According to Lodging Econometrics' recent Sales & Pricing
Trends Report, only 411 fee simple sales took place in 2009 that were
reported in the public domain. That is a 75-percent decline from the
peak volume year in 2007. 
At
$58,296, 2009's average selling price per room was also at a cyclical
low. Transaction activity in Q1 2010 continues to show year-over-year
volume declines.
There is ample evidence that distressed real
estate loans will soon begin to be resolved at a faster pace. Toward
the end of 2010 and into early 2011, there should be increased activity
in loan sales, foreclosures, individual transactions and an uptick in
M&A activity.
With many assets coming to market at
discounted prices, there should soon be a wealth of opportunity for
investors who can access debt and/or equity.
Also, valuations
are at cyclical lows. Historically, these are the very conditions that
preface a surge in transaction activity. It should be a period of great
opportunity for those investors preparing to expand their portfolios.
