California is well positioned
for a strong
year with healthy supply and
demand fundamentals
Macroeconomic Observations
�During
the first half of 2005, the U.S economy demonstrated signs of modest improvement,
as the federal funds rate increased to 3.0% in June 2005. It is anticipated
that the rate will reach 4.5 % by August 2006.
�Preliminary economic analysis indicates a 3.0 % real GDPgrowth rate
during the second quarter of 2005, and economists predict 3.75% growth
through the end of 2006. As GDPsustains moderate growth, the national unemployment
rate is anticipated to stabilize in the upcoming quarters following a decrease
of 0.2 percentage points in the second quarter of 2005 to 5.2%. It is anticipatedthat
the unemployment rate will stabilize at 5.0% through 2006.
�Personal consumption decreased by 0.7 percentage points to 3.5% in
the first quarter of 2005. Consumer Price Index inflation increased during
the first half of 2005 to a 3% annualized rate, but is anticipated to decrease
in the second half of the year, with a modest increase to 2.6% in 2006.
�According to the National Association of Realtors, existing-home sales
surpassed market expectations and reached another record in June as low
mortgage interest rates and favorable market conditions continued to attract
buyers. In June 2005, total existing-home sales, including single-family,
town homes, condominiums and co-ops, increased to an annual rate of 7.33
million from 7.14 million in May. �The Consumer Confidence Index increased
to 102.2 in May 2005, after experiencing four months of decline. As consumers�concerns
about the economy and jobs ease, the Expectations Index, while slightly
below 2004 levels, continues to signal economic growth in the months ahead.
U.S. Lodging Industry Analysis
�The U.S. lodging industry continues to experience strong positive lodging
fundamentals, building upon 2004 levels. Through June 2005, occupancy increased
1.7 percentage points to 62.2% and ADR increased approximately 4.8% to
$90.45 compared to the same period last year, according to SmithTravel
Research (�STR�). Additionally, growth in rooms demand continues to outpace
the growth in supply. Growth in lodging fundamentals is anticipated to
continue through the remainder of the year, as occupancy and ADR are forecasted
to finish at 63% and $90, respectively.
�The United States continues to experience positive internationalvisitation,
building on 2004, which was the first year to experience positive international
inbound travel growth since 2000. According to the U.S. Office of Travel
and Tourism Industries (�OTTI�), international inbound travel to the U.S.
increased by 12.7% through the first quarter of 2005, as compared to the
same
period last year. International travel experienced growth of 4.5% from
Asia, 12.3% from Europe, 14.4% from Central America, and 2.3% from Africa.
The significant increases in visitor arrivals are primarily attributed
to the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar, an increase of approximately
27.8% in sales and marketing efforts in international markets, and Japan�s
gradual recovery from the economic recession that began in mid-2004. The
U.S. Department of Commerce forecasts 6% growth overall in the numberof
international visitors in 2005.
�With decreased national unemployment rates and increased corporate
budgets, business travel experienced a rebound in 2004 as volume increased
by approximately 4%. The rebound in business travel has continued into
the first half of 2005, as urban and airport hotels (which primarily cater
to business travelers) led RevPAR growth over 2004 levels with 10.7% and
10.9%, respectively. According to the Travel Industry Association of America
(�TIA�), business and convention travel is anticipated to continue to outpace
leisure travel in growth with an increase of approximately 3.6% this summer.
TIA predicts that leisure travel will increase this summer by approximately
2.8% to 328 million person trips, as approximately 75% of U.S. adults plan
to take at least one leisure trip this summer, representing an increase
of 5 percentage points over the same period last year.
�The strength of the lodging market and favorable economic conditions
has led to an increase in hotel transactions and new hotel construction.
Many of the hotels currently in the development pipeline, however, will
not enter the market until 2006 and beyond. Lodging Econometrics anticipates
net supply growth for 2005 to be approximately 0.8%; however, according
to STRdata, U.S. lodging supply increased by 0.5% through May 2005. Furthermore,
the availability of capital has led to more active transaction markets
in 2005. Among the most active companies involved in lodging transactions
has been The Blackstone Group, which recently purchased the Rihga Royal
Hotel in New York and acquired Wyndham International, Inc. for $3.24 billion.
In addition, Marriott International, Sunstone Hotels, and Walton Street
Capital acquired a 32-hotel portfolio from CFT Holdings, Ltd. for approximately
$1.45 billion. Significant single-asset transactions include the sale of
the Hilton Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego by S.D. Bridgeworks LLC to LaSalle
Hotel Properties for approximately $85 million and the sale of the Hilton
Glendale in Glendale, California, by Hilton Hotel Corporation to Eagle
Hospitality Properties Trust Inc. for approximately $79.8 million. U.S.
hotel sales reached $12.9 billion in 2004, nearly doubling the $6.7 billion
sold in 2003. Transaction activity forthe U.S. lodging market is anticipated
to remain strong at an anticipated $9 billion in 2005.
�According to Smith Travel Research (STR), midscale properties without
food and beverage outlets experienced the largest growth in RevPAR (approximately
11.8%) in the first half of 2005. The luxury segment leads the industry
in ADR growth of 7.4% for the first half of 2005 vs.. the same period last
year. This trend can be primarily attributed to increasing disposable incomes
of the aging baby boomer generation and reduced restrictions placed on
corporate travelers.
