Tru by Hilton

Citigroup downgraded Sonder Holdings from Buy to Neutral, with a new price target set at $4.Choice Hotels criticized Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for misrepresenting the lodging industry's competitive landscape. This criticism came after Wyndham's recommendation for shareholders to reject CHH's exchange offer and their discontinuation of discussions regarding a potential transaction with CHH. Hyatt announced plans to open over 35 luxury hotels and resorts globally through 2025, including new Park Hyatt locations in the UK, Mexico, and Malaysia, and expanding the Thompson Hotel brand in Europe.

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.

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.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc has entered into a partnership with Hallmark Channel to create Christmas-themed suites inspired by Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” movies. The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas has completed phase one of a multimillion-dollar property-wide transformation. This includes a redesign of all 389 guestrooms and suites and upgrades to meeting and event spaces. Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, located in South Lake Tahoe, California, has announced its December 14th opening date. The transformation of the former Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel into a Margaritaville property cost over $70 million.

Choice Hotels made an offer to acquire Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which was rejected. The situation may lead to a proxy fight. Marriott and MGM's partnership launch delayed to early 2024 due to a cyber attack on MGM and the complexity of the integration, which includes the creation of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. Hyatt introduces the Wellbeing Collective, offering tailored wellbeing experiences at 30+ hotels globally, with plans to expand in 2024.

Stock Market Performance: DJIA fell by 291 points, Nasdaq decreased by 158 points, and S&P 500 dropped by 34 points. The 10-year treasury yield increased to 4.31%. Lodging Industry Trends: Lodging stocks, including SLNA and BHR, traded lower. Truist held a conference call on US lodging supply growth, with Marriott having the largest pipeline, and Hyatt showing the largest year-over-year increase. Hotel Performance Forecasts: CBRE Hotels revised down its 2023 RevPAR forecast due to weak summer demand, expecting a 4.6% YoY growth in RevPAR. Hotel supply growth is projected to be 1%, below the industry's historical average of 1.6% over the next five years.

Choice Hotels and IHG saw new 52-week highs after reporting their earnings. Service Properties Trust also had a positive day with a 4% stock increase. IHG introduced a new conversion-focused brand in the mid-market. Marriott acquired and integrated the City Express brand. Hilton introduced a new hotel in Times Square. Several other hotel groups, including Charlestowne Hotels, 21c Museum Hotels, and Six Senses, announced new properties or renovations. Tru by Hilton opened in Mississauga, Ontario. TUI is actively expanding its hotel portfolio. Mandarin Oriental and Six Senses revealed new luxury resorts in Italy and Greece, respectively. Personnel news highlighted new appointments at LBA Hospitality and Barriere.

The DJIA ended its winning streak with a 237-point drop, Nasdaq was down 77, and the S&P 500 fell 29 points. The 10-year treasury yield surged by 0.16, closing at a yield of 4.01%. Wyndham reported positive results, with its development pipeline rising and a significant stock buyback. Accor raised its annual profit outlook despite being slightly below analyst expectations. Senators Klobuchar and Moran introduced the Hotel Fees Transparency Act , aiming to crack down on hidden resort fees. They propose federal guidelines for pricing transparency in hotel stays.

Market Summary: DJIA rose 82 points, Nasdaq fell 17, S&P 500 down 1 point, 10-year treasury yield down to 3.85%. Uncertainty remains about the Fed's rate hike decision. Certares Real Estate Hospitality Fund : Certares closes its first real estate fund with $284 million in equity commitments, investing in 10 U.S. hotels. Hilton and Travel + Leisure face mixed responses from investors. JD Power study highlights staff service as the highest contributor to guest satisfaction in hotels.

Truist expects varied 2Q earnings for the hotel sector, with C-Corps' results depending on geography and customer mix. U.S. hotel industry performance in June 2023 showed improvements from the previous month but lower year-over-year changes. RLJ Lodging Trust 's Nashville property joins Hilton's Tapestry Collection after a comprehensive renovation, marking the company's third conversion in 2023.