The hotel industry has had a remarkable recovery in the post-COVID era, marked by strong fundamentals, limited supply and increased capital inflows, making it an attractive investment option.
Peachtree Group CEO Greg Friedman sat down with Bryan Younge, executive vice president at Newmark to discuss this remarkable recover and where the market is today. Bryan heads the hospitality practice group at Newmark and is a leading commercial real estate advisor. Below is a recap of his expert analysis and insights.
Listen to Peachtree's discussion with Bryan Younge, EVP Newmark here.
The industry witnessed an unprecedented come back after the pandemic.
Limited New Hotel Supply: Limited new hotel supply coinciding with high travel demand creates a favorable scenario for the existing hotel inventory to capitalize on the surging interest.
Investment Attractiveness: The hotel sector's resilience has increased its appeal as an investment vehicle, offering substantial returns. This is reflected in the significant capital and dry powder ready for investment in this sector.
Macro Challenges: Despite its success, the industry faces challenges like staffing shortages, wage growth and inflation.
Hotel Performance – Segment: Closely examined the performance across various segments of the hotel industry, including commercial, group, leisure, and extended stay, as well as different distribution channels. These channels are crucial for predicting occupancy trends and Average Daily Rate (ADR), especially in the current volatile inflationary environment.
Predictive Analysis: Discussed methods for predicting future pricing trends in the hotel industry, including analyzing room rates and booking adjustments, the personal savings rate and its impact on the travel sector, and the performance of different hotel market segments and their recovery post-pandemic.
Transaction Market: An equilibrium is emerging in the transaction market, with buyers and sellers reaching common ground and avoiding distressed pricing. This indicates a healthy market with growth potential and abundant opportunities.
In a recent discussion with Hotel Management, Brian Waldman, Chief Investment Officer at Peachtree Group, emphasized the importance of opportunistic investments in the current hospitality market. While premium-branded select-service and compact full-service hotels are generally stable across market cycles, Waldman noted that the most compelling opportunities often arise from unique situations rather than adhering strictly to a single chain scale or technology.
Waldman also highlighted the significance of transparency in hotel financing. He advised that owners should be forthcoming with lenders about potential challenges and deviations from plans, as early transparency fosters credibility and collaborative problem-solving, which is crucial in navigating financial uncertainties.
Peachtree Group's approach aligns with these insights, focusing on strategic investments that leverage both market opportunities and operational efficiencies. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to identifying and capitalizing on situations where value can be enhanced through decisive action and transparent partnerships.
Reuters | US summer flight bookings are down 10% year-on-year — even though airfares are cheaper — and the airline sector is lagging behind the wider market. Nevertheless, Greg Friedman of Peachtree Group says the market will pick up and even benefit in 2026.
Schwab Network: With the summer season well underway, Greg Friedman is bullish on hotel and travel stocks. He believes there's favoritism toward some companies that investors may not realize unless they look under the surface. Greg breaks down the trends he sees to explain why optimism is high for companies like Hyatt (H), Hilton (HLT), and Airbnb (ABNB).