California Mid-Year Lodging Report
California Lodging Industry Observations
�California�s lodging market continues to outperform the U.S in terms
of RevPAR (revenue per available room). For the first half of the year,
California�s RevPAR was $68.56 while the U.S.�s RevPAR was $56.31. During
the first six months of 2005, California�s occupancy increased to 68.1%,
an increase of 2.1 percentage points from 2004�s first six month occupancy
rate of 66%, while ADR increased approximately 4.8% over the same period.
�According to Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (�LAEDC�),
the international trade industry YTD through April 2005, as compared to
the same period last year, demonstrated an increase in two-way international
trade through California�s three customer districts. San Francisco has
increased 6%, LosAngeles 9.8%, and San Diego 14.6 %. With the historically
busiest quarters yet to come, it is anticipated the industry will achieve
a record high of $459.3 billion in 2005. This trend hasled to plans to
expand the ports of San Diego, Los Angeles, and Long Beach.
�The California Division of Tourism budget has received $7.3 million
in public funding for 2005-06 fiscal year after receiving no public funding
due to a $9 billion dollar deficit since fiscal year 2003-2004. According
to the Industry Association of America, last year�s budget of $7.39 million
ranked California below the national average of $11.95 million dollars.
In 2004, tourism contributed approximately $78 billion dollars to California�s
economy and it is anticipated the restoration of public funding will increase
future visitation.
�The California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) forecasts 2%growth
for domestic travel and 4.8% growth for international travel due to a strong
euro, diminishedanxiety about air security from Europe, improved consumer
confidence, and an increase in number of routes by low-fare airlines. DK
Shifflet and Associated, Ltd. estimated an increase in travel to and through
California duringthe Spring and Summer seasons (2.9% and 3.5% respectively),
with resident travel increasing at an estimated 2.4% and non-resident travel
remaining unchanged. Domestic and international air arrivals demonstrated
consistent growth throughout 2004 and are anticipated to continue to improve
throughout 2005. The drive-in market is anticipated to remain strong as
increases in gasoline prices are not anticipated to change travel plans.
�The number of overseas visitors to California from the two largest
markets, the United Kingdom and Japan, are anticipated to increase throughout
the remainder of the year. The Association of British Travel Agents anticipates
a record number of British tourists to the U.S. for 2005 due to the weak
dollar vs. the British pound and competitive transatlantic air fares. Japan
is anticipated to increase outbound travel in 2005 to 17.6 million, representing
an increase of approximately 6%. Major Japanese travel wholesalers, such
as JTB, KNT, Jalpak, and ANAHallo, stated the number of tours occurring
during the first quarter of 2005 increased approximately 10% -15%. United
Airlines recently began nonstop service between San Francisco International
Airport and Nagoya and added double daily flights between Los Angeles International
Airport and Narita. Furthermore, Governor Schwarzenegger�s first official
overseas trade mission to Japan in November generated media publicity in
Japan and is anticipated to increase travel to California from Japan in
the coming years.
�Native American gaming continues to positively affect tourism for California.
Currently, approximately 55 casinos operate in California with additional
projects under development. In 2004, California's Native American gaming
revenue increased 13% over 2003 levels to $5.3 billion and generated 28%
of the nation's Native American gaming revenue (2.5 times more than Connecticut,
its closest rival). Growth for 2005-2006 is anticipated to continue with
the following plans for new developments underway:
-
The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians has been planning on building
a large casino on State Route 99 at Avenue 17. This �destination resort�
would include a 200-room hotel, several restaurants, a large casino, and
a spa. However, because of the location proximate to the city of Madera,
and the government of California�s desire to keep casinos out of urban
areas, future plans may be stalled.
-
The California Valley Miwok tribe�s proposal for a casino-resort in the
city of Los Banos, which is on the west side of Merced County.
-
Pechanga Resort and Casino, located in Temecula, California is adding a
400,000-square-foot, $252 million expansion in December.
-
The Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Palm Springs $200 million casino and
restaurant expansion in January which is slated to include a 251-room hotel
and a 100,000-square-foot special events center. Plans to add another 300-400
room hotel by 2010 are under discussion.
-
The Chemehuevi tribe�s plan for a $186 million Indian casino-hotel in West
Barstow.
-
In June 2005, the Lytton tribe�s plan to open a Vegas style casino in San
Pablo was stopped by a U.S. Senate committee. The bill prevents the tribe
from operating Class IIILas Vegas-type slot machines in the Bay Area. Currently,
there are no urban casinos in California.
�The cruise industry continues to expand in California with new routes
offered by Disney Cruise Lines starting in May 2005 and the Queen Mary
2 in 2006. San Diego�s cruise line industry has experienced 300% growth
in the last five years and plans to enhance the port within the next three
years are currently under discussion. The Los Angeles Port has also encountered
a similar growth trend and the city is anticipated to expand the port to
accommodate increased traffic and ship size.
