This article shares our main takeaways from the highly attended 2023 Lodging Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. It was an incredible gathering for our industry, with great ideas and insights shared, deals done, and friendships strengthened. We look forward to next year’s event!
Phoenix has exploded in growth over the last decade, developing a diverse and welcoming economy that has allowed the city and surrounding communities to outperform other top-25 markets.
In 2022 and the first half of 2023, San Diego hotels experienced unprecedented RevPAR growth, similar to much of California, as markets recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, hotel development and transactions have been strong. However, construction of full-service hotels remains challenging amid a steep rise in development costs.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast reopened faster than most markets in the Southeast, allowing this area to become a drive-to destination for leisure travel. While the record room-rate increases achieved in 2021 and 2022 may not continue, new properties and attractions along the coast should support the market’s popularity going forward.
Following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jersey Shore is proving its resiliency once again. Recently, the counties along the coast have experienced record occupancy tax collection levels, an increase in the redevelopment of dated motels, and the addition of many large-scale, family-friendly attractions.
The hotel market in Louisville, Kentucky, has experienced a slow recovery since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. While a copious amount of new supply over the past few years has slowed the recovery, ADR has grown steadily. The area will continue to be supported by bourbon tourism, the University of Louisville, and the Kentucky Derby.
The state of Arizona, including Tucson, recovered quickly from the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotel performance in Tucson has far exceeded pre-pandemic levels, primarily given ADR gains since 2020. In this article, we discuss the current state of Tucson’s hospitality industry, meeting and group demand factors, and investment interest in the market.
In recent years, hotel food and beverage (F&B) services have evolved from being an afterthought to a cornerstone of the guest experience and a significant revenue generator. These services now captivate travelers with innovative concepts, enticing menus, and immersive dining experiences. Breakfast, in particular, has emerged as the king of F&B offerings, capturing the hearts and palates of guests worldwide and becoming a deciding factor for travelers seeking hotels that go above and beyond.
Following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Milwaukee is positioning itself as a sought-after destination for major events and continued economic growth. With a strong lineup of events, including the Republic National Convention in 2024, and ongoing developments in the city, Milwaukee's hotel market is set for a prosperous future.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Philadelphia's ADR has fully recovered, but occupancy and RevPAR remain below 2019 levels. The primary factor limiting the recovery is the stagnant commercial and group demand segments. However, leisure demand has increased, and the city is preparing to host several large events in the coming years, supporting a positive outlook.