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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2023-0027_20230323_Revised Impact Analysis Report_dated 07-2023
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PKF hotelexperts
Newport Beach Municipal Code
Section 21.48.025 Feasibility and
Impact Analysis for
6302 W. Coast Highway
Hotel Development
in Newport Beach, California
July 2023
PKF hotelexperts GmbH I Schubertring 3 l 1010 Vienna l Austria www.pkfhotels.com
T: +43 (1) 5120707 E: vienna@pkfhotels.com
managing directors Michael Widmann Christian Walter l commercial register FN 245617 b
PKF hotelexperts GmbH is a member firm of the PKF International Limited family of legally independent firms and does not accept any
responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions of any individual member or correspondent firm or firms.
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executive summary
▪ In this report, we present our findings of the two requested analyses, as follows:
The feasibility of the hotel development at 6302 W. Coast Highway (“Project”) to
include lower-cost visitor accommodations; and
The impact of the Project on the existing lower-cost visitor accommodations in
the City of Newport Beach (“City”).
▪ The following analyses conclude that it is not feasible to provide lower-cost visitor
accommodations as part of the Project, and the Project would not impact the
availability of lower- cost visitor accommodations in the City.
▪ The Project is currently contemplated to be a three to four-star 12-key boutique
hotel in Newport Beach, California within a small community on the Pacific Coast
Highway and a minute walk from the beach.
▪ Newport Beach is located in Southern California and is known for its tourism and
hospitality, which attracts million of visitors each year, as well as for it finance,
investment, retail and healthcare industry sectors. Its proximity to the beach
makes it a wonderful place to visit if you are an avid beachgoer and enjoy outdoor
activities.
▪ The Project site is located near the Balboa Peninsula, driving distance to the
downtown ares of Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa. There is
good visibility from the streets, and it is easily accessible by car and bike. The
direct surroundings are characterized by the beach across the Pacific Coast
Highway, and smaller buildings occupied by older cafes and residential projects,
such as Sonder next door.
▪ The subject property suffered damage from a fire and ceased operating as a hotel.
The Project would establish a new hotel at the property. The area has a number
of buildings in disrepair, and the renovation of this property will add notable
improvements to the PCH and the general area building supply.
▪ The property has 12 rooms and is approved for 12 rooms, albeit in an upgraded
configuration from the existing footprint and layout. The owner plans to create 8
standard rooms and 4 suites, all with semi-private outdoor seating areas and
access to a central courtyard with firepit and many beach-friendly amenities, such
as lockers with beach chairs and umbrellas, and high-end dedicated beach bikes.
▪ In the period from 2018 to 2023, the number of hotel rooms in Newport Beach
increased due to the growing demand as a popular tourist destination, and there
has been growing demand for accommodations in the area.
▪ Currently, a large number of branded hotels are present in the market. Given the
fact that there is a limited number of hotel projects specifically in the boutique
hotel space currently being planned and developed in the Newport Beach market
(in particular in the midscale and upscale segments); only a slight growth of
supply can be expected in the upcoming years
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▪ As a result of our site and market analyses, we consider the project site to be well
suited for a hotel of the upscale boutique market targeting leisure travelers. The
project can garner an ADR upwards of $300.
▪ The property will be designed by a renowned local designer who specializes in
beachy designs, and who designed Kelly Slater’s surf wave property.
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table of contents
chapter heading page
1 Introduction 6-10
2 Location 12-16
3 Market 17-23
4 Concluding Remarks 24
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charts/illustrations
# title page
Chart 1 typical brands per segment 10
Chart 2 location of Orange County within Southern California 11
Chart 3 location of Newport Beach within Orange County 12
Chart 4 capacity of relevant hotels 17
Chart 5 published rates of geographic hotels 22
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Introduction
Feasibility Analysis
Newport Beach Municipal Code (“NBMC”) Section 21.48.025(C)(2) requires “an
analysis of the feasibility of providing lower-cost visitor accommodations…for any
application involving the…redevelopment…of…visitor accommodations.” This
analysis is required regardless of whether the accommodations to be converted
are “lower-cost.” The Project proposes to redevelop a vacant and abandoned
property with 12 high-cost visitor accommodations. Thus, the NBMC requires the
preparation of this feasibility analysis to determine if the Project could provide
lower-cost visitor accommodations on the Project site.
As explained below, it is not feasible to include lower-cost visitor accommodations
on the Project site. This infeasibility is due to the site’s high land value, the
Project’s high development costs, and the small site size.
Project
The Project proposes to reonovate and redevelop a vacant and abandoned
boutique hotel/motel in Newport Beach, California. The Project site is to be
located walking distance from the beach and detailed architectural plans have
been produced and are under review with the city.
The following uses are planned for the project:
▪ lodging facilities with 12 keys
▪ café and coffee bar
▪ courtyard for small events with bocce ball and fire pit
▪ other facilities (amongst others parking, staff area, guest storage and BOH and
▪ We conducted the assignment from February 2023 to March 2023. The study is
based on the site and market conditions at the time of the site and market
research as well as the relevant supply and demand at that time.
The audit of the legal terms, in particular the ownership, building, corporate and
fiscal terms, is not subject of this assignment. We have prepared the feasibility
study on the basis of the General Terms and Conditions of Doing Business. When
preparing the study, we have acted in our position as a neutral expert to the best
of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the actual occurrence of any
forecasted results.
