The U.S. hotel sector continues to send mixed signals. Roughly 1,000 hotels changed hands in Q3 2025, representing over 82,000 rooms sold, yet the underlying performance metrics reveal a market still wrestling with uneven demand and pricing pressures.

Transaction activity remains strong, with independent and extended-stay properties leading the charge, but national RevPAR and occupancy metrics continue to decline. Meanwhile, macroeconomic indicators—like higher GDP growth and low unemployment—paint a far rosier picture than what hotel fundamentals currently suggest.

Sales Data Breakdown: Independents Lead the Way

Of the 1,000 properties sold, nearly half—471 transactions—were independent hotels, highlighting sustained investor confidence in flexible, non-branded assets. In verified deals alone, independents accounted for $1.68 billion in sales volume, making them the largest contributor to the $5.28 billion in confirmed hotel transactions during the quarter.

If all sales were priced using the weighted average room rate of $100,780, total transaction volume would surpass $8.2 billion, one of the strongest quarters since 2022.

Case Study: The Independent Advantage

Independent hotels for sale captured the spotlight this quarter, offering a diverse look into buyer motivations and asset repositioning trends.

  • The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado— The iconic, 194-room property—famous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining—was acquired by the Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority for $163.24 million from Grand Heritage Hotel Group, LLC. The nonprofit buyer aims to preserve and enhance the hotel’s cultural and educational significance, underscoring the appeal of historically rich, experience-driven assets.
Hotel Market Trends
  • JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa—In one of Q3’s largest single-asset deals, Trinity Investments sold this 950-room luxury resort to Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. for $865 million. The acquisition aligns with Ryman’s continued focus on destination group and convention resorts with reliable revenue streams.
  • Former Holiday Inn Manhattan – Financial District—Hawkins Way Capital purchased this 492-room property from Apollo Global Management for $154.5 million, planning to convert it into a 650-bed student housing facility. The transaction highlights a growing trend of adaptive reuse, as investors seek stable income opportunities beyond traditional hospitality models.

Together, these transactions illustrate the flexibility and value proposition of independents. Investors continue to favor unique properties that can be creatively repositioned or rebranded, offering a path to higher returns even in uncertain performance environments.

Extended Stay’s Resilience

Amid broader market softness, extended-stay hotels remain a standout. They accounted for 18% of all properties sold this quarter—approximately 15,702 rooms—with larger footprints averaging 87 rooms per property versus 81 for traditional hotels. Extended stay also captured 15.9% of verified sales volume, roughly $842 million in total.

Case Study: Institutional Appetite for Extended Stay

Two major transactions defined the quarter’s extended-stay activity and highlighted institutional confidence in the segment:

  • Hyatt Regency Orlando—A joint venture between Ares Management and Rida Development acquired the 1,641-room Hyatt Regency Orlando from Hyatt Hotels Corporation for $1.07 billion (or $652,000 per room). Hyatt also provided seller financing for an adjacent parcel slated for a new 2,500-room Grand Hyatt Orlando, signaling long-term optimism in the convention-heavy Orlando market.
  • Driftwood Capital Portfolio Recapitalization—Driftwood Capital executed a $1.2 billion recapitalization involving 18 extended-stay hotels totaling 4,203 keys, supported by Wells Fargo and ACORE Capital. This large-scale consolidation reflects growing institutional appetite for steady, income-producing extended-stay assets.

Performance Metrics and Pricing Strength

Notably, economy extended-stay hotels outperformed midscale on a per-room basis this quarter—$72,062 vs. $65,669, respectively. The segment’s appeal lies in dependable occupancy, driven by workforce mobility, project-based business travel, and budget-minded leisure guests. For hotel investors, extended stay continues to offer a rare combination of stability and scalability.

Performance Pressures: RevPAR and Occupancy in Decline

Despite solid transaction volume, operating performance continues to lag. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) declined in 100 of the past 143 days since May, underscoring sustained weakness.

For the week ending September 20, RevPAR fell 1.4% year-over-year, driven by a 0.7-point drop in occupancy and a 0.3% decline in ADR.

