What a difference a few months makes. Throughout the mixed bag of hotel company earnings calls this week, one thing was clear—the outlook for 2016 is a lot more complicated than it was at the end of last year. Starwood Hotels cut its 2016 system-wide RevPAR growth forecast to 2 to 4 percent in constant dollars, from the 4 to 6 percent the company had previously predicted. For its part, Marriott revised its RevPAR forecast for North America from 4 to 6 percent to 3 to 5 percent. This is in line with the RevPAR forecasts offered by Choice Hotels (3.75 to 4.75 percent in North America), Hyatt Hotels (3 to 5 percent system-wide), and Wyndham Hotel Group (3 to 5 percent in North America) during their earnings calls. While there are many factors playing into these forecasts, Marriott said it expected group business to remain strong while transient business grows at a slower rate. To learn more, click here.
La Quinta didn’t have to look far for its new chief executive. The company today announced it has appointed Keith Cline to serve as president and CEO, effective immediately. In addition, Jim Forson has been named the company’s EVP and CFO. Both leaders had been serving in their respective roles on an interim basis, ever since former CEO Wayne Goldberg suddenly stepped down last September after almost nine years on the job. Cline joined La Quinta in January 2013 as EVP and CFO, where he helped to lead the company through its initial public offering. Forson previously served as La Quinta’s SVP and chief accounting officer. To read more, click here.
Allegheny County, Pa., is aiming to strengthen the county’s hotel tax law to ensure short-term rentals like Airbnb are being taxed appropriately. Notably, the new regulations would be in place to collect taxes on spaces rented for the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club this summer. Homes near the course are listed on Airbnb for as much as $3,000 per night. Right now, Allegheny County imposes a 7 percent tax on hotel rooms, but has not yet been successful in enforcing it for short-term rentals. To read more, click here.
Investors see dark clouds of “global financial distress” weighing on the otherwise strong fundamentals fueling the growth of the lodging industry. While this sentiment has been driving down stock prices, there are plenty of earnings reports coming out this month that show upbeat forecasts. So despite the fact that hotel stocks fell more than 22 percent in 2015 and are down another 13 percent this year, the outlook remains decidedly mixed. Lodging REITs took the brunt of investor disdain last year and are receiving mixed outlooks from analysts for this year. Bloomberg looks at the dynamic that’s driving hedge funds managers away from REITs. To read more, click here.
With the Marriott-Starwood merger looming, investors eagerly awaited fourth quarter 2015 results for both companies. Marriott International last night reported a slightly smaller-than-expected increase in revenue for its fourth quarter, while occupancy and daily average rates improved, according to MarketWatch. Fourth quarter 2015 net income totaled $202 million or 77 cents a share, a 3 percent increase over Q4 2014. Revenues rose to $3.7 billion, and worldwide comparable revenue per available room increased 3.8 percent on a constant dollar basis. Meanwhile, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide today reported a dip in fourth-quarter profit on lower revenue but still surpassed Wall Street expectations, the Associated Press reports. Income from continuing operations fell to $166 million from $245 million in the same quarter a year ago. Earnings, excluding special items, came to 89 cents per share. Worldwide RevPAR increased 2.8 percent in constant dollars compared to 2014, but decreased 1.1 percent in actual dollars. Marriott and Starwood will hold their separate stockholder meetings to approve the combination transactions on March 28. The companies expect to close the $12.2 billion deal in mid-2016. Read more here.
New Orleans-based real estate developer HRI Properties has made major changes to its executive leadership team. The company has changed the roles of its owners, appointing co-founder Pres Kabacoff chairman of the board and current president Tom Leonhard as both president and chief executive officer. Eddie Boettner continues to serve as chief administrative officer.
Here is a look at more notable comings and goings that have taken place this week:
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Patrick J. Grismer chief financial officer of the Chicago property. Grismer will oversee all aspects of the finance function while serving as a business partner in achieving the company’s strategic growth initiatives.
Marcus Hotels & Resorts has announced management changes at Heidel House Resort & Spa and Timber Ridge Lodge. Kevin Karau will assume the role of general manager at Heidel House in Green Lake, Wis., and Mark Fenton will assume the general manager role at Timber Ridge in Lake Geneva, Wis.
Sam Trotter has been selected as corporate brand strategist of Charlestowne Hotels. With an extensive knowledge of hotel operations, management, real estate, and e-commerce, Trotter will be responsible for brand strategy throughout Charlestowne’s portfolio of hotels.
Sbe Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Paul Sposare as area director of sales and marketing for The Redbury New York and SLS Park Avenue. With over 20 years of luxury hotel experience, Sposare will provide strategic leadership for Sbe Hotel Group’s hotels, overseeing all of the marketing and sales efforts for the two new hotel locations in 2016.
Andrew Tilley has been named general manager of Meliá Hotels International’s first New York property, Innside New York NoMad. Tilley has more than 30 years of experience as an international hotelier, working exclusively with Meliá Hotels International since 2010.
Hospitality veteran Barry Rodriguez has been appointed director of sales and marketing for Loews New Orleans Hotel. Rodriguez has 13 years of hotel sales experience with luxury destinations throughout New Orleans, and most recently served as director of sales at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans.
HHM announced the appointment of Joseph Klam as executive vice president of financial services and a member of the hotel management company’s executive leadership team. The 40-year hospitality veteran will support HHM’s finance and accounting platform during a period of rapid growth in the company’s management of full service, independent, and resort properties.
Chuck Moses has been selected as director of sales and marketing for Hotel Van Zandt in Austin, Texas. Moses will be responsible for planning and implementing sales, marketing and product development programs targeted towards existing and new markets.
