Kim Woinski

Citigroup downgraded Sonder Holdings from Buy to Neutral, with a new price target set at $4.Choice Hotels criticized Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for misrepresenting the lodging industry's competitive landscape. This criticism came after Wyndham's recommendation for shareholders to reject CHH's exchange offer and their discontinuation of discussions regarding a potential transaction with CHH. Hyatt announced plans to open over 35 luxury hotels and resorts globally through 2025, including new Park Hyatt locations in the UK, Mexico, and Malaysia, and expanding the Thompson Hotel brand in Europe.

Apple Hospitality REIT declared a regular monthly cash dividend and a special distribution. Bluegreen Vacation Holdings' acquisition by Hilton Grand Vacations moved forward with the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Several new hotel openings and acquisitions were announced, including AC Hotels by Marriott in Naples, Moxy by Marriott in Houston, IHG's first Garner hotel, and Choice Hotels International's 100th Suburban Studios hotel.

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.

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.

Choice Hotels International purchased more shares in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in its unsolicited exchange offer to acquire the company. The Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index rose 9.3% in November, with the Hotel REIT sub-index up 7.6% year-to-date and the Hotel Brand sub-index up 30.6% year-over-year. BCD Travel forecasts a global decrease in airfares and a 6.8% increase in hotel rates in 2024.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. Hotel Industry Performance (Oct 2023): Shows mixed results with slight declines in occupancy (-1.8%) and EBIDTA PAR (-1.2%), but increases in ADR (+3.0%), RevPAR (+1.2%), TRevPAR (+4.0%), GOPPAR (+3.7%), and LPAR (+5.9%). Hyatt plans over 35 new luxury hotels by 2025 across its brand portfolio. Other notable openings include Auberge Resorts' Bowie House in Texas, Six Senses Xala in Mexico, Riu Palace Pacifico's refurbishment in Mexico, and new Universal Orlando resorts.