Hotel industry supports California wildfire victims
Associations organize donation drives to provide essential supplies and aid to affected areas
By Ed Brock & Vishnu Rageev RJan 14, 2025
LOS ANGELES AREA hotelier Sunil “Sunny” Tolani cut short a visit to Vatican City in order to come home and support his neighbors affected by the recent wildfires that have swept the city. He even had to miss his scheduled meeting with Pope Francis.
“His cardinals and chief of staff understood and will convey our message and greetings,” said Tolani, who is founder and CEO of charity operation The Prince Organization. “That is the right thing to do and the pope will be proud of it.”
Many other members of the hotel industry are working together to support wildfire recovery in Los Angeles County, where fires destroyed thousands of structures and claimed 24 lives. Hotels are offering discounted or complimentary stays to displaced residents and emergency responders.
As of Jan. 13, the Palisades and Eaton fires have caused 24 confirmed deaths. While the total number of structures burned remains unknown, these fires rank among California's most destructive in recent history.
United for the cause
Industry associations, including AAHOA, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Hotel Association of Los Angeles and the California Hotel & Lodging Association, have intensified efforts to help victims by organizing donation drives and partnerships to provide essential supplies and aid.
AAHOA’s Charitable Foundation recently launched the "Hope & Haven: California Wildfire Recovery Initiative" to support affected communities through room-night donations, fundraising, and community engagement. AHLA and its foundation are sharing resources from members, partners, and government agencies. Those offering additional support are encouraged to submit details via an online form for member updates.
Miraj Patel, AAHOA chairman, noted that member hoteliers across California are sheltering displaced families.
“True hospitality offers safety, care, and hope, highlighting the compassion and leadership of AAHOA members,” he said.
Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation president, expressed sorrow for the devastation on X, emphasizing the industry's role in providing housing, food, and care.
“My heart is heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the wildfires in California,” she wrote. “To everyone impacted by this tragedy—the individuals and families, the businesses, the brave members of the hotel workforce, the incredible staff and young people we proudly support through our LA-based community impact partners, and our hospitality students and schools—I am holding you close.”
“We are devastated by the destruction of the fires raging across the Los Angeles region,” HALA said. “Hotels are taking in thousands of displaced Angelenos and emergency responders. Many hotels are providing discounted rates, necessities left behind during evacuation, and pet accommodations. We’re also donating bedding and personal care items to temporary shelters. We stand ready to continue assisting Angelenos and first responders.”
HALA also said its members have taken in thousands of evacuees from the Palisades and Eaton fires, often at discounted rates, along with nearby residents seeking better air quality. Many hotels are waiving pet fees or adjusting policies to accept pets, the association said.
Tolani said he’s providing housing to three families who were displaced by the fire and donating his time to help others. He believes the city will recover.
“Despite the heartbreak and frustration, Los Angeles will rebuild,” he said. “Together, we will support those who have lost so much, stand by our first responders and emerge stronger. Americans have always risen to the occasion in times of crisis and this time will be no different.”
The California Hotel & Lodging Association emphasized the importance of addressing community needs while avoiding price gouging within the lodging industry as the state and industry cope with the fire's impact.
Under California Penal Code 396, hotel room prices cannot exceed 10 percent of the pre-disaster rate for 30 days following a disaster emergency declaration. Senate Bill 1363 was enacted to limit rate hikes after natural disasters, capping increases at 10 percent for 30 days while allowing seasonal rate adjustments, contracted rates and increases due to higher costs for goods or labor.
“A violation of this law is a misdemeanor,” the association said. “Penal Code Section 396(g) states: A violation of this section shall constitute an unlawful business practice and an act of unfair competition. We hope this proclamation helps mitigate public safety risks stemming from the fire and windstorm.”
Support in times of crisis
Companies such as Marriott International, Choice Hotels International, Hilton Hotels Corp. and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts have offered support to wildfire victims. These hotel chains are actively contributing to rescue efforts.
“This industry has always been about people—about showing up for communities during the hardest of times,” Blue said. “The resilience, generosity, and compassion of the hospitality workforce are unmatched, and we are proud to see how our industry leads with heart in moments of crisis.”
Marriott is supporting the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen in responding to the California wildfires. Marriott Bonvoy members can donate points to these organizations, with Marriott matching up to 50 million points through March.
