A hotel’s location is a crucial determinant in the overall success of a hotel. A hotel based in a favorable location tends to attract more clients compared to one that is located in an area that is less desirable. This translates to increased revenues.
This article will examine how surrounding attractions and environment play a key role in determining the overall success of a hotel business.
A hotel that is located in proximity to key tourist attractions like amusement parks, shopping malls, and museums tends to attract more people. Many guests prefer to book a hotel that are walking distance to major attractions ideally because they don’t have to search for means of transport.
Accessibility is also a key reason why more guests are attracted to a hotel. If the hotel is easily accessible via airport, major highways or via public transportation, it’s more likely to attract more guests and visitors. Many guests also consider parking space when selecting a hotel, especially if they travel via a personal car.
When selecting a hotel location, security and safety are two key things that need to be considered. Visitors prefer to choose hotels that are located within safe neighborhoods for fear of their personal safety. Prioritizing safety and establishing a hotel in a safe neighborhood will lead to more traffic to your business establishment, and this will benefit your business in the long run.
Guests also consider environmental factors when selecting a hotel, and this is a key consideration for any hotel business. A hotel that is located in proximity to a beach or a chain of mountains is more attractive to tourists and guests who are in search of an unforgettable and distinctive experience.
Over the years, the concept of an ideal hotel location has evolved and undergone key changes. Previously, most hotels were located within urban cities or in proximity to major tourist attractions. In recent times, the concept has evolved due to the advancements in online booking services and the rise of substitute accommodations like Airbnb. A significant change in the consumer taste has forced hotels to adapt and make changes to their operations.
In the modern world, hotels are expected to embrace sustainable practices and adopt more environmentally friendly practices. Some of the practices that most hotels are expected to adhere to include finding ways to reduce energy consumption, embracing waste reduction practices and improving water conservation.
Due to the rise of acquisitions and mergers in the hospitality industry, iconic hotel brands have been procured by bigger chains. Choosing a hotel based on the location and amenities provided by popular brands is no more, with more features being added to target young travelers. The concept of a hotel room has also evolved to try and accommodate the evolving needs and tastes of the consumers.
Marriott International is an example of a popular hotel chain that has adapted to the changing hotel location trends. Established in 1927, the hotel group became the first in the world to have more than one million rooms. A merger with Starwood Hotels and Resorts created a platform for success and is a key reason why it had an annual revenue of approximately $20.77 billion in 2022. Marriott International is also a trailblazer when it comes to digital technology in the hotel industry and recently launched an innovation lab focused on leveraging technology to improve customer experience.
Advancements in technology have helped in improving the accessibility and visibility of hotels. The use of online booking and the use of mobile applications has allowed major hotels to streamline their customer experience and improve their functionality and efficiency. Mobile apps provide hotels with a single service point, and this makes it possible for hotels to improve their operational efficiency.
Guests can now use their smartphones to order room service, check-in or check-out of their hotel rooms and schedule cleaning or maintenance services. As a result of technology, the guest experience has been significantly improved. Hotel staff also have more free time because they can allocate more time to tasks they deem to be more complex.
According to an article from Forbes, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to enhance the customer experience in the hotel and hospitality industry. AI can be leveraged to provide guests with 24-hour assistance on any queries regarding their needs and reservations. The use of AI telephony has significantly reduced the number of calls made to the front desk regarding small and less complex issues.
Market research and data analytics are essential for managers and hotel owners because they provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions. Analysis of the travel patterns, preferences and the evolving market trends of consumers can help hotel owners in determining the best locations for their establishments that will generate more profit for the business.
Data analytics plays a massive role in helping hoteliers to pinpoint which destinations are popular and enjoy frequent visits from travelers. The data and information can be used to determine the best locations to build or expand hotel operations.
Market research can provide insight on the travel patterns and preferences of consumers. Hoteliers can provide surveys aimed at evaluating the behavior of consumers to establish a better understanding of key aspects that most travelers consider when selecting their favored hotel locations. For instance, they might find that most travelers prefer locations that are in proximity to major tourist locations and public transportation.
Online reviews and ratings can impact the number of bookings and leads. Most guests consider online reviews and ratings when selecting a particular hotel, and most are always reluctant to choose a hotel with more negative reviews and fewer positive reviews.
Hotels can use technology to control their online reputation by regularly monitoring their social media channels and reviews. When they notice any negative feedback from clients, a swift response can help in managing their reputation effectively. Monitoring client reviews can provide valuable insight that hotels can rely on to improve customer experience.
One key challenge that most hotels face is competition from alternative means of accommodation like Airbnb. These alternative means of accommodation provide distinctive guest experiences compared to hotels; guests can choose to either rent a villa or reside in a private home.
