Jonathan Stanner, president and CEO of Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. (NYSE: INN), sat down for a video interview at Nareit’s REITweek: 2026 Investor Conference in New York, June 1-4.
Stanner said the REIT’s 2026 results have exceeded its initially modest expectations, with fundamentals improving notably in March and April. Demand has been broad-based, with particular strength in midweek travel and urban markets—areas that align well with Summit’s portfolio.
Stanner added that the company remains bullish on the FIFA World Cup’s ability to drive incremental demand across several of its markets, while also seeing strong summer pace in non-FIFA markets.
Summit has also continued to refine its portfolio, selling 12 to 13 assets and raising more than $250 million, while avoiding about $50 million in future capital expenditures. Near-term capital allocation is expected to focus on additional asset sales and debt reduction.
Looking ahead, Stanner said limited lodging supply growth, stronger demand, and Summit’s urban and suburban exposure should support improved profitability. “We’re really optimistic that that’s going to continue to play out,” he said, adding that Summit’s positioning “creates a little bit of differentiation in our portfolio specifically that hopefully will ultimately translate into a relatively better growth profile going forward.”