Choice launched a campaign supporting American Red Cross wildfire relief, matching donations from Choice Privileges members up to $25,000. Additional contributions may come from Choice associates through the company’s corporate charity matching program, Choice Gives.
“By matching donations, we hope to amplify the impact of our members' generosity,” said Megan Brumagim, Choice Hotels’ vice president for upscale brands and chief sustainability officer.
Hilton Hotels is prioritizing the safety of guests and team members while monitoring the situation. Hilton properties remain open, and modification or cancellation penalties may be waived for stays through Jan. 13. "Our thoughts are with all who have been impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles County," a spokesperson said.
Wyndham confirmed that most of its hotels in the area are open, accommodating guests, local residents, and relief crews. Many properties have relaxed cancellation policies for travelers modifying their plans.
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit arm of Airbnb, is working with 211 LA to provide free temporary housing in Los Angeles County. These stays are fully funded by Airbnb.org and generous hosts, many of whom offer their homes for free or at a discount through the platform. Vrbo has announced that it will offer refunds to guests needing to cancel reservations, with no penalties to hosts, The New York Times reported.
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Los Angeles County, making federal assistance available to individuals as well as state, tribal, and local governments. Applications for assistance can be submitted at www.disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA mobile app.
The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million visa holders.
Reviews cover a wide range of visas for law enforcement and overstay violations.
The administration also suspended worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.
THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations. It is expanding a policy of “continuous vetting” that could result in revocation and deportation.
The State Department confirmed all visa holders are subject to ongoing review, which includes checking for overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety or ties to terrorism. Should violations be found, visas may be revoked, and holders in the U.S. could face deportation, according to the Associated Press.
Officials said the reviews will include monitoring of visa holders’ social media accounts, law enforcement records and immigration files. New rules also require applicants to disable privacy settings on phones and apps during interviews. The department noted visa revocations since President Trump’s return to office have more than doubled compared to the previous year, including nearly four times as many student visas.
The administration also announced an immediate halt on issuing worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing road safety and competition concerns for U.S. truckers.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio posted on X.
The Transportation Department linked the move to recent enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements for truckers, aimed at improving safety. The State Department later said it was pausing visa processing while it reviewed screening protocols.
Critics, including Edward Alden of the Council on Foreign Relations, warned the actions could have significant economic consequences.
“The goal here is not to target specific classes of workers, but to send the message to American employers that they are at risk if they are employing foreign workers,” Alden wrote, according to AP.
Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows there are 12.8 million green card holders and 3.6 million temporary visa holders in the United States. The 55 million figure under review includes many outside the U.S. with valid multiple-entry tourist visas.
Earlier this week, the State Department reported revoking more than 6,000 student visas for violations since Trump returned to office, including around 200 to 300 for terrorism-related issues.
The vast majority of foreign visitors require visas to enter the U.S., with exceptions granted to citizens of 40 countries under the Visa Waiver Program, primarily in Europe and Asia. Citizens of China, India, Russia and most of Africa remain subject to visa requirements.
A $250 Visa Integrity Fee in President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill drew criticism from groups that rely on seasonal workers from Latin America and Asia on J-1 and other visas.
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Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.
PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
The 2,520-room Rio, now under the Destinations by Hyatt brand, was renovated in 2024 and comprises two hotel towers connected by a casino, restaurants and retail, Peachtree said in a statement.
“This transaction is a milestone for Peachtree Group and a testament to the ecosystem we have built over the past 18 years,” said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's managing principal and CEO. “Through our vertically integrated platform, deep expertise and disciplined approach, we have developed the infrastructure to be a leader in private credit. Our ability to deliver speed, creativity and certainty of execution positions us to provide capital solutions that create value for our investors and partners across market cycles.”
Atlanta-based Peachtree is led by Friedman; Jatin Desai as managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel as principal.
The CPACE loan retroactively funded the renovations, allowing the owners to pay down their senior loan, the statement said. The property improvement plan included exterior work, upgrades to the central heating and cooling plant, electrical infrastructure improvements and convention center renovations.
Jared Schlosser, Peachtree’s head of originations and CPACE, said the deal marks an inflection point, with major financial institutions consenting to its use for the benefit of the capital stack.
“By closing quickly on a marquee hospitality asset, we were able to strengthen the position of both the owner and its lenders,” he said.
The CPACE market has surpassed $10 billion in U.S. originations in just over a decade, according to the C-PACE Alliance, with growth expected as more institutional owners and lenders adopt it.
