Hotel Analyst Podcast 8th May 2025

Third party 2.0: The acquisition of citizenM is the lead story this episode, the first with our mystery new host. You can also hear about Essendi, formerly known as AccorInvest, and the luxury plays of Hilton and Hyatt.

Using tech does not make a company a tech company. Otherwise, all companies would be in the technology sector. Alongside chatting about tech enablement in the hotel industry, we discuss real estate investment trusts and the Millwall of the hotel sector, Britannia.

Trump’s tariffs - and the threat of tariffs - are already causing international havoc. What will be the impact on the hotel sector, and on international travel? Banks are back lending, with more finance available for hotel investors. And Accor signs a new partnership in India, as it looks to exploit the country’s booming hotel and travel marketplace.

A bumper Berlin conference special, covering tariffs, Trump and tantrums. A fast-shifting series of threats around tariffs has already played havoc with stock markets, what will it mean for travel and hospitality? Hotel professionals in Berlin wonder what's coming next, as they enjoy a relatively strong performance still, across Europe. Will we see more publicly listed vehicles taken out by private equity? And alternative living formats are making their way onto the mainstream agenda.

Wyndham launches a loyalty debit card - but are they targeting a younger demographic really interested in earning points? Why the European hotel investment market is in a Goldilocks phase, with Greece a potential hotspot full of opportunities. And Trump's impact as he threatens travel bans in the name of protecting US citizens - at a point where US inbound travel has yet to return to pre-covid levels.

Both new build and refurbished hotels are setting new environmental standards, as investors realise the investment upside of more efficient buildings. But has the whole green debate moved on? Why is Dalata undergoing a strategic review? And lessons from a visit to the 2025 edition of the MIPIM property fair, as investment in new living sectors was debated.

Hotel investment deals have kicked of 2025 with strong volume, as the sector compares well alongside other real estate segments. Key money spent by the brand groups is growing, but is that such a bad thing? In Spain, hotel groups Melia and Riu look abroad for growth, from a constrained local market. Should Riu brand alone, or seek new partners?

IHG has acquired the Ruby hotels brand, and with it a growing portfolio of European lifestyle hotels - smart move? Choice and Accor are talking about moving upmarket, but have other structural issues to attend to. And at the OTAs, who will win the battle for the customer's eyeballs, as AI comes into play.

Stronger than expected final quarter numbers brightened the spirits of major hotel CEOs - but the markets were less positive, sending some shares lower on concerns about upcoming weakness. In Europe, the deal landscape looks to be improving, much to the delight of landlords such as Pandox. And Hyatt says enough m&a for now, as it plans how to digest its latest acquisition, Playa Hotels & Resorts. Do we believe them?

Starwood Hotels is back, as the original creator of the brand, Barry Sternlicht, revives the name - what will he do with it? Private equity investors are cashing out after a good run in Spain, both in the real estate asset world, and in hotel tech too. And hotels retain their crown as the most preferred asset class for hotels, according to Andrew’s poll taking at recent industry events.