NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Hersha Hospitality Trust (“we” or the “Company”) was formed in May 1998 as a self-administered, Maryland real estate investment trust. We have elected to be taxed and expect to continue to elect to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes.

The Company owns a controlling general partnership interest in Hersha Hospitality Limited Partnership (“HHLP” or the “Partnership”), which owns a 99% limited partnership interest in various subsidiary partnerships. Hersha Hospitality, LLC (“HHLLC”), a Virginia limited liability company, owns a 1% general partnership interest in the subsidiary partnerships and the Partnership is the sole member of HHLLC.

The Partnership owns a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”), 44 New England Management Company (“44 New England” or “TRS Lessee”), which leases certain of the Company’s hotels.

Hersha’s common shares of beneficial interest trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“the NYSE”) under the ticker symbol "HT", its 8.0% Series B preferred shares of beneficial interest trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “HT PR B” and its 6.875% Series C preferred shares of beneficial interest trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “HT PR C.”

As of December 31, 2015, the Company, through the Partnership and subsidiary partnerships, wholly owned 49 limited and full service hotels. All of the wholly owned hotel facilities are leased to the Company’s TRS, 44 New England.

In addition to the wholly owned hotel properties, as of December 31, 2015, the Company owned joint venture interests in another five properties. The properties owned by the joint ventures are leased to a TRS owned by the joint venture or to an entity owned by the joint venture partners and 44 New England. The following table lists the properties owned by these joint ventures:


Joint Venture	Ownership	Property	Location	Lessee/Sublessee

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Mystic Partners, LLC	66.7%	Marriott	Mystic, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	8.8%	Hilton	Hartford, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	15.0%	Marriott	Hartford, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
SB Partners, LLC	50.0%	Holiday Inn Express	South Boston, MA	South Bay Sandeep, LLC
Hiren Boston, LLC	50.0%	Courtyard	South Boston, MA	South Bay Boston, LLC

Mystic Partners, LLC owns an interest in three hotel properties. Our interest in Mystic Partners, LLC is relative to our interest in each of the three properties owned by the joint venture as defined in the joint venture’s governing documents. Each of the three properties owned by Mystic Partners, LLC is leased to a separate entity that is consolidated in Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC which is owned by 44 New England and our joint venture partner in Mystic Partners, LLC.

The properties are managed by eligible independent management companies, including Hersha Hospitality Management, LP (“HHMLP”). HHMLP is owned in part by certain of our trustees and executive officers and other unaffiliated third party investors.

Principles of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include all of our accounts as well as accounts of the Partnership, subsidiary partnerships and our wholly owned TRS Lessee. All significant inter-company amounts have been eliminated.

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Consolidated properties are either wholly owned or owned less than 100% by the Partnership and are controlled by the Company as general partner of the Partnership. Properties owned in joint ventures are also consolidated if the determination is made that we are the primary beneficiary in a variable interest entity (VIE) or we maintain control of the asset through our voting interest in the entity. Control can be demonstrated when the general partner has the power to impact the economic performance of the partnership, which includes the ability of the general partner to manage day-to-day operations, refinance debt and sell the assets of the partnerships without the consent of the limited partners and the inability of the limited partners to replace the general partner. Control can be demonstrated by the limited partners if the limited partners have the right to dissolve or liquidate the partnership or otherwise remove the general partner without cause or have rights to participate in the significant decisions made in the ordinary course of the partnership’s business.

