Virginia

CBRE anticipates continued growth in the U.S. hotel industry in 2024, with a 3% RevPAR increase driven by recovery in international travel and strong segments performance, amidst challenges of increasing operational costs and pressure on profit margins.

Choice Hotels commented on their Wyndham hostile takeover implosion and said it was challenged by a ‘difficult’ administration and a regulatory body that Choice said was ignorant of hotel industry pricing structures, among other reasons.

Hilton will acquire the Graduate Hotels brand for $210 million, which includes all rights to the Graduate brand worldwide, franchise agreements for all existing and signed pipeline Graduate Hotels, and future development and growth.

While U.S. unemployment remains below 4%, employment growth has been slowing and hotel job openings have also slowed. Wage growth outpaced inflation, but RevPAR contracted again in January.

The Fed Chief made it pretty clear there will be no interest rates lowered for some time and the markets seemed to like the certainty.

Canada’s hotel industry showed lower occupancy but continued growth in ADR, according to CoStar’s January 2024 data.

Wyndham’s Board rejects Choice Hotels' unsolicited offer to acquire WH, backed by the Asian American Hotels Owners Association's opposition. Hilton to open its first Tapestry Collection hotel in Los Cabos in 2024, alongside another project in La Paz. Preferred Hotel Group aims to expand its Beyond Green brand in Mexico, targeting 75 sustainable hotels globally.

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.

Wells Fargo downgraded Sunstone Hotels and revised DiamondRock Hospitality and Apple Hospitality's ratings. According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, international visitors to the U.S. in October 2023 spent $18.9 billion, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. In 2024, Hilton’s luxury portfolio, inclusive of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts will announce offerings that will provide guests with new brand signatures.

Marriott International, Hyatt, CBRE, Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Airbnb, and others, experienced shifts in ratings, acquisitions, and expansions. Renovations & Openings: Numerous hotels underwent renovations, expansions, and rebranding across cities like Boca Raton, Key West, and Tempe. Ongoing projects in Virginia, Alabama, and Texas showcase substantial financial commitments, indicating growth and expansion in these regions.