TownePlace Suites

U.S. Average Daily Rates Continue Increase

The  DJIA  fell 285 points,  Nasdaq  was down 174, the  S&P 500  fell 38 points, and the 10-year treasury yield was down nearly .10 to 3.91%. Let’s hope the first two trading days do not represent the rest of the year. STR’s  global “bubble chart” update through December 16, 2023 showed 75% of markets with growth in RevPAR compared to 2019. Could there be a hotel building moratorium in one of the most popular areas of Southern Florida?

JP Morgan Re-Ranks Many Hotel Stocks

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.

Accor Reveals European Portfolio Growth

STR reported a 3.3% increase in U.S. Hotel RevPAR, led by a 4.5% rise in ADR and a 5.1% increase in Group RevPAR. Deutsche Bank provided a cautious 2024 outlook for the hotel industry, highlighting a balanced risk-reward scenario with potential bull and bear cases. Keybanc reduced their price target on Xenia Hotels & Resorts, while Truist offered a differing view on Airbnb compared to Barclays.

Hilton Unveils Plans for Luxury Hotels in 2024

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.

Marriott Is Upgrading Caribbean Properties

Marriott International, Hyatt, CBRE, Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Airbnb, and others, experienced shifts in ratings, acquisitions, and expansions. Renovations & Openings: Numerous hotels underwent renovations, expansions, and rebranding across cities like Boca Raton, Key West, and Tempe. Ongoing projects in Virginia, Alabama, and Texas showcase substantial financial commitments, indicating growth and expansion in these regions.

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.

Lodging Stocks End the Week Higher

Stock market rallied as treasury bond yields fell, with DJIA, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 gaining points, while lodging stocks like SOND, AHT, and others saw significant increases. Several hotel-related developments were announced, including renovations, new hotels, and property sales in various locations across the United States. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will introduce Rosewood Blue Palace in Greece in 2025, while the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas, will reopen on December 12 after a $100 million renovation.

Hyatt's Heavy Canadian Expansion

Earnings reports from various hotel and hospitality companies have mixed results, with Marriott International and Hyatt facing disappointment, while Park Hotels, Chatham Lodging Trust, Host Hotels, RLJ Lodging Trust, and Summit Hotel Properties pleased investors. Hyatt Hotels plans to double its brand footprint in Canada with 23 new hotels by 2026, including airport locations and Hyatt Centric and Hyatt House properties. Various hotel acquisitions, openings, and renovations are announced, including the launch of Pendry Tampa and Pendry Residences Tampa, and the renovation of L'Ermitage Beverly Hills. Selina Hospitality faces financial challenges and seeks to restructure its debt.