Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation — Our consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated entities (consisting entirely of 50% owned ventures) are accounted for by the equity method. None of our less than wholly owned subsidiaries are considered variable interest entities. We follow the voting interest model and consolidate entities in which we have greater than 50% ownership interest and report entities in which we have 50% or less ownership interest under the equity method.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investment in Hotels — Our hotels are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 40 years for buildings, 15 to 30 years for improvements and three to ten years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

On January 1, 2011, we reclassified certain inventory (such as, china, glass, silver, and linen) aggregating $10.3 million to investment in hotels from other assets. We believe this classification to be preferable to its prior classification because we receive long-term benefits (approximately three years) from these inventories, similar to other long-term physical assets, which are classified as investment in hotels. This change was considered a change in accounting estimate inseparable from a change in accounting policy and resulted in changes to our depreciation expense prospectively. As a result, existing inventories will be amortized over a three-year period. Prospectively, significant additions in conjunction with major renovations, expansions or changes in brands or brand standards for these inventories will be capitalized at acquisition, and depreciated over a three year estimated useful life. Minor replacement or replenishment of inventory will be expensed when purchased.

We periodically review the carrying value of each of our hotels to determine if circumstances exist indicating an impairment in the carrying value of the investment in the hotel or modification of depreciation periods. If facts or circumstances support the possibility of impairment of a hotel, we prepare a projection of the undiscounted future cash flows, without interest charges, over the shorter of the hotel’s estimated useful life or the expected hold period, and determine if the investment in such hotel is recoverable based on the undiscounted future cash flows. If impairment is indicated, we make an adjustment to reduce the carrying value of the hotel to its then fair value. We use recent operating results and current market information to arrive at our estimates of fair value.

Maintenance and repairs are expensed, and major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Upon the sale or disposition of a fixed asset, the asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts and the related gain or loss is included in operations.


2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (continued)

Acquisition of Hotels — Investments in hotels are based on purchase price and allocated to land, property and equipment, identifiable intangible assets and assumed debt and other liabilities at fair value. Any remaining unallocated purchase price, if any, is treated as goodwill. Property and equipment are recorded at fair value based on current replacement cost for similar capacity and allocated to buildings, improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment using appraisals and valuations prepared by management and/or independent third parties. Identifiable intangible assets (typically contracts including ground and retail leases and management and franchise agreements) are recorded at fair value, although no value is generally allocated to contracts which are at market terms. Above-market and below-market contract values are based on the present value of the difference between contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the contracts acquired and our estimate of the fair value of contract rates for corresponding contracts measured over the period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the contract. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining non-cancelable term of the related agreements. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we may utilize a number of sources such as those obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of a property and other market data, including third-party appraisals and valuations.

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities — We own a 50% interest in various real estate ventures in which the partners or members jointly make all material decisions concerning the business affairs and operations. Because we do not control these entities, we carry our investment in unconsolidated entities at cost, plus our equity in net earnings or losses, less distributions received since the date of acquisition and any adjustment for impairment. Our equity in net earnings or losses is adjusted for the straight-line depreciation, over the lower of 40 years or the remaining life of the venture, of the difference between our cost and our proportionate share of the underlying net assets at the date of acquisition. We periodically review our investment in unconsolidated entities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Any decline that is not expected to be recovered in the next 12 months is considered other-than-temporary and an impairment is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the investment. Estimated fair values are based on our projections of cash flows, market capitalization rates and sales prices of comparable assets.

We track inception-to-date contributions, distributions and earnings for each of our unconsolidated investments. We determine the character of cash distributions from our unconsolidated investments for purposes of our consolidated statements of cash flows as follows:


•	Cash distributions up to the aggregate historical earnings of the unconsolidated entity are recorded as an operating activity (i.e., a distribution of earnings); and


•	Cash distributions in excess of aggregate historical earnings are recorded as an investing activity (i.e., a distribution of contributed capital).

Hotels Held for Sale — We consider each individual hotel to be an identifiable component of our business. We do not consider hotels held for sale until it is probable that the sale will be completed within one year. We had no hotels held for sale at December 31, 2011 or 2010.

We consider a sale to be probable within the next twelve months (for purposes of determining whether a hotel is held for sale) in the period the buyer completes its due diligence review of the asset, we have an executed contract for sale, and we have received a substantial non-refundable deposit. We test hotels held for sale for impairment each reporting period and record them at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair value less costs to sell. Once we designate a hotel as held for sale it is not depreciated.


2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (continued)

Cash and Cash Equivalents — All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.

We place cash deposits at major banks. Our bank account balances may exceed the Federal Depository Insurance Limits; however, management believes the credit risk related to these deposits is minimal.

Restricted Cash —Restricted cash includes reserves for capital expenditures, real estate taxes, and insurance, as well as cash collateral deposits for mortgage debt agreement provisions.

Deferred Expenses — Deferred expenses, consisting primarily of loan costs, are recorded at cost. Amortization is computed using a method that approximates the effective interest method over the maturity of the related debt.

Other Assets — Other assets consist primarily of hotel operating inventories, prepaid expenses and deposits.

Revenue Recognition — Nearly 100% of our revenue is comprised of hotel operating revenues, such as room revenue, food and beverage revenue, and revenue from other hotel operating departments (such as telephone, parking and business centers). These revenues are recorded net of any sales or occupancy taxes collected from our guests as earned. All rebates or discounts are recorded, when allowed, as a reduction in revenue, and there are no material contingent obligations with respect to rebates or discounts offered by us. All revenues are recorded on an accrual basis, as earned. Appropriate allowances are made for doubtful accounts and are recorded as a bad debt expense. The remainder of our revenue is from condominium management fee income and other sources.

