HVS International, in cooperation with New York University's Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management, is pleased to present the ninth annual Manhattan Hotel Market Overview.

In 2005, the Manhattan lodging market continued growing strongly, with a RevPAR increase of roundly 18.0% compared to 2004. The market recorded double-digit growth in RevPAR each month of the year, ranging from a high of roundly 28.0% in September to a low of roundly 14.0% in January. Overall occupancy of 85.0% and average rate of $232.31 exceeded the historical peak achieved in 2000 (83.7% at $222.53); these 2005 performance figures are also higher than in any other year for which STR data for Manhattan is available. Continued RevPAR growth is expected in 2006, primarily fueled by a strong growth in average rate. Due to limited new supply and increased compression resulting from near-maximum-capacity occupancy levels, overall RevPAR is expected to experience continued growth for the next few years.

Based on an overall improved economic climate, strong barriers to entry, limited new supply, and increased compression, we forecast the Manhattan lodging market to achieve a robust ±12.0% RevPAR growth in 2006.

HVS International

HVS International is a global consulting and services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, timeshare, gaming, and leisure industries. Its clients rely on the firm's specialized industry knowledge and expertise for advice and services geared to enhance economic returns and asset value. Through a network of 24 offices staffed by more than 200 seasoned industry professionals, HVS offers a wide scope of services that track the development/ownership process.

Starting with the market feasibility and appraisal study, a project is conceived and justified. Financing through the HVS investment banking team is then arranged, interiors designed, and management hired. The latest technology solutions are implemented, marketing strategies developed, and organizational assessments made. When a client requires actual, on-site hotel or restaurant management, HVS offers these services as well. Lastly, HVS asset management provides constant operational oversight that ensures the maximization of economic returns and asset value. No other organization offers such a broad range of complementary services. HVS also has specialists in parking operations, golf courses, and convention centers.

Since 1980, HVS International has performed more than 15,000 assignments throughout the world for virtually every major industry participant. Its principals literally "wrote the book" on hospitality consulting, authoring numerous authoritative texts and hundreds of articles. HVS is client driven, entrepreneurial, and dedicated to providing the best advice and services in a timely and cost efficient manner.

The Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management at New York University is a dynamic and growing educational and research center located in the heart of Manhattan. The Tisch Center offers an extensive complement of hospitality and tourism academic programs of study, including two bachelor's degree programs and three master's degree programs. In concert with its location in the financial and hotel capital of the world, coursework is focused on the areas of hospitality investments, hotel operations, revenue management, and customer relationship management relative to the international hospitality and tourism industry. As entrepreneurial educators, administrators and faculty are experienced in the profession and bring the reality of the industry into the classroom. The Tisch Center’s motto encapsulates its uniqueness - The City is our laboratory, the industry is our faculty, and our students are the future of the profession.

New York University Annual International Hospitality Investment Conference

For 24 years, HVS International has played an integral role in New York University's Annual International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. Once again, our team of professionals looks forward to welcoming you to this prestigious event, which is scheduled for Sunday – Tuesday, June 4 - 6, 2006, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Acknowledgements

Randy Smith of Smith Travel Research has provided the Survey's comprehensive hotel statistics of Manhattan. Smith Travel Research continues to be the leading source of hospitality industry operating statistics. We would also like to thank Joseph E. Spinnato and Rick Amatto of the Hotel Association of New York City, as well as Kathie Stapleton, Thomas J. Travers, and Donna Quadri-Felitti of HSMAI Big Apple Chapter for their assistance. Additionally, in cooperation with New York University, the data-gathering process was largely a contribution of six graduate students, Suzyette Coleto, Shani Duplessy, Taneika Grant, Ana Mota, Wendy Saudjana, and Passang Tsering, through the coordination of Dr. Mark M. Warner, Director of Graduate Programs. HVS International is pleased to have been a part of this enriching educational process.

HVS International would also like to thank its own Roland de Milleret, Senior Vice President; Gisle Sarheim, Senior Associate; and Gabi Baumann, Consulting and Valuation Analyst, for their invaluable contribution and dedication to this project.