Embassy Suites by Hilton

Wells Fargo downgraded Sunstone Hotels and revised DiamondRock Hospitality and Apple Hospitality's ratings. According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, international visitors to the U.S. in October 2023 spent $18.9 billion, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. In 2024, Hilton’s luxury portfolio, inclusive of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts will announce offerings that will provide guests with new brand signatures.

Major hospitality companies reported mixed trends at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference, with lodging demand remaining positive but margins affected by high wages. Several companies, including Crescent Hotels & Resorts and HHM Hotels, announced the addition of new properties to their portfolios. Evermore Orlando Resort is set to open a unique beach paradise, and other hotels are undergoing significant renovations and refurbishments, indicating a continued focus on luxury and expansion in the hospitality industry.

Wells Fargo initiated coverage on Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott, favoring operators targeting group and high-end travel, with strong growth outlooks and reasonable valuations. They predict a 3%-4% RevPAR growth in 2024. Accor added Hotel Andra Seattle to its portfolio and plans for new MGallery properties. International tourism is nearing pre-pandemic levels, with a 38% increase in travelers in 2023 compared to 2022. The Middle East leads the recovery, while Europe, Africa, and the Americas show significant improvement.

B.Riley Securities downgraded Ashford Hospitality Trust. US hotel RevPAR increased by 6.3%. Innisfree Hotels acquired Hampton Inn in Florida; Apple Hospitality REIT bought Embassy Suites in Utah. Quality Inn in Cincinnati to become a senior living facility. Ranchhod LLC acquired Country Inn & Suites in North Carolina. JMA Ventures and Machete Group developing a mixed-use project in Orlando. Prospera Hotel plans a new hotel in Seattle. The Charles Hotel in Massachusetts updated suites and dining areas. West Baden Hotel in Indiana undergoing roof repair. Park Hotel in Ireland sold to Bryan Meehan. Como Hotels & Resorts opening new resort in Italy. Host AB sold a majority stake in Swedish hotels. Marriott introduced a new design for Courtyard in Berlin. The Standard International launching The StandardX in Melbourne, Australia.

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.  

Morgan Stanley favors C-Corps over hotel REITs for their growth potential and downside protection, while Barclays upgraded Park Hotels and Resorts due to its high dividend yield. Choice Hotels missed estimates, and the potential acquisition by Wyndham remains uncertain, with suggestions for possible negotiation tactics.   Various hotels reported earnings and developments, with openings, auctions, and construction plans in different regions, including California, Texas, and North Carolina.

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.

Stock market performance: DJIA up 66 points, Nasdaq up 97, S&P 500 up 19 points, and 10-year treasury yield down to 4.60%. Lodging industry updates: US hotel RevPAR increased 5.2%, Group RevPAR was up 29.5%. Stifel lowered target price on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, while Exane BNP Paribas downgraded IHG Hotels & Resorts. International travel data: International visitors spent $19.0 billion on US travel in August 2023, with a trade surplus of $1.8 billion. Travel and tourism accounted for 7.4% of US exports of goods and services in August 2023.

DJIA and Nasdaq dropped significantly, 10-year yield surged, and lodging stocks declined. U.S. hotel industry saw lower occupancy but improved year-over-year comparisons. Peachtree Group announced multiple hotel acquisitions and new development projects, while other hotels are under renovation and expansion.

TD Cowen increased price targets for Hilton and Marriott, maintaining Outperform ratings. U.S. international travel spending surged in July 2023, with a trade surplus of $777 million. Various hotel developments and management changes were announced, including HEI Hotels & Resorts' management of Aloft Tampa Downtown and plans for new properties in New Brunswick and Denver, as well as a significant renovation of The Olana mansion in Texas.