Hyatt's Pipeline Hit a Record High in 2024

The DJIA was up 137 points while Nasdaq clawed back more than half of yesterday's decline with a gain of 392 points. The S&P 500 was up 55 points, and the 10-year treasury yield was up .02 to 4.55%. Lodging stocks were modestly higher. WH and IHG both traded up to new highs.

B of A Securities raised their rating on Apple Hospitality to Buy from Neutral. They upped their price target on the hotel REIT to $17 from $16.

UBS cut their price target on Host Hotels to $18 from $19. They maintained their Neutral rating on the stock.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a record pipeline of approximately 138,000 rooms as of year-end 2024. Amar Lalvani, former Executive Chairman of Standard International, now leads Hyatt's new Lifestyle Group as its President & Creative Director, bringing increased focus to brand identities and performance across each lifestyle brand, further enhancing Hyatt's leading position in the industry's premier lifestyle segment. The recent acquisition of Standard International's The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands, as well as the recently launched The StandardX brand, included 22 open hotels and more than 30 future projects for the Lifestyle Portfolio. Hyatt has grown the portfolio's total pipeline properties by nearly 50% year-over-year and the number of open hotels by 20% year-over-year. In conjunction with the introduction of its new brand portfolios, Hyatt welcomed two leaders who will play pivotal roles in developing the Lifestyle and Luxury Portfolios. Catie Cramer has been named Head of Lifestyle Development - U.S., while Tina Necrason has been named Global Head of Branded Residential. Within the Essentials Portfolio are Hyatt's select service brands that continue to demonstrate pipeline strength and owner value. Building on the successful creation of the Hyatt Studios brand and the momentum from the recent launch of the Caption by Hyatt brand, Hyatt continues to evolve, aiming to make these brands even more profitable for owners and more desirable for travelers.

Four Seasons continues to execute its strategic growth across key global markets, expanding its iconic portfolio of hotels, resorts, and residences while redefining experiential travel on land, at sea, and in the air. Four Seasons' growth trajectory includes strategic expansion into key destinations, highlighted by landmark openings, exceptional restorations, and a robust development pipeline of over 60 projects worldwide. By 2033, Four Seasons plans to operate 180 properties globally, solidifying its position as the world's largest operator of luxury properties under a single brand. Four Seasons has transformed the concept of high-end living through its rapidly expanding residential portfolio.

Celebrating 40 years of branded residential leadership, Four Seasons currently offers 55 properties across 20 countries. Currently, 65% of the Four Seasons mixed-use development pipeline includes a residential component, with properties underway worldwide. The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, now in its 10th year, achieved a 30% repeat guest rate and record guest satisfaction scores, including a high intent to travel again. With its recently redesigned aircraft, the jet operated eight itineraries last year, offering extended and curated travel experiences across 43 global destinations. Excitement is also building toward the launch of Four Seasons Yachts, with its inaugural voyage set for January 2026.

Aimbridge Hospitality is poised for a strong 2025 following a year of transformation, which saw the company reinforce its commitment to owner partners with tailored solutions and sustainable portfolio expansion throughout North America, EMEA, and LATAM. Aimbridge delivered value to its owners throughout 2024 by prioritizing alignment with their goals and leveraging its industry-leading expertise. In addition to launching its proprietary industry-leading data reporting platform Aimbridge Intelligence in the fall, Aimbridge also introduced Aimbridge Commercial, a restructuring of its topline disciplines designed to generate revenue for owners through a fully integrated Commercial model.

Choice Hotels has wrapped up 2024 by accomplishing significant milestones that reinforce its standing as a leader in the hospitality sector. Choice Hotels continued to dominate the fast-expanding extended-stay market in 2024, matching its annual record with 61 new hotel openings, including the milestone grand opening of its 500th extended-stay property in October. Among the highlights were 25 new WoodSpring Suites and 6 Everhome Suites, alongside 16 MainStay Suites and 14 Suburban Studios. Choice Hotels made significant strides in the upscale segment, with the opening of 27 upscale properties, including 18 new Ascend Hotel Collection locations, seven Cambria Hotels, and two Radisson properties.

Following a banner year capping multiple milestones and accomplishments, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is poised for continued growth and innovation in 2025. With recognizable brands spanning every segment of the industry, Wyndham saw continued global growth in 2024, adding a new brand, expanding its presence in key markets, and building on its footprint in key segments like extended stay. Among the highlights is the company opening its first ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham Hotels. Expanded its offerings in the booming extended-stay segment with the launch of WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham, its 25th brand, and the introduction of Wyndham Residences in the U.S. Strengthened its portfolio in key countries, including the UK, India, Turkiye, and Mexico, while introducing 12 of its brands into a combined 22 new markets.

Developers presented a plan for a four-story, 123-unit hotel at the Eastview Mall in Victor, New York. The proposed hotel would include amenities such as an indoor pool and covered patio. The building would be called Element by Westin at Eastview as a Marriott property.

Meyer Jabara Hotels assumed management of the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, Autograph Collection, on Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia, Maryland. Owned by IMH Columbia LLC, the hotel features 212 guestrooms and suites, an upscale restaurant and lounge, a rooftop pool, and 14,000 square feet of event space.

The Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown Little Italy has been rebranded into The Dextro Hotel, part of the Best Western Premier Collection. The hotel boasts 220 guestrooms, over 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.

The Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown Historic District in Columbia, South Carolina, a hotel owned by Windsor Aughtry and managed by Hospitality America, has completed a multimillion-dollar property-wide renovation.

Hyatt will cease managing the Waterfront Hotel in Oakland, putting the future of the Jack London Square Lodge in jeopardy.

Aperture Hotels has added the Hotel Indigo Atlanta - Vinings Galleria to its growing portfolio of hotel properties. The property, owned by Baraka Group, features 160 guestrooms, an onsite bar and restaurant, a resort-style pool, a fitness center, and event spaces.

A recently built downtown Cincinnati hotel has changed hands and undergone a facelift, complete with a new ground-floor restaurant. The 117-room boutique hotel, formerly a Holiday Inn & Suites, is now called the Clair Cincinnati Downtown.

Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection announced the debut of Crest Club, its onsite private membership community.

Delaware North has finalized the transition of its Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon property to The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort.

HQ Hotels & Residences by Sam Nazarian, through a strategic alliance with Wyndham and its Registry Collection Hotels brand, announced the opening of its debut resort: Hodges Bay Resort and Spa, an HQ Luxury Resort and Residences.

Tourism drove $8.8 billion into Toronto's economy last year, the highest level of visitor spending ever recorded in the city, according to Destination Toronto.

Personnel Moves

Sage Hospitality Group announced the promotion of Dean Stambules to Chief Investment Officer.

RobertDouglas announced today that it has promoted Andrew Heilmann to the position of Managing Director and Max Chipouras to the position of Vice President.

Octant Hotels appointed Jan-Erik Ringertz as Chief Operating Officer, where he will oversee the Octant Hotels portfolio.