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Writer's pictureErik Ransdell

Significant Transactions and Developments in the U.S. Hospitality Real Estate Market


By Erik Ransdell and Mike Annunziata

Strands Realty Group

June 23rd, 2024

The U.S. hospitality real estate market is experiencing dynamic growth and transformation, marked by significant transactions and strategic developments. As the industry rebounds from the pandemic, investor confidence and market activity have surged, particularly in high-growth areas such as California. This newsletter explores key market trends, notable transactions, and the evolving landscape, providing insights for seasoned hoteliers and newcomers alike.

Market Overview

The hospitality real estate market in the United States has shown remarkable resilience. The sector has been sustained by increased travel demand and a renewed interest in hospitality investments. According to JLL, hotel sales in early 2023 reached record-breaking prices, especially in high-demand markets, reflecting a robust investment climate.

This resurgence is driven by several factors, including the lifting of travel restrictions, a rebound in business travel, and a pent-up demand for leisure travel. The U.S. Travel Association reports that domestic travel spending is expected to increase by over 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels, further fueling the hospitality sector's recovery.

Financial Metrics and Market Trends

Key financial metrics underscore the market's recovery and growth:

  • Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR): RevPAR has seen consistent improvement, driven by higher occupancy rates and Average Daily Rates (ADR). Hospitality Net reports that RevPAR in top U.S. markets has increased year-over-year, fueled by gains in both occupancy and ADR. This trend is particularly strong in gateway cities and popular tourist destinations such as New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, and Las Vegas where travel demand has surged

  • Occupancy Rates: Occupancy rates have rebounded significantly, signaling a return of both leisure and business travelers. This resurgence is critical for stabilizing hotel revenues and attracting further investment. According to STR, a leading data analytics company in the hospitality sector, occupancy rates in the U.S. are projected to exceed 65% by the end of the year, up from the pandemic low of 40%.

  • Average Daily Rates (ADR): The increase in ADR is another positive indicator, showing that hotels are not only filling more rooms but also commanding higher prices per room. This trend is driven by increased consumer willingness to spend on travel and accommodations.

Major Mergers and Acquisitions

The hospitality sector has witnessed several high-profile mergers and acquisitions, indicating strong investor interest and strategic consolidation:

Certares Real Estate Fund

Certares has made a notable entry into the hospitality sector by launching its first hospitality-focused real estate fund, raising $284 million to acquire hotel assets across the United States. This fund targets high-growth markets and gateway cities, leveraging Certares' deep industry expertise to identify and secure prime investment opportunities. The fund’s investment strategy emphasizes acquiring well-located, high-quality hotels that cater to both leisure and corporate demand. This dual focus aims to maximize returns by capturing revenue from diverse guest segments. Certares' approach involves targeting properties in major urban centers and gateway cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Diego. These locations are known for their consistent demand from both business travelers and tourists, making them attractive investment targets. Additionally, Certares plans to leverage its extensive industry relationships to enhance the operational efficiency and profitability of the acquired hotels.

NUMA Group's Acquisition of Native Places

The NUMA Group, a leading digital hospitality platform in Europe, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring the lifestyle apart-hotel brand Native Places. This acquisition underscores the growing trend towards digital integration and operational efficiency within the hospitality industry. By leveraging advanced digital technologies, NUMA aims to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations, making its properties more competitive in a crowded market. This includes integrating automated check-in and check-out processes, digital concierge services, and smart room technologies into Native Places properties. These innovations are designed to provide a seamless and convenient experience for guests while optimizing operational workflows and reducing overhead costs. Additionally, NUMA plans to use real-time data analytics to improve decision-making and enhance the overall efficiency of its operations. The acquisition also allows NUMA to expand its presence in key urban markets, including San Diego, catering to both short-term and extended-stay guests, and aligning with its goal of becoming a leading player in the digital hospitality space. By focusing on digital transformation, NUMA aims to set a new standard for guest experience and operational efficiency in the hospitality industry.

New Hotel Constructions and Expansions

Several significant new constructions and expansions are shaping the U.S. hospitality landscape:

  • Broward County Convention Center and Omni Hotel: A $1.3 billion investment in Fort Lauderdale's Broward County Convention Center and adjoining Omni Hotel exemplifies large-scale projects aimed at enhancing both leisure and business travel infrastructure. This development is expected to stimulate the local economy and position Fort Lauderdale as a premier event destination. The expansion includes state-of-the-art facilities, increased hotel room capacity, and improved amenities, attracting a broader range of events and conventions.

  • Expansion Projects in Key Markets: Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami are seeing substantial investments in hotel expansions and new constructions. These projects are designed to cater to the increasing demand for luxury and boutique hotels, offering unique experiences to travelers.