Another challenge is tied to online reputation management, where ratings and reviews are becoming more integral to the success of hotels. Hotels are today required to establish better strategies of managing the reputation of their brands to avoid weakening their reliability.
The rise of online booking means that hotels face a challenge of adopting new technology. Hotels are increasingly required to integrate new emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, mobile apps and chatbots to their operations if they want to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals.
The hospitality sector is currently at a state of evolution, and this means that there will always be emerging trends and technological advancements that affect hotel location. One prediction is that personalization will become more important in the future, and most hotels will need to rely on market research, data analytics and artificial technology to provide clients with personalized guest experiences. Contactless technology and the use of mobile payments, mobile check-ins and mobile keys are expected to grow in popularity with less contact between the hotel staff and guests becoming more favorable.
If you need tips and valuable insight on how you can stay ahead of the evolving hotel location trends and technology, you can count on NewGen Advisory. Our experienced team relies on data analytics to provide clients with insightful and actionable data that they can rely on to improve the success of their hotel business. Please contact us today to learn how we can help.
Jourdyn leads the strategic marketing initiatives for NewGen Advisory, overseeing brand development, market positioning, communications, and business growth efforts across the firm.
With more than a decade of experience in marketing and business development, Jourdyn specializes in building brands, creating demand-generation strategies, developing thought leadership programs, and executing integrated marketing campaigns that drive measurable business results. Her expertise spans digital marketing, public relations, content strategy, events, social media, lead generation, and corporate communications.
At NewGen, Jourdyn is responsible for shaping and executing the firm’s marketing strategy, ensuring consistent brand visibility across all channels while supporting advisors, clients, and strategic initiatives nationwide. She works closely with leadership to develop campaigns, elevate industry presence, strengthen client engagement, and position NewGen as a trusted advisor within the hospitality investment sector.
Jourdyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Grand Canyon University.
Most mornings you’ll find Jourdyn in the gym before sunrise and spending time with her husband and children.
Allysia Howerton joined NewGen Advisory in 2026 as a Pipeline & Transaction Assistant, relocating from St. Louis, MO to Arizona to take on the role. She brings a background spanning property management, client services, sales, and administrative leadership, with a track record of managing complex workflows and keeping transactions moving efficiently from inception to close.
Known for her organization, attention to detail, and relationship-driven approach, Allysia supports transaction management, pipeline coordination, and day-to-day brokerage operations — and is passionate about growing her career within the hospitality real estate industry.
Outside of work, she enjoys discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, traveling to experience new cultures, and spending time with her dogs.
2 years
Josie Numedahl joined NewGen Advisory in July 2024 as a Real Estate Assistant (REA). Originally from Iowa, she relocated to Arizona to pursue her education, graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising.
Josie began her professional career as a recruiter in the finance and accounting sector, and brings that client-facing, detail-oriented background to her work at NewGen.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with friends.
X years
Anthony is the Staff Accountant for NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC, working directly under CFO Michael Lepore to handle day-to-day accounting functions across all NewGen operations.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Anthony completed coursework at Paradise Valley Community College before co-founding a family business that produced custom-wrapped die-cast model cars for corporate clients — handling vehicle customization, display stands, and branded packaging. Serving as Director of Operations, he gained hands-on experience in management, production workflows, and running a business from the ground up.
Outside of work, Anthony is a lifelong ice hockey player with a passion for motorsports — particularly motocross and classic cars. Among his favorites: the 1963 C2 Corvette Sting Ray, the 1965 Shelby Cobra S/C, and the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda. He hopes to one day own and operate a bookkeeping firm serving small businesses.
X years
Nick serves as Director of Operations for NewGen Worldwide and NewGen Advisory, bringing a detail-oriented, forward-thinking approach to supporting the company’s continued growth. A Minneapolis native, Nick studied at Denison University and the University of Minnesota before making his way to Arizona, where he now lives in Mesa.
He spent a decade in the hospitality industry as a server, bartender, and restaurant manager — hands-on experience that gave him a strong operational foundation and a natural fit within NewGen’s hospitality-focused business.
Outside of work, Nick is an avid writer with a passion for art, photography, and travel, and enjoys documenting his experiences through the lens.
X years
Nycole serves as Chief of Staff at NewGen Advisory, where she trains and manages the Real Estate Assistant (REA) team. She works closely with REAs to ensure agents receive consistent, high-quality support throughout every stage of a deal — from contract to close.
