Hotel Analyst Podcast

Results season comments looking at the contrasting fortunes of Whitbread and Scandic; how variable rents are returning for landlord Pandox; and Hilton's strong performance, and even stronger optimism from CEO Chris Nassetta

TUI struggles to recover, tapping shareholders for more funds despite a busy summer. IHG's surprisingly strong summer, as it continues to cull older hotels from its US portfolio. Plus, views on recovery in the UK - will it continue as strongly as it appears. And, just as important for investors, when will lenders start tightening the screws on overleveraged hotel owners?

In conversation with Simon Allison, chairman and CEO of Hoftel, the hotel owners’ network, talking post-pandemic tensions between owners and brands. Along the way discussing how the brands love to charge, what they deliver in return - and why some owners are wondering whether those two items still remain in balance.

Investors are making a confident bid on the recovery of business travel, buying hotels in UK cities - Henderson Park being the latest to wade in. Elsewhere, student accommodation is also seeing private equity investment too. And we have more new brands - good for customer choice, or missing the mark?

Up close and personal this week with Nick Edwards, chief operating officer at Audley Group. Their Audley and Mayfield Villages are designed with active elder living in mind - much like a hotel, just one where the guests stay much longer. Nick explains Audley’s build for sale model, allied to a vertically integrated hospitality operation covering food and beverage, wellness facilities, and maintenance. It’s a growing sector, delivering a resource that benefits both residents and broader society in several ways.

Accor completes the deal with Ennismore, to create a new focused lifestyle hotel division - why are lifestyle properties performing so well? Indian disruptor Oyo prepares to list, but faces headwinds in its efforts to establish an international presence. And the big brands renew their push into China, but where's the return?

Jo Biden calls it "normalcy" - we're seeing more signs of a return to previous levels of travel. Plus, digital innovation accelerates in the accommodation space; and how Premier Inn is making an impact in an improving German market.

Early signs of distress, as The Collective sees administration in the UK and Safestay starts a strategic review: branded residences grow in scale and spread; and finding a way towards carbon neutrality

DEI - diversity, equity and inclusion is the latest acronym that company bosses need to focus on - how is the sector faring? Differing views on how the short stay sector is likely to fare, as it enjoys some post-pandemic traction. And why luxury hotel brands are fighting for city space, seemingly unhindered by the pandemic

Aparthotel operators gear up for growth after a better pandemic than hotels; the challenges valuers face, in a topsy turvy market; and thoughts as hotel investment transactions are picking up.