Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Choice Hotels issued a press release urging Wyndham stockholders to tender their shares before the March 8 deadline. We would characterize the press release as of begging WH shareholders to threaten they will pull the plug.

Travel + Leisure Co. has closed the acquisition of the vacation ownership business of Accor. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Travel + Leisure Co. earnings.

Canada’s hotel industry showed lower occupancy but continued growth in ADR, according to CoStar’s January 2024 data.

The earnings season for hotel companies kicked into high gear with Host Hotels and Pebblebrook becoming the first REITs to show their hand.

Barclays updated their U.S. lodging REIT estimates ahead of the onslaught of expected conservative earnings that are coming.

In 2024, the company’s expansion plans include an initial goal of opening more than twenty hotels and continuing to sign as many new projects.

Four Seasons will develop the Four Seasons Residences at The Ocean Club in Nassau, Bahamas. This project, set to open in 2027, will include 67 Private Residences with luxurious amenities including an oceanfront pool, private cabanas, a beachfront restaurant, a spa, and more.

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.

Jefferies upgraded Park Hotels to Buy from Hold, reflecting positive changes like the removal of their San Francisco assets. Meanwhile, they downgraded Choice Hotels to Underperform from Hold due to concerns over its acquisition strategy, specifically regarding Wyndham Hotels. Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. announced the acquisition of the Springhill Suites by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center for approximately $75 million. Bradford Allen Hospitality acquired two hotel properties in Riverhead, New York, planning significant renovations for both. PEG Companies opened The Moxy in the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Hawkeye Hotels commenced construction of a Fairfield Inn & Suites in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, targeting a spring 2025 opening.

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.