California Mid-Year Top 10 Thoughts
1. Transactions � Hotels in strong locations remain in high demand
due to the current low cost of capital and high replacement cost. Hotels
are attractive to investors seeking a high risk/high yield real estate
investment, particularly as the lodging industry continues to outperform
other sectors of real estate. According to HVS International, the average
value of a U.S. hotel property is anticipated to increase approximately
28% in 2005 and an additional 23% in 2006. In addition to the increase
in property values, readily available financing has also fueled the increase
in the number of hotel transactions. Borrowers have benefited considerably
from higher leverage loans and more flexible loan terms. Although interest
rates may rise slowly in the near future, it is anticipated that the number
of hotel transactions in California will remain strong into 2006 as the
lodging industry continues to demonstrate healthy performance and the reduced
number of loan delinquencies encourages lenders to offerfavorable financing
terms. Primary Impact: Transactions and valuations
2. Condominium Conversions �Both the trend to convert hotels
into condominiums or the trend to develop a �condotel�has become increasingly
popular because operators can boost their own profits while offering buyers
upscale amenities. In 2005, it is anticipated that a larger number of developers
will offer for-sale units in their luxury hotels. Previously, condominium-hotels
existed in leisure destinations, such as Hawaii, and doubled as second
homes. Now, these units have become increasingly more plentiful in urban
centers such as New York, Miami, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Toronto,
as well as Las Vegas. As more baby boomers become empty nesters, they are
more likely than the previous generation to move to downtown locations
from their suburban homes, thereby creating the downtown hotel/condominium
trend. This recent trend to create �condotel�units has penetrated Californian
markets and is anticipated to remain hot as long as real estate prices
continue to escalate, interest rates and stocks and bonds remain low, and
the lodging industry sustains its increasing performance. However, due
to concerns surrounding loss of employment for workers at converted hotels,
San Francisco recently passed an 18-month moratorium on condominium conversions.
Primary Impact: Supply and profitability
California Mid-Year Lodging Report
3. Supply Trends � According to Lodging Econometrics (�LE�),
lodging supply is decreasing in some major U.S. markets. Approximately
58,240 new guestrooms were added in 2004,resulting in an estimated 1% net
supply increase. Although 70,646 rooms are anticipated to be added in 2005,
analysis indicates that net new supply growth will be less than 1% this
year due to numerous significant hotels exiting thelodging market. This
trend holds true for Californian markets, such as San Francisco, where
a significant number of guestrooms have temporarily ceased operations as
the properties undergo repositioning, including the Fairmont Hotel which
is transforming 226 of its 591 rooms into condominium units. In Los Angeles,
Anaheim, and along the Californian coast, prime real estate locations are
being bought and restructured to include condominiums to offset the surge
in construction costs and land acquisition, including the Douglas Building
in downtown Los Angeles which wasconverted into 50 luxury condominiums.
In the urban centers of Los Angeles and San Francisco, some hotels are
converting a portion of their guestrooms into residences. The only area
in California that experienced a real growth of hotel rooms in 2004 was
San Diego, which experienced rooms supply growth of 2.5%. According to
LE, it is anticipated that 917 hotels with 100,559 guestrooms will open
in 2007 in the US, the highest total for new openings since 2001. Even
with large increases in supply, market participants anticipate hotel revenues
in 2007 to exceedthe record $26 billion anticipated for 2006.Primary Impact:
Rooms supply
California Mid-Year Lodging Report
4. Labor Issues �During 2005, Los Angeles and San Francisco experienced
hotel labor disputes, an issue that is anticipated to negatively impact
future convention bookings. InLos Angeles, the Unite Here Local 11 succeeded
in securing a contract with an expiration date of November 2006, aligning
the contract with unions in Hawaii, New York, Chicago, Sacramento, Monterey
and Toronto. The union had soughtan expiration date in April of 2006, but
accepted November 30 in the hopes of avoiding a future labor dispute. InSan
Francisco, the labor dispute that began in September 2004 continues to
have negative ramifications for the city. After a nearly year-long labor
dispute, hotel employees and management remain at odds over wages and health
care coverage and have been unable to resolve the conflict involving 4,300
union workers at 14 major hotels. It can be anticipated that this labor
dispute may negatively impact the city�s ability to attract and retain
scheduled conventions as the city has recently lost several bookings including
the Organization of American Historians who moved to San Jose and theSan
Francisco Business Times'meeting moved to the Oakland Convention Center.
A contract proposal that San Francisco hotel owners hoped would end an
11-month labor dispute was rejected on July 13. Negotiations will resume
on August 10, 2005. Primary Impact: Profitability
5. Enhanced Security Measures �The U.S.�s plan to tighten restrictions
on entering the country is anticipated to create challenges regarding future
overseas demand. The California tourism industry will face challenges as
Visa Waiver Program (�VWP�) countries will be required to produce passports
with digital photographs by October 26, 2005. On this date, all VWP countries
must also present an acceptable plan to begin issuing integrated circuit
chips, or e-passports, within one year. This announcement relates to the
Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 requirement
that any passport issued after October 26, 2005, and used for VWP travel
to the U.S., must include a biometric identifier based on applicable standards
established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Approximately
15 million VWP travelers visited the United States in 2004, representing
a significant percentage of total visitation to theU.S. Primary Impact:
Demand
6. Bigger and Better Amenities �Consumers want convenience, luxury
and, as leading hotel companies have discovered, amenities. From bedding
to iPods, the hotel industry is anticipated to spend approximately $4.1
billion this year on renovations and upgrades, an increase of approximately
37% from 2004. Many leading hotel chains have introduced new bedding packages
in an effort to compete with Westin�s successful �Heavenly Bed�campaign.
