Market Trends

🏨 Simon Allison, CEO of HOFTEL, opened the Hotel Investment + Development Event (HIDE) discussing the viability of branded residences. Sam Barrell from Marriott noted EMEA's emerging market status in contrast to the mature US market. Marriott separates underwriting for hotels and residences, preferring co-located models. Hilton's Dan Wakeling highlighted the rise of standalone models in Dubai and Miami. Licence fees range from 2-4% of gross development value. Developers focus on balancing brand credibility with commercial gains.

📈 Hotels are shifting pricing strategies across three levels of pricing architecture. At Level 1, hotels use static pricing, risking lost ADR in high demand and slow conversions in low demand. Level 2 offers dynamic pricing, adjusting supplements based on demand and enhancing conversion. Level 3 uses Revenue Management Systems for predictive pricing, requiring extensive data mapping. Level 2 often offers the best profitability, utilizing strategic disparities against OTAs and margin arbitrage to increase direct bookings and revenue.

🌎 Feb 19, 2026: Global tourism is shifting towards emerging destinations, moving beyond traditional hubs. This trend is driven by travelers' preferences for authentic experiences, prompting hotels to adapt through storytelling and design. Infrastructure improvements, like better airports and transport, are enhancing access to these markets. Sustainability influences guests' choices, making eco-friendly and community-focused operations crucial. Hoteliers are advised to strategically position themselves in these fast-growing markets for competitive advantage. Source: BBC.

💸 Feb 19, 2026, Airbnb initiated a test allowing hosts to offer a 20% discount for improved search visibility and promotion to highly rated guests. This strategy mirrors Online Travel Agency (OTA) loyalty models, where discounts enhance ranking and conversion. If widely adopted, this discount-driven approach could pressure hotels to reduce prices to maintain visibility, impacting both short-term rentals and traditional hotels. The shift emphasizes the growing influence of platform algorithms over demand generation.

🏨 In 2025, the UK hotel market saw a decline from £6.6bn in 2024 to about £4.3bn. This shift signifies a move from large portfolio deals to single-asset transactions, with the biggest 2024 deal being Six Senses London at £180m. Domestic buyers gained ground as international investors paused. Notable 2026 prospects include the £500m Vastint Marriott Portfolio. As 2026 begins, alignment between buyers and sellers indicates a potential rise in activity.

🏨 In 2025, the UK hotel market saw a shift from large portfolios to single assets, with transactions dropping from £6.6bn in 2024 to £4.3bn. Investors favored domestic over international deals due to rising costs and operational challenges. The focus moved to lifestyle and boutique hotels, with an emphasis on value-add opportunities. The trend is expected to continue into 2026, with significant portfolios like the Vastint Marriott (£500m) and PPHE (£2.2bn) being tested for market appetite.