Michigan

Almost three quarters of Americans plan to either maintain or increase their number of hotel stays in 2024 compared to 2023, and hotels remain the top lodging choice for likely travelers, according to a survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Marriott International, Inc. announced plans to further expand its new Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy brand offering with signed agreements in the United States, Italy, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Choice Hotels International issued an investor presentation that they said disputed the false and misleading antitrust claims made by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in connection with CHH’s attempt to acquire WH.

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.

Wells Fargo initiated coverage on Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott, favoring operators targeting group and high-end travel, with strong growth outlooks and reasonable valuations. They predict a 3%-4% RevPAR growth in 2024. Accor added Hotel Andra Seattle to its portfolio and plans for new MGallery properties. International tourism is nearing pre-pandemic levels, with a 38% increase in travelers in 2023 compared to 2022. The Middle East leads the recovery, while Europe, Africa, and the Americas show significant improvement.

As of November 11, 2023, 79% of markets showed growth in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) compared to 2019, with leadership positions shifting from Europe to other regions as the Northern Hemisphere approaches winter. New York City led U.S. hotel sales in the last three months with transactions totaling $1.35 billion, despite a significant decrease in overall disclosed hotel transaction volume in 2023 compared to 2022. Several key hotel developments and acquisitions include KSL Capital Partners acquiring Hersha Hospitality Trust, the opening of the avid hotel Chattanooga South - Ringgold, and proposed sales like the Hyatt Place Pittsburgh Airport hotel.

DJIA rose 391 points, Nasdaq up 277, and S&P 500 rose 68, with notable movements in lodging stocks, Hilton, and Marriott. PwC predicts economic challenges for hotels through 2024. CBRE reports mixed trends in the U.S. hotel industry, with RevPAR contraction, short-term rentals gaining market share, and outbound U.S. travelers surpassing inbound. Several hotel developments and expansions are underway, including in Banff, Nashville, and Park City. Hilton expands to Monaco, Marriott brings The Luxury Collection to Greece, and Minor Hotels debuts in Paris. Various hotel acquisitions, developments, and renovations are announced across the United States, reflecting a dynamic and evolving hospitality landscape.

Braemar Hotels (BRH) and Ashford Hospitality Trust (AHT) reported 3Q results, with BRH missing estimates due to its resort/leisure focus, experiencing a -7.1% decline in RevPAR growth. AHT's results exceeded expectations, especially in urban assets, with a 4% growth in RevPAR. Hersha Hospitality shareholders approved a $1.4 billion, all-cash deal for KSL Capital Partners to acquire the hotel REIT, taking them private. The deal, valued at $10 per share, is expected to close in the current quarter. The Global Hotel Investor Sentiment Survey by JLL revealed a surge in lodging demand, with global RevPAR up 10.2% relative to 2019. Key findings include 81% of investors planning to be net buyers, a preference for urban markets (84%), and a focus on luxury and select-service hotels. Investors anticipate a rise in hotel pricing per key and face challenges like the cost of capital, rising insurance costs due to climate risk, and deferred capital expenditures.  

Canopy by Hilton in Scottsdale, Arizona sold for roughly $102 million, and Home2 Suites by Hilton in Colonie, New York was acquired for $12.75 million. The Floridian Palace Hotel in Tampa is undergoing a $30 million renovation to become "The Flor" and join Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, while Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal partners with Mattel for a Barbie-themed experience. Online travel companies, including Orbitz and Expedia, face a lawsuit in Nevada over alleged avoidance of hotel room taxes, potentially amounting to over $1 billion in damages.

Somm Hotel and Spa in Woodinville, Washington, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is set to open in the summer of 2025 as part of a $700 million development. Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston/Katy in Texas completed renovations, featuring upgraded guestrooms and amenities. The Balbin Bros. Cigar Factory in Tampa, Florida, is undergoing transformation into a 70-room boutique hotel, aiming to open by March 2025 while preserving its historical value.