The study was exclusively prepared for the client’s use. If it is forwarded to any
third party, the above-mentioned General Terms and Conditions of Doing Business
shall also apply vis-à-vis this third party. The report (or parts of it) may only be
published after the consultant’s prior written approval.
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New York, 19 July 2023
PKF hotelexperts LLC
Channing Henry,
Managing Director
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Methodology
General
The quality and significance of studies relies to a great extent on detailed re-
search. In order to provide an insight into the applied methodology, we have listed
selected aspects of our work:
The following people have worked on the assignment:
▪ project controller: Channing Henry (Managing Director), Bruce Baltin (Director)
▪ project manager: Ryan Swanson (Consultant)
In case of questions regarding the content and structure of this feasibility report,
the project controller and the project manager are at your disposal. You can reach
them under:
PKF hotelexperts
245 Park Avenue
New York, NY
10167
telephone +1 917-270-3140
e-mail channing.henry@pkfhospitality.com
internet www.pkfhospitality.com
The individual steps of the assignment were done in the following order:
▪ date when assignment was given: February 2023
▪ preparation of site and market analysis: February 2023 – March 2023
▪ collection/analysis of data and writing of the report: February 2023
▪ delivery of draft report: March 2023
▪ delivery of final report: July 2023
Analyses
In the course of the collection of information, the project team interviewed – either
personally or by telephone – several experts. A list of those people as well as of
collected documents and other information can be obtained from
PKF hotelexperts.
The information was collected by using – amongst others – the following means:
▪ visit to Newport Beach, California
▪ market research in Newport Beach, California
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▪ personal interviews and interviews by telephone with representatives from the City
of Newport Beach, California
▪ analyses of data and statistics provided by various statistical offices
▪ analysis of various publications
▪ internet research
▪ use of various databases (including databases by PKF hotelexperts)
The collected information and data was analysed in the following way:
▪ analysis and evaluation of the collected market data and results of the interviews
▪ derivation and assessment of the development of the relevant hotel market
▪ assessment of the hotel site for various guest segments based on the current and
probable future site and market situation
▪ remarks on the optimal positioning of the hotel
▪ derivation of the estimated achievable occupancy based on data of relevant com-
petitors respectively hotels of regional importance taking into consideration the
most probable market development in particular with regards to the development
of the estimated market shares
▪ derivation of the estimated achievable average net room rate per hotel based on
data of relevant competitors – respectively hotels of regional importance – and
taking into consideration figures based on our international experience
Ratios
The following ratios are used throughout the reports:
occupancy
occupied rooms divided by the number of available rooms per period
multiple occupancy factor
number of guests divided by the number of occupied rooms per period
published room rate (= rack rate)
published room rate including VAT and – if applicable – breakfast
net room rate
rooms revenue (after deduction of breakfast, VAT and allowances/discounts) di-
vided by the number of occupied rooms in each period
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=x revenue per available room/revpar (= rooms yield)
occupancy multiplied by the average net room rate respectively rooms revenue
(excluding VAT, breakfast and allowances/discounts) divided by the number of
available rooms per period
Impact Analysis
NBMC Section 21.48.025(C)(3)(a) provides that “an analysis of a development’s
impact on the availability of lower-cost visitor accommodations in the City shall
be required for any application involving…the…redevelopment…of…visitor
accommodations….” The Project proposes to reonovate and redevelop a vacant
and abandoned boutique hotel/motel in Newport Beach, California. Thus, the
NBMC requires the preparation of this impact analysis, at the Client’s expense,
to determine if the Project impacts the availability of lower-cost visitor
accommodations in the City.
As explained below, this Project does not impact the City’s existing lower-cost
visitor accommodations. The number of lower-cost visitor accommodations in
the City will remain the same, and both the supply and demand for them will be
unchanged by this Project.
Classification
The classification of hotels in this study is based on the internal hotel classifica-
tion of PKF hotelexperts, which is orientated towards the strict international pa-
rameters for the classification of hotels (maximum of five stars):
outstanding standard; extraordinarily good service, extraordinarily large (mini-
mum of 34 sq m) and luxuriously equipped rooms; excellent food & beverage
facilities; extensive and outstanding sports, leisure and spa facilities (for resort
hotels) or high-quality fitness & spa facilities (for city hotels)
very high standard; very good service; large (minimum of 28 sq m) and very com-
fortably equipped rooms; very good food & beverage facilities; sports, leisure and
spa facilities, which are adequate to the type and the site of the hotel
high standard; good service; spacious (minimum of 22 sq m) and comfortably
equipped rooms; good food & beverage facilities; sports, leisure and spa facili-
ties, which are adequate to the type and the site of the hotel
simple standard; limited service; relatively small (minimum of 16 sq m) and basic
rooms; no or only simple food & beverage facilities; no or only simple sports,
leisure and spa facilities
very simple standard; no or very limited service; very small and very simply
equipped rooms; no food & beverage facilities; no sports, leisure and spa facilities
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Typical brands of the various market segments and their respective positioning
as seen by PKF hotelexperts are illustrated in the following chart:
Chart 1 typical brands per segment
Days Inn aloft Radisson Blu
Ibis Budget Ibis Indigo Marriott
Holiday Inn Expr.Hilton Four Seasons
Sleep Inn Ramada Encore Sofitel
Super 8 Best Western Crowne Plaza Ritz-Carlton
Courtyard by M.Canopy by H.Park Hyatt
Easyhotel Hilton Garden Inn Wyndham
Première Classe Hampton by H.Novotel Grand Hyatt
Campanile Mercure InterContinental
Star Inn Holiday Inn Hyatt Regency
B&B Hyatt Place Hyatt
Park Inn by Radisson Sheraton
Motel One Andaz
Premier Inn Ramada Conrad
Moxy DoubleTree by H.Waldorf Astoria
Clarion Renaissance JW Marriott St. Regis
notes 1)stars according to classification by PKF ©PKF hotelexperts; status: 1 January 2017
2)per segment (dark grey:core positioning; light grey: range of existing properties)
3)size of standard room in sq m
-++-
34 42 50
+-
32
-+
-+seg.2)
stars1)
size3)10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Please note that national or regional classification systems – as well as the hotel
groups themselves – often are more generous in attributing stars to hotels.
