Key takeaways from the 2026 NYU forum cover stronger-than-expected U.S. hotel performance, AI reshaping guest discovery, tight financing, and the toughest ground-up development climate in a decade.
HVS raises its 2026 U.S. RevPAR growth forecast from 2.2% to 3.0%, citing strong YTD performance, domestic travel shifts, and a rebound in convention demand, while hotel transactions remain subdued with cap rates near 8.5%.
HAMA's survey of 86 asset managers shows 60% expect to exceed RevPAR budgets in 2026, with 90% planning renovations and recession fears continuing to decline.
U.S. hotels posted 4.5% RevPAR gains through April 2026, with luxury leading growth and cap rates averaging 8.3% as transaction activity slowly improves.
HVS reports March RevPAR up 3.9% nationally with luxury hotels leading gains, while hotel cap rates average 8.3% in Q4 as transactions remain below peak levels.
HVS reports strong luxury hotel performance and growing investor confidence, with cap rates stabilizing at 8-8.5% and high hopes for FIFA World Cup 2026 impact.
HVS projects 2.2% U.S. hotel RevPAR growth in 2026, with cap rates declining to 8.3% as more distressed properties sell.