“We see significant opportunity for retroactive CPACE and its use in funding new commercial real estate development,” Schlosser said. “It is an alternative to more expensive forms of capital.”
In June, Peachtree named Schlosser head of originations for all real estate and hotel lending and leader of its CPACE program. Peachtree recently launched a $250 million fund to invest in hotel and commercial real estate assets mispriced by capital market illiquidity.
Spark acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey.
Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the transaction with DC Hospitality Group affiliates.
The 2020-built hotel is near William Paterson University and less than 20 miles from Manhattan.
SPARK GHC RECENTLY acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey, from affiliates of DC Hospitality Group. Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the deal for an undisclosed amount.
The 2020-built hotel is less than 20 miles from Manhattan in a commercial corridor with major employers including Driscoll Foods, FedEx Group, Advanced Biotech, St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital, and the Passaic County Administration, Hunter said in a statement. William Paterson University, Willowbrook Mall, and MetLife Stadium are also nearby.
It features an on-site fitness center, business center and indoor pool.
“The Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne represents the type of asset we target,” said Patel. “Its proximity to major corporate demand generators, higher education institutions, and retail and entertainment venues supports strong performance.”
Hunter’s senior vice presidents, David Perrin and Spencer Davidson, brokered the transaction.
Patel said this is their second transaction with Hunter and praised the process and partnership.
“We look forward to building on the hotel’s recent performance and continuing to deliver guest experiences in the Greater New York City community,” he said.
Northstar Hotels Management recently acquired a 78-key Residence Inn and an 81-key Courtyard near the Jacksonville, Florida, airport.
Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.
THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.
The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects and 737,036 rooms, 40 percent of the global total. Dallas leads cities with 199 projects and 24,497 rooms, the highest on record.
LE’s Q2 2025 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report showed 6,257 projects with 1,086,245 rooms under construction worldwide, unchanged in project count and down 3 percent in rooms from last year. Projects scheduled to start in the next 12 months totaled 3,870 with 551,188 rooms, down 3 percent in projects but up 1 percent in rooms. Early planning reached 5,744 projects and 798,792 rooms, up 10 percent in projects and 9 percent in rooms year-over-year.
Upper midscale and upscale hotels accounted for 52 percent of the global pipeline, LE said. Upper midscale stood at 4,463 projects and 567,396 rooms, while upscale reached 3,852 projects and 655,674 rooms. Upper upscale totaled 1,807 projects and 385,396 rooms, and luxury totaled 1,267 projects and 245,665 rooms, up 11 percent year-over-year.
In the first half of 2025, 970 hotels with 138,168 rooms opened worldwide. Another 1,884 hotels with 280,079 rooms are scheduled to open before year-end, for a 2025 total of 2,854 hotels and 418,247 rooms. LE projects 2,531 hotels with 382,942 rooms to open in 2026 and 2,554 hotels with 382,282 rooms to open globally in 2027, the first time a forecast has been issued for that year.
HAMA is accepting submissions for its 20th annual student case competition.
The cases reflect a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
Teams must submit a financial analysis, solution and executive summary.
THE HOSPITALITY ASSET Managers Association is accepting submissions for the 20th Annual HAMA Student Case Competition, in which more than 60 students analyze a management company change scenario and provide recommendations. HAMA, HotStats and Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting are providing the case, based on a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
Student teams must prepare a financial analysis, a recommended solution and an executive summary for board review, HAMA said in a statement.
“Each year, the education committee looks forward to the solutions that the next generation of hotel asset managers bring, applying their own experiences to issues in ways that reveal new directions,” said Adam Tegge, HAMA Education Committee chair. “This competition demonstrates that the future of hotel asset management is in good hands.”
The two winning teams will each receive a $5,000 prize and an invitation to the spring 2026 HAMA conference in Washington, D.C. HAMA will cover travel and lodging.
Twenty industry executives on the HAMA education committee will evaluate submissions based on presentation quality, the statement said. HAMA mentors volunteer from September through November to assist teams seeking feedback and additional information. Schools will select finalists by Jan. 15, with graduate and undergraduate teams reviewed separately.
The competition has addressed topics in operating and owning hospitality assets and HAMA consulted university professors to update the format for situations students may encounter after graduation, the statement said.
This year’s participants include University of Denver, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Boston University, Florida International University, Michigan State University, Columbia University, Morgan State University, Howard University, New York University and Penn State University.