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Location
County
General
Orange County is in Southern California, United States. It is situated along the
coast of the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Orange County covers an area of approximately 948 square miles (2,455 square
kilometers). It is bordered by Los Angeles County to the north, San Bernardino
County to the northeast, Riverside County to the east, and San Diego to the south.
As of the 2020 United states Census, the population of Orange County was
estimated to be around 3.2 million people, making it the sixth most populous
county in California and the third most populous county in the Greater Los
Angeles Area.
Land Value
Land in Newport Beach is extremely valuable, and land near the ocean in West
Newport is known to have some of the most expensive real estate in the entire
City. Land in West Newport can typically trade for tens of millions of dollars per
acre. This high land value acquisition cost renders the property financially
impractical and unsuitable for lower-cost visitor accommodations. Additionally,
given the small size of the project, there is no physical area to construct lower-
cost visitor accommodations at the Project site.
High Development Costs
The estimated construction costs for the Project are nearly $1,000 per square
foot. Inclusion of lowercost visitor accommodations would reduce the the overall
leveraged internal rate of return (“IRR”) to a level that would dissuade investors
from investing in the Project, and would ultimately have the effect of preventing
the Project from being developed.
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Chart 2 location of Orange County in Southern California
Economy
The economy of Orange County, California is one of the largest and most diverse
in the United States. The county is home to a wide range of industries, including
technology healthcare, tourism, aerospace and defense, financial services,
manufacturing and retail. In terms of GDP, Orange County is one of the top ten
counties in the United States. The county’s economy is estimated to have a gross
metropolitan product of over $300 billion in 2020, according to the Bureau of
Economic Analysis. Orange County’s technology industry is particularly strong,
with companies such as Broadcom, Western Digital, and Blizzard Entertainment
operating in the region. The healthcare industry is also a significant contributor
to the economy, with major hospitals and medical centers in the county. These
key industries contributed $56.2 billion to the county’s GMP (Gross Metropolitan
Product) in 2020. The top employer includes the County of Orange, Disneyland
Resort, UC Irvine and Boeing. As of December 2021, the unemployment rate in
Orange County was 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.9%. Median
household income in Orange County was $93,36 in 2019. The cost of living is
much higher than the national average. The county’s economy has been growing
steadily over the past few years, with an increase of 2.2% in GMP between 2019
and 2020, obviously stunted by COVID-19, the economy is rebounding.
Location and expanse
Newport Beach is a coastal city in Orange County, Southern California, United
States. It is situated on the Pacific Coast, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south
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of the city of Huntington Beach and 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of the city of
Laguna Beach. Newport Beach is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and
by several other cities in Orange County to the north, east and south. According
to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of Newport Beach,
California, as of 2020, is approximately 85,236 people. Newport Beach is a
relatively small city compared to other cities in Orange County, however it is
known for its beautiful beaches, affluent neighborhoods, and a vibrant harbor
area. The following map shows the location of Newport Beach within Orange
County:
Chart 3 location of Newport Beach within Orange County
Economy and demographics
The economy of Newport Beach is distinguished by its location in Orange County,
along with its proximity to other key institutions and areas. Newport Beach is
within driving distance to University of California, Irvine, California State
University, Fullerton and Orange Coast College, benefitting from an educated
workforce. According to the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-
year estimates from 2015-2019, approximately 72.9% of the population aged 25
years and older in Newport Beach, California has a bachelor's degree or higher.
This is significantly higher than the national average of 33.1%. Furthermore,
31.8% of Newport Beach residents aged 25 years and older have a graduate or
professional degree. These statistics suggest that Newport Beach has a highly
educated population. As per the US Census Bureau's American Community
Survey 5-year estimates from 2015-2019, the total civilian labor force in Newport
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Beach, California, was approximately 45,935 people. This includes individuals
who are employed or actively seeking employment and are aged 16 years and
older. The labor force participation rate for Newport Beach was estimated to be
around 68.3%, which is higher than the national average of 62.7%.
Newport Beach, California is home to several companies across a variety of
industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. Some of the largest and
most well-known companies in Newport Beach include Pacific Life Insurance
Company: This is a large insurance and investment management company that
has its headquarters in Newport Beach. PIMCO: This is a global investment
management firm that was founded in Newport Beach in 1971. Hoag Memorial
Hospital Presbyterian: This is a non-profit hospital system that is based in
Newport Beach and serves the Orange County area. Clean Energy Fuels: This is a
company that provides natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicles and has its
headquarters in Newport Beach. Acacia Research Corporation: This is a patent
licensing and enforcement company that is based in Newport Beach. Lastly, Jazz
Semiconductor: This is a company that designs and manufactures semiconductor
products for a variety of applications and has its headquarters in Newport Beach.
