Scottsdale

Hilton's expansion in Canada includes nearly 20 deals signed in 2023, with plans to introduce Spark by Hilton and Motto by Hilton in 2024 – aiming to surpass 200 hotels.

Starwood Capital Group signed a deal with SPAC Jaws Mustang Acquisition to merge. If completed, the SPAC will become the direct or indirect owner of Starwood entities’ interests in an initial portfolio of 10 properties, including the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. completed the previously disclosed acquisition of Bluegreen Vacations. The transaction broadens HGV’s offerings, customer reach, and sales locations, creating a premier vacation ownership, and experiences company.

Major hospitality companies reported mixed trends at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference, with lodging demand remaining positive but margins affected by high wages. Several companies, including Crescent Hotels & Resorts and HHM Hotels, announced the addition of new properties to their portfolios. Evermore Orlando Resort is set to open a unique beach paradise, and other hotels are undergoing significant renovations and refurbishments, indicating a continued focus on luxury and expansion in the hospitality industry.

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.

JP Morgan expects strong international performance in 3Q23 RevPAR, net rooms, and pipeline growth, particularly driven by ADR gains. Truist discusses potential challenges and concerns in the Choice Hotels and Wyndham Hotels deal, including antitrust issues and franchisee resistance. US hotel industry reports a modest 0.8% YoY increase in RevPAR, with ADR compensating for soft occupancy; group RevPAR up 0.9% for the week ending 10/14.

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.

Barclays expects a weak quarter for lodging REITs in 3Q23 and adjusted price targets for several hotel stocks. Various hotels across the US, including Marriott Vail and Signia by Hilton Atlanta, are undergoing construction or renovation. Hyatt Hotels plans to launch a vacation rental platform, Homes & Hideaways, while Sonesta opens a new hotel in Houston and Mandarina Oriental expands into Zurich.

Q2 '23 saw 14,572 global hotel projects. Luxury and upscale chains dominate, led by Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. Urban hotels lag in post-pandemic recovery compared to resorts and suburban counterparts, with rate management playing a vital role. Notable new hotels, rebranding, and appointments are taking place, with Hilton, Riu Caribe, Choice Hotels, and Sonder making moves. London's Broadwick Soho hotel is set to open with unique additions.

Hotels are increasingly charging for early or late checkouts, impacting both regular guests and loyalty program elites. This comes alongside a 1.8% rise in US hotel RevPAR and a 3.1% increase in Group RevPAR. Waramaug Hospitality acquires Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners with 222 rooms and versatile meeting spaces. SpringHill Suites by Marriott open in Delaware, Scottsdale, and Lansing. Oyo Hotel in St. Louis undergoes a $46 million renovation to become a Sheraton, introducing Bonvoy Apartments. Leading Hotels of the World adds four member hotels: The Adria (London), Azur Legacy Collection Hotel (Vancouver), Chedi Katara Hotel (Qatar), and Aleenta Retreat (Chiang Mai). These properties offer unique amenities, including a tranquil spa, rooftop dining, private beaches, and repurposed Thai dwellings.