Moxy Heads to the Slopes in Japan, Marriott’s Expanding in the Caucasus, and Other Hotel News

Updated: September 5, 2026, 1:00pm CDT

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Table of Contents

Hotel Openings
Upcoming Hotels
Other Industry News
Final Thoughts

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Hotel brands stayed busy this week with new openings, international expansion plans, and a welcome new partnership for IHG One Rewards members.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know from this week.

Hotel Openings

Moxy Niseko Village

Marriott’s Moxy brand has opened a new hotel in Japan’s premier skiing destination. Moxy Niseko Village offers ski-in, ski-out access adjacent to the Niseko Village Gondola. The property brings all of Moxy’s signature elements, such as bold design reflecting the surrounding area and a strong emphasis on social spaces.

It offers 310 guest rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and several dining outlets, including Moxy Bar, Moxy Bar & Cafe, and Moxy Grab & Go.

At the time of writing, pricing information was not available via Marriott’s website.

Hyde Mexico City Reforma

Mexico’s red-hot capital is getting even hotter with the opening of a new Ennismore property: Hyde Mexico City Reforma. This 106-room hotel is located in the heart of the city, offering views over the iconic Ángel de la Independencia and proximity to the capital’s endless sites, shopping, galleries, restaurants, and bars.

The property is set in 2 restored towers that retain their original facades. As is typical for Ennismore properties, Hyde Mexico City Reforma delivers in the food and drink department, with a Japanese restaurant with a 14-seat omakase bar and a robata grill, as well as an all-day terrace restaurant serving everything from pastries and coffee to light bites and cocktails.

Rates start at around $250 per night, and Hyde hotels participate in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless program. Using 1,000 points takes €20 ($23.24) off your bill.

Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square

IHG’s Crowne Plaza brand has opened what it’s calling its “Americas flagship property” in the heart of New York City. The Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square offers a whopping 685 guest rooms in a restored 22-story landmark building with quick access to some of the city’s major sites, including Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Theater District.

Rates start from just $108 or 29,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Upcoming Hotels

Marriott Prepares 3 New Properties for Azerbaijan and Georgia

Marriott has signed an agreement to expand its portfolio in the Caucasus with the addition of 3 new hotel and residential properties in Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The Ritz Carlton Baku, Zagulba — The Ritz-Carlton is coming soon to the shores of the Caspian Sea. Rendering: Marriott

The existing Ritz-Carlton, Baku, will add a new residential tower, while The Ritz-Carlton brand will expand in Azerbaijan with an upcoming hotel and residential property at Zagulba Beach on the shores of the Caspian Sea in the Baku region. The agreement also includes a 152-room Le Méridien hotel in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital.

Other Industry News

ALL Accor+ Explorer Membership Prices Are Changing

ALL Accor+ Explorer is a subscription service that expands the benefits of the ALL – Accor Live Limitless program to members. Those who pay for membership receive benefits like automatic elite status, discounts on dining, complimentary perks, and more. The program is only available in some countries, and the pricing in each depends on currency fluctuations, creating an opportunity for price arbitrage. As of October 1, 2026, prices are going up across the board, though the increases vary by country. Run the numbers before you sign up for a membership.

Hot Tip:

We tried ALL Accor+ Explorer at multiple hotels to help determine whether it’s worth it.

Air India and IHG Launch Reciprocal Partnership

Air India and IHG have announced a new partnership with reciprocal benefits for members of each program. Air India Maharaja Club members can earn 2x points at most IHG properties (1x points at Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, IHG Residences, and IHG Army Hotels). Meanwhile, IHG One Rewards members can transfer points to Air India. Every 1,000 IHG points transferred will yield 200 Maharaja Club points.

Final Thoughts

Once again, it was a busy week in the hotel industry. We’re excited to see the Moxy brand offer a new type of property with a ski-in, ski-out hotel in Niseko, Japan, and it looks like Mexico City’s momentum will continue for quite some time with the opening of a new, trendy Hyde hotel.

As always, we’ll be back next week with more updates.