WASHINGTON, D.C. Hersha Hospitality Trust has purchased the 228-key Hampton Inn, Washington, D.C., for approximately US$73 million, or US$320,000 per key, excluding closing costs. The institutional-grade hotel was constructed in 2005 and is the only Hampton Inn located in the U.S. capital.
The Hampton Inn is centrally located on Massachusetts Avenue between Union Station and the White House, adjacent to the Washington, D.C. Convention Center complex and within walking distance of the National Mall. With the acquisition of this hotel, Hersha will own seven hotels in the Washington area.
“Adding this urban hotel, located in one of the top global real estate markets, is another positive step in the execution of our long-term strategy of increasing our presence in only the highest growth markets in the nation,” says CEO Jay Shah. “Across the last 10 years, Washington, D.C.’s RevPAR growth has been more than twice the national average, and there is virtually no new hotel supply expected in the next three years in the downtown area. The acquisition is accretive and we are excited to be adding it to our portfolio early in this recovery cycle. We expect that we will benefit from the continued strength of the market and the opportunity to drive rates and expense improvements as we work to further increase the hotel’s operating margins and performance over time.”
The purchase price represents a forward capitalization rate of approximately 8.3% on the hotel’s projected 2011 net operating income, and an unlevered IRR of approximately 11.7%. Hersha funded the purchase with cash and a draw on its revolving credit facility.