Boyd Gaming has partnered with Sonesta International Hotels to bring its 19 casino resorts across the US to Sonesta’s distribution platform, giving the hotel company’s customers access to more gaming and resort destinations
The exclusive strategic affiliation will begin in January with the launch of the Boyd Collection on Sonesta.com. The collection will feature more than 9,700 hotel rooms and 600,000 square feet of meeting and event space across Boyd’s properties.
Nine of the 19 participating resorts are in Southern Nevada: Aliante, California, Cannery, Fremont, Gold Coast, Main Street Station, The Orleans, Sam’s Town, and Suncoast.
The partnership will allow Sonesta customers to book Boyd properties through its distribution platform, whilst giving Boyd access to Sonesta’s global distribution network, expanding brand portfolio and Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty programme. Boyd properties will also remain available through the gaming company’s existing booking channels.
The companies plan to explore linking their respective loyalty programmes, Sonesta Travel Pass and Boyd Rewards, to provide members with additional benefits.
“Boyd’s nationwide portfolio of casino entertainment destinations is built upon over 50 years of best-in-class guest service, strong customer relationships and best-in-market amenities,” Boyd Gaming President and CEO Keith Smith said. “Our exclusive affiliation with Sonesta provides a compelling opportunity to broaden our customer base across the country by introducing Sonesta users to Boyd’s unique brand of hospitality and entertainment.”
Sonesta co-CEO Keith Pierce said the partnership supports the company’s asset-right, franchise-focused growth strategy.
“By aligning with Boyd, we are creating meaningful new ways to serve our guests and expand our distribution reach in markets where travelers are seeking full-service resort hospitality, entertainment and casino gaming experiences,” Pierce added.
The companies also plan to explore hotel development opportunities tied to Boyd’s existing properties and future projects. These could include conversions to Sonesta’s established brands, rebranding of existing hotels or new-build developments.
Sonesta Chief Development Officer Phil Hugh said the partnership could create additional opportunities.
“Our guests increasingly want more choices, more recognition and more ways to make travel rewarding,” he said. “Our relationship with Boyd gives us a platform to connect hospitality and entertainment in a differentiated way, while creating new avenues for franchise and development growth.”
Boyd operates 26 gaming entertainment properties across 11 US states. Sonesta, headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, operates more than 1,000 properties and 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands, making it the eighth-largest hotel company in the US.
