Brent Martin

🤔 Hotel REITs over the past five years have had a –9.5% return versus the overall S&P, which is up 74% over the same period. Meanwhile, lodging C-Corps, from Marriott to Hilton, have shined: up more than 110% in that time span, superior to the overall S&P return. The irony is this: share prices of the large publicly traded companies are up dramatically while the value of the hotels they brand has, for the most part, declined. My take on why those who own hotels are getting the short end of the stick. https://lnkd.in/eHVc7h8y

23

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Starwood Hotels welcomes Stephanie Segaux as VP of Development for EMEA Starwood Hotels has appointed Stéphanie Segaux as Vice President of Development for the EMEA region. Segaux will lead the company's expansion strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Her role involves identifying and securing new development opportunities, collaborating with regional teams, and executing strategic projects to enhance Starwood's presence in the region. Segaux brings over a decade of experience in hotel development, having previously served as Director of Development for #RosewoodHotel Group's EAME region. In that capacity, she successfully sourced new opportunities, led project negotiations, and collaborated with internal teams to bring hotel and residential projects to fruition. Her extensive experience and strong industry relationships are expected to be instrumental as Starwood accelerates its expansion across EMEA. With over 20 hotels operating worldwide and more than 20 projects under development, including in Paris, Crete, Rome, Florence, Dubai, and Riyadh, Starwood Hotels is poised for significant growth in the #EMEA region under Segaux's leadership. #StephanieSegaux #StarwoodHotels #hospitality

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In the mid-1980s, Japan set out on a large-scale buying of U.S. real estate, which accelerated significantly after the 1985 Plaza Accord, an agreement between France, West Germany, Japan, the UK and the US to devalue the U.S. dollar in relation to the Japanese yen and German Deutsche Mark. The agreement's primary goal was to correct trade imbalances, specifically a large U.S. trade deficit, by making American exports cheaper. While the accord succeeded in lowering the dollar's value, it is sometimes linked to Japan's economic struggles in the following decade, known as the "Lost Decade." At one point, it was widely believed that Japan would buy America! (Remember the 1986 move Gung Ho?) Japanese interests bought Pebble Beach Company twice, first in 1990 and again in 1992. Anyway, America did not sell completely to Japan and the country went through a prolonged period of economic stagnation that began with the collapse of the country's asset bubble in the early 1990s. The Land of the Rising Sun may be springing up again. Tokyo-based Mori Trust Co. Ltd. has acquired an interest in 35 Hudson Yards in New York, inclusive of the Equinox Hotel, which commands floors 24 to 38. They reportedly paid Related Companies and Oxford Companies $541 million for the prize. Mori also bout half of 245 Park Avenue from SL Green Realty Corp. in 2023. Japanese companies are actively buying U.S. real estate again, though in a more diversified and cautious manner than the large-scale purchases of the 1980s. 🔗 full story on Mori's Equinox buy: https://lnkd.in/emtbtCir

9

Hotel equity yields have compressed significantly across all segments over the past decade, a clear signal that investor confidence in the asset class has grown. Full-Service & Luxury hotels saw the sharpest compression, with equity yields falling from 17.6% to 14.5% since 2016, while Limited-Service and Select-Service segments followed similar trajectories. Interestingly, discount rates have told a very different story, remaining largely stable and tracking broader interest rate cycles rather than reflecting any structural shift in sentiment. With equity yields now approaching a natural floor, HVS expects near-term stability in return requirements, though a rise in transaction volume or sustained economic uncertainty could put upward pressure on expectations. Hotels are no longer the outlier in institutional portfolios they once were. Based on this recent article by Katy Black for Hotel Online: https://lnkd.in/dFq-PC2A #HotelInvestment #HospitalityIndustry #InvestorInsights #EquityYields #HospitalityFinance

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JLL's Global Hotel Investment Outlook 2026 forecasts robust growth driven by strong fundamentals. Global transaction volumes rebounded 22% in 2025, with hotels reclaiming 8% of commercial real estate investment. Key drivers include 4.9% growth in air passenger demand, constrained supply in major markets, and improved debt conditions. Regional highlights are Americas leading with 27% volume growth, Asia Pacific positioned for rebound with Japan capturing 35-40% of transactions, and EMEA seeing premiums for experience-led trophy assets. A compelling investment window has emerged with cap rates 50-100 basis points wider than a year ago despite declining interest rates, creating potential upside for early movers before cap rate compression accelerates. Market bifurcation continues as institutional-quality luxury assets in prime locations dominate investor interest and dollar volume, while cross-border capital from the Middle East targets gateway cities. For the USA, The FIFA World Cup 2026 offers additional catalysts, though equity market volatility and consumer spending risks warrant monitoring. New York leads as the most liquid U.S. hotel market with historically low new supply due to zoning changes, while $88 billion in debt maturities over two years is activating private equity firms to deploy capital on distressed assets, portfolios, and high-quality hotels trading below replacement cost. Download the full report for free here: https://lnkd.in/ehzfZ_WJ