Case Study: Market-Specific Weakness

Among the top 25 U.S. markets, RevPAR dropped 2.8%, with sharp declines in key cities:

  • New Orleans (-22.4%)—Weakened weekend demand and tough year-over-year comps tied to major events drove the steepest losses.
  • Houston (-20.1%)—Continued energy sector volatility and limited business travel weighed heavily on performance.
  • Miami and Washington, D.C.—Both saw double-digit declines due to softer weekday occupancy and lower group travel demand.

Overall, occupancy has fallen on 118 of the past 143 days, while ADR growth outpaced inflation just five times. With inflation around 2.7%, this limited pricing power continues to erode profit margins nationwide.

Macro Backdrop: A Cautious Economic Outlook

While the latest GDP revision to 3.8% signals encouraging economic growth, the broader picture is more nuanced. Yes, consumer spending has held up, and unemployment remains historically low—but consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since April, revealing deeper uncertainty about the direction of the economy.

This matters for hospitality. Confidence directly affects discretionary spending, including travel, dining, and events—all key revenue drivers for hotels. The question now isn’t just whether the economy will keep expanding, but whether consumers will feel comfortable enough to spend freely again.

Hotel Market Trends

Interest rate expectations have also shifted slightly. The 375–400 bps The 375–400 bps range for December is now considered more likely than the previously expected 350–375 bps, suggesting that the Federal Reserve may hold rates steady into early 2026.

In other words, while some data points show momentum, the real test will be whether consumer confidence and hospitality demand follow suit. For now, optimism must be tempered with realism: one positive quarter doesn’t guarantee sustained recovery.

Takeaway for Owners and Investors

This quarter reinforces a critical paradox: a strong economy alongside a sluggish hotel market. For hotel owners, the path forward requires recalibrating expectations. The bid-ask gap between buyers and sellers continues to widen as investors resist pre-pandemic valuations in a cooling RevPAR environment. Those willing to embrace more flexible deal structures or strategic repositioning are better positioned to close transactions and preserve asset value.

Buyers, on the other hand, have an expanding window of opportunity. The independent and extended-stay segments offer the best potential for outsized returns, driven by flexibility, stable demand, and favorable acquisition pricing. Savvy investors who focus on operational efficiency and long-term positioning—rather than short-term rate recovery—will find the most success.

Lenders and institutional capital providers remain cautious but engaged. Underwriting is becoming more data-driven, emphasizing verified performance and forward-looking revenue trends. Operators with proven management capabilities and a clear growth thesis are finding greater access to debt and equity even in a tighter capital market.

Preparing for What’s Next

The U.S. hospitality industry sits at a crossroads. Sales activity and institutional capital interest show encouraging signs, but performance metrics remain under pressure. The next few quarters will reveal whether recent economic momentum translates into renewed consumer spending and improved hotel fundamentals—or if confidence remains too fragile to drive a meaningful rebound.

For now, the industry must balance macro strength with micro caution, positioning strategically in segments—like independents and extended stay—that continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability.

If you’re an owner, operator, or investor looking to navigate these market dynamics, contact us today. Our advisory team can help identify high-potential opportunities, structure creative financing, and position your portfolio for success in a changing hospitality landscape.

Marketing Manager

Jourdyn Wigg

Jourdyn leads the strategic marketing initiatives for NewGen Advisory, overseeing brand development, market positioning, communications, and business growth efforts across the firm.

With more than a decade of experience in marketing and business development, Jourdyn specializes in building brands, creating demand-generation strategies, developing thought leadership programs, and executing integrated marketing campaigns that drive measurable business results. Her expertise spans digital marketing, public relations, content strategy, events, social media, lead generation, and corporate communications.

At NewGen, Jourdyn is responsible for shaping and executing the firm’s marketing strategy, ensuring consistent brand visibility across all channels while supporting advisors, clients, and strategic initiatives nationwide. She works closely with leadership to develop campaigns, elevate industry presence, strengthen client engagement, and position NewGen as a trusted advisor within the hospitality investment sector.

Jourdyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Grand Canyon University.

Most mornings you’ll find Jourdyn in the gym before sunrise and spending time with her husband and children. 

Pipeline & Transaction Assistant

Allysia Howerton

Allysia Howerton joined NewGen Advisory in 2026 as a Pipeline & Transaction Assistant, relocating from St. Louis, MO to Arizona to take on the role. She brings a background spanning property management, client services, sales, and administrative leadership, with a track record of managing complex workflows and keeping transactions moving efficiently from inception to close.

Known for her organization, attention to detail, and relationship-driven approach, Allysia supports transaction management, pipeline coordination, and day-to-day brokerage operations — and is passionate about growing her career within the hospitality real estate industry.

Outside of work, she enjoys discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, traveling to experience new cultures, and spending time with her dogs.

Real Estate Assistant

Josie Numendahl

2 years

Josie Numedahl joined NewGen Advisory in July 2024 as a Real Estate Assistant (REA). Originally from Iowa, she relocated to Arizona to pursue her education, graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising.

Josie began her professional career as a recruiter in the finance and accounting sector, and brings that client-facing, detail-oriented background to her work at NewGen.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with friends.

Senior Accountant

Anthony Lepore

X years

Anthony is the Staff Accountant for NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC, working directly under CFO Michael Lepore to handle day-to-day accounting functions across all NewGen operations.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.

Prior to joining NewGen, Anthony completed coursework at Paradise Valley Community College before co-founding a family business that produced custom-wrapped die-cast model cars for corporate clients — handling vehicle customization, display stands, and branded packaging. Serving as Director of Operations, he gained hands-on experience in management, production workflows, and running a business from the ground up.

Outside of work, Anthony is a lifelong ice hockey player with a passion for motorsports — particularly motocross and classic cars. Among his favorites: the 1963 C2 Corvette Sting Ray, the 1965 Shelby Cobra S/C, and the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda. He hopes to one day own and operate a bookkeeping firm serving small businesses.

Director of Operations

Nicholas Renckens

X years

Nick serves as Director of Operations for NewGen Worldwide and NewGen Advisory, bringing a detail-oriented, forward-thinking approach to supporting the company’s continued growth. A Minneapolis native, Nick studied at Denison University and the University of Minnesota before making his way to Arizona, where he now lives in Mesa.

He spent a decade in the hospitality industry as a server, bartender, and restaurant manager — hands-on experience that gave him a strong operational foundation and a natural fit within NewGen’s hospitality-focused business.

Outside of work, Nick is an avid writer with a passion for art, photography, and travel, and enjoys documenting his experiences through the lens.

Chief of Staff

Nycole Gonsalves

X years

Nycole serves as Chief of Staff at NewGen Advisory, where she trains and manages the Real Estate Assistant (REA) team. She works closely with REAs to ensure agents receive consistent, high-quality support throughout every stage of a deal — from contract to close.

Alongside the Office Manager, Nycole leads onboarding for new agents, REAs, and team members across NewGen Worldwide’s subsidiaries, and has developed a training library to streamline the process for incoming staff. She is also actively involved in evaluating and implementing new platforms to improve agent and REA workflows, while providing leadership with the data needed to monitor KPIs and track revenue goals.

Her background in franchise operations management — spanning startups to scaling franchises — makes her a versatile and valuable member of the NewGen team.

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Lepore

20+ years

Michael is the Chief Financial Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Michael and his team oversee day-to-day accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across all NewGen operations.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.

Prior to joining NewGen, Michael built over 20 years of experience in accounting, tax, and operations management serving small to mid-sized businesses. He holds active CPA licenses in both New York and Arizona. His career spans public accounting — including a role as Audit Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers — as well as private accounting and business ownership, giving him a broad, hands-on command of accounting and management functions. That dual perspective allows him to bring both tax strategy and business strategy to bear when evaluating financial decisions. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA).

