Check out the accessible Hilton’s 'Lion King' Suite in Texas along with other hotel updates you may have overlooked.

I can't believe August is slipping away and September is almost here—though summer officially lingers for a few more weeks, I'm already feeling nostalgic. This summer has been fantastic for me, filled with travel, friends, and family. There's also been a lot of hotel news this month, including several exciting updates you might have missed.

In late August, Hyatt revealed its plans to acquire the trendy Standard International hotel brand for a hefty $335 million. Meanwhile, Marriott made headlines by announcing a partnership with Sonder, a short-term rental company that specializes in apartment-style accommodations in major cities.

We also witnessed the grand opening of two noteworthy hotels from our list of the most thrilling hotel openings of 2024: the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in Florida and the Graduate Princeton in New Jersey.

Marriott makes its debut in South Australia.

Travelers venturing to South Australia can now redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay, as the first Marriott in the state has launched in Adelaide. Housed in the historic 150-year-old Adelaide General Post Office building alongside a modern tower, the hotel features 285 rooms, including 12 suites, a restaurant, a bar, and even an indoor pool. This marks Marriott International's 600th property in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China), with an additional 400 in development.

'The Lion King' is making its mark at the Hilton New York Times Square.

"The Lion King" has enchanted Broadway audiences for years. Now, fans can enjoy a night in a specially designed suite adorned with "Lion King" memorabilia, including stage fabrics and costume sketches.

The Royal Suite, crafted by Devin Sparkles Design, is part of an exciting package that offers two themed drinks (choose between a Hakuna Manhattan or a Serengeti Sunrise mocktail), a wake-up call from Rafiki (portrayed by Tshidi Manye), Simba-inspired s'mores, show-themed gifts, breakfast at the hotel, and access to discounted premium seats for "The Lion King" on Broadway.

Prices for the suite begin at $500 per night, and reservations can be made online by emailing [email protected] or by calling (212) 913-9488.

Orlando is welcoming a luxurious new IHG property.

Exciting news for IHG enthusiasts who enjoy the thrills of Orlando! The city will soon be home to an InterContinental hotel, set to debut in 2028. This hotel will feature 700 rooms, five dining and bar options, a 15,000-square-foot wellness area, and a Club InterContinental Lounge, conveniently located on International Drive and near the major theme parks.

Orlando is gearing up for an exciting few years ahead, highlighted by the launch of the new Epic Universe theme park and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will feature a direct entrance to the park. At Walt Disney World, new attractions are on the horizon, including themed areas inspired by "Monsters, Inc.," "Cars," Disney villains, "Zootopia," and more.

A cherished European getaway is being transformed into a Four Seasons property.

The Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor spans over 100 rooms within a 100-acre estate on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Nestled beside a working vineyard on a historic property dating back to 1929, this resort beautifully marries the island's natural charm with the renowned service of Four Seasons, offering a seasonal escape that includes a temporary pop-up spa, various bars and restaurants, and opportunities for poolside relaxation, snorkeling, or hiking for breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy a 15% discount on stays of two nights or more until the end of October.

The resort is set to reopen in March next year.

A new hotel in Texas is set to be exceptionally accommodating for guests with a variety of needs.

Having traveled frequently with a family member who uses a wheelchair, I understand how challenging hotel stays can be. Morgan's Wonderland, a theme park in San Antonio designed for guests with and without disabilities, is launching a new hotel specifically focused on accessibility. The hotel will employ staff trained in disability assistance and etiquette, providing tailored accommodations for individuals with hearing, visual, and physical needs, as well as support for older adults.

Gordon Hartman, the park's founder, inspired by his daughter and set to open in 2026, stated, "This will definitely be a hotel for everyone, especially those with special needs, who will feel more included, valued, and fulfilled going forward."

To further enhance the hotel experience, major brands like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott are competing to partner with the property, ensuring that once Morgan's Hotel opens, points and miles enthusiasts will have an exceptionally accommodating place to earn or redeem their points.

In other updates...

• Six Senses Telluride is set to debut in 2028
• Park Hyatt is planning its fourth hotel in Japan — but hold off on booking just yet
• Park Hyatt New York is gearing up for significant suite renovations
• A sneak peek inside the new Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
• Top no-annual-fee hotel credit cards to consider

Reviews to motivate your next getaway

• An experience at The Londoner, a grand 'boutique' hotel in central London
• Timeless luxury, exquisite suites, and a brand new spa: A review of the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
• Where luxury blends with wellness: A look at Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
• Mango House Seychelles: A tropical luxury escape where Hilton points are valuable
• Disney perks and Marriott Bonvoy points: My experience at the Walt Disney World Swan