Alongside the Office Manager, Nycole leads onboarding for new agents, REAs, and team members across NewGen Worldwide’s subsidiaries, and has developed a training library to streamline the process for incoming staff. She is also actively involved in evaluating and implementing new platforms to improve agent and REA workflows, while providing leadership with the data needed to monitor KPIs and track revenue goals.
Her background in franchise operations management — spanning startups to scaling franchises — makes her a versatile and valuable member of the NewGen team.
20+ years
Michael is the Chief Financial Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Michael and his team oversee day-to-day accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across all NewGen operations.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Michael built over 20 years of experience in accounting, tax, and operations management serving small to mid-sized businesses. He holds active CPA licenses in both New York and Arizona. His career spans public accounting — including a role as Audit Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers — as well as private accounting and business ownership, giving him a broad, hands-on command of accounting and management functions. That dual perspective allows him to bring both tax strategy and business strategy to bear when evaluating financial decisions. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA).
A proud Italian-American, Michael lives in Scottsdale with his wife, Patty, and their three children, Alyssa, Anthony, and Joey. Outside of work, he coaches ice hockey and has a passion for cooking Italian food.
X years
Kyle is a co-founder, Principal, and Chief Executive Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Beyond his broad responsibilities as CEO, Kyle’s primary focus is leading Green Card Fund, developing and implementing capital solutions domestically and internationally, and identifying attractive investment opportunities.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on business partners Girish Patel and Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Kyle’s financial acumen and creative approach to structuring deals help NewGen Advisory clients identify and secure profitable opportunities.
Kyle earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University with a focus in Business and Urban Planning. He has long been involved with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s (GPEC) International Leadership Council, and in 2016 was elected to the Board of Directors of Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national EB-5 trade association, where he actively contributes to legislative reform efforts and the permanent reauthorization of the EB-5 program.
Kyle splits his time between company offices in Phoenix, AZ and Washington, D.C. Outside of work, he is an avid reader, global traveler, and snowboarder — and after logging over a million miles as a passenger, he has recently taken to the cockpit, learning to fly himself.
20+ years
Girish Patel is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions across hospitality and healthcare. Among his core responsibilities are leading strategic initiatives, overseeing financial management, and driving real estate investment acquisitions.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, grounded in Girish’s and business partner Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Having grown up in his family’s hotel business as an immigrant, Girish developed a bottom-up understanding of hospitality — mastering operations before becoming an investor, lender, and consultant. That ground-level perspective, tested across multiple economic cycles, underpins his 20+ years as a successful business owner and brings a distinctive depth of insight to NGA’s clients and investors.
Committed to continuous learning and giving back, Girish established the RC Patel Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing careers in real estate investment. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Global Ties Arizona, an organization that strengthens international relationships by making exchange programs more impactful.
X years
Dan is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. His primary role is leading NewGen Advisory and serving as its Designated Broker in Arizona.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on Dan’s and business partner Girish Patel’s lifetime experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Dan has been involved in the disposition of over $600 million in hospitality assets, advising clients on acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures across the United States.
Dan began his career as a hotel operator and owner in 1994 following his studies at the University of Arizona, going on to build a portfolio as a franchisee of Red Brick Pizza, Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and Comfort Suites. He holds General Manager Certifications from Holiday Inn, Motel 6, and Days Inn, and is a Certified Hotel Owner (CHO) with a Certification for Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA).
Beyond his company responsibilities, Dan is an active industry voice. He serves as an Ambassador with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) — the largest hospitality owners association in the U.S. — and previously served as its Southwest Regional Director. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AZLTA).
Dan lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife, Chetna, their son Suraj, and their daughter Sonya. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and cheering on the Denver Broncos.
15+ years
Suraj is the Chief Legal Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and a member of its senior leadership team, where he contributes to the operational management and strategic planning of the company and its subsidiaries — including Green Card Fund and NewGen Advisory. NewGen Worldwide is a diversified firm engaged in real estate investments, creative capital solutions, and advisory services for the entrepreneurial investor.
Suraj first served as outside counsel for Green Card Fund and NewGen Worldwide from 2008 to 2014 before joining the organization as Chief Legal Officer. In this role, he leads the company’s legal, regulatory, and corporate governance functions, with responsibility spanning real estate, risk management, contractual relations, and investment strategies. He also oversees the business administration of NewGen Advisory, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Suraj was Managing Partner of Bhakta & Associates, PLLC, a full-service business law firm where he represented a broad range of clients across acquisitions and sales, corporate structuring, contracts, franchise law, development and construction, and equity and debt financing.
A native of Ohio, Suraj graduated from The Ohio State University in 1999 with a B.S. in Business Administration and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 2002. He resides in Peoria, AZ with his wife, Neena, and their two sons, Shiv and Soham.
