What Other Industry Leaders are Saying:
“The pickings are ripe for opportunistic hotel buyers. Although U.S. hotel occupancies and revenue are starting to rebound, it has not been enough to shield debt-heavy properties from becoming takeover targets.” John Arabia, Green Street Advisors
"The next 24-36 months will be the greatest buying opportunity for a generation. But only those with capital will be able to play." Michael Depatie, President and CEO Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, LLC
“Like it or not, the stage is now set. This is the time. The year 2011 will present one of the greatest hotel buying opportunities for many years to come. And if you are not buying hotels this year, you will miss the window created by one of the biggest economic downturns in American history.” Guy Maisnik, Hotel Lawyer, JMBM Global Hospitality Group®
"This is a great opportunity. We think it has started already. We are attracting more capital now. Investors sense the opportunity and want to participate." Bruce G. Wiles, Managing Director & Principal Thayer Lodging Group
“When the recession is over, people will relax and take that vacation, companies will send more people to conferences. Buy. Buy now!" Jack vanHartesvelt, Executive Vice President - Partner Kennedy Associates Real Estate
"The greatest hotel buying opportunity of our lifetime will be the next 12-18 months. The key is having all equity to close without mortgage financing." Michael Cahill, CRE, MAI, FRICS, CHA CEO and Founder HREC - Hospitality Real Estate Counselors
"The challenge is finding a mezzanine debt opportunity or acquisition that is a better return than buying back our own stock. We think that buying back our stock is pretty good." Deric Eubanks, Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.
"Many pension funds are clearly experiencing the downdraft in real estate portfolios. The more savvy of funds will want to invest now, as they will underperform in the next few years if they don't." Bernard N. Siegel, Principal KSL Capital Partners, LLC