Other Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Other Investments

Note 7. Other Investments

Equity Method Investment

As of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we owned 34% of Sonesta’s outstanding common stock. We account for our 34% non-controlling interest in Sonesta under the equity method of accounting.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our investment in Sonesta had a carrying value of $111,014 and $113,304, respectively. On the date of acquisition of our initial equity interest in Sonesta (February 27, 2020), the cost basis of our investment in Sonesta exceeded our proportionate share of Sonesta’s total stockholders’ equity book value by an aggregate of $8,000. As required under GAAP, we are amortizing this difference to equity in earnings of an investee over 31 years, the weighted average remaining useful life of the real estate assets and intangible assets and liabilities owned by Sonesta as of the date of our acquisition. We recorded amortization of the basis difference of $65 in each of the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. We recognized losses of $5,338 and $4,221 related to our investment in Sonesta for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These amounts, which include amortization of the basis difference, are included in equity in losses of an investee in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

We recorded a liability of $42,000 for the fair value of our initial investment in Sonesta, as no cash consideration was exchanged related to the modification of our management agreement with, and investment in, Sonesta. This liability for our investment in Sonesta is included in accounts payable and other liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and is being amortized on a straight line basis through the initial term of the Sonesta agreement, January 31, 2037, as a reduction to hotel operating expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). We reduced hotel operating expenses by $621 for each of the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, for amortization of this liability. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the unamortized balance of this liability was $31,858 and $32,479, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we made a $3,392 pro rata capital contribution to Sonesta to support its growth initiatives, including its franchising efforts. We continue to maintain our 34% ownership in Sonesta after giving effect to this contribution.

See Notes 6 and 11 for further information regarding our relationships, agreements and transactions with Sonesta.

Investment in Equity Securities

Until May 15, 2023, we owned 1,184,797 shares, or approximately 7.8%, of TA common stock, which were reported at fair value based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy under GAAP) as of the end of the period, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). As of May 15, 2023, our historical cost basis for these shares was $24,418 and our carrying value for these shares was $101,893. On May 15, 2023, BP Products North America Inc. acquired TA pursuant to a merger, or the TA Merger, for $86.00 per share of TA common stock in cash. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we recorded gains of $49,430 to adjust the carrying value of our former investment in shares of TA common stock to its fair value.