Holiday Inn Express

US hotels surpass pre-pandemic revenue levels in Q1 2023, with a 13% increase compared to 2019, driven by higher room rates. Despite concerns of a recession and liquidity crisis, US hotels continue to perform well, with leisure travel showing strength and business travel gradually returning. Significant hotel developments and renovations are underway in various US cities, including new acquisitions, expansions, and upgrades to enhance guest experiences.

STR  reported China hotel RevPAR was up 99% year over year for the week ended May 13 . According to Lodging Econometrics’ latest China Construction Pipeline Trend Report , China’s total hotel construction pipeline stand sat at 3,659 projects/680,959 rooms at the end of Q1 2023. Macau visitor arrivals rose 16.2% in April from March, up 275% year over year, to 2,274,050.

STR reported US RevPAR for the week ended May 13 was down -1.3% year over year, possibly impacted by Mother’s Day timing. CBRE is again raising its forecast for hotel performance this year . The company has revised its forecast for 2023 RevPAR to $97.89, up 6.0% YOY and an increase of $0.43 from its previous forecast. Hilton announced the opening of Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMA .

InterContinental Hotels Group announced Keith Barr has informed the Board of his decision to step down from his role as Group Chief Executive Officer and from the IHG Board. Playa Hotels & Resorts reported a 1Q beat and repurchased 5 million shares for $42.6 million in 1Q as well as another 2.1 million shares for $20 million in April. During Q1 2023, RevPAR grew 13% compared to 2019 , fueled by higher ADR and growth in business and group demand as well as strong leisure travel, according to JLL’s latest U.S. Hotel Investment Trends report.

Apple Hospitality and Xenia Hotels were the next up to report earnings. APLE beat expectations and continues to be one of the few hotel REITs reporting EBITDA above 2019 levels. XHR also beat expectations on a higher top line with RevPAR growth of 23.9%. STR reported US lodging data for the week ended April 29. Year over year hotel RevPAR was up 5.6%.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the latest phase of their expansion strategy in the Philippines with the signing of a deal with SM Hotels & Conventions Corp. Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has completed the renovations on over 850 hotels rooms. Millennium Hotels announced the launch of M Social in Suzhou , the maiden property for the brand in China.

The stock market experienced a decrease, with the Dow Jones Hotel & Lodging REITs Index down 2.3%. There were several hotel acquisitions, renovations, and new developments announced. There were also announcements of management changes, upgrades, and technology acquisitions in the hospitality industry.

Truist gave their 1Q lodging earnings preview . While they continue to see macro over micro with the main driver/wildcard coming from the economic impact of high interest rates and inflation, at a minimum they expect results to be in-line but more likely ahead. The Kayak Miami Beach hotel could be seized in a $13.68 million foreclosure lawsuit. The ART Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton announced the completion of its $3 million property-wide refresh to its 165 rooms and suites, 7,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event spaces, fitness center, private dining and public spaces.

STR said Southeast Asia’s hotel industry is seeing the return of MICE . While leisure travel has shown the most resilience in the region, much of the recent demand in Southeast Asia can be linked to MICE travel and events. The Singapore Tourism Board said the number of visitors from India rose by 3.5x in the first quarter of 2023, year over year. IHG Hotels & Resorts announced plans to expand its presence in Asia through developments in Nepal and Indonesia .

Craig-Hallum initiated coverage of LuxUrban Hotels with a Buy rating and a $10 price target. A New York hotel union reached a deal with hotel owners and operators, boosting the wages of hospitality workers by $7.50 an hour, the largest increase in the union’s 100-year history . Beginning this month, Waldorf Astoria Orlando in Florida will undergo a comprehensive, multi-phase re-imagination expected to debut in December 2023.