The top five industries in Newport Beach, California, by the number of people
employed, were: professional, scientific, and technical services, health care and
social assistance, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and finance and
insurance.
The median household income in Newport Beach according to the US Census
Bureaus’ American Community Survey 5-year estimates from 2015-2019, the
median household income in Newport Beach, California, was approximately
$126,728. This is significantly higher than the national median household income
of $65,712. It is worth noting that median household income can vary based on
a variety of factors, including the size and composition of the household, the age
and education level of the household members, and the local economy. Newport
Beach is known to have a relatively high cost of living due to its affluent population
and high-end amenities. Housing costs tend to be very high in Newport Beach,
with many homes and properties being priced well above the national average.
Other expenses such as dining out, entertainment, and shopping may also be
relatively expensive in Newport Beach due to its reputation as a luxury
destination. Approximately 69.2% of households in Newport Beach, California is
occupied by their owners. This suggests that most residents in Newport Beach
own the property they live in.
Culture and tourism
Newport Beach, California is known for its vibrant culture and thriving tourism
industry. Newport Beach is home to some of Southern California's most beautiful
beaches, including Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach Pier, Corona del Mar State
Beach, and Crystal Cove State Park. These beaches attract millions of tourists
each year, making them a key part of Newport Beach's tourism industry. Newport
Beach also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several galleries, museums,
and theaters in the area. Some of the most popular cultural attractions in Newport
Beach include the Newport Theatre Arts Center, the Newport Harbor Art Museum,
and the Newport Beach Film Festival. In addition to its beaches, Newport Beach
offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking,
kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Back Bay Nature Preserve and Newport Bay
Conservancy are popular spots for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Furthermore, Newport Beach is known for its high-end shopping and dining
options, with several luxury retail centers and fine dining establishments in the
area. Known for its beautiful outdoor setting, which includes fountains, gardens,
and a koi pond. Some of the most popular stores at Fashion Island include
Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Chanel. South Coast Plaza is a
large, upscale shopping center located in nearby Costa Mesa. It features over 250
stores, including many high-end designer boutiques, as well as a range of
restaurants and entertainment options. South Coast Plaza is known for its
extensive collection of art and sculptures, including works by artists such as
Henry Moore and Joan Miró. Some of the most popular stores at South Coast
Plaza include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada.
Lastly, Newport Beach hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year,
including the Newport Beach Film Festival, the Newport Beach Boat Show, and
the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. These events draw visitors from all over the
world and contribute to the city's vibrant culture and tourism industry.
Traffic
a) air traffic
Newport Beach Airport, also known as John Wayne Airport (SNA), is a commercial
airport located in Orange County, California, serving the cities of Newport Beach,
Costa Mesa, and Santa Ana. John Wayne Airport is served by several major airlines,
including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest
Airlines. The airport has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, which are
connected by a pedestrian bridge. Facilities at John Wayne Airport include several
restaurants, shops, and lounges, as well as car rental services and parking options.
The airport is located approximately 10 miles from Disneyland and the Anaheim
Convention Center and is a popular gateway for visitors to Southern California. In
2019, the airport served over 10 million passengers. The airport offers both
domestic and international flights and is a popular gateway for visitors to Southern
California. According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), John
Wayne Airport (SNA) had a total of 117,031 aircraft operations (takeoffs and
landings) in 2019. Of those, 107,704 were commercial operations and 9,327 were
general aviation operations.
b) other transportation
The most common mode of transportation in Newport Beach is by car. Visitors can
rent a car at the John Wayne Airport or from several rental agencies throughout
the city. The city has many public parking options, including metered street
parking and public parking lots. Orange County also has public transportation
options, including the Transportation Authority (OCTA), which provides bus
services throughout Newport Beach and the surrounding areas. Bus routes include
local, express, and commuter services, and most routes run seven days a week.
Bus fares vary depending on the route and distance traveled. The Newport Beach
Free Trolley is a free shuttle service that operates from May through September.
The trolley runs a fixed route and stops at several popular attractions, including
Balboa Pier, the Fun Zone, and the Newport Beach Civic Center. The Metrolink
commuter rail service provides transportation to Newport Beach from other parts
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of Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego. The Newport Beach
station is located on Industrial Way and serves the Orange County Line.
Project site
Location and expansion
The hotel site is located in Newport Beach, California, on the western portion of
Balboa’s beachfront. The Pacific Coast Highway runs right in front of the property,
with easy access to the beach. The area attracts many surfers, bikers and
beachgoers. The existing site area is a motel, which was sold by its original
owners after a fire destroyed four of the rooms.
The site is 8,813 sq ft with 4,406 sq ft of allowable floor area per code. The
proposed development includes an extension of the first floor, which will include
four hotel rooms, a café, lobby and storage space. The existing remaing floor area
is comprised of 2,702 sq ft. The owner intends to perform a full renovation of the
existing rooms within the hotel and build the new two-story structure fronting
PCH. In total, there will be 12 guest rooms, 4 of which will be larger suites. Each
room will have access to complimentary beach bikes, umbrellas and beach chairs
in order for those to enjoy the beach in comfort, and the freedom to bike to
neighboring attractions such as the Newport Pier, areas along the Balboa
Peninsula and downtown Newport Beach. Each room has a full wet bar and mini-
fridge, and one large suite, room 9, has a full kitchen as it was the prior owners’
home. This is the only kitchen on the property. All rooms have semi-private
outdoor seating areas.
