White Lodging

The Americas is the only region to show an increase in hotel construction and development activity in the first quarter of 2024, contrasting with declines or slower growth in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

Following a decade of historic growth, NYC hotel supply is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.6% over the next three years.

Hilton debuted Hilton for Business, a new, digital-forward travel program empowering professionals running small- and medium-sized businesses to simplify travel management while enhancing rewards and discounts for their loyalty.

The  DJIA  fell 285 points,  Nasdaq  was down 174, the  S&P 500  fell 38 points, and the 10-year treasury yield was down nearly .10 to 3.91%. Let’s hope the first two trading days do not represent the rest of the year. STR’s  global “bubble chart” update through December 16, 2023 showed 75% of markets with growth in RevPAR compared to 2019. Could there be a hotel building moratorium in one of the most popular areas of Southern Florida?

Braemar Hotels (BRH) and Ashford Hospitality Trust (AHT) reported 3Q results, with BRH missing estimates due to its resort/leisure focus, experiencing a -7.1% decline in RevPAR growth. AHT’s results exceeded expectations, especially in urban assets, with a 4% growth in RevPAR. Hersha Hospitality shareholders approved a $1.4 billion, all-cash deal for KSL Capital Partners to acquire the hotel REIT, taking them private. The deal, valued at $10 per share, is expected to close in the current quarter. The Global Hotel Investor Sentiment Survey by JLL revealed a surge in lodging demand, with global RevPAR up 10.2% relative to 2019. Key findings include 81% of investors planning to be net buyers, a preference for urban markets (84%), and a focus on luxury and select-service hotels. Investors anticipate a rise in hotel pricing per key and face challenges like the cost of capital, rising insurance costs due to climate risk, and deferred capital expenditures.  

DJIA fell 174 points, Nasdaq down 85, S&P 500 down 27, and 10-year treasury yield surged to 4.71%. Financial analysis by JP Morgan on Marriott Vacations Worldwide, noting risk factors and a Neutral rating. Acquisitions by Apple Hospitality REIT, renovations of Marriott properties, and promotions at Noble House Hotels & Resorts, KSL Resorts, JLL’s Value and Risk Advisory platform, and Auberge Resorts Collection.

Market Movement:DJIA up 26, Nasdaq down 26, S&P 500 down 1, 10-year treasury yield down to 4.25%. Selina Hospitality Woes:Selina Hospitality’s stock plunged 41%, facing financial struggles and a revised SEC prospectus. Other lodging stocks also hit new lows. Hotel Industry Highlights: Airbnb’s price target raised to $110 by Morgan Stanley. American Hotel & Lodging Association praised new federal travel rates. Blackstone sold three hotels for $64.3 million. Various hotel developments and renovations announced. Hotel La Jolla undergoes $8M renovation. David Meisner rejoins White Lodging as Regional VP.

Hilton and Marriott are expected to report strong 2Q23 results with international strength as a key driver. Various hotels in different regions are undergoing significant expansions, renovations, and acquisitions, with Hilton announcing a new property in Cancun and Scandic Hotels Group expanding its portfolio in Sweden . Accor is in exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in Potel & Chabot, potentially becoming the sole shareholder of the company.

US stock indexes rose slightly on Friday, but lodging stocks were mixed with SOND surging 23% after a downgrade of Park Hotels & Resorts by ISI Evercore Group. Chicago broke hotel occupancy records last weekend thanks to Taylor Swift concerts and other events, generating more than $39 million in hotel revenue. Marriott International announced its first-ever all-inclusive resort in Cancun, expected to open in 2024, and JW Marriott Mexico City completed renovations of its guestrooms and suites, with more upgrades to come by 2023.

According to STR , Phoenix’s hotel RevPAR is forecasted to reach $419 for February 10-12, which would be the second-highest level for a Super Bowl weekend . On Friday lodging stocks were lower. SOND was the biggest mover, down -8% while ABNB was down -5% on the day. White Lodging announced the renaming of its new Autograph Collection hotel in San Antonio, Texas , formerly known as The Otis Hotel .