates you may have missed this week.

Hotel Openings

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive

JW Marriott has officially opened its first all-inclusive resort, the 415-room JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, following a delayed debut.

Overlooking Playa El Jobo, the property features 17 pools, 15 restaurants and bars, and a 16,000-square-foot wellness complex: Spa by JW and Mindfulness House. There’s also the exclusive Griffin Club, a resort-within-a-resort offering private beach access, a dedicated pool, and personalized service.

Rates start at $900 or 114,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, based on double occupancy.

The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón Completes Renovation

The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón in Southwest Florida has unveiled a multimillion-dollar transformation, including refreshed guestrooms and suites, a new-look lobby, and an upgraded Club Lounge. Guests still have access to 2 championship golf courses, tennis facilities, the resort’s expansive pool complex, and 3 new dining concepts.

Rates start at $600 per person or 69,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, based on double occupancy.

JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa, India

The recently opened JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa is welcoming guests for its first full safari season following the October 1 reopening of Ranthambore National Park’s core zones.

The 127-room resort offers tented suites, private-pool villas, and activities ranging from guided nature walks to cooking classes. Its location near one of India’s best-known tiger reserves makes it particularly appealing to wildlife enthusiasts.

Rooms start at about $600 per night or 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Ruby Lilou Opens in Marseille, France

IHG‘s Ruby brand has made its French debut with the opening of Ruby Lilou in Marseille. Located between the Old Port and La Joliette district, the 237-room hotel features yacht-inspired interiors, rainfall showers, and a rooftop terrace. The property is also within walking distance of the historic Le Panier neighborhood.

Rates start at $80 or 25,000 IHG One Rewards per night.

Upcoming Hotels

Marriott Signs 8 Hotels in the Netherlands

Marriott signed an agreement to add 8 hotels and more than 700 rooms across the Netherlands. A total of 6 properties will join the company’s new Series by Marriott collection in Amsterdam, The Hague, Maastricht, and Breda. Two additional hotels will join Tribute Portfolio, including Hotel Mariënhage in Eindhoven, marking Marriott’s entry into the city.

Marriott Announces 7 Hotels in Thailand

Marriott also signed an agreement for 7 hotels totaling 1,262 rooms across Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. The biggest addition is the planned 288-room JW Marriott Bangkok Sathorn. The agreement will also introduce citizenM, Four Points Flex by Sheraton, and Series by Marriott to Thailand for the first time.

Hotel Cala, Tampa (January 2027)

Hotel Cala, part of Hilton’s portfolio, is scheduled to debut along Tampa’s Riverwalk in January 2027. The 281-room property will feature a resort-style pool, 16 suites, and 2 restaurants.

voco Vrindavan, India (2031)

IHG signed the 130-room voco Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, India, with an opening planned for the first quarter of 2031. The hotel will feature 3 dining venues, a pool, a fitness center, and meeting facilities.

Other Industry News

• Hotel Indigo reaches 200 hotels: IHG’s lifestyle brand has doubled its footprint since 2019 and has another 134 properties in development.
• Choice Hotels reaches 600 extended-stay properties: The new Everhome Suites Denver Airport marks the milestone, offering apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens.
• Red Roof announces loyalty changes: RediRewards will introduce new loyalty tiers, more flexible redemption options, and personalized benefits.
• Radisson Rewards expands: Louvre Hotels Group properties are being integrated into Radisson Rewards, allowing members to use their existing accounts across the expanded portfolio.

Final Thoughts

The first JW Marriott all-inclusive resort marks a major milestone, particularly for Marriott Bonvoy members interested in luxury all-inclusive stays. Meanwhile, the renovated Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, and Marriott’s expansions in Europe and Asia offer travelers more options to consider for future trips.

We’ll be back next week with more hotel news.