The café will be another addition to the bottom floor of the new two-story
structure. The café will provide a wide range of coffee drinks, as well as a selection
of pastries in the morning for guests to enjoy to start their day.The space within
the café will also serve as a “lobby” for guests to check-in, however the hotel will
mainly serve as a self-service property. The lobby/coffee bar will be 392 sq ft.,
which is part of the 664 sq ft that will comprise less than half of the new 1st floor
development. The coffee bar will be open to the general public as well. On the
east side of the property, 8 new parking lots will be made available to guests, free
of charge. These spots will roughly be around 100 sq ft each.
Demand generators
Newport Beach, California has several key demand generators that contribute to
its vibrant economy and tourism industry. Newport Beach is known for its
beautiful beaches, which are a major draw for tourists and locals alike. The
beaches offer a range of activities, including swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and
beach volleyball. In addition to its beaches, Newport Beach has a thriving tourism
industry, which is supported by a range of attractions, including museums,
theaters, parks, and shopping centers. Popular tourist destinations in the area
include Balboa Island, the Newport Beach Pier, and the Fashion Island shopping
center.
Newport Beach is home to a range of businesses and industries, including
finance, healthcare, and technology. The city's high-income population and
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proximity to major business centers in Los Angeles and Orange County make it
an attractive location for businesses. The city is also home to several prestigious
universities and colleges, including the University of California, Irvine and
Chapman University. These institutions contribute to the local economy by
providing jobs and attracting students and faculty to the area.
Lastly, Newport Beach offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including
hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The city's parks and nature
preserves, such as the Back Bay Nature Preserve and Crystal Cove State Park,
are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. These demand generators,
along with the city's high quality of life, contribute to Newport Beach's strong
economy and make it an attractive destination for both businesses and visitors.
Legal aspects
Legal aspects, especially the analysis of property rights, building laws, and fiscal
laws, were not subject of this study.
Public utilities and services
According to information provided to us, the site is connected to all necessary
supply and disposal lines, or has the potential to be.
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Market
To draw conclusions regarding the positioning and financial viability of the client’s
proposed hotel, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the local hotel market
with a focus on the current and likely future competitors (existing capacities,
amenities, etc). Within the scope of our market analysis, we looked at the existing
relevant hotel supply in the Newport Beach area to assess overall market
positioning and product offering. These hotels include smaller boutique hotels
and large resorts ranging anywhere from 10 to 500 keys, with a positioning in the
three to four-star segment (according to national standards). Furthermore, a
location in the beach market, the range of facilities available and the quality level
with regard to service, amenities and style were further criteria in identifying the
hotels in the competitive set.
We provide descriptions, as well as a rack rate analysis, on the following pages.
Existing Supply of Lower-Cost Visitor Accommodations
NBMC Section 21.48.025(C)(1)(a) defines lower-cost visitor accommodations as
the “average daily room rate for all economy hotels and motels in the City that
have room rates that are below the Statewide average daily room rate or lower.
Economy hotels and motels are AAA-rated one or two diamond hotels, or
equivalent.” Based upon our research, the City only has one lower-cost visitor
accommodation facility, the 164-room Extended Stay America motel, located at
4881 Birch Street. This motel is located adjacent to John Wayne Airport and is
sandwiched between the 405 and 73 freeways. The Project is not located
anywhere near this lower-cost visitor accommodation facility, and the Project will
have no impact on the lower-cost visitor accommodations provided at this facility.
Geographic Competitive Set
The following table provides an overview of the room supply of the geographic
competitive set:
Chart 4 capacity of relevant hotels
hotel brand rooms f&b event
spaces
name name # # sq. ft.
Balboa Bay Resort Independent 159 4 30,000
Newport Beach Marriot Bayview Marriott 254 1 3,000
Vea Newport Beach Marriott 532 3 68,102
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Hyatt 407 2 26,000
Lido House Autograph Marriott 130 3 15,137
Balboa Inn, On the Beach Independent 45 2 3,000
Sonder Solarena Sonder 32 0 0
Ramada by Wyndham Wyndham 137 2 840
Doryman's Oceanfront Inn Independent 11 2 0
Newport Beach Hotel Independent 20 0 486
Average x 173 2
14,657
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Balboa Bay Resort: This 4-star resort is comprised of 159 keys with a mix of
guest rooms and suites, all with private balconies overlooking the bay or gardens.
The resort offers a range of amenities, including a full-service spa, a fitness
center, a marina, and two waterfront restaurants. Additional amenities include a
heated outdoor pool, as well as a variety of outdoor activities such as
paddleboarding, kayaking and bike rentals. For events and meetings, the resort
offers 20,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space.
Newport Beach Marriot Bayview: This 4-star hotel is comprised of 254 keys with
spacious guest rooms and suites, all with modern décor and comfortable
furnishings. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center,
outdoor pool and whirlpool. For dining, the hotel has an on-site California inspired
menu curated for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel has 3,000 sq ft of flexible
event space, including a ballroom.
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VEA Newport Beach, A Marriot Resort & Spa: This 4-star resort is comprised of
397 guest rooms and suites, each with modern furnishings. The resort offers a
wide range of amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness center, outdoor pool
and multiple on-site restaurants and bars. The resort has 68,102 sq ft of event
space, including a grand ballroom, outdoor venues, and smaller meeting rooms.
It is situated steps from the beach, near Balboa/Fashion Island, and Newport
Harbor.
