Cronheim Hotel Capital

Choice Hotels' Latest Step in Its Quest to Acquire Wyndham

Barron's recommended investing in travel stocks like Hilton and Marriott for business travel and Choice Hotels is still planning a takeover of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. There is a new distribution agreement between Choice Hotels EMEA and Sercotel, the potential sale of Travelodge hotels by LXI REIT, and new hotel developments and refinancing deals in the UK and Europe. Significant strategic actions in the hotel industry include Choice Hotels' intent to nominate directors to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' board amidst an $8 billion takeover battle.

Hilton Grand Vacations to Buy Bluegreen Vacations

Hilton Grand Vacations is acquiring Bluegreen Vacations for approximately $1.5 billion, expanding its membership base and resort portfolio. HEI Hotels & Resorts takes over management of the Renaissance Times Square hotel in New York. Hyatt is collaborating with Parks Hospitality Holdings to develop four new properties in Mexico, including the Park Hyatt Cancun and Grand Hyatt Mexico Santa Fe.

Choice Tells Wyndham to Reconsider

Choice Hotels has urged Wyndham Hotels to consider a merger, but Wyndham has firmly declined any interest in the proposal. The chairman of Wyndham revealed they almost acquired Choice Hotels 20 years ago. The U.S. construction pipeline shows growth, with over 5,700 projects and 672,000 rooms, driven by a strong upper midscale chain scale presence. Renovation and conversion projects are on the rise, and new hotel openings are expected to increase in the coming years. Several hotel and resort projects are underway, including Westin Washington, DC Downtown, Opry Entertainment Group's renovation in Austin, Four Seasons expanding its Private Retreats collection, and Tommy Bahama's debut resort in California. Additionally, new developments in Florida, Rhode Island, and Indiana are on the horizon.

IHG's Group Quarterly RevPAR Up 12.8% Over 2019

IHG reported strong earnings, including a 10.5% increase in Group RevPAR, but disappointed shareholders by deferring capital returns. The US group business is rebounding well, with top markets nearly fully recovered to 2019 levels. Prominent cities like Austin, Nashville, and Denver exceeded 2019 figures. Various hotel developments and acquisitions are ongoing in different locations, reflecting the industry's resilience and growth prospects. Notably, TMGOC Ventures secured approval to introduce the first Ritz-Carlton in Savannah.