Asset manager talks about relentlessly challenging costs, managing
the middle of the P&L and what hotel she would build today.
LOS ANGELES – HotelAVE is sticking to its August forecast of
1.2% RevPAR growth for 2026 (including +40 bps from World Cup) and its leader
Michelle Russo suggests remaining extra diligent in managing costs, which will
continue to increase this year and maybe even more than some are suggesting.
There are no silver bullets to drive bottom line, she said,
and business conditions could swing on a dime given the macroeconomic and
geopolitical climates. So, Russo is managing more conservatively and will be
happily surprised by any upside beats on forecasts.
When asked what she would build if she was considering a new
hotel, watch the interview for her sunny answer.