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach: This 4-star hotel is comprised of 407 keys, with
a mix of guest rooms and 55 suites offering modern décor and furnishings. The
hotel offers various amenities, including a fitness center, outdoor pool, and a hot
tub. For dining, there are several on-site restaurants and bars with ocean views.
The resort is built on 26-acres of property where there is over 32,000 sq ft of
flexible event space, including a grand ballroom, meeting rooms and outdoor
venues with garden views.
Lido House Autograph Collection: This 4-star boutique hotel is comprised of 130
keys, with a mix of guest rooms and suites. Many of the suites feature private
balconies or patios with views of the marina. The amenities on the property
include a fitness center, outdoor pool and hot tub, and a full-service spa. They
also provide activities/experiences such as sailing, paddleboarding and bike
rentals. There is over 15,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space, a grand
ballroom and meeting rooms
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Sonder Solarena: This 3-star boutique hotel is comprised of 32 fully furnished
guest rooms and suites with fully equipped kitchens, offering privates balconies
with ocean views. This self-service hotel offers few amenities including a fitness
center and a limited concierge service. The hotel also offers beach amenities,
such as towels, chairs, and umbrellas. For dining, the hotel offers a rooftop bar
and lounge where guests can enjoy craft cocktails and small plates. There are
also communal BBQ grills and fire pits. It is a good option for extend stays or
travelers looking for a more independent experience, and is located next door to
the subject property.
Newport Beach Hotel, Four Sisters Inn Collection: This 3-star boutique hotel is
comprised of 20 keys, each with a unique décor, and some rooms featuring
private balconies with ocean or city views. The hotel offers a daily breakfast buffet,
and a communal living room with a fireplace and a selection of books and games.
Other amenities include a rooftop deck with ocean views, and chairs and
umbrellas for the beach. The hotel is situated a short walk away from the beach,
harbor, and local attractions.
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Balboa Inn, On the Beach: This historic 3-star inn is comprised of 45 keys each
with a classic beach house décor, with some of the rooms featuring private
balconies with ocean views. The hotel offers several an on-site restaurant and a
rooftop bar with panoramic views of the ocean and a beachside café. Other
amenities include a fitness center, business center, and beach amenities such as
towels, chairs, and umbrellas. The hotel is situated on the beachfront, which
makes it easy for travelers to participate in water activities.
Wyndham Costa Mesa/Newport Beach: This budget friendly 3-star hotel is
comprised of 137 keys. The hotel offers a range of amenities including a fitness
center, a business center, and an outdoor pool/hot tub. For dining, the hotel
offers a daily complimentary breakfast buffet and an on-site restaurant which
serves seafood. It borders between Costa Mesa and Newport Beach and is a short
drive from the beach and attractions such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and
South Coast Plaza shopping center.
Doryman’s Oceanfront Inn: This 3-star boutique hotel is comprised of 11 rooms
each furnished with a unique décor. Some of the rooms also feature private
balconies with ocean front views. For dining, the hotel offers a complimentary
continental breakfast and an on-site restaurant which serves seafood and
American cuisine. Other amenities include beach amenities, such as chairs and
umbrellas, as well as a communal living room with a fireplace. The hotel is
situated on the Balboa Peninsula steps away from the beach.
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Demand for Lower-Cost Visitor Accommodations
Based upon our research, there are no proposed lower-cost visitor
accommodation developments in the City. This is likely due to the high cost of
land in the City, which discourages investors from developing any lodging
facilities in the lowest-priced segment, as it is financially infeasible. High land
costs force investors to develop higher-priced lodging. This Project will not impact
the proposed development of lower-cost visitor accommodations.
Since there would be no loss to the supply of existing lower cost visitor
accommodations due to the Project, the question is whether the Project would
cause an increase in the demand for lower- cost visitor accommodations in the
City. We are of the opinion that it would not. There has never been any correlation
between the demand for lower-cost visitor accommodation and providing high-
cost visitor accommodations.
Similarly, redevelopment of a vacant and abandoned hotel site into a new high-
cost visitor accommodations will not generate demand for additional lower-cost
visitor accommodation. Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 21.48.025(C)
categorizes hotels into three different levels by their average daily room rates, as
follows:
• High Cost
• Moderate Cost
• Low Cost
The proposed high-cost hotel rooms at the Project’s site will be above the low
cost visitor accommodations segment. Hotel guests staying in this range of
accommodation have plenty of options for alternative lodging choices in the high
cost classes, and would not likely end up staying in a low cost hotel. Virtually
every other hotel in the City falls above the low cost category, and the supply of
these alternative hotel choices is unchanged by the Project. Thus, the
development of a 12 room boutique hotel would not create any new demand for
the Extended Stay America, the single lower-cost visitor accommodation in the
City.
In summary, since neither the supply of, nor demand for existing lower-cost
visitor accommodations is impacted by the Project, we conclude the Project will
not have any impact on the City’s existing lower-cost visitor accommodations,
and no mitigation measures are required.
Occupancy and ADR
According to the Visit California Monthly Research Dashboard for May 2023, the
Average Daily Rate (ADR) for a hotel room in California was $188.00. The Pine
Knot Motel Rate is projected to be $325.00, which is much higher than the
average ADR. PKF also studied the pubished rates from the hotel sites within the
market for an overall assessment of the price point and positioning. Based on
our experience in the Southern Califiornia beach markets over the last decades,
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PKF is confident that demand for the rooms at the subject property will be strong,
if positioned well amidst the competing options in the market.