We evaluate each of our investments and contractual relationships to determine whether they meet the guidelines of consolidation. Entities are consolidated if the determination is made that we are the primary beneficiary in a VIE or we maintain control of the asset through our voting interest or other rights in the operation of the entity. To determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we evaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in that VIE. An enterprise is deemed to have a controlling financial interest if it has i) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE or the rights to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. Control can also be demonstrated by the ability of a member to manage day-to-day operations, refinance debt and sell the assets of the partnerships without the consent of the other member and the inability of the members to replace the managing member. Based on our examination, the following entities were determined to be VIE’s: Mystic Partners, LLC; Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC; South Bay Boston, LLC; Brisam Management DE, LLC; Hersha Statutory Trust I; and Hersha Statutory Trust II. Mystic Partners, LLC is a VIE entity, however because we are not the primary beneficiary it is not consolidated by the Company. Our maximum exposure to losses due to our investment in Mystic Partners, LLC is limited to our investment in the joint venture which is $5,022 as of December 31, 2015. Also, Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC; and South Bay Boston, LLC lease hotel properties from our joint venture interests and are VIEs. These entities are consolidated by the lessors, the primary beneficiaries of each entity. Brisam Management DE, LLC is consolidated in our financial statements, as we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. Hersha Statutory Trust I and Hersha Statutory Trust II are VIEs but HHLP is not the primary beneficiary in these entities. Accordingly, the accounts of Hersha Statutory Trust I and Hersha Statutory Trust II are not consolidated with and into HHLP.

We allocate resources and assess operating performance based on individual hotels and consider each one of our hotels to be an operating segment. All of our individual operating segments meet the aggregation criteria. All of our other real estate investment activities are immaterial and meet the aggregation criteria, and thus, we report one segment: investment in hotel properties.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we made are reasonable and appropriate, as discussed in the applicable sections throughout these Consolidated Financial Statements, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact our reported results. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions and changes in market conditions could impact our future operating results.

Investment in Hotel Properties

The Company allocates the purchase price of hotel properties acquired based on the fair value of the acquired real estate, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and intangible assets and the fair value of liabilities assumed, including debt. The fair value allocations were determined using Level 3 inputs, which are typically unobservable and are based on our own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. The Company’s investments in hotel properties are carried at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Building and Improvements 7 to 40 Years

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment 2 to 7 Years

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of each hotel to determine if circumstances indicate impairment to the carrying value of the investment in the hotel or that depreciation periods should be modified. If facts or circumstances support the possibility of impairment, the Company will prepare an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, without interest charges, of the specific hotel. Based on the properties undiscounted future cash flows, the Company will determine if the investment in such hotel is recoverable. If impairment is indicated, an adjustment will be made to reduce the carrying value of the hotel to reflect the hotel at fair value.

We consider a hotel to be held for sale when management and our independent trustees commit to a plan to sell the property, the property is available for sale, management engages in an active program to locate a buyer for the property and it is probable the sale will be completed within a year of the initiation of the plan to sell.

Acquisition-related cost, such as due diligence, legal and accounting fees, are not capitalized or applied in determining the fair value of the above acquired assets.

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

If it is determined that we do not have a controlling interest in a joint venture, either through our financial interest in a VIE or our voting interest in a voting interest entity, the equity method of accounting is used. Under this method, the investment, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize our share of net earnings or losses of the affiliates as they occur rather than as dividends or other distributions are received, limited to the extent of our investment in, advances to and commitments for the investee. Pursuant to our joint venture agreements, allocations of profits and losses of some of our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures may be allocated disproportionately as compared to nominal ownership percentages due to specified preferred return rate thresholds.

The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of its investment in unconsolidated joint ventures to determine if circumstances indicate impairment to the carrying value of the investment that is other than temporary. When an impairment indicator is present, we will estimate the fair value of the investment. Our estimate of fair value takes into consideration factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. This determination requires significant estimates by management, including the expected cash flows to be generated by the assets owned and operated by the joint venture. To the extent impairment has occurred and the impairment is considered other than temporary, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of our investment in the unconsolidated joint venture.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and in banks plus short-term investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Escrow Deposits

Escrow deposits include reserves for debt service, real estate taxes, and insurance and reserves for furniture, fixtures, and equipment replacements, as required by certain mortgage debt agreement restrictions and provisions.

Hotel Accounts Receivable

Hotel accounts receivable consists primarily of meeting and banquet room rental and hotel guest receivables. The Company generally does not require collateral. Ongoing credit evaluations are performed and an allowance for potential losses from uncollectible accounts is provided against the portion of accounts receivable that is estimated to be uncollectible.

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are recorded at cost and amortized over the terms of the related indebtedness using the effective interest method.

