The tone of this year’s Lodging Conference was measured optimism, as strong 2026 RevPAR growth and limited new supply support the industry outlook. However, rising operating costs, expensive debt, loan maturities, and geopolitical risks continue to pressure profitability. Owners are increasingly focused on AI adoption, active asset management, brand economics, and converting revenue increases into asset value.

Our forecast is anticipating a strong fall meeting and convention season, following very solid summer performance. ADR is the star of the show this year, with a robust stock market and a propensity for booking more luxury and upper-upscale stays lifting the overall average well beyond initial expectations. Other factors currently impacting our industry include youth sports and staffing challenges.

This summer has been strong for the U.S. hotel sector, with weekly RevPAR gains averaging near 8.0% in June and early July, cooling slightly into 6.0% to 7.0% in August. Our RevPAR growth forecast reflects 4.5% for 2026 given the expectation that recent growth, partly fueled by World Cup matches and heightened vacation travel, will wane somewhat in the final months of the year.

The summer is off to a roaring start for the U.S. hotel sector, with weekly RevPAR gains averaging roughly 8.0% in June and early July. Our RevPAR growth forecast reflects 4.5% for 2026, which takes into consideration that this recent growth, partly fueled by the World Cup matches, will wane somewhat in the second half of the year.

The U.S. hotel sector continues to show strength, with weekly RevPAR gains averaging 4.0% YTD through May and exceeding 5.0% in recent weeks. Our latest RevPAR growth forecast reflects 3.0% for 2026, which may be on the conservative side if elevated travel trends continue through the summer vacation and fall convention seasons.

HVS was proud to sponsor NYU IHIF this year. Following several months of surprisingly strong RevPAR and revenue growth, the mood was much improved from ALIS. Conversations around AI, branded residential, and renovations and conversions were most prevalent. Transaction activity is lagging the market recovery, but indications are that the buyer/seller gap is narrowing.

The U.S. hotel sector continues to show strength, with weekly RevPAR gains averaging 4.0% YTD through April and exceeding 4.0% in recent weeks. We have updated our RevPAR growth forecast for 2026 from 2.2% to 3.0%, and this may be on the conservative side if elevated travel trends continue through the summer vacation and fall convention seasons.

U.S. hotel performance is posting notable gains compared with 2025 levels, as travel continues to be a priority for many despite persistent inflation, the Middle Eastern conflict, and lackluster job growth. While luxury hotels are posting the greatest RevPAR gains, even economy and midscale hotels are showing occupancy improvement and ADR gains.

U.S. hotel performance is posting notable gains compared with 2025 levels, as travel continues to be a priority for many despite persistent inflation, the Middle Eastern conflict, and longer security lines at airports. While luxury hotels are posting the greatest RevPAR gains, even economy and midscale hotels are showing occupancy improvement (as we expected).

Optimism took center stage at this year’s Hunter Conference, with continued strength in luxury and upper-upscale properties driving greater investor interest. The industry remains hopeful that the FIFA World Cup will prove to be a windfall, Middle East conflicts will soon be resolved, and gas prices will stabilize, leading to a stronger second half of 2026 for RevPAR growth, hotel pricing, and transactions.