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AKA Hotels+Hotel Residences President and Co-CEO of Korman Communities, Larry Korman, recently joined The Modern Hotelier for a conversation on the forces shaping the future of hospitality and how brands can thoughtfully adapt to meet the needs of today’s traveler. As the industry evolves, expectations continue to shift toward greater flexibility, personalization, and design-forward stays that feel seamless and authentic. Listen to the full episode below: https://lnkd.in/eYm67w93 #AKA #Hospitality

25

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HOTEL MARKET MATCHUP: Philadelphia vs. New York Philadelphia has long lived in the shadow of New York City—its louder, flashier neighbor that almost always tops the global rankings. In this quarter’s performance snapshot, New York once again reigns supreme, sitting in the 100th percentile nationally. Yet, quietly but confidently, Philadelphia has carved out its own space near the top of the charts, ranking in the 81st percentile. The city’s strengths lie in a diversified economy anchored by healthcare, education, and telecommunications, with powerhouse employers like Comcast, University of Pennsylvania, and Independence Health Group consistently fueling business travel and event demand. Where New York dazzles with sheer scale—leading in luxury, RevPAR, and total guest room demand—Philadelphia distinguishes itself with balance. Midscale hotels in Philadelphia delivered outlier results this quarter, outperforming their national peers with both resilience and upside potential. Contrast that with New York’s economy segment, which despite sitting in the nation’s financial capital, faces ongoing challenges in pricing power and profitability. In many ways, Philadelphia’s steadier middle-market performance provides a more approachable entry point for investors seeking predictability rather than headline-making volatility. Looking forward, New York’s gravitational pull remains undeniable, powered by Broadway, Central Park, and the world’s most recognizable skyline. But Philadelphia’s story is increasingly compelling: its rich historic fabric, cultural draws, and major institutions support year-round demand. Risks remain—supply growth and margin pressure could affect both cities—but Philadelphia offers a different kind of investment play. Instead of chasing the peaks and valleys of Manhattan, investors here can lean into measured growth and stable fundamentals, uncovering value that is often overlooked in the shadow of the global leader. Please visit our NEW portal at https://lnkd.in/gNTN8h9z to access hundreds of MarketCompass Lodging Reports, now updated monthly. ⸻ Horwath HTL Crowe Global Crowe #HotelMarketData #HotelValuation #HospitalityInvestment #PhiladelphiaHotels #NewYorkHotels #HotelPerformance

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 Unlocking Growth: The Synergistic Power of Debt & Equity in 2025 In the dynamic landscape of 2025, securing optimal project financing often presents a false dichotomy: the perceived necessity of choosing between debt and equity. •Debt-Only: Characterized by stringent repayment schedules, irrespective of immediate cash flow fluctuations. •Equity-Only: Involves enthusiastic, yet potentially intrusive, partners who may seek significant influence over operational decisions. However, a more sophisticated approach lies in strategically integrating both. The Pitfalls of Unilateral Funding •Excessive Debt: Leads to rigid financial obligations that can strain liquidity during revenue downturns. •Excessive Equity: Results in dilution of ownership and diminished control over your enterprise. A Strategic Synthesis for 2025 Combining debt and equity offers distinct advantages: •Optimized Cost of Capital: Debt typically provides a lower cost of capital, while equity acts as a crucial risk buffer. •Enhanced Flexibility: This blend provides both immediate cash flow relief and robust long-term financial stability. •Accelerated Growth Potential: The combined infusion of loan capital and investor funds significantly propels major expansion initiatives. Leading founders in today's market recognize that true financial acumen lies not in choosing one, but in expertly balancing both. #ProjectFunding #DebtFinancing #EquityInvestment #StartupGrowth #BusinessFinance #2025Trends #FundingStrategy #Entrepreneurship

