Hotel Debt Market Briefing Q1 2026
UK and European hotel debt markets show stable but selective lending appetite in Q1 2026, with banks offering 55-65% LTV at competitive margins for quality assets.
News
IHCL to Acquire Controlling Stake in Brij Hotels; Strengthens Leadership in India’s Leisure Tourism
IHCL acquires 51% of Brij Hospitality for ₹undisclosed amount, adding 22 boutique properties to reach 610 total hotels.
AAHOA Applauds One-Year Delay of Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinetry
The delay prevents tariff increases on furniture and cabinetry that account for 15-20% of hotel renovation costs, affecting small business owners' capital planning.
Hyatt Completes $2.0 Billion Sale of Playa’s Owned Real Estate Portfolio to Tortuga
The $2B deal allows Hyatt to maintain management of 13 Caribbean resorts while shedding real estate ownership, with Hurricane Melissa forcing seven Jamaica properties to close until Q4 2026.
A year in review...aka. how we survived another year without losing our minds
The article reflects on how revenue management evolved from a functional role to a survival skill, while highlighting the persistent challenge of human alignment over technology.
By Fabian Bartnick, Founder, Infinito
Hotel Profitability in Transition: Cost Pressures and Budgeting Priorities for 2026
HVS analysis shows GOP margins declining across all property types as wage inflation and brand standards outpace ADR growth, requiring active asset management to protect profitability in 2026.
By Marcus Lee, Executive Vice President, Development, HVS
Hotel revenue management in uncertain times: Expert Q&A on strategy, forecasting, and market shifts
Two Lighthouse experts share how shorter booking windows and increased rate sensitivity require more agile pricing strategies and data-driven decisions.
By Joe Hanly, Writer and Content Creator, Lighthouse
The “Oh Sh**” moment every Revenue Manager has had
Bartnick argues that moments of uncertainty and doubt are essential to effective revenue management, distinguishing reactive panic from strategic pause.
By Fabian Bartnick, Founder, Infinito
New emerging trend, or a slow market reorganisation?
Analysis explores whether increasing ESG compliance requirements are driving hotel companies to exit public markets, citing recent hospitality sector delistings.
By Melinda Ratkai, Dr. Professor of Hospitality Business, Hotelschool The Hague
The Hotel Financial Coach Overview
A finance-focused podcast series uses AI technology to transform written hotel financial guidance into audio discussions.
David Lund, The Hotel Financial Coach, David Lund
Expedia Group Announces Agreement to Acquire Tiqets to Expand Global Activities and Experiences
The deal expands Expedia's activities portfolio through Tiqets' curated museum and attraction platform, with closing expected in Q1 2026.
Limehome accelerates European expansion with strategic investment
The €75 million from Cheyne Strategic Value Credit follows a record year of 3,500 new units signed across major European cities.
The Wallet vs. The Web: How Banks Are Disrupting the Travel Industry
Banks like Capital One are leveraging payment control and AI to challenge traditional travel distribution channels and OTAs.
By Mark Fancourt, Co-Founder & Principal Consultant, TRAVHOTECH
Revenue Managers were the Original ChatGPT
Bartnick argues revenue managers have always used pattern recognition, data synthesis, and predictive modeling like AI systems do today.
By Fabian Bartnick, Founder, Infinito
European Hotels Destination Index
CBRE's inaugural index ranks 66 European destinations on market fundamentals and economic factors to guide hotel investment decisions.
KKR Provides €300m Financing for Tristan Capital Partners’ EPISO 6 Acquisition of easyHotel Platform
KKR provided €300m debt financing for Tristan's €400m+ easyHotel acquisition, secured by 48 hotels with 4,700 rooms across 11 European countries.
Understanding Flow Thru
The guide explains how to calculate and manage flow through metrics to measure how much additional revenue converts to profit across hotel departments.
By David Lund, The Hotel Financial Coach, David Lund
The Naughty vs. The Nice Revenue Manager
Bartnick argues effective revenue managers must balance firm commercial decisions with diplomatic communication to maximize profits while maintaining team relationships.
By Fabian Bartnick, Founder, Infinito
The revenue growth playbook: Strategies for independent hotels
The guide outlines pricing optimization, distribution balance, and incremental revenue tactics specifically for independent properties using data-driven approaches.
Unlocking Incremental Revenue in Hospitality: October 2025 Cayuga Hospitality Consultants Conference
Industry panel explores practical strategies for hotels to generate additional revenue through retail, video marketing, wellness products, and experiential amenities.
By Mandy Murry and Gary Isenberg