Due from/to Related Parties

Due from/to Related Parties represents current receivables and payables resulting from transactions related to hotel management and project management with affiliated entities. Due from related parties results primarily from advances of shared costs incurred. Due to affiliates results primarily from hotel management and project management fees incurred. Both due to and due from related parties are generally settled within a period not to exceed one year.

Intangible Assets and Liabilities

Intangible assets consist of leasehold intangibles for above-market value of in-place leases and deferred franchise fees. The leasehold intangibles are amortized over the remaining lease term. Deferred franchise fees are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the franchise agreement.

Intangible liabilities consist of leasehold intangibles for below-market value of in-place leases. The leasehold intangibles are amortized over the remaining lease term. Intangible liabilities are included in the accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Development Project Capitalization

We have opportunistically engaged in the development and re-development of hotel assets. We capitalize expenditures related to hotel development projects and renovations, including indirect costs such as interest expense, real estate taxes and utilities related to hotel development projects and renovations.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest in the Partnership represents the limited partner’s proportionate share of the equity of the Partnership. Income (loss) is allocated to noncontrolling interest in accordance with the weighted average percentage ownership of the Partnership during the period. At the end of each reporting period the appropriate adjustments to the income (loss) are made based upon the weighted average percentage ownership of the Partnership during the period. Our ownership interest in the Partnership as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was 95.0%, 95.8%, and 96.7%, respectively.

We define a noncontrolling interest as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Such noncontrolling interests are reported on the consolidated balance sheets within equity, but separately from the shareholders’ equity. Revenues, expenses and net income or loss attributable to both the Company and noncontrolling interests are reported on the consolidated statements of operations.

In accordance with US GAAP, we classify securities that are redeemable for cash or other assets at the option of the holder, or not solely within the control of the issuer, outside of permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company makes this determination based on terms in applicable agreements, specifically in relation to redemption provisions. Additionally, with respect to noncontrolling interests for which the Company has a choice to settle the contract by delivery of its own shares, the Company considers the guidance in US GAAP to evaluate whether the Company controls the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of common shares that could be required to be delivered at the time of settlement of the contract.

We classify the noncontrolling interests of our consolidated joint ventures, consolidated variable interest entity, and certain Common Units (“Nonredeemable Common Units”) as equity. The noncontrolling interests of Nonredeemable Common Units totaled $31,876 as of December 31, 2015 and $29,082 as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, there were 2,319,301 Nonredeemable Common Units outstanding with a fair market value of $50,468, based on the price per share of our common shares on the NYSE on such date.

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

In accordance with the partnership agreement of the Partnership, holders of these units may redeem them for cash unless we, in our sole and absolute discretion, elect to issue common shares on a one-for-one basis in lieu of paying cash.

Prior to February 1, 2013, certain Common Units (“Redeemable Common Units”) had been pledged as collateral in connection with a pledge and security agreement entered into by the Company and the holders of the Redeemable Common Units. The redemption feature contained in the pledge and security agreement where the Redeemable Common Units served as collateral contains a provision that could result in a net cash settlement outside of the control of the Company. As a result, prior to February 1, 2013, the Redeemable Common Units were classified in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets as they did not meet the requirements for equity classification under US GAAP. Effective February 1, 2013, the aforementioned pledge and security agreement is no longer in place and therefore these Common Units have been treated as Nonredeemable Common Units. The carrying value of the Redeemable Common Units equaled the greater of carrying value based on the accumulation of historical cost or the redemption value. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no outstanding Common Units designated as Redeemable Common Units.

Net income or loss attributed to Nonredeemable Common Units and Redeemable Common Units (collectively, “Common Units”), as well as the net income or loss related to the noncontrolling interests of our consolidated joint venture and consolidated variable interest entity, is included in net income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations. Net income or loss attributed to the Common Units and the noncontrolling interests of our consolidated joint ventures and consolidated variable interest entity is excluded from net income or loss applicable to common shareholders in the consolidated statements of operations.

Shareholders’ Equity

On February 25, 2013, we completed a public offering of 3,000,000 6.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares. These shares have a par value of $0.01 per share with a $25.00 liquidation preference per share. Net proceeds of the offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and the offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $72,370.