Westin launched its fitness initiative in November 2003, custom designing
fitness facilities and creating private workout rooms. Hyatt Hotels, in
an effort to create an amenity niche, is partneringwith XM Satellite Radio,
installing the radios in more than 50,000 Hyattguestrooms nationwide.Primary
Impact: Profitability
7. Exchange Rates �The U.S. tourism industry has benefited in
an increase in international tourism due to the weakening dollar. Although
the dollar is anticipated to appreciate throughout the remainder of 2005,
the current exchange rate remains low in comparison to rates at the beginning
of the decade. The result of the weakened dollar has been an increase in
overseas travel to major U.S. metropolitan markets and an increase in domestic
travel due to higher costs of international travel. With the combination
of stronger international buying power, more affordable transatlantic airfares,
and the addition of international flights, the California Tourism Department
anticipates 4.8% growth in overseas travel in 2005.Primary Impact: Rooms
demand
8. Direct Booking �Selling rooms on third-party websites appears
to be decreasing because hotels are providing limited inventory. Efforts
by hotel operators to guaranteethe best rate to consumers is reinforced
by a recent survey by Consumer Reports that found rates to be comparable
between third-party sites and hotel-operated sites. Also, because consumers
receive additional benefits by booking directly through a hotel website
(reward points, fewer restrictions, etc.), booking via third-party sites
appears to be declining. In 2004, the number of direct booking through
brand websites increased substantially as brand websites gained share compared
to third-party merchant and opaque websites. According to eTRAK, brand
websiteswere the source of 71.4% of the brands�centrally booked Internet
reservations in 2004, compared to 66.5% in 2003. Merchant websites, such
as Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity, accounted for 8.6% of Internet reservations.Primary
Impact: ADR and profitability
9. State funded tourism �Many states have increased tourism marketing
budgets as the hotel industry continues its recovery. According to the
Travel Industry Association of America (�TIA�), states will spend more
than $600 million this year to promote their attractions. In July 2005,
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the fiscal budget for 2005-2006 restoring
the $7.3 million in public tourism marketing funds to the California Travel
and Tourism Commission. Although California�s funding for 2005-2006 falls
shorts of the budgets of two of its major competitors in 2003-2004, Hawaii
($56 million) and Florida ($25 million), the governor�s decision is anticipated
to increase California�s ability to market its tourism industry to potential
domestic and international travelers. Primary Impact-Rooms demand
10. Native American Gaming �California tribes continue to expand
casinos faster than any other location in the nation. In 2004, approximately
405 Indian casinos employed 539,000 workers, paying $19.4 billion in wages
and generating $6.2 billion in taxes for the entire U.S. Californialed
the states with $5.3 billion in revenue, representing 28% of the nation�s
Indian gaming revenue. On June 21, 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger announced
a set of compacts with five leading gaming tribes. Thecompacts preserve
the tribes' monopoly on casino-style gambling and the tribes may exceedthe
current limit on the number of slot machines, but must pay increasingly
more to do so. Primary Impact: Lodging demand
San Francisco
Lodging Market Analysis
�The economic conditions in San Francisco are improving. The city�s
unemployment rate has steadily decreased throughout the year to a low of
4.5% in May. According to the California Employment Development Department,
San Francisco�s unemployment rate has decreased at a greater rate than
the State�s overall unemployment rate, which declined from 6.3% in May
2004 to 5.3% in May 2005. Improving economic conditions have benefited
the hospitality industry, contributing to increased occupancy rates and
RevPAR over 2004 levels. According to STR, occupancy increased approximately
2.1 percentage points to 67.6% year-to-date June 2005 vs. the same period
last year, while ADR increased approximately 3.3% to $122.52 year-to-date
June 2005 vs. the same period last year.
�The San Francisco International Airport�s passenger traffic count increased
6.8% for year-to-date April 2005 vs. the same period the previous year.
Oakland International Airport and Mineta San Jose International Airport
have experienced a 3.4% increase and -2.2% decrease in passenger traffic
for April, respectively. The lodging market is experiencing growth from
domestic markets, such as NewYork and Chicago, and international markets,
particularly Japan and Western Europe which is anticipated to remain strong
through 2006.
�According to the San Francisco Convention Center, the number of meetings
and conventions booked in 2005 is anticipated to increase 4% vs. last year,
in the wake of a trend of shorter but more frequent conventions. The convention
center met the estimated budgeted revenue in 2004 and anticipates increased
growth in the upcomingfiscal year.
.
.
�At the end of the second quarter in 2004, the San Francisco Convention
and Visitors Bureau launched a new marketing and branding campaign titled,
�Only in San Francisco,�in an effort to enhance the city�s tourism industry.
Businesses such as local magazines, television and radio stations, outdoor
media companies, and San Francisco International Airport have committed
more than $1.2 million in local advertising space and time to the new campaign.
�Only in San Francisco�extends beyond traditional advertising to include
uniquetour packages, �Only in San Francisco, Only with Visa�offers, exclusive
deals with See�s Candies, and �Wish You Were Here�sweepstakes.
