DHC's suite of debt-related services includes sourcing acquisition and re-financing loans with bridge or permanent loans, forward loan commitments and construction loans. “By specializing exclusively on hotel capital markets, we have our finger on the pulse of hotel lenders, understanding which lenders are providing what kind of debt at that moment in real time,” Stambules says. “Over the next several years, we expect the hotel lending landscape to be more volatile as lenders shift their underwriting criteria and focus.”

The new firm's equity focus is on value-add investment opportunities, including up-branding and repositioning scenarios. DHC sources equity funding for acquiring and developing hotel and resort properties.

NEW YORK CITY—Hospitality veterans Geoff Davis and Angelo Stambules have launched Davis Hotel Capital, an investment banking and mortgage brokerage firm focusing on the lodging sector. With offices in New York and Denver, the new firm will specialize in raising debt and equity for hotel owners, as well as direct equity investment in hotel assets.

Over the course of his career, Davis says, “During my career, I have arranged more than $6 billion of hotel capital and completed over $14 billion in total hotel industry transactions, providing the company with diverse experience and expertise. Additionally, Angelo has in-depth finance experience, having served in senior leadership positions within Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International, where he oversaw direct real estate investments.” Stambules has also held senior level banking positions at Capmark Finance, formerly GMAC Commercial Mortgage, and GE Capital, where he participated in sourcing, structuring and underwriting more than $10 billion of hotel loans.

“During our collective 70 years in the business, we have arranged financing across the United States and internationally for all hotel asset classes, including individual and portfolio select-service, resort, full-service, suburban and urban hotels,” continues Davis. “We will utilize our extensive backgrounds in tandem with our strategic global industry relationships to create innovative finance and capital solutions for our clients. We also have formed an investment group for direct equity investment into opportunistic hotel plays, with a focus on value-add investments.

“Funding acquisitions, re-financings and developments in this phase of the real estate cycle will be especially critical as capital becomes more selective,” he adds. “Much of the low hanging fruit has been picked, and completing transactions will require more complex structuring. Conversely, this often is the time when investors can strike the best deals.”

DHC's suite of debt-related services includes sourcing acquisition and re-financing loans with bridge or permanent loans, forward loan commitments and construction loans. “By specializing exclusively on hotel capital markets, we have our finger on the pulse of hotel lenders, understanding which lenders are providing what kind of debt at that moment in real time,” Stambules says. “Over the next several years, we expect the hotel lending landscape to be more volatile as lenders shift their underwriting criteria and focus.”

The new firm's equity focus is on value-add investment opportunities, including up-branding and repositioning scenarios. DHC sources equity funding for acquiring and developing hotel and resort properties.