Our hospitality experts guide investors, developers and lenders through the complexities of hotel development and investment. CW Forton’s areas of expertise stretch from seasonal leisure to business hotels, from the capital city to ski resorts and the Black Sea Coast. We help hotel investors and developers underwrite projects with valuation and feasibility studies, highest and best use analysis and operator selection.

Market and Feasibility Studies for Hotels

We understand the key drivers of hotel development. We have established procedures to estimate the size of the potential market, understand main competitors and analyze prospective positioning of new or converted properties. Our feasibility studies serve as the foundation for development strategies of hotels or resorts at every step of the project – from conceptualization to budgeting, construction, operations and exit.

Hotel Valuations

We provide valuation services to the hospitality sector at the request of owners, developers or lenders. In compliance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards, our work is subject to regulatory oversight and accepted across various jurisdictions. We are capable of developing independent operating projections, based on market knowledge and data and evaluation of the property in question. Our valuation methodology applies principles which are used by professional hospitality investors across the globe, and are trusted by owners, lenders or regulators.

Commercial Due Diligence

We dissect hotel real estate, operations and market in order to identify inefficiencies and improve the performance of the assets. The commercial due diligence reviews are normally required for the purposes of strategic reviews or acquisitions. They cover areas such as market positioning, travel activity, competition and operations and are used by current and potential owners to make decisions on the scope of required investment or restructuring of the business in order to increase the asset’s values.

Operator Selection

The choice of a brand and operator is a key step in hotel development. Our operator selection service is designed to achieve the best outcomes for hotel owners. It leverages our knowledge of the hospitality industry to identify the most suitable brand / operator for the particular location and project. We organize competitive processes with global hotel companies and make sure the costs of the operator and brand are well aligned with their value. We negotiate on behalf of our clients to achieve a balance of risks and responsibilities between the parties involved. Our approach includes a holistic view on a transaction, taking into account required capital investment, operating projections, the market and financial liabilities.