�According to the National Association of Realtors, the commercial real
estate market in the Bay Area is improving as vacancy rates continue to
decline and rents increase in all fourcommercial market sectors. Cushman
& Wakefield reported a decrease in San Francisco�s overall citywide
office vacancy from 18.0% during the first quarter of 2005 to 17.3% at
second quarter, while the CBDdropped from 16.4% to 15.5% over the same
time period. In addition, over the past two quarters CBDClass A direct
rental rates increased 6.0% to $32.28 per squarefoot .
�The Port of San Francisco is in the process of constructing the International
Cruise and Bryant Street Pier Project. This $400 million mixed-use project
is anticipated to feature a state-of-the-art international cruise terminal
facility, luxury residential condominiums, office and retail commercial
developments, and a waterfront park known as Brannan Street Wharf Park.
Construction is slated for completion in late 2006.This development is
anticipated to accommodate the growing cruise ship business. The Port of
San Francisco officialsnote there has been a 120% increase in the number
of cruise ships docking here and a 213% increase in the number of passengers
since 2001.
�Signs of economic recovery are emerging in Silicon Valley as entrepreneurs
and technology companies move into new businesses and markets and focus
on biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and nanotechnology. Examples
of Silicon Valley�s adaptability include Apple Computer�s rebirth as a
consumer electronics giant, Yahoo�s evolution from Internet directory to
entertainment portal, and Google�s creation of an online advertising model
to compete with traditional media businesses. Profitable results observed
from this restructuring include Google's stock price tripling from its
initial public offering last summer and Apple�s six-fold earnings increase
for the first quarter of 2005. However, the economy of Silicon Valley has
encountered mixed results. The Employment Development Department of California
states the number of jobs in Santa Clara County remains down 20% percent
since 2000 and the number of commercial real estate vacancies remains high.
Retail sales havegrown to approximately $6.48 billion in 2004 from $6.13
billion in 2003 and the nation�s highest housing prices have continued
to climb. Venture capitalists in start-up companies placed $7.4 billion
into 724 companies in 2004, representing an increase of 17% from 2003.
�The biotech industry should continue to be a major travel demandgenerator
for the Bay area throughout 2005, particularly due to the California Institute
for Regenerative Medicine�s (�CIRM�) decision to locate its headquarters
in San Francisco. The CIRM was created in November after voters approved
a measure allowing California to borrow $3 billion to fund human embryonic
stem cell research over 10 years. The institute plans to build a 17,000-square-foot
office with a maximum of 50 employees who will help give nearly $300 million
in research grants annually for 10 years. CIRM is anticipated to give San
Francisco increased scientific and marketing prestige and to generate new
biotechnology companies which may settle nearby.
�According to the Atlas Hospitality Group, Northern California led the
state with the largest number of hotel transactions completed during 2004,
and it is anticipated that 2005 will follow a similar pattern. The San
Francisco market posted a 23.5% increase in individual sales, yet experienced
a decline of 7.4% in the median price per room. According to Jones Lang
LaSalle Hotel�s recent Hotel Investment Sentiment Survey, this competition
for assets has shifted the cap rates down to their lowest level with San
Francisco reporting a market-wide cap rate of 8.2%, as compared to the
average of 8.9% for the top 18 U.S hotel markets.
�The addition of several new luxury properties to the San Francisco
market is anticipated to increase the ADR in the upcoming years; however,
the increase in ADR may be offset by a decrease in occupancy given the
significant amount of new lodging supply. In March 2005, Hotel Vitale added
eight suites, six studios, and 185 guestrooms. This luxury boutique hotel
is part of the city�s Embarcadero redevelopment, which has included the
highly successful transformation of San Francisco�s Ferry Building into
the city�s newest landmark, a thriving bazaar of artisan food shops, restaurants,
and a thrice-weekly Farmers Market. The St. Regis Hotel and Residences
San Francisco will open in July and add 260 rooms and102 private residences.
The 40-story tower in the heart of the Yerba Buena Gardens district will
be home to a five-star restaurant, a 13,700-square-foot luxury spa, a combined
total of 22,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space and the Museum
of the African Diaspora. In addition, Four Seasons will open a 200-room
hotel in East Palo Alto later this year as the centerpiece of the prestigious
new University Circle complex which will also include three six-story office
buildings,15,000 square feet of retail space, and a parking structure that
will accommodate 1,820 vehicles.
Los Angeles
Lodging Market Analysis
�According to Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (�LAEDC�),
Southern California�s economy is anticipated to gain momentum through 2005.
Despite increasing gasoline prices, tourism in Southern California is anticipated
to improve throughout 2005. During the first half of 2005, overall hotel
occupancy and ADR for Los Angeles reached 74.7% and $102.44, respectively,
compared to 71.7% and $95.81 during the same period last year. The 50th
anniversary celebration at Disneyland and a King Tut exhibit in Los Angeles
are anticipated to attract additional travelers to the Los Angeles area.
�According to LAEDC, the international trade industry is poised to experience
a 14.9 percent increase in two-way international trade through California�s
three customer districts�San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It
is estimated that the international trade industry may reach a record high
of $402.4 billion in 2004. Furthermore, the Los Angeles Customer District
is anticipated to reach a record high of $270.1 billion in 2004.
