California

STR reported U.S. hotel data for the week ended November 9. U.S. hotel RevPAR fell -3.5%, with occupancy down -3.5%.

Design Hotels reported 10% portfolio growth, highlighted by new agreements including new Firmdale properties, and expansion with Grupo Habita, Drift Hotels, and ASH.

Many U.S. hotel companies reported earnings, with RLJ Lodging Trust beating estimates but giving a softer forecast, Xenia Hotels missing across the board, and Host Hotels posting a modest beat despite hurricane impacts.

Ryman and Apple Hospitality both reported earnings beats, with Ryman raising its dividend and Apple buying back shares and tightening guidance, while Summit grew results despite hurricanes.

Skyline Investments sold 11 Courtyard by Marriott hotels in the U.S. for $101 million, retaining ownership of three other Courtyard properties, which are up for sale.

Truist expects hurricanes to boost midscale hotel RevPARs but raise insurance costs, while labor pressures and union demands challenge hotel profitability despite occupancy growth and M&A opportunities.

Baird predicts short-term negative impacts on hotel revenues from recent hurricanes but expects a boost in the intermediate term due to FEMA, insurance, and clean-up crew spending, especially benefiting select service and extended-stay hotels

Hyatt Hotels is expanding its select service pipeline by 25% in the Americas, with significant global growth of its Caption by Hyatt and Hyatt Studios brands, while also upgrading its Hyatt House and Hyatt Place brands for better efficiency and guest experience.

International tourism in the first seven months of 2024 grew by 11% compared to 2023, nearing 2019 levels, with all regions showing strong recovery, led by the Middle East, and many countries exceeding pre-pandemic arrival numbers and receipts.

Analysts expect the Fed's interest rate cuts to boost hotel REIT earnings, with Ashford Hospitality Trust and Braemar Hotel Trust being the biggest beneficiaries.