Opinion Articles

Understanding Market Value vs. Other Definitions of Value in Real Estate Valuation

Valuation is a crucial process within the real estate industry and understanding the distinctions between different definitions of “value” is key to accurate and effective assessments. While "market value" is one of the most referenced terms, other value definitions like "investment value," "fair value," and "insurable value" each have unique characteristics, purposes, and applications. Below, we will explore these distinctions in both definition and application to illustrate the nuances of each.

Three Critical Clauses Hotel Owners Overlook in Their Management Agreements

As a hotel consultant, I have reviewed and negotiated hundreds of hotel management contracts. Each agreement contains hundreds of clauses and provisions that require negotiation. Because hotel companies negotiate these agreements all the time, owners are at a disadvantage and often overlook important clauses that need to be included in their contracts. This newsletter will cover three significant provisions most owners don’t even realize are available to them. These are just three of many overlooked clauses that I will discuss in future newsletters.

Hotel Market Beat 2025 Q1 - UK

The UK hotel investment market saw record-high transaction volumes in 2024 primarily driven by major portfolio deals such as Edwardian & Village. While Q1 2025 showed a 72% reduction in volume, a higher number of deals were recorded, totaling 28 individual transactions. Institutional buyers drove transaction activity in Q1 2025, accounting for 40% of total volumes. This reflects a shift from Q1 2024, when the market was primarily dominated by private buyers. The Upscale & Luxury segments led marginally in terms of market share (25% & 23%, respectively), though total volumes were down. Looking forward, single asset transactions are expected to dominate, supported by increased price alignment between buyers and sellers and fewer anticipated portfolio deals by year-end.

Strategic Differentiation and Value Creation: Takeaways from the 2025 BLLA Boutique Hotel Investment Conference

Hosted at Florence Gould Hall in New York City, the 2025 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference, organized by the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), immediately followed the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum held earlier that week. The event brought together a mix of hotel owners, investors, developers, advisors, and brands committed to pushing the boundaries of independent, boutique, and lifestyle hospitality. Against a backdrop of industry evolution and consumer expectation shifts, this year’s panels and conversation focused on operational efficiency driving owner’s profitability and the renewed appetite for thoughtful, experience-driven hotel and food and beverage (F&B) concepts.

What’s Next for Branded Residences - Brands Shaping the Future of Living

Global demand for branded residences is at an all-time high, with Asia at the forefront of development in this exciting asset class in the hospitality sector. The region’s branded residences market is currently worth US$26.6 billion, with more than 68,000 units delivered so far and demand continuing to surge across Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Upgrade to Scale & Growth – Hotel Website Booking

Our consulting company has evolved from being founder-dependent to being system-dependent, delivering an innovative booking system with exceptional UI/UX and conversion-focused design. We streamline the guest booking experience, eliminate the need for RFPs, and ensure simplified steps, smooth transitions, and peace of mind at every stage of the booking journey.

2024 European Hotel Transactions

The European hotel investment market in 2024 sent a clear message: prime, luxury hotel assets remain not only resilient but increasingly in demand. With €10.95 billion transacted across 137 deals, the year underscored an undeniable reality—high-end hospitality investments continue to flourish, even amid shifting market dynamics. From iconic five-star resorts to exclusive four-star properties, demand for premium assets is fuelling exceptional transaction volumes, as investors compete to secure the most valuable properties in Europe’s leading destinations.

Transforming Hospitality for a Bold New Future

In the lead up to the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 taking place in Riyadh next week, we asked several industry partners about the opportunities they see for the hospitaliy industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2025 and beyond.

Tariffs and Turbulence: Navigating Hotel Operations in a Travel Downturn

The hospitality industry is currently facing a confluence of challenges that threaten to curtail travel demand and strain hotel operations. Economic uncertainties, compounded by recent tariff implementations, are reshaping traveler behaviors and demand forecasts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for hoteliers aiming to navigate the impending downturn effectively.

Breaking Barriers: Black and Latino Hotel Ownership

“I didn’t know you could own a hotel” is a common response to the idea of hotel ownership. For many, it seems like an unattainable goal, reserved for the lucky or well-connected. Yet, for those willing to navigate the industry or carve their own path, hotel ownership is not only possible but can also serve as a powerful means of generating wealth and uplifting communities.

How a Travel Downturn Could Shape the Future of Hotel Operations

The hospitality industry, like much of the global economy, is facing an uncertain road ahead. From fluctuating tariffs and inflation to wavering consumer confidence and international travel slowdowns, macroeconomic forces are pressuring our sector in 2025. While the word “recession” remains speculative, the signs of a travel downturn are present – and hoteliers must prepare accordingly.