Rates
The following table gives an overview of the published rates of the selected
geographic comp hotels at specific dates (please note that the reservation
requests were made online through each hotel’s respective website):
Chart 5 published rates of geographic hotels – standard rooms, not suites
The table above shows that the published rates of the competitive set hotels
during peak demand season are in the range of $152 (Ramada by Wyndham) and
$639 (Lido House Autograph Collection) for a standard room on a November
weekend. During the low demand period, rates range between $144 (Ramada by
Wyndham) and $549 (Lido House Autograph) for a standard room on a January
weekday. The average published rate of the analyzed hotels for a January weekend
is $351 and for a November weekday is $326.
Rack rate to ADR ratio: Rack rates are the rates published by hotels, most easily
found on their respective websites, often expressed in terms of standard, prepay,
or package prices for different room types. The rack rate is the highest price a
hotel will charge for a room, without any discounts or premiums. ADR (average
daily rate) is a metric used to measure the average revenue a hotel receives for
each occupied guest room per day. ADR differs from a rack rate in that it accounts
for discounts and corporate rates, ultimately presenting a lower actual price
based on revenue generated compared to the published rack rates.
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Fiscal Impact
The renovation of the subject property, according to the owner’s new architectural
plans, will require between $5.5 MM and $6 MM in total costs, including
acquisition of the existing motel. Assuming standard market financing
assumptions, these costs will require that the property achieve a healthy EBITDA.
PKF has projected a 10-year operating proforma, based on our assessment of the
market and the subject property plans. We have arrived at an ADR of $325 in
today’s dollars and an occupancy of 75% in stabilized year 4. Including minimal
additional income from the café’s F&B operations, the total revenues in year 4
are projected to be $1.657 milion. Assuming a limited-service model that relies
on very few staff members, the projected EBITDA in year 4 is approximately
$593,000, and, after a 3% replacement reserve, approximately $543,000,
representing a 33% EBITDA margin.
With a 50% LTC ratio for the construction financing, at a 10% interest rate, and
an exit in year 10 with an 8% cap rate, the project IRR is below 14%. A lower cap
rate of 7% yields an IRR of 15.5%. PKF believes that the property must operate
at the projected revenue and cost targets in order to be a viable development for
its investors. This does not include any suggested reductions in ADR on the
property, as the rooms represent 74% of the property’s revenue.
We arrived at the ADR based on the assessment of the comparable properties in
the market: Balboa, Four Sisters and Dorymans. Properties in the area offer
amenities elsewhere so the hotel needs to be well positioned in order to be
competitive against the existing supply. We felt that these three properties were
most similar in terms of occupancy and ADR rates, however in most cases, these
three properties offered amenities including: an on-site restaurant or bar and
limited event space. The Four Sisters generally reflects the ADR PKF believes
could be achieved at the subject property, based on the number of keys, décor
and the size of the property.
PKF, based on a thorough site visit with first-hand market and industry intel,
desktop research, and a review of similar domestic markets, concludes that the
optimal positioning for a hotel product on the beach area site in Newport Beach,
California is an upscale 12-key self service hotel. Given the nature of the market,
the site’s location within an affluent residential community, proximity to the
beach and various attractions (Newport Harbor, Balboa Peninsula and Newport
Downtown.
As a boutique hotel, the property will cater to a variety of guest segments
including mainly leisure and smaller group business. The management of the
small courtyard which is in the middle of the property will allow the hotel to cater
to wedding parties, corporate events and conferences, and private parties. The
site is within close driving distance to downtown Newport Beach, Huntington
Beach and Cost Mesa, providing a well situated destination for leisure guests.
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The hotel’s positioning would sit in the middle of the 3-4-star supply of hotels in
Newport Beach in terms of ADR. Within the supply of hotels we deemed most
comparable, and ADR of $325 will stay competitive within the market and attract
a wide range of travelers. Within the set of hotels in Newport Beach, an occupancy
of 75% in stabilized year is in line with the citiy’s hotel supply.