We do not have any time-share arrangements and do not sponsor any frequent guest programs for which we would have any contingent liability. We participate in frequent guest programs sponsored by the brand owners of our hotels, and we expense the charges associated with those programs (typically consisting of a percentage of the total guest charges incurred by a participating guest) as incurred. When a guest redeems accumulated frequent guest points at one of our hotels, the hotel bills the sponsor for the services provided in redemption of such points and records revenue in the amount of the charges billed to the sponsor. We have no loss contingencies or ongoing obligation associated with frequent guest programs beyond what is paid to the brand owner following a guest’s stay.

Foreign Currency Translation — Results of operations for our Canadian hotels are maintained in Canadian dollars and translated using the weighted average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income and were $25.7 million and $26.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Capitalized Costs — We capitalize interest and certain other costs, such as property taxes, land leases, property insurance and employee costs relating to hotels undergoing major renovations and redevelopments. We cease capitalizing these costs to projects when construction is substantially complete. Such costs capitalized in 2011, 2010 and 2009, were $7.4 million, $5.8 million and $5.9 million, respectively.


2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (continued)

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share/Unit — We treat unvested share (unit)-based payment awards containing non-forfeitable rights to dividends (distributions) or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) as participating securities for computation of earnings per share (unit) (pursuant to the two-class method, in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 260-10-45-59A through 45-70).

We compute basic earnings per share (unit) by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders (or unitholders) less dividends (distributions) declared on FelCor's unvested restricted stock (adjusted for forfeiture assumptions) by the weighted average number of common shares (unit) outstanding. We compute diluted earnings per share (unit) by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders less dividends (distributions) declared on FelCor's unvested restricted stock (adjusted for forfeiture assumptions) by the weighted average number of common shares (units) and equivalents outstanding. Common stock (unit) equivalents represent shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.

For all years presented, our Series A cumulative preferred stock (units), or Series A preferred stock (units), if converted to common shares (units), would be antidilutive; accordingly, we do not assume conversion of the Series A preferred stock (units) in the computation of diluted earnings per share (unit).

FelCor's Stock Compensation — We apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees.

Derivatives — We recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. Additionally, the fair value adjustments will affect either equity or net income, depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes and the nature of the hedging activity.

Segment Information — We have determined that our business is conducted in one reportable segment.

Distributions and Dividends — In January 2011, FelCor reinstated its current quarterly preferred dividends and paid current quarterly preferred dividends for each quarter in 2011. We cannot pay any common dividends unless and until all accrued and current preferred dividends are paid. Funds used by FelCor to pay common or preferred dividends are provided through distributions from FelCor LP. At December 31, 2011, we had unpaid accrued preferred dividends (or distributions) aggregating $76.3 million (including $8.5 million pertaining to the current quarter). FelCor's Board of Directors will determine the amount of future dividends (including the accrued but unpaid accrued preferred dividends) based upon various factors including operating results, economic conditions, other operating trends, our financial condition and capital requirements, as well as minimum REIT distribution requirements.

Reacquired Stock — Effective January 1, 2011, we changed the accounting presentation for FelCor's reacquired capital stock to be consistent with Maryland law (Maryland is FelCor's domicile), which does not contemplate treasury stock. FelCor removed previously reacquired capital stock, shown as treasury stock, from its balance sheet and recorded the related amounts as a reduction of common stock (at $0.01 par value per share) and an increase in accumulated deficit. Prior to 2011, FelCor's accounting records included treasury stock. This change in accounting policy was recorded for book purposes as a retirement of treasury stock. Any capital stock reacquired in the future for any purpose will be recorded as a reduction of common stock (at $0.01 par value per share) and an increase in accumulated deficit.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (continued)

Noncontrolling Interests — Noncontrolling interests in other partnerships represent the proportionate share of the equity in other partnerships not owned by us. Noncontrolling interests in FelCor LP represents FelCor LP units not owned by FelCor. We allocate income and loss to noncontrolling interests in FelCor LP and other partnerships based on the weighted average percentage ownership throughout the year. FelCor characterizes minority interest in FelCor LP as noncontrolling interests, but because of the redemption feature of these units, FelCor includes in the mezzanine section (between liabilities and equity) on its consolidated balance sheets. These units are redeemable at the option of the holders for a like number of shares of FelCor's common stock or, at our option, the cash equivalent thereof. We adjust redeemable noncontrolling interests in FelCor LP (or redeemable units) each period to reflect the greater of its carrying value based on the accumulation of historical cost or its redemption value.

Income Taxes — FelCor has elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 to 860 of the Internal Revenue Code and, as such, is not subject to federal income tax, provided that it distributes all of its taxable income annually to its stockholders and complies with certain other requirements. FelCor LP is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to federal income taxes. However, both FelCor and FelCor LP may be subject to state, local and foreign income and franchise taxes in certain jurisdictions. We generally lease our hotels to wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, that are subject to federal, state and foreign income taxes. Through these lessees we record room revenue, food and beverage revenue and other revenue related to the operations of our hotels. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is recorded for net deferred tax assets that are not expected to be realized.

We determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. We apply this policy to all tax positions related to income taxes.