US Hospitality Sector Grows with Unprecedented Hotel Transactions in Indiana Georgia Louisiana and Mississippi

Published on April 16, 2025

The US hospitality sector is experiencing a powerful surge in momentum as investors pursue high-impact opportunities across emerging and established markets. Recent landmark hotel transactions in Indiana, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi underscore this growth, driven by rising travel demand, favorable regional economics, and strategic repositioning by hospitality groups. These deals reflect renewed investor confidence, with properties changing hands to capitalize on revitalized tourism, business travel, and infrastructure development across key Southern and Midwestern states.

As 2025 unfolds, the United States hotel industry is witnessing a wave of strategic acquisitions across key regional markets, signaling a resurgence of investor confidence and growth in the hospitality sector. Recent high-profile hotel transactions in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Southaven, and Fishers reflect a growing appetite among investors to capitalize on well-positioned properties and revive post-pandemic travel demand.

From a major airport hotel deal in Georgia to a renovated suburban property in Mississippi, each acquisition points to a tailored investment strategy aimed at optimizing assets in growth markets. This roundup offers a detailed look at these pivotal transactions, the players involved, and the broader implications for U.S. hotel real estate.

Hilton Atlanta Airport: Highline Hospitality Strengthens Foothold in Georgia

• Rooms: 510
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Buyer: Highline Hospitality Partners
• Seller: Wheelock Street Capital
• Date of Transaction: April 3, 2025

Transaction Overview
In a significant move, Highline Hospitality Partners has acquired the 510-room Hilton Atlanta Airport from Wheelock Street Capital, marking a critical expansion of its portfolio in the Atlanta market. The transaction, finalized on April 3, 2025, solidifies Highline’s presence in one of the South’s busiest and most strategically located airport corridors.

Strategic Significance
This acquisition represents Highline Hospitality’s second major property in Atlanta, with the Hilton joining the Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta under its operational wing. Positioned just minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Hilton Atlanta Airport offers proximity to one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, ensuring high traffic volumes and year-round demand.

Market Implications
The deal reflects a wider trend of institutional investors favoring airport and convention center hotels, which are experiencing a strong rebound due to the resurgence in business travel and events. Highline’s confidence in Atlanta is further reinforced by the metro area’s growing status as a regional headquarters hub, entertainment center, and logistics powerhouse.

Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge Welcomes Fresh Ownership and Operational Direction in a Key Southern Market

• Rooms: 294
• Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Buyer: APM Property Holdings
• Seller: N/A
• Date of Transaction: March 31, 2025

Transaction Overview
APM Property Holdings has completed the acquisition of the 294-room Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge, marking a notable expansion into Louisiana’s hospitality landscape. The transaction, arranged by Hunter Hotel Advisors, signals APM’s growing interest in high-potential Southern markets, though details about the previous owner remain undisclosed.

Operational Details
Schulte Hospitality has been appointed as the new management company, signaling a fresh chapter in the operational leadership of the property. Known for its robust presence in the Southern U.S. hospitality sector, Schulte brings a wealth of operational expertise that is expected to enhance the property’s performance.

Strategic Importance
Located in the heart of Baton Rouge’s business corridor, the Crowne Plaza is a staple for business and convention travelers. Its acquisition underscores APM’s strategy to invest in full-service hotels that cater to a wide mix of transient, corporate, and group guests.

Industry Takeaway
This transaction further affirms the value investors place on full-service assets in capital cities with stable government, education, and healthcare sectors. Baton Rouge, being home to Louisiana State University and a range of corporate headquarters, remains an appealing destination for hotel investment.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis Southaven: Value-Oriented Deal in Renovated Property

• Rooms: 91
• Location: Southaven, Mississippi
• Price Including Debt: $8.02 million
• Price Per Room: $88,077
• Buyer: Jalaram Hotel Group
• Seller: Helix Hospitality
• Date of Transaction: March 26, 2025

Transaction Overview
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis Southaven, located just outside the Memphis metropolitan area in Mississippi, has been acquired by the Jalaram Hotel Group for $8.02 million. This deal, which includes existing debt, comes to an estimated $88,077 per room.