Total Rooms
Rooms Available
Rooms Sold
Occupancy (%)
ADR
Room RevPAROperating Revenue
Room 1,010 73%1,081 73%1,155 74%1,219 74%1,249 73%1,266 73%1,338 74%1,361 73%1,395 73%1,397 73%
F&B 287 21%299 20%312 20%328 20%338 20%348 20%359 20%370 20%381 20%392 20%
Outlets / Other F&B 155 11%160 11%169 11%174 10%179 11%184 11%190 10%196 11%201 11%208 11%
Banquet/Conference/Catering 131 9%139 9%144 9%155 9%159 9%164 9%169 9%174 9%179 9%185 10%
Other Operated Departments 32 2%34 2%37 2%38 2%40 2%40 2%43 2%44 2%45 2%45 2%
Retail 10 1%10 1%11 1%12 1%12 1%12 1%13 1%13 1%14 1%14 1%
Minor Operated Department 22 2%24 2%26 2%27 2%28 2%28 2%30 2%31 2%32 2%32 2%
Miscellaneous Income 58 4%62 4%66 4%72 4%74 4%75 4%80 4%82 4%84 4%85 4%
Total Operating Revenue 1,386 100%1,477 100%1,571 100%1,657 100%1,701 100%1,729 100%1,820 100%1,856 100%1,905 100%1,919 100%
Departmental Expenses
Room 254 25%262 24%270 23%279 23%286 23%292 23%301 22%308 23%316 23%322 23%
F&B 163 57%169 57%175 56%182 55%187 55%193 55%198 55%204 55%210 55%216 55%
Other Operated Departments 13 40%14 40%15 40%15 40%16 40%16 40%17 40%18 40%18 40%18 40%
Retail 7 75%8 75%8 75%9 75%9 75%9 75%10 75%10 75%10 75%10 75%
Minor Operated Department 6 25%6 25%6 25%7 25%7 25%7 25%8 25%8 25%8 25%8 25%Total Departmental Expenses 429 31%445 30%461 29%476 29%489 29%501 29%516 28%530 29%544 29%556 29%
Departmental Profit
Room 756 55%819 55%885 56%940 57%964 57%973 56%1,037 57%1,053 57%1,079 57%1,075 56%
F&B 124 9%130 9%137 9%146 9%151 9%156 9%161 9%166 9%171 9%176 9%
Other Operated Departments 19 1%21 1%22 1%23 1%24 1%24 1%26 1%26 1%27 1%27 1%
Minor Operated Department 17 1%18 1%19 1%20 1%21 1%21 1%23 1%23 1%24 1%24 1%
Miscellaneous Income 58 4%62 4%66 4%72 4%74 4%75 4%80 4%82 4%84 4%85 4%
Total Departmental Profit 957 69%1,032 70%1,110 71%1,181 71%1,212 71%1,228 71%1,304 72%1,326 71%1,361 71%1,363 71%
Undistributed Operating Expenses
Administrative & General 251 18%259 18%252 16%260 16%267 16%273 16%281 15%288 16%295 16%302 16%
Information & Telecommunication Services 28 2%30 2%31 2%33 2%34 2%35 2%36 2%37 2%38 2%38 2%
Sales & Marketing 92 7%98 7%105 7%111 7%113 7%115 7%122 7%124 7%127 7%127 7%
Property Operation & Maintenance 63 5%65 4%66 4%68 4%70 4%71 4%73 4%75 4%77 4%79 4%
Utilities 42 3%44 3%47 3%50 3%51 3%52 3%55 3%56 3%57 3%58 3%
Total Undistributed Expenses 475 34%496 34%502 32%522 31%535 31%546 32%567 31%580 31%594 31%604 31%
Gross Operating Profit 482 35%535 36%608 39%659 40%677 40%682 39%737 40%747 40%767 40%759 40%
Income Before Non-Operating Income and Expenses482 35%535 36%608 39%659 40%677 40%682 39%737 40%747 40%767 40%759 40%
Non-Operating Income and Expenses
Property and Other Taxes 52 4%52 4%52 3%52 3%52 3%52 3%52 3%52 3%52 3%52 3%
Insurance 12 1%13 1%13 1%14 1%14 1%15 1%15 1%16 1%16 1%16 1%
Total Non-Operating Income and Expenses 64 5%65 4%66 4%66 4%67 4%67 4%68 4%68 4%69 4%69 4%
EBITDA 417 30%471 32%542 35%593 36%610 36%615 36%669 37%679 37%698 37%690 36%
Repalcement Reserve 36 3%44 3%47 3%50 3%51 3%52 3%55 3%56 3%57 3%58 3%
EBITDA less Replacement Reserve 382 28%426 29%495 32%543 33%559 33%563 33%614 34%623 34%641 34%633 33%
$423
4,380 4,380 4,392
3,343 3,343 3,272
$341
$323
12
75%
$435
$324
4
Year 2
20275
Year 3
20286
Year 4
20297
Year 5
2030 203189
Year 6 Year 7 Year 8
$377
$284
12
75%
$387
$288
$398
$307
12
76%
$410
$313
4,380 4,392 4,380
3,303 3,272 3,373
$230
12
70%
$349
$246
$358
$263
12
75%
$368
$277
4,380
2,953
4,392 4,380 4,380
3,093 3,216 3,303
6320 WCH
Hotel Proforma - Full Year P&L ('000)
12
67%
12
73%
12
75%77%
12 12
76%
20253
Year 1
2026 2033 2034
Year 9 Year 10
203210 11 12
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Concluding Remarks
In summary, it is not feasible to include lower-cost visitor accommodations on
the Project site. This infeasibility is due to the site’s high land value, the Project’s
high development costs, and the small site size. Additionally, since neither the
supply of, nor demand for existing lower-cost visitor accommodations is impacted
by the Project, we conclude the Project will not have any impact on the City’s
existing lower-cost visitor accommodations, and no mitigation measures are
required under Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 21.48.Based on the
assessment of the hotel supply in the market and broader Orange County area,
the proposed hotel should perform well with a $325 ADR, achieving 75%
occupancy overall. The seasonality will drive these up and down, but the hotel
benefits from being a 7-days a week operation, not a resort-only or business-only
market. Guests who enjoy self service with the ease of checking in and checking
out, and appreciate the freedom that this hotel will offer will provide a well
positioned hotel within the Newport area market. Family and group stays can be
a draw, as there are a handful of larger rooms which can accommodate families
and larger parties of friends or retreats.
nenewThe financial performance of the hotel rests almost entirely on the room
rentals, and therefore rate is critical to maintain the property’s viability. PKF
believes the hotel will have to push as much on rate as it can, without offering the
on-site amenities that many of its competitors offer. A forced cap on room rates
would therefore be very damaging to the overall returns.
PKF remains available to comment on the analysis provided.
Thank you,
Channing Henry