TRT Holdings owns Omni Hotels & Resorts. The Dallas-based private holding company has held the chain since 1996, when billionaire Robert Rowling bought it for $500 million. Omni opened its 801-room Fort Lauderdale flagship in December 2025, with additional hotels under development in Raleigh and Mexico.
- TRT Holdings paid $500 million for Omni Hotels in 1996, buying the chain from Hong Kong-based Wharf Holdings.
- Robert Rowling, who controls TRT Holdings, recorded an estimated net worth of $8.8 billion in early 2026.
- Omni operates 51 properties across the United States and Canada with about 20,010 guest rooms.
- Annual revenue at Omni is estimated between $2.6 billion and $3.5 billion as of early 2026.
- Omni employs more than 23,000 associates and manages 28 golf courses across its portfolio.
Who Owns Omni Hotels?
TRT Holdings, Inc. holds full ownership of Omni Hotels & Resorts. The Dallas-based private firm bought the chain in February 1996 from Hong Kong conglomerate Wharf Holdings for $500 million. Unlike publicly listed peers such as Hilton Worldwide, TRT does not file quarterly statements.
Robert B. Rowling co-founded TRT Holdings in 1989 with his father Reese after selling Tana Oil and Gas to Texaco for $476.5 million. His son Blake Rowling now serves as TRT’s president.
Omni Hotels portfolio growth, 1996 to 2026
Omni Hotels Origin, Founders and Early Years
Omni traces its roots to 1945, when the Dunfey brothers opened a clam stand in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. They later bought Lamie’s Tavern with a 32-room motor inn attached.
The brothers incorporated Dunfey Hotels in 1958 after purchasing a 332-room property. By 1964, they held 14 Sheraton franchise hotels, ranking as the largest franchise group in the world at the time. Aetna Life bought the company in 1971, and Irish carrier Aer Lingus acquired it in 1976.
Largest Shareholders of Omni Hotels
TRT Holdings, Inc.
- 100% owner of Omni Hotels & Resorts
- Private firm based in Dallas, Texas
- Also owns Origins Behavioral Healthcare
- Previously held Gold’s Gym, sold in 2020
Robert B. Rowling
- Co-founder and chairman of TRT Holdings
- Net worth estimated at $8.8 billion in 2026
- Bought Omni from Wharf Holdings in 1996
- Holds a JD from Southern Methodist University
Blake Rowling
- President of TRT Holdings
- Son of Robert Rowling
- Handles daily oversight of TRT’s portfolio
- Second generation of family ownership
Who Is on the Board of Directors for Omni Hotels?
Executive Leadership
Peter Strebel — Chairman (since 2018)
Named president in March 2018, then moved to chairman. Strebel oversees brand direction and growth across the 51-property portfolio.
Kurt Alexander — President (since 2022)
Leads operations across all 51 properties. Alexander managed the Fort Lauderdale opening and is steering new builds in Raleigh and Mexico.
Joy Rothschild — Chief Human Resources Officer
Directs workforce strategy, benefits, and internal culture programs for more than 23,000 associates.
Ownership and Family Oversight
Robert B. Rowling — Chairman, TRT Holdings
Controls Omni through TRT Holdings. Guided the chain from 35 hotels in 1996 to 51 properties by 2026.
Blake Rowling — President, TRT Holdings
Oversees TRT’s wider investment portfolio and has taken on more responsibility for Omni’s strategic decisions.
Omni Hotels Products and Services
Upscale Hotel Accommodations
- 51 properties in the United States and Canada
- Four-diamond rated rooms and suites
- Urban, resort, and convention center locations
Select Guest Loyalty Program
- Four tiers: Member, Insider, Champion, Icon
- Earn Omni Credits per night and per $100 spent
- Free nights redeemable at any Omni property
Golf and Spa Resorts
- 28 golf courses including PGA-level layouts
- 25 on-site spas across the portfolio
- Flagship resort: Omni PGA Frisco in Texas
Meetings, Events, and Dining
- Convention center hotels in Boston, Louisville, Oklahoma City
- Signature restaurants with locally inspired menus
- Flexible event and conference spaces
How Did Omni Hotels Get Its Name?
The Omni name dates to 1973, when Cousins Properties launched Omni International Hotels in Atlanta. That early chain ran three properties in Atlanta, Norfolk, and Miami.
Aer Lingus, which had acquired predecessor Dunfey Hotels in 1976, bought the Omni International Hotels brand in 1983. The Irish carrier rebranded its upscale division under the Omni name and retired the Dunfey identity — part of a wave of airline-into-hotel investments that also saw cruise lines like Princess Cruises absorbed into shipping conglomerates.
The word “Omni” comes from Latin and means “all” or “everything.” The company built an internal phrase around it — “Omni means all” — pointing to staff, guests, and the towns where it operates.
Omni Hotels Mission Statement
Omni Hotels operates under the mission: “To empower our family of associates to provide an exceptional guest experience served up with authentic local flavor.” Its stated vision is to create memorable stays shaped by the character of each destination.
A core belief running through operations is that “all the things we say and do make a difference in the lives of each other, our guests and in our community.” That ethos echoes how family-stewarded luxury houses like Hermès describe their long-term thinking.
Omni also runs a charitable program called Say Goodnight to Hunger, donating meals to food banks for each guest reservation. The initiative has delivered millions of meals across communities where Omni competes alongside peers like Hyatt.
FAQs
Is Omni Hotels still operational?
Yes. Omni Hotels & Resorts runs 51 properties across the United States and Canada as of 2026. The chain opened its 801-room Fort Lauderdale flagship in December 2025 and has more hotels under development in Raleigh and Mexico.
Who owns Omni Hotels?
TRT Holdings, Inc., a private holding company based in Dallas, owns Omni Hotels & Resorts. Robert Rowling co-founded TRT with his father in 1989 and bought Omni in 1996 for $500 million.
What is the net worth of Omni Hotels?
Omni generates an estimated $2.6 billion to $3.5 billion in annual revenue. As a private firm under TRT Holdings, its valuation is not publicly disclosed. Owner Robert Rowling has a personal net worth near $8.8 billion.
When did Omni Hotels come out?
The Omni brand launched in 1983 when Aer Lingus rebranded its hotel division under the Omni name. The company traces deeper roots to 1958, when the Dunfey brothers founded Dunfey Hotels in New Hampshire.
Is Omni Hotels an American company?
Yes. Omni Hotels & Resorts is an American firm headquartered at 4001 Maple Avenue in Dallas, Texas. Its parent, TRT Holdings, is also Dallas-based and has held Omni since 1996.
