Mergers & Acquisitions

📈 Hunter Advisors closed 2025 with over $1.8 billion in transaction volume across 136 hotels, including $550 million in Q4. Noteworthy deals involved AC San Diego, Hyatt Place Athens, and Aloft Hotels in Texas. Capital markets improved with $300 million placements, focusing on lifestyle and premium select-service segments. Despite election-related delays in late 2024, Hunter's strategic advisory approach helped align pricing and strategy for transactions, sustaining momentum into 2026 with a robust pipeline.

🏠 Mitali and Anil Bhardwaj acquired The Horseshoe Inn in Eddleston, near Peebles, on December 18, 2025. The inn, located four miles north of Peebles and 30 minutes from Edinburgh, features a restaurant with an AA Rosette Award, a bar with a selection of whiskies, and eight en suite bedrooms in a restored Victorian schoolhouse. The property holds a 4-Gold Star AA rating, and the new owners plan to maintain the existing staff and traditional decor.

💸 GHA DISCOVERY revenue hit $3.2 billion in 2025, a 21% increase from 2024. Repeat stay revenue was $1.8 billion (+18%), and cross-brand stay revenue reached $424 million (+15%). Membership grew 25% to 4 million, with D$ redemptions up 55% to D$31 million. The US and UK generated $432 million in international stays, up 18%. 175 new properties were added, and direct bookings surged 29% as GHA expanded its global presence.

🏨 HEI Hotels & Resorts acquired four Marriott-branded properties in Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida, with 1,590 rooms total. The portfolio includes the Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort and three Marriott Orlando Village hotels. The Sheraton, with 490 rooms, is undergoing renovations, featuring 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Nearby attractions include Disney and Universal parks. HEI aims to enhance performance and value through strategic management with L&R Hotels.

🏨 Hunter Advisors facilitated the sale of the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, a 408-room establishment in Columbus, Ohio, from JW Marriott Family Enterprises to Whitestone Companies. The 22-story hotel includes 23,810 square feet of meeting space across 18 rooms. The deal, brokered by Robert Taylor and Sophia Pittaluga, highlights Columbus's economic and demand potential. Whitestone's acquisition marks their third investment in Columbus within the past 10 months, emphasizing their focus on upper-upscale urban hotels.

🏨 JLL Capital Markets secured acquisition financing for the Home2 Suites Fort Worth Cultural District, a 162-key hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. The borrower is a joint venture between Ad Astra Capital and TMGOC Ventures. The property, managed by Lexima Lodging, was built in 2020 and offers amenities like a 630-square-foot meeting space, outdoor pool, and 24-hour fitness center. It features structured parking for 162 guests and 20 additional covered spaces.

📈 Peachtree Group ended 2025 ranked 14th among nearly 70 sponsors for raising Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) equity, with a portfolio exceeding $10 billion. In December, it closed two DST acquisitions, including the PG Omaha Landmark DST, featuring an extended-stay hotel in Omaha and PG Manchester Industrial DST, a single-tenant facility. In 2025, Peachtree completed six debt-free DST acquisitions worth $200 million, totaling $375 million since inception. The firm anticipates DST offerings to grow in relevance in 2026.

🏨 HALL Arts Hotel joins Marriott Bonvoy's Autograph Collection, enhancing its cultural significance in Dallas since 2019. This move integrates over 340 independent hotels globally. The hotel will offer refreshed rooms and a new Astra Kitchen + Lounge by March, with a bistro-inspired menu. Enhancements include Marriott Bonvoy integration, art-forward experiences, and in-room art discovery. These efforts bolster its reputation as a destination blending art, wine, and design.

🏨 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts expands with Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, adding four properties: Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant (Wyndham Grand, 1,600+ rooms, 7,400 slots, 100 table games) and three others to the Trademark Collection. The deal enhances Wyndham's gaming market presence and offers 120 million members new options. Chief Gary Batton emphasizes economic benefits for Choctaw members. Choctaw maintains Dallas-Fort Worth presence in sports sponsorships and hosts World Series of Poker events.

💸 ATLANTA and DALLAS—Peachtree Group acquired First Western SBLC, LLC, known as PMC Commercial Trust, approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Barry Berlin and Laurie Ivy join Peachtree, focusing on integration and SBA 7(a) loans. Loans will range from $50,000 to $5,000,000 for various business needs. PMC is one of 12 companies licensed by the SBA for 7(a) loans, holding Preferred Lender Program status for expedited closings.