Case Study: Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown

A notable recent transaction in 2024 is the acquisition of the Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, by Certares' real estate fund in partnership with HHM Hotels. This purchase underscores strategic investments in high-potential properties within key markets. The Carté Hotel, located in San Diego's bustling Little Italy neighborhood, offers a blend of luxury and modern amenities, making it a valuable addition to Certares' growing portfolio. This acquisition highlights confidence in San Diego’s continued growth and its strategic importance in the broader U.S. hospitality market.

The Carté Hotel, originally opened in late 2019, features 246 oversized guestrooms with comprehensive guest amenities, including an expansive rooftop bar/lounge, an outdoor pool deck, a lobby restaurant, and a 25,000-square-foot athletic club. These facilities position the hotel as a top lodging choice for both leisure and business travelers in San Diego.

Nolan Hecht, Senior Managing Director at Certares, emphasized the strategic significance of this acquisition: "We are excited to add one of the top lodging assets in the Downtown San Diego market to our growing portfolio. This transaction is consistent with our strategy to acquire high-quality experiential real estate in growing major markets. We see continued opportunity to build upon our San Diego cluster, which also includes the 245-room Courtyard San Diego Downtown and look forward to our continued partnership with the HHM Hotels team."

Certares' acquisition strategy focuses on high-quality, well-located properties that can generate stable and attractive returns. The Carté Hotel's blend of luxury and modern amenities positions it uniquely in the San Diego market. It offers guests a premium experience with comprehensive amenities and services, which enhance its competitiveness in a crowded market.

The Carté Hotel’s management places a strong emphasis on operational excellence, which includes maintaining high standards of service and leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences. The hotel's amenities and services are designed to meet the needs of modern travelers, providing convenience and luxury. These amenities include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, multiple dining options, and state-of-the-art meeting spaces.

The Carté Hotel has demonstrated strong financial performance since its opening, driven by high occupancy rates and competitive average daily rates (ADR). Its strategic location in Little Italy, a popular neighborhood for both locals and tourists, and luxury offerings contribute to robust RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) growth. This performance makes the hotel a profitable addition to Certares' portfolio, highlighting the effectiveness of their investment strategy.

San Diego’s hospitality market continues to show promise, driven by its appeal as a major tourist destination and a hub for business and conventions. The city's diverse attractions, ranging from beautiful beaches to a vibrant downtown area, ensure a steady influx of visitors. The San Diego Convention Center, a key driver of business travel, further boosts the demand for high-quality hotels like the Carté Hotel.

Certares' investment in the Carté Hotel aligns with these growth prospects. The hotel's comprehensive amenities and strategic location in Little Italy make it well-positioned to capitalize on San Diego’s tourism and business travel demand. Ongoing investments in the downtown area, including infrastructure improvements and new developments, are expected to enhance the appeal of the Carté Hotel as a premier lodging option.

The acquisition of the Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown by Certares' real estate fund, in partnership with HHM Hotels, highlights the strategic importance of investing in high-quality, well-located properties. The hotel's blend of luxury and modern amenities, combined with its prime location in a vibrant neighborhood, makes it a valuable addition to Certares' portfolio. This case study exemplifies the potential for growth and profitability in the U.S. hospitality real estate market, particularly in dynamic and attractive destinations like San Diego.

Regulatory Challenges

Regulatory Landscape

The hospitality real estate market faces several regulatory challenges that impact development and operations:

  • Zoning Laws and Environmental Regulations: Developers and investors must navigate complex zoning laws and environmental regulations, which can influence project timelines and costs. Compliance with these regulations is essential for sustainable development and long-term viability. For example, California's stringent environmental standards require hotel developers to incorporate sustainable building practices and energy-efficient technologies.

  • Labor Laws: Evolving labor laws, particularly concerning wages and working conditions, also affect the hospitality sector. Adapting to these regulations is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and workforce satisfaction. The recent push for higher minimum wages and improved working conditions has led to increased operational costs for many hotels, necessitating adjustments in pricing and staffing strategies.

  • Health and Safety Regulations: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety regulations have become more stringent. Hotels are required to implement enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing measures, and other safety practices to ensure the well-being of guests and staff. Compliance with these regulations is critical for maintaining customer trust and avoiding potential legal liabilities.

Addressing Regulatory Challenges

To navigate these regulatory challenges, hotel operators and developers are adopting several strategies:

  • Partnerships with Regulatory Bodies: Collaborating with local governments and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and secure necessary approvals for development projects.

  • Investment in Compliance Technologies: Utilizing technology to monitor and manage compliance with zoning, labor, and health regulations.

  • Sustainable Practices: Incorporating sustainable building practices and operations to meet environmental standards and appeal to eco-conscious travelers.

Conclusion

The U.S. hospitality real estate market is undergoing significant growth and transformation, characterized by major transactions, strategic developments, and a renewed focus on sustainability. California remains a focal point, with its vibrant tourism industry and strategic investments driving regional growth. As the market continues to evolve, investors, hotel owners, and operators must stay informed and adaptable to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

For more insights and assistance with real estate investments, Strands Realty Group is always available to help. We specialize in hotel brokerage and can provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.

 

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