Hotel Analyst Podcast

We start this episode by combining two big themes emerging from the first-quarter reporting season from the global hotel majors: the impact of the Iran conflict on trading patterns, and growing evidence that the industry’s long-running “two-speed” recovery may finally be broadening beyond luxury. We then move on to Kempinski’s highly unusual decision to acquire a hotel in Prague and what that says...

This episode we’re focusing on three defining themes shaping hotel real estate right now: geopolitical disruption, industry sentiment, and the structural reset in real estate investment. We start with Iran and what it means for investors, then move to sentiment from Berlin at IHIF, before finishing in Cannes with what Mipim tells us about where capital is heading.

In this episode of the Hotel Analyst podcast, we examine three structural themes shaping the global hotel investment landscape as the sector moves into 2026. First, we explore the rise of what many investors now view as the “fee flywheel”. The latest reporting from major listed hotel groups highlights how earnings growth is increasingly driven not by revpar alone, but by platform economics: system...

In this episode, we take a look at the deal market, particularly reflecting on the EHIC conference; we discuss the UK’s budget and its impact on hotels; and we finish with a look at Trump’s latest visa rules.

This episode is mostly about the third quarter results of the listed hotel companies. But we also touch on a few things sustainable, reporting on the UK Hospitality Sustainability Seminar held last month and we also offer a view on the current state of the energy transition and how it impacts hotels.

This episode is all about real estate. We start off with a report from the Annual Hospitality Conference in Manchester, which starts with an assessment of the transactions market; then we talk takeovers and why there has been a rise in public to private; and our third item is all about what the real estate investment universe will look like in 2040.

This episode discusses one of the hottest topics in hotel marketing, the subscription model; plus we’ll be taking a look at the latest brand launch from Oyo; and weighing up what Airbnb’s hotel distribution push means for the sector.

We talk about the exclusive new club of hotel companies that make a billion dollar profit every quarter – spoiler alert, there are just two; we will also be talking about Accor and IHG, looking at why Accor continues to disappoint with regard to its share price; and we’ll finish up with a chat about how hospitality is being over taxed and why, in the UK at least, VAT is going to stay at the high l...

We talk about Airbnb’s efforts to deflect blame from overtourism onto the hotel sector; we take a look at how hotel brands are choosing marketing partnerships over big advertising campaigns; and we finish with the issue of collection brands, in particular the latest from Marriott and Hyatt.

In this episode, we talk about how hospitality can help drive regeneration, the latest action in the hostel market, and what Airbnb and short-term rentals are up to.

This episode is a wrap of Q1 results, with a focus on Intercontinental Hotels Group and how much of an impact US exposure and Revpar guidance revision has had on share prices; we take a look at the under-discussed global giant Jin Jiang; and examine the latest data on the European accommodation sector from the European Travel Commission.

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 privat...

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 lev...

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....

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.

How will the hotel investment markets fare in 2025? There will be less portfolio deals, but the single asset market is expected to continue in good form. The big beast of white label operations, Aimbridge, restructures after building up an unsustainable level of debt; how did it get there? And India enjoys a purple patch, with strong hotel demand, limited supply - and plenty of hotel companies goi...

Airline easyJet wants to more than double its package holiday business. Will it deal direct with hotels, where will it steal market share from - and will we all be using AI to choose our hotel and flight packages in future? The holiday park market has seen a new entrant in the UK, with GBP500m to spend - as the main players jostle to grow their portfolios. And an Australian operator of pod hotels...

A strong 2024 saw high volumes of hotel investment transactions across the UK and mainland European hotel markets. Will similar levels of activity be enjoyed in 2025? The SPACs, Soho House and Sonder, remain under pressure, with a new take-private offer appearing for the membership business; this time around, it appears major stakeholders may accept the offer. And French investment giant Covivio r...

Experiential is the latest travel fad, or maybe it’s a trend. Marriott has marched in and signed up two new brands, as glamping becomes the latest must-have for the big brand groups. In select service, northern European markets look tough, but private equity investors are lining up to buy into Spain. For those in the UK, such at Travelodge, employment cost rises are a big hit. And there’s a feelin...