RLJ Lodging Trust stock gains as 2026 outlook rises

Published on 11/10/2026 at 03:02 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

RLJ Lodging Trust stock is in focus after stronger third-quarter hotel demand lifted earnings and the full-year outlook. Business travel led the gains.

RLJ raises its 2026 outlook

Third-quarter comparable RevPAR rose 9.7 percent, while hotel EBITDA increased 17.5 percent.
Business transient revenue climbed 15 percent as urban demand and higher room rates supported growth.
RLJ expects comparable RevPAR growth of 5.75 percent to 6.25 percent for 2026.

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RLJ Lodging Trust raised its 2026 outlook after stronger urban demand and higher room rates lifted third-quarter operating results, according to a MarketBeat report published by Yahoo Finance. Comparable revenue per available room rose 9.7 percent year over year to 153 US dollars, while hotel EBITDA increased 17.5 percent to 93.9 million US dollars.

Business travel drives hotel demand

Business transient revenue climbed 15 percent in the third quarter, following 10 percent growth in each of the previous two quarters. The increase reflected a 13 percent rise in average daily rate and a 2 percent gain in demand. Leisure and group revenue each increased 10 percent.

Across the comparable portfolio, average daily rate rose 6.4 percent to 203 US dollars and occupancy increased 230 basis points to 75.4 percent. RLJ said its RevPAR growth exceeded the broader industry by 260 basis points, while hotel EBITDA margin expanded by 190 basis points to 26.5 percent.

Higher guidance follows strong quarter

RLJ now expects comparable RevPAR growth of 5.75 percent to 6.25 percent in 2026, representing a 200-basis-point increase at the midpoint of the previous outlook. Comparable hotel EBITDA is expected to reach 377 million to 383 million US dollars, while corporate adjusted EBITDA is forecast at 352 million to 358 million US dollars.

Adjusted funds from operations increased 25.9 percent to 0.34 US dollars per diluted share in the third quarter. The company also sold seven hotels near Chicago Midway Airport for 110 million US dollars in October, a transaction management said would support capital allocation toward conversions, acquisitions, share repurchases or debt reduction.

Urban hotel portfolio shapes strategy

RLJ Lodging Trust is a self-advised real estate investment trust based in the United States. It owns premium-branded focused-service and compact full-service hotels, mainly in urban and densely populated business and leisure markets, with properties operating under brands affiliated with Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt.

The trust is more specialized in urban hotel ownership and conversions than the broad lodging brands attached to its properties. Its strategy focuses on selected metropolitan markets, renovations and a steady conversion program, giving RLJ a focused position within the hotel REIT segment.