New York

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.

Sonder Holdings announces a 1 for 20 reverse split to maintain its Nasdaq listing, with Selina also considering a reverse split. STR reports US hotel data with a slight increase in US hotel RevPAR but a decrease in Group RevPAR for the week ending 9/16. Various hotel acquisitions and developments are underway, including Omni Hotels & Resorts in Raleigh, Travel + Leisure Co.'s sports-themed resorts, Life House in Palm Springs, and more.

DJIA, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all experienced declines while the 10-year treasury yield rose to 4.32%. Lodging stocks had mixed performance. Truist updated price targets for lodging/hotel group stocks, with several adjustments both up and down. Various hotels announced renovations, expansions, and new locations, including the Westin Denver Downtown, Hyatt's growth plans, and the EV Evolution Venue Hotel in Tampa and Washington, DC.

Deutsche Bank initiated coverage on Hilton Grand Vacations with a Buy rating and a $59 price target, citing compelling stock levels. Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian observed a return to offices in big cities, indicating potential growth in business transient travel. Hilton plans to install up to 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors at 2,000 hotels in North America, creating the largest EV charging network in the hospitality industry.

Truist reports strong trends in the U.S. hotel industry, with no signs of demand slowdown and expectations of growth in Q4 2023, driven by group business, business travel, and international visitors. CoStar data indicates a shift in U.S. hotel occupancy trends, with family travel slowing, group events strengthening, and a return of business travel, particularly during weekdays. Various hotel-related developments include property updates, new hotel constructions, and management changes across different locations in the United States.

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.

DJIA gained 213 points, Nasdaq increased by 114 points, and S&P 500 rose 28 points; 10-year treasury yield decreased by 0.03 to 4.21%. Lodging stocks surged on Hersha Hospitality buyout news, particularly REITs: HT up 56%, BHR up 16%, AHT up 10%, others up 6% each, while AINC traded down -9%. Hersha Hospitality Trust and KSL Capital Partners will merge in an all-cash deal worth $1.4 billion, where common shareholders receive $10.00 per share and preferred shareholders receive varying amounts based on their holdings. The merger aims to close in Q4 2023, leading to a rally in hotel REIT stocks. Major US and Chinese hotel groups have strengthened post-pandemic, while Europe lags behind. Marriott, Jin Jiang, and Hilton lead the world hotel ranking, with only one European representative (Accor). US has six companies in top 10, China has three, and Spanish companies see shifts in their rankings.

-Stock market saw gains: DJIA up 247, Nasdaq up 127, S&P 500 up 29. Various hotel reopenings and renovations, including The Hadsten Solvang and The Woodlands Resort. New hotel projects and expansions, such as Deer Valley Resort and Canopy by Hilton Cannes.

Major indices, including DJIA, Nasdaq, and the S&P 500, experienced significant drops. BHR reached a new low, and Bernstein and B.Riley adjusted ratings and price targets for several key hotels. Hotel Transactions & Development**: Numerous hotel properties underwent ownership changes, refinancing, or development, with notable mentions like the Delta Hotels by Marriott New York Times Square and the Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas nearing completion. Aimbridge Hospitality strengthened its team, Melia Hotels announced multiple openings in Mexico, and Selina Hospitality launched a new location in Evia, Greece.