Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Measurements

13. Fair Value Measurements

Overview

We have adopted the provisions under GAAP for both recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements. Our recurring fair value measurements consist of the valuation of our derivative instruments, the majority of which are designated as accounting hedges. Non-recurring fair value measurements during 2011 consisted of the impairment of two of our hotel properties, one of which was sold in 2011.

In evaluating the fair value of both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, GAAP outlines a valuation framework and creates a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market assumptions based on market data (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s own assumptions about market data (“unobservable inputs”). The requirements are intended to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and related disclosures. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability at the measurement date in an orderly transaction (an “exit price”). Assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from three levels of the fair value hierarchy. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1—Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market is defined as a market in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing on an ongoing basis.

Level 2—Inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active (markets with few transactions), inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data correlation or other means.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions about the pricing of an asset or liability when observable inputs are not available.

The following table details the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as non-recurring fair value measurements that we completed during 2011 (there were none in 2010) due to the impairment of non-financial assets (in millions):

			Fair Value at Measurement Date Using
	Balance at December 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis:
Interest rate swap derivatives (1)	$	6.7	$	—	$	6.7	$	—
Forward currency sale contracts (1)		10.8		—		10.8		—
Fair Value Measurements on a Non-recurring Basis:
Impaired hotel properties held and used (2)		5		—		5		—
Impaired hotel properties sold (2)		—		—		6		—

			Fair Value at Measurement Date Using
	Balance at December 31, 2010		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis:
Interest rate swap derivatives (1)	$	10.6	$	—	$	10.6	$	—
Forward currency sale contracts (1)		6.9		—		6.9		—

(1) These derivative contracts have been designated as hedging instruments.

(2) The fair value measurements are as of the measurement date of the impairment and may not reflect the book value as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Derivatives and Hedging

Interest rate swap derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. We have designated our floating-to-fixed interest rate swap derivatives as cash flow hedges. The derivatives are valued based on the prevailing market yield curve on the date of measurement. We also evaluate counterparty credit risk when we calculate the fair value of the swaps. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying balance sheets. The hedges were fully effective as of December 31, 2011.

In connection with the acquisition of the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf on April 29, 2011, we assumed an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of A$80 million ($86 million) related to its mortgage debt. In November 2011, as part of the refinancing of this loan, we paid approximately $1 million to settle the original swap and entered into a new interest rate swap with a notional amount of A$61.5 million ($60 million) and a maturity date of November 23, 2016. The purpose of the interest rate swap is to hedge against changes in cash flows (interest payments) attributable to fluctuations in the Reuters BBSY. As a result, we will pay an all-in rate of 6.7% on the notional amount of the swap. We designated the derivative as a cash flow hedge. As a result of the change in fair value of this swap, a $0.3 million loss was recorded to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. As of December 31, 2011, we recorded a liability of $0.4 million related to the fair value of this swap.

On February 18, 2011, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of NZ$79 million ($60 million) related to the mortgage debt on the seven properties acquired in New Zealand on February 18, 2011. We entered into the swap in order to hedge against changes in cash flows (interest payments) attributable to fluctuations in the 3-month NZ$ Bank Bill rate. As a result, we will pay an all-in rate of 7.15% on the notional amount of the swap. We have designated the derivative as a cash flow hedge. As a result of the change in fair value of this derivative, a $2.7 million loss was recorded to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. As of December 31, 2011, we recorded a liability of $3.8 million related to the fair value of this swap.

Interest rate swap derivatives designated as fair value hedges. We have designated our fixed-to-floating interest rate swap derivatives as fair value hedges. We enter into these derivative instruments to hedge changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt that occur as a result of changes in market interest rates. The derivatives are valued based on the prevailing market yield curve on the date of measurement. We also evaluate counterparty credit risk in the calculation of the fair value of the swaps. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives are largely offset by corresponding changes in the fair value of the underlying debt due to changes in the 3-month LIBOR rate, which change is recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the debt. Any difference between the change in the fair value of the swap and the change in the fair value in the underlying debt, which was not significant for the periods presented, is considered the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship and is recognized in net income (loss).

We have three fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements for an aggregate notional amount totaling $300 million related to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa mortgage loan in the amount of $300 million. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we recorded assets of $10.9 million and $10.6 million, respectively, related to the fair value of the swaps. During 2011 and 2010, the fair value of the swaps increased $0.3 million and $11.6 million, respectively. As a result, we will pay a floating interest rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR plus a spread which ranges from 2.7% to 3.2%, as opposed to the fixed rate of 5.531%, on the notional amount of $300 million through March 1, 2014.

Foreign Currency Forward Sale Contracts. We have six foreign currency forward sale contracts that hedge a portion of the foreign currency exposure resulting from the eventual repatriation of our net investment in foreign operations. These derivatives are considered hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation and are marked-to-market with changes in fair value recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within the equity portion of our balance sheet. The forward sale contracts are valued based on the forward yield curve of the foreign currency to U.S. Dollar forward exchange rate on the date of measurement. We also evaluate counterparty credit risk when we calculate the fair value of the derivatives. The following table summarizes our foreign currency sale contracts (in millions):

Transaction Date Range	Total Transaction Amount in Foreign		Total Transaction Amount		Forward Purchase	Fair Value As of December  31,				Change in Fair Value Year  ended December 31,
	Currency		in Dollars		Date Range	2011		2010		2011		2010
February 2008-July 2011	€	100	$	140	October 2012-August 2015	$	8.8	$	6.9	$	1.9	$	5.2
July 2011	NZ$	30	$	25	August 2013	$	1.9	$	—	$	1.9	$	—

During 2011, we entered into the following forward sale contracts, all of which are reflected in the chart above:

• On July 15, 2011, we entered into two forward sale contracts totaling €50 million ($69 million) in order to hedge a portion of the foreign currency exposure resulting from the eventual repatriation of our net investment in the Euro JV. Under the contract, we will sell the Euro amount and receive the U.S. dollar amount on the forward purchase dates of October 22, 2012 and August 18, 2015. Additionally, we entered into a forward purchase contract to net-settle the existing February 2008 €30 million foreign currency sale contract and received cash of $0.4 million on the settlement date of August 18, 2011. Following these transactions, we have hedged our foreign currency exposure related to €100 million ($140 million) of our net investment in the Euro JV.

• On July 29, 2011, we entered into an NZ$30 million ($25 million) forward sale contract in order to hedge a portion of the foreign currency exposure resulting from the eventual repatriation of our net investment in HHR New Zealand Holdings Limited. Under the contract, we will sell the NZ dollar amount and receive the U.S. dollar amount on August 2, 2013.

Other Assets and Liabilities

Fair Value of Other Financial Assets and Liabilities. We did not elect the fair value measurement option for any of our other financial assets or liabilities. Notes receivable and other financial assets are valued based on the expected future cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted rates and are adjusted to reflect the effects of foreign currency translation. Valuations for secured debt and our credit facility are determined based on the expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates. Senior Notes and the Exchangeable Senior Debentures are valued based on quoted market prices. The fair values of financial instruments not included in this table are estimated to be equal to their carrying amounts. The fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities and other financial instruments are shown below (in millions):

	As of December 31,
	2011				2010
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Financial assets
Mortgage notes	$	65	$	76	$	55	$	77
Financial liabilities
Senior notes		3,641		3,772		3,093		3,200
Exchangeable Senior Debentures		902		1,076		1,156		1,471
Credit facility		117		117		58		58
Mortgage debt and other, net of capital leases		1,091		1,114		1,110		1,107