ME by Melia

IHG posted slightly better than expected results with the most publicized part of the release being their intention to give more $1 billion back to shareholders in 2024.

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.

Marriott expands into CNMI with the first Marriott hotel in the Northern Marianas Islands in 2025, partnering with Honest Profit International Ltd for management. YOHO Treasure Island Resorts World Hotel in Macau announces its official opening after a four-month soft opening period, offering 600 rooms initially, and Melia Hotels International plans to open ME by Melia hotel in Guangzhou, Asia Pacific, in 2027. DigiPlus Interactive Corp backpedals on plans to develop land in Boracay, Philippines, after a public dispute with former partner Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Major indices, including DJIA, Nasdaq, and the S&P 500, experienced significant drops. BHR reached a new low, and Bernstein and B.Riley adjusted ratings and price targets for several key hotels. Hotel Transactions & Development**: Numerous hotel properties underwent ownership changes, refinancing, or development, with notable mentions like the Delta Hotels by Marriott New York Times Square and the Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas nearing completion. Aimbridge Hospitality strengthened its team, Melia Hotels announced multiple openings in Mexico, and Selina Hospitality launched a new location in Evia, Greece.

Demolition of Tahoe Biltmore Lodge to make way for Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe. Several new hotel openings and renovations announced across the U.S., including projects in Palm Beach, Milwaukee, Crowley, and Southwest Mesa. STR and Tourism Economics adjusted their 2023-24 U.S. hotel forecast, with a noted global ADR increase in 2022. Truist revised its target price for VAC but retained its Buy rating. Truist reduced its target price for VAC to $190 from $219 due to Marriott Vacations' subpar quarterly outcomes and revised guidance, yet kept a Buy rating.

Xenia Hotels & Resorts reported an in-line to a modest miss result and narrowed guidance. They repurchased common stock in the quarter. Chatham Lodging Trust had a 5% increase in RevPAR year over year and a 5% AFFO rise, with RevPAR down less than -2% from 2019. Several hotels announced new openings, acquisitions, and rebranding, including Omni Hotels & Resorts , Sonesta , Braintree Group , Elise Capital , Hyatt Hotels Corporation , and DiamondRock Hospitality Company .

Morgan Stanley changed price targets on its covered hotel companies . Hilton’s PT was lowered to $167 from $171, while Wyndham’s PT was upped to $90 from $87. Chatham Lodging Trust announced they repaid in full three mortgages with outstanding principal of $73.3 million and a weighted average interest rate of 8%. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas will begin taking reservations for its ultra-luxury Private Retreats collection soon.

The DJIA  fell 351 points while Nasdaq was down 225, the S&P 500 fell 58 points and the 10 year treasury yield was down .09 to 3.51%. What happened to the Santa Claus Rally? Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. reported preliminary portfolio occupancy of approximately 64% for November 2022 with an ADR of approximately $394 resulting in RevPAR of approximately $253. Marriott International, Inc . announced the completion of an $11 million dollar revitalization of its 395-room Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park , in Falls Church, Virginia .

Lodging stocks were down before the Fed decision to raise interest rates by another 75 basis points and conference call but the selling accelerated after, led by the REITs, not surprisingly. Investors did not take the earnings reports from Airbnb, Ashford Hospitality Trust or Xenia Hotels & Resorts very well. Meanwhile STR reported for the week ended 10/29, US hotel RevPAR was up 33.5% year over year.