We utilized the net proceeds of the offering to redeem all outstanding 8.00% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares on March 28, 2013, and for general corporate purposes. The Series A Preferred Shares were redeemed at a per share redemption price of $25.00 together with accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date for an aggregate per share redemption price of $25.4056. Dividends ceased accruing on the Series A Preferred Shares on March 28, 2013.

Terms of the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:



							Dividend Per Share
	Shares Outstanding						Year Ended December 31,
Series	December 31, 2015	December 31, 2014		Aggregate Liquidation Preference	Distribution Rate		2015		2014

Series B	4,600,000	4,600,000	$	115,000	8.000%	$	2.0000	$	2.0000
Series C	3,000,000	3,000,000		75,000	6.875%		1.7188		1.7188
Total	7,600,000	7,600,000

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

In December 2012, our Board of Trustees authorized us to repurchase from time to time up to an aggregate of $75,000 of our outstanding common shares through December 31, 2013. We did not repurchase any common shares prior to the expiration of the share repurchase program. In January 2014, our Board of Trustees again authorized us to repurchase from time to time up to an aggregate of $75,000 of our outstanding common shares.

In February 2015, our Board of Trustees authorized us to repurchase from time to time up to an aggregate of $100,000 of our outstanding shares. In October 2015, our Board of Trustees authorized a new share repurchase program for $100,000 which would commence up on the completion of the existing program. The new program will expire on December 31, 2016 unless extended by the Board of Trustees. We may seek Board of Trustee approval to increase the 2016 authorization. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 5,310,371 common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $128,239 under the February 2015 and October 2015 repurchase programs. Upon repurchase by the Company, these common shares ceased to be outstanding and became authorized but unissued common shares.

On December 23, 2014, we amended our partnership agreement to allow for the issuance of profits interests in HHLP in the form of LTIP Units, a new class of limited partnership units in HHLP, and to establish the terms of the LTIP Units. The LTIP Units vest on December 31 and June 1 of each year, beginning on December 31, 2014 and ending on June 1, 2017. The LTIP units contain restricted stock awards that were forfeited and replaced with LTIP unit awards with similar terms. The total number of Restricted Stock Awards forfeited and LTIP Units awarded was 1,948,324.

In May 2015, our Board of Trustees approved a reverse share split of our issued and outstanding common shares and Common Units and LTIP units at a ratio of 1-for-4. This reverse share split converted every four issued and outstanding common shares into one common share. The reverse share split was effective as of 5:00 PM Eastern time on June 22, 2015. As a result of the reverse share split, the number of outstanding Common Units and LTIP Units was reduced from 9,313,063 to 2,328,276 units. In addition, the second quarter dividend was adjusted to $0.28 per common share from the previously announced $0.07 per common share. All common share, Common Unit and LTIP Unit and per share data related to these classes of equity have been updated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to reflect this share split for all periods presented.

Stock Based Compensation

We measure the cost of employee service received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The compensation cost is amortized on a straight line basis over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The compensation cost related to performance awards that are contingent upon market-based criteria being met is recorded at the fair value of the award on the date of the grant and amortized over the performance period.

Derivatives and Hedging

The Company’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of its cash flow hedging strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts in exchange for fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying principal amount. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges limit the Company’s exposure to increased cash payments due to increases in variable interest rates.

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue and expense for all consolidated hotels as hotel operating revenue and hotel operating expense when earned and incurred. These revenues are recorded net of any sales or occupancy taxes collected from our guests. We participate in frequent guest programs sponsored by the brand owners of our hotels and we expense the charges associated with those programs, as incurred.

Interest income on development loan financing is recorded in the period earned based on the interest rate of the loan and outstanding balance during the period. Development loans receivable and accrued interest on the development loans receivable are evaluated to determine if outstanding balances are collectible. Interest is recorded only if it is determined the outstanding loan balance and accrued interest balance are collectible.

Other revenues consist primarily of fees earned for asset management services provided to hotels we own through unconsolidated joint ventures. Fees are earned as a percentage of hotel revenue and are recorded in the period earned to the extent of the noncontrolling interest