Sonesta and Boyd Gaming launch exclusive affiliation adding 19 casino resorts

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Boyd Gaming Corporation have launched an exclusive strategic affiliation that puts Boyd's casino resorts in front of Sonesta's customer base, the companies said on 2 November 2026.

The first stage is the Boyd Collection, which places Boyd's 19 casino resorts, more than 9,700 hotel rooms and 600,000 square feet of meeting and event space onto Sonesta's distribution platform. The collection will sit on Sonesta's signature list of brands on Sonesta.com, while Boyd properties stay bookable through Boyd's own traditional channels. Properties include The Orleans Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Belterra Casino Resort and Valley Forge Casino Resort.

According to the release, the two companies plan to go further. They will explore development tied to Boyd's existing properties and future projects, which may include Sonesta hard-brand conversions, rebrands or new-build hotels. They also intend to link their loyalty programmes, Sonesta Travel Pass and Boyd Rewards.

Keith Pierce, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Sonesta, called the deal "an exciting next step in Sonesta's asset-right, franchise-focused growth strategy." Boyd President and CEO Keith Smith said it offers a way "to broaden our customer base across the country." Phil Hugh, Sonesta's Chief Development Officer, said the relationship creates "new avenues for franchise and development growth."

Sonesta describes itself as the eighth largest hotel company in the US according to STR, with more than 1,000 properties, 100,000 rooms and 13 brands. Boyd, founded in 1975, operates 26 gaming entertainment properties in 11 states.