Super 8

JLL reports record Q1 2025 RevPAR with $4.6B in U.S. hotel transactions, as Middle Eastern, European and Asian investors target urban assets.

Hotel industry shows activity with Accor confirming its outlook for the year without a downward revision and KHP Capital Partners securing $300 million for hotel acquisitions and renovations.

Yet the hotel industry continues to expand globally with multiple new properties and several boutique hotel openings.

Barclays and STR forecast modest RevPAR growth of around 2% through 2025, with some softening due to GDP and mixed short-term performance.

International tourism nearly reached pre-pandemic levels in early 2024, with notable growth in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, and a full recovery projected for the year.

The Wyndham Orlando Resort on International Drive is set to close on April 30, with potential plans for partial preservation and redevelopment by owner Unicorp National Developments Inc.

NoMad's Las Vegas property will be left behind as new owner Hilton focuses on other properties currently – and in the future – of the brand.

A new report for 2023 shows 85% of markets with RevPAR higher than 2019. In terms of top-line performance, that means most markets have recovered from the significant declines caused by the pandemic.

Wells Fargo predicts a stabilization in interest rates in 2024, benefiting hotel sector growth, with a focus on high-end leisure and Asia Pacific markets. Oppenheimer raised the target price for Host Hotels, and Driftwood Capital secured a significant refinancing loan for Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel. There were key personnel changes in various hotel groups, such as Concord Hospitality and Great Wolf Resorts, indicating a focus on business development and wellness.

JP Morgan upgraded Choice Hotels to Neutral and shifted Host Hotels, Park Hotels, Ryman Hospitality, and Sunstone Hotels to Neutral, citing less downside in lodging REITs. CoStar forecasts U.S. hotel demand growth of 1.8% in 2024, with occupancy increasing by 1% and room rate growth aligning with inflation, leading to RevPAR growth of 4.8% this year and 4% in 2024. Barclays shifted to Equal Weight on Marriott Vacations, expressing uncertainty in company-specific execution and favoring Hilton Grand Vacations in the timeshare sector.