A proud Italian-American, Michael lives in Scottsdale with his wife, Patty, and their three children, Alyssa, Anthony, and Joey. Outside of work, he coaches ice hockey and has a passion for cooking Italian food.

Co-Founder and Principal

Kyle Walker

X years

Kyle is a co-founder, Principal, and Chief Executive Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Beyond his broad responsibilities as CEO, Kyle’s primary focus is leading Green Card Fund, developing and implementing capital solutions domestically and internationally, and identifying attractive investment opportunities.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on business partners Girish Patel and Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Kyle’s financial acumen and creative approach to structuring deals help NewGen Advisory clients identify and secure profitable opportunities.

Kyle earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University with a focus in Business and Urban Planning. He has long been involved with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s (GPEC) International Leadership Council, and in 2016 was elected to the Board of Directors of Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national EB-5 trade association, where he actively contributes to legislative reform efforts and the permanent reauthorization of the EB-5 program.

Kyle splits his time between company offices in Phoenix, AZ and Washington, D.C. Outside of work, he is an avid reader, global traveler, and snowboarder — and after logging over a million miles as a passenger, he has recently taken to the cockpit, learning to fly himself.

Co-Founder and Principal

Girish Patel

20+ years

Girish Patel is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions across hospitality and healthcare. Among his core responsibilities are leading strategic initiatives, overseeing financial management, and driving real estate investment acquisitions.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, grounded in Girish’s and business partner Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Having grown up in his family’s hotel business as an immigrant, Girish developed a bottom-up understanding of hospitality — mastering operations before becoming an investor, lender, and consultant. That ground-level perspective, tested across multiple economic cycles, underpins his 20+ years as a successful business owner and brings a distinctive depth of insight to NGA’s clients and investors.

Committed to continuous learning and giving back, Girish established the RC Patel Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing careers in real estate investment. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Global Ties Arizona, an organization that strengthens international relationships by making exchange programs more impactful.

Co-Founder, Principal and Managing Broker

Dinesh “Dan” Rama

X years

Dan is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. His primary role is leading NewGen Advisory and serving as its Designated Broker in Arizona.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on Dan’s and business partner Girish Patel’s lifetime experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Dan has been involved in the disposition of over $600 million in hospitality assets, advising clients on acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures across the United States.

Dan began his career as a hotel operator and owner in 1994 following his studies at the University of Arizona, going on to build a portfolio as a franchisee of Red Brick Pizza, Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and Comfort Suites. He holds General Manager Certifications from Holiday Inn, Motel 6, and Days Inn, and is a Certified Hotel Owner (CHO) with a Certification for Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA).

Beyond his company responsibilities, Dan is an active industry voice. He serves as an Ambassador with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) — the largest hospitality owners association in the U.S. — and previously served as its Southwest Regional Director. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AZLTA).

Dan lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife, Chetna, their son Suraj, and their daughter Sonya. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and cheering on the Denver Broncos.

Chief Executive Officer · Chief Legal Officer

Suraj Bhakta

15+ years

Suraj is the Chief Legal Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and a member of its senior leadership team, where he contributes to the operational management and strategic planning of the company and its subsidiaries — including Green Card Fund and NewGen Advisory. NewGen Worldwide is a diversified firm engaged in real estate investments, creative capital solutions, and advisory services for the entrepreneurial investor.

Suraj first served as outside counsel for Green Card Fund and NewGen Worldwide from 2008 to 2014 before joining the organization as Chief Legal Officer. In this role, he leads the company’s legal, regulatory, and corporate governance functions, with responsibility spanning real estate, risk management, contractual relations, and investment strategies. He also oversees the business administration of NewGen Advisory, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.

Prior to joining NewGen, Suraj was Managing Partner of Bhakta & Associates, PLLC, a full-service business law firm where he represented a broad range of clients across acquisitions and sales, corporate structuring, contracts, franchise law, development and construction, and equity and debt financing.

A native of Ohio, Suraj graduated from The Ohio State University in 1999 with a B.S. in Business Administration and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 2002. He resides in Peoria, AZ with his wife, Neena, and their two sons, Shiv and Soham.