.
�Los Angeles World Airports (�LAWA�) anticipates significant increases
in domestic and international passenger volume during the summer, forecasting
approximately 18.5 million travelers to pass through LAX between Memorial
Day and Labor Day, representing a 6% increase over the same period last
year. Ontario International Airport is also anticipated to set a summer
record with approximately 2 million travelers, representing an increase
of 4% over the same period last year. The record number of international
passengers at LAX during the first quarter of 2005 is anticipated to continue
through the summer travel season with international passenger traffic estimated
at approximately 5.1 million anticipated for this summer, representing
an increase of 10% over the same period last year.
�The $11 billion expansion plan for LAX was approved by the Los Angeles
City Council on October 21, 2004. The construction will be completed in
phases with the initial $3 billion expansion anticipated to increase the
current passenger capacity of LAX by 30% to approximately 78 million passengers
annually. In May 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration issued the Record
of Decision, approving the LAX Master Plan and permitting construction
bids be submitted. The remaining $8-billion expansion will undergo separate
environmental testing before final approval is granted.
�The 97-year-old Port of Los Angeles is currently undergoing an expansion
andfacelift called the Bridge to Breakwater Waterfront Development. The
San Pedro Waterfront and Promenade Master Plan is a long-term plan to turn
400 acres of Port property from industrial space into parks, public waterwaysand
recreation facilities. The development, which broke ground in February
2004 with a 10-year timeline, is anticipated to allow the Port of Los Angeles
to be a user-friendly port for cruise-ship passengers and will cover approximately
400 acres along eight miles of the coast. The first phase of the expansion,
the $6 million Los Angeles Cruise Ship Promenade, wascompleted in December
2004. The second phase, the Harbor Boulevard Parkway and Gateway Plaza
project, is anticipated to be completed this summer and will connect the
World Cruise Center to downtown San Pedro. Additionally, in 2006, the new
downtown plaza at the intersection of 6th Street and Harbor Boulevard will
be constructed and is anticipated to be connected to the proposed 7th Street
Pier.
�Los Angeles, however, may be vulnerable to a growing emigration of
movie and television productions to other states or overseas, attracted
by tax breaks, financing, and other incentives. Expertspredict Los Angeles
County may lose 1,500 jobs in the entertainment industry by year-end.
�The National Football League (�NFL�) continues to pursue plans to have
a Los Angeles team in place for the 2009 season. The project has extended
its previous site selection date to thefall of 2005 due to a general lack
of proposals and the rescinding of proposals by Pasadena and Carson, leaving
the Coliseum and Anaheim as the two remaining stadium concepts. The Coliseum
has been in position to complete a deal with the league but has been stalled
by discrepancies in an agreed upon rental fee for the team; meanwhile,
Anaheim officials are optimistic their concept to build a stadium in the
Angel Stadium parking lot will be selected .
�Los Angeles is anticipated to benefit in the short term from a limited
number of new lodging properties anticipated to enter the market in the
next year. No new hotels opened in the first half of 2005; however, 11
hotels, with 874 rooms, are currently under construction throughout the
county, representinga 68% increase over the first half of 2004. The most
significant supply addition may be the $200 million Montage Beverly Hills.
In April 2004, the Beverly Hills Planning Commission approved plans for
the city�s first luxury hotel project since 1991 and is anticipated to
include a 214-room hotel and 25 private residences. Additionally, W Hotels
is anticipated to open its second Los Angeles property in 2008 at the intersection
of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The hotel is anticipated to feature
approximately 300 rooms, 150 W Residences, a signature restaurant, a rooftop
bar, a branded 9,200-square-foot spa and a 25-yard lap pool. An additional
W Hotel is anticipated to be included in the Sunset Millennium project
in West Hollywood.
�Apollo Real Estate advisors and developer Lew Wolf are developing a
1,200-room hotel and 1,000 luxury condominium residences next to the Staples
Center in downtown Los Angeles. The hotel site is owned by Anschutz Development,
which is planning an adjacent 27-acre Nokia Entertainment Center anticipated
to include a 7,000-seat theater, 40,000 square-foot plaza, 4,000-seat movie
theater, numerous shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, a television and
radio broadcast center, 5,300 parking spaces, and 4,000 condominium and
apartment units. The hotel and district are seen as essential to drawing
more business to the convention center and ground will break after the
completion of the Nokia Entertainment Center in 2007.
�The Related Companies master plan for the Grand Avenue project was
approved in May 2005. Architect Frank Gehry will design the centerpiece
40-to 50-story tower that will likely include a 275-room boutique hotel
and 200 condominiums on the upper floors and a portion of the retailmall
fronting the concert hall. The project is anticipated to break ground in
late December 2006, with completion in 2009.
�Another mixed-use development project, the Sunset Millennium, was approved
by the West Hollywood City Council in April and will begin construction
later this year. The project�s eastern parcel, at Sunset Boulevard and
La Cienega Boulevard, will be the site of a W Hotel and a J.W. Marriott.
