Boston

Hilton Taking Over NoMad Brand

Hilton acquires a majority stake in Sydell Group to globally expand the NoMad Hotels brand, with plans for up to 100 properties and integration into Hilton's commercial platforms, while NoMad Las Vegas will rebrand, addressing Hilton's gap in the luxury market.

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.

Dolly Parton Could Open a Nashville Hotel 

Truist reports that lodging companies aren't experiencing recession-driven demand declines, with strong group and individual business but weak domestic leisure. Dolly Parton may be venturing into Nashville's hotel market with a $75 million building acquisition, and Toftrees Golf Resort in Pennsylvania announces a $50 million renovation. A new $175 million development in Mishawaka, Indiana, includes apartments, townhomes, and a 125-room hotel.

New CEOs for Fairmont and Orient Express

Truist remains optimistic about US hotel demand and RevPAR, favoring C-Corp stocks like HLT, MAR, and H, and recommending Hyatt and Ryman Hospitality among REITs. Hilton is expanding in Baja California, Mexico with Tapestry Collection hotels. Ashford Hospitality Trust faces lawsuits over loan defaults. Accor announced executive appointments and a new hotel in Poland with Allenort Group.

Choice Hotels Lays off Corporate Staff

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.