Renovation and Asset Profile
Recently renovated in 2023, the property offers refreshed guest rooms, upgraded amenities, and modernized common spaces, making it an attractive acquisition for investors seeking turn-key operations. Hunter Hotel Advisors once again served as the transaction broker, highlighting their continued influence in the midscale hotel deal landscape.

Geographic and Economic Advantage
Southaven is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mississippi and lies in close proximity to Memphis International Airport and major logistics centers. With the area’s growing economic base and increasing traveler volume, the Fairfield Inn acquisition positions Jalaram Hotel Group to benefit from both leisure and corporate travel.

Strategic Investment Notes
The below-market price per room and the recent renovations signal strong potential for ROI in a stabilized market. Midscale branded properties like Fairfield Inn are increasingly favored by operators looking for resilience, especially in secondary markets.

SpringHill Suites Indianapolis Fishers: Midwest Momentum as Bradford Allen Makes Strategic Acquisition

• Rooms: 130
• Location: Fishers, Indiana
• Buyer: Bradford Allen
• Seller: Apple Hospitality REIT
• Date of Transaction: March 19, 2025

Transaction Overview
Bradford Allen has purchased the 130-room SpringHill Suites Indianapolis Fishers from Apple Hospitality REIT in a transaction that continues a pattern of Midwest investment activity. This property, originally opened in 2007 and renovated in 2016, provides a blend of suburban accessibility and modern amenities.

Amenities and Guest Appeal
The hotel features an indoor pool, a meeting room, a convenience store, a fitness center, a laundry room, complimentary breakfast buffet, and on-site parking — all of which cater to both business and leisure guests.

Local Market Growth
Fishers, a growing suburb of Indianapolis, is recognized for its vibrant local economy and high quality of life. With increasing commercial development and a population surge, the area presents a favorable environment for hospitality investment.

Portfolio Strategy
Bradford Allen’s acquisition reflects a strategic focus on secondary markets that demonstrate long-term economic stability and low operational volatility. Fishers’ proximity to Indianapolis’ tech and healthcare corridors enhances the property’s revenue potential.

Industry Trends and Investment Outlook

The transactions noted above reveal several notable trends in the current U.S. hotel investment landscape:

• Airport Proximity Advantage: Properties near major airports (such as Hilton Atlanta Airport) continue to attract investor attention due to consistent occupancy and demand drivers.
• Secondary Market Strength: Cities like Southaven and Fishers are increasingly viewed as resilient markets with favorable demographics and economic growth.
• Value-Oriented Acquisitions: Investors are actively targeting properties with recent renovations and lower cost-per-room metrics, as seen in the Fairfield Inn Southaven transaction.
• Operational Upgrades: New ownership often brings in new management companies, as illustrated by the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge, aiming to improve efficiencies and guest satisfaction.
• Confidence in Full-Service Assets: Full-service hotels remain desirable among investors for their ability to attract group, business, and leisure travelers under one roof.

The US hospitality sector is expanding rapidly as major hotel transactions in Indiana, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi reflect growing investor confidence fueled by rising travel demand and strong regional market performance.

Signs of a Rebounding and Diversifying Hotel Investment Market

The latest acquisitions across Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Southaven, and Fishers point to a hospitality sector in the midst of revival and diversification. With strategic investments by experienced hotel groups and advisory firms, the U.S. market is gradually shifting toward stability and long-term growth, particularly in high-traffic cities and up-and-coming secondary markets.

For investors, owners, and operators alike, the message is clear: opportunities abound across varied geographies, especially when backed by strong management, timely renovations, and regional market knowledge. As 2025 progresses, expect even more momentum in regional hotel deals that balance affordability with growth potential.