Anaheim/Orange
County Lodging Market Analysis
�Travel to Anaheim/Orange County is anticipated to remain strong in
the coming years due to Disneyland, popular luxury coastal resorts and
increasing convention demand. Through mid-year 2005, John Wayne Airport
demonstrated a strong increase in the number of passengers, demonstrating
an increase of 6.3% YTD through April 2005 vs. thesame period the previous
year. In 2004, 42 million people visited Orange County and spent approximately
$7.3 billion, an increase from $6.8 billion in the previous year.
�Anaheim�s largest demand generator, Disneyland, began celebrating its
50th anniversary celebration on May 5, 2005. Disneyland, which attracts
more than one million people to Southern California each year, is anticipated
to spend approximately $150 million to promote the 18-month anniversary
celebration.
�Though Orange County is primarily known as a leisure destination, Anaheim
continues to establish itself as a premier convention city. The Anaheim
Convention Center experienced an increase in attendance of approximately
1.3% from 2003 levels to approximately 1,175,990 attendees in 2004. The
669 meetings/conventions held in Orange County during 2004 generated approximately
$1.6 billion in visitor spending. The number of conventioneers is anticipated
to remain strong throughout 2005 and into 2006.
.
.
�Orange County�s top coastal resorts, hotels, shopping centers, and
golf courses have united to form a premiere leisure and business destination
called the OCeanfront. Using the popularity of �The OC� television
show in their brand name to create an image of fine living, the coalition
of these beachfront communities is anticipated to increase recognition
to the area. The partnership�s goal is to increase the average length of
stay in the county from approximately 3.8 days while increasing hotel occupancy
andADR.
�Several hotels are currently undergoing extensive renovations asarea
hotels continue to promote the image of a luxury leisure destination to
travelers. The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach recently completed a $12-million
renovation to update its rooms, restaurants and meeting space, while the
Hyatt Regency Orange County recently completed a $52-million renovation
including a $7.5-million transformation of the South Tower guestrooms.
The Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa is in the process of a $60 million
makeover, anticipated to open in November 2005 and include 20 new luxury
suites. Additionally, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is anticipated to
complete a $40-million renovation by the end of the summer, while the Coast
Anaheim Hotel is anticipated to undergo a major renovation of its 490 guestrooms
and be renamed the Sheraton Anaheim Hotel by the end of 2006.
�Due to the continually increasing costs of construction and landacquisition,
a limited amount of new lodging supply is anticipated to come online in
2005. Hotels anticipated to open during the second half of 2005 include
the 251-room Doubletree Guest Suites in Anaheim and the 129-room Staybridge
Suites in Lake Forest. Atlas Hospitality Group reports, however, an approximately
27% decrease in the number of Orange County hotel projects in various stages
of planning, from 15 at mid-year 2004 to 11 in 2005. Further significant
lodging supply additions include:
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The Garden Walk complex in Anaheim which includes the development of three
hotels. Though the project has been delayed for several years, phase one
is anticipated to be completed by 2007 with construction of the hotel following.
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A Renaissance Club Sport Hotel in Aliso Viejo, anticipated to contain 175
guestrooms, a 67,300 square-foot sports club, and 4,000 square feet of
conference space. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2007
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The CIM Group�s project called the �The Strand,�located at downtown Huntington
Beach (formerly known Blocks 104 & 105), is anticipated to open in
the summer of 2006.This mixed-use project will include 102,000 sf of retail,
restaurant, and entertainment, plus a 149-room Marriott Residence Inn along
the pier in Huntington Beach.
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Makar Properties�s Pacific City is anticipated to open in the spring of
2007 and contain a 400-room boutique hotel.
San Diego
Lodging Market Analysis
�Although San Diego has ranked as the top-performing lodging market
in California and one of the top markets in the United States, its hold
on the market share may decline with consecutive tourism budget cuts, anticipated
flattening demand, decreases in international flights to the San Diego
area, and 2.5% growth in hotel room supply. Lodging fundamentals, however,
were healthy YTD through June compared tothe same period last year, with
a 0.7 percentage point increase in occupancy to 72.4% and an 8.0% increase
in ADR to $120.31, resulting in a 9.2% increase in RevPAR to $87.11.
�California Tourism and Travel Commission anticipates growth potential
in Southern California to remain strong as demand generators remainplentiful.
San Diego has seen a significant amount of new hotel activity during 2005.
The lodging market may experience strained lodging fundamentals in the
coming years due to the significant amount of new lodging supply, including
the opening of three new hotels during the first six months of 2005, representing
817 rooms as well as an increase of 3.4% over the same period last year.
�In addition to new hotel construction, numerous hotels have recently
changed hands, including the sale of the 192-room Residence Inn Mission
Valley for $37.2 million in 2004, two additional hotel sales for a total
of$131 million, and four others reportedly valued at $240 million. Four
high-profile hotels are currently for sale, including the 421-room Hyatt
Islandia on Mission Bay, the 206-room Shelter Pointe Hotel, the 261-room
W Hotel San Diego, and the 281-room Marriott Del Mar.
�The San Diego lodging market continues to benefit from the growth of
the bio-technology and defense industries. Demand for high-technology jobs
in San Diego appears to be approaching 2000 levels, as the last six months
have shown a noticeable increase in hiring. A study performed by the Milken
Institute in June 2004, ranked San Diego as the largest biotechnology job
market out of the major metropolitan areas of the United States, with approximately
56,000 jobs in the industry and approximately $5.8billion in yearly income.