10

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This headline was featured in the March 1994 issue of Hotel & Motel Management Magazine (H&MM), now known as HOTEL MANAGEMENT Magazine: "Analysts Discuss Brand Impact and Implications"   Years ago, I cautioned against the unchecked growth of hotel brands. Based on what we are seeing today, it rings true. Extended stay has evolved from niche to necessity; however, the segment and the entire lodging sector are now crowded with numerous undifferentiated brands. The result? Traveler confusion and brand dilution. Demand for lodging remains strong. But success will favor those who combine authenticity, capital efficiency, and real consumer value, not just more shelf space. Some brands thrive while others fall short of creating critical mass.  #HospitalityInvestment #LodgingIndustry #LWHospitalityAdvisors

18

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Chris Nassetta, Hilton’s CEO, highlights an important dynamic in today’s hospitality market: the strength of the high-end traveler contrasted with mounting pressure on midscale and economy segments. While luxury demand has remained resilient, the current bifurcation won’t last forever. As economic conditions evolve, the balance between rate-sensitive guests and premium travelers will shape performance across all chain scales. For investors and operators, this reinforces the need to diversify strategies, strengthen value propositions, and prepare for shifts in demand across segments. A timely perspective for understanding where hospitality performance may head next.

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Hotels Investment and Management Team LLC, led by French hotelier Philippe Le Guennec, acquired the 132key Kimpton Angler’s Hotel in Miami for $43.5 million. Susan Gale Ballaga, Freedman & Atkins, LLP Hodges Ward Elliott Read more: https://lnkd.in/gdfhFuEt #HotelRealEstate #HospitalityRealEstate #HotelInvestment #HotelAcquisition #CommercialRealEstate #HotelIndustry #LuxuryHotels 

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🏩 Hospitality major Lemon Tree Hotels informed the stock exchanges on Saturday that its Board of Directors has approved a transformative Composite Scheme of Arrangement. The board has also cleared the execution of a share purchase agreement for the sale of APG’s entire 41.09% stake in Fleur Hotels Limited to Coastal Cedar Investments B.V., an affiliate of global private equity firm Warburg Pincus. The proposed reorganisation is designed to segregate the group’s operations into two clearly differentiated and complementary platforms with distinct risk and return profiles. Reports Sankunni K https://lnkd.in/dnaRkuEt #LemonTreeHotels #BusinessNews #HospitalityIndustry #Mergers

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One shift that’s becoming increasingly clear across the region, is how hotel groups are moving toward asset-light, partnership-led growth. The First Group Hospitality is accelerating its evolution into a global third-party hotel management platform, a transition that stood out in my conversation with Tom G Stevens, Senior Vice President (now Chief Operating Officer), Hotel Operations at The First Group Hospitality. From expanding partnerships with brands such as Marriott, IHG and Radisson to entering new markets across Europe and the Northern Emirates, the group is scaling beyond its owned-asset base. By combining centralised operations, hospitality expertise and emerging AI-driven tools, the company is positioning itself for strategic, sustainable growth. Read the full story here https://buff.ly/ZOoYePl only on Travel and Tourism News Magazine. #HospitalityLeadership #HotelManagement #MiddleEastTourism #HospitalityGrowth #FutureOfHospitality #TravelIndustry #TheFirstGroupHospitality

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Park Hotels & Resorts has appointed Sean Dell'Orto as its new COO. #HotelBusiness https://lnkd.in/e66kk-Uw #hoteloperators #hoteliers #hospitalityprofessionals #hotels #hotelindustry #hotelnews #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #hospitalitynews #lodging

126

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Viceroy Hotels and Resorts has appointed Arash Azarbarzin as CEO and David Solis as vice president of global luxury and leisure sales. #ViceroyHotels #HotelIndustry #TravelIndustry Read More: https://lnkd.in/eXi3VG65

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Grand Metropolitan Hotels announces takeover of Signature Hotels, expanding its presence across the UK, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and India. https://lnkd.in/ghwuuV-a

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A hotel bar has the potential to turn a good stay into an extraordinary one. HOTELS spoke with F&B gurus John Wise of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Tony Mosca of Rosewood Washington, D.C. and Allison Kafalas of Hilton for their best tipple tips. Full story: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e3WNRu5N #HOTELS #hotelnews #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #hotelindustry #hotelbars #bartips

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ONE GT Hotel & Residences has named René Cahane as executive chef and Norman Martínez as food and beverage director ahead of its spring opening in George Town. The duo will lead three distinct dining concepts as the luxury hotel prepares to debut on Cayman’s waterfront. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gJtyZ9qD #CaymanIslands #HospitalityNews #LuxuryHotels #ONEGT #CaymanDining #FoodAndDrink #HotelIndustry #GeorgeTown #Tourism #CaymanLifestyle #CaymanIndependent

20

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