Although the biotech industry has experienced fallout due to recent drug
recalls of Vioxx and Bextra, safety warnings, and previous purchasing of
facilities, signs of a growing market still exist.Genentech�s announcement
in June to buy Biogen Idec�s newly built Oceanside drug facility for $408
million is anticipated to strengthen the industry throughout the San Diego
area.
.
.
�San Diego is now playing a larger role in the defense industry than
it has in the past, following an increase in federal spending on defense
and homeland security. In particular, Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman
has acquired three defense-related businesses in the San Diego area over
the past couple ofyears, starting with their acquisition of Ryan Aeronautical
in 1999. Since then, Northrop has also taken over TRWand Newport News Shipbuilding,
acquiring some 4,300 employees in the San Diego area. The company plans
to add upwards of 700 more employees throughout 2005 which is anticipated
to bring more people, meetings, and money to the local market. �San Diego
International Airport is the busiest, single-runway commercial airport
in the nation, and in 2004, annual passenger traffic reached a record approximately
16 million passengers. Due to continued increased traffic, the airport
is quickly running out of space and anticipated to exceedits capacity be
2012. In June 2005, the operators of San Diego International Airport have
decided tomake Terminal 2 the focal point of a proposed 10-gate expansion.
The decision initiates a state environmental review on the $536 million
project that is anticipated to take one year to complete.
�Fiscal year 2004 was the highest-performing year in the San Diego Convention
Center�s 15-year history, with 68 conventions and tradeshows hosted throughout
the year, generating an estimated 714,519 hotel room nights. Preliminary
analysis indicates that fiscal year 2005 has fallen short of 2004 levels,
with 53 conventions and tradeshows, generating an estimated 664,555 hotel
rooms nights. An impressive 71 events representing 914,717 hotel room nights
for future years were secured during the 2005 fiscal year. The events contracted
include such super groups as the National School Board Association (37,600
room nights), Digestive Disease Week (41,100 room nights) and the American
Society of Hematology (39,780 roomnights). It is anticipated that the local
lodging market and economy will receive benefits from these bookings through
2017.
�On July 15, the mayor of San Diego resigned due to continual questioning
concerning San Diego's approximately $1.37-billion pension fund deficit,
which is largely the result of decisions in 1996 and 2002 to avoid payments
to the retirement fund and enhance benefits.
�In accordance with City Manager Lamont Ewell�s proposed $858 million
budget for the 2006 fiscal year, the SanDiego City Council decreased the
San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau�s (�ConVis�) budget by 10%, or
approximately $1 million, to $8.8 million, representing the third consecutive
year ConVis�s budget has been reduced (from a high of $13.9 million in
2002). The bureau�s proposal of an ordinance that would increase the 10.5%
nightly room tax by 2% to generate a $24 million operatingbudget failed
in two subsequent ballot propositions in 2004 . The bureau plans to increase
lobbying efforts in an upcoming ballot proposition to increase future funding.
�Centre City Development Corporation has estimated that the opening
of PETCO Park in the spring of 2004 has spurred development amounting to
$1.4 billion in downtown San Diego. Planned projects that are anticipated
to increase lodging demand to San Diego include:
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Broadway 655, a 23-story, 365,000-square-foot office tower anticipated
to open in June 2006 and contain 17 apartments and 16,314 square feet of
retail space.
-
DiamondView Tower at the Ballpark, a 14-story, 300,000-square-foot office
building. The development is anticipated to contain 36,000 square feet
of retail and restaurant space and open in the fall of 2006.
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A $20.6 million second phase to the Gaslamp City Square anticipated to
open in April 2006, anticipated to contain 88 condominiums, 25,000 square
feet of retail, and 250 parking spaces.
�The Chargers are proposing to build a $450-million stadium in addition
to new homes, a hotel, and some office and retail space on the 166-acre
Qualcomm Stadium site. The old stadium will be torn down after the new
stadium is completed. The Chargers have decided to circumvent the San Diego
City Council and take their proposal for a new stadium in Mission Valley
directly to voters in which they only need a simply majority for victory.
If accepted, this project is anticipated to benefit the local economy by
increasing employment, demand, and supply.
�After a purchase agreement with Lego Systems for $459.2 million,on
July 1 Blackstone Group became the official owner of four theme parks,
including Lego Land in Carlsbad.
The Ernst & Young 2005 Mid-Year Lodging Report contains an analysis
of data compiled from many sources, including Smith Travel Research. Thecontent
of this report is for reference only, not to be used as business advertisement
or to set standards on policies or actions. Ernst & Young (�E&Y�)
may have relied upon certain assumptions in calculating the figures herein
which may change. E&Y makes no representation or warranty with respect
to this report. This report is provided �as is�and may contain omissions
or inaccuracies. E&Y does not guaranteethe merchantability, fitness
for a particular purpose, title or noninfringement of this report and hereby
disclaims any such express or implied warranties. The information contained
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or advice. E&Y and its employees, affiliatesor agents are not liable
for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon this report or for
any consequential, indirect, special or similar damages related thereto.
This report includes certain estimates and forecasts that involve risks
and uncertainties; actual results may differ materially from those expressed
or implied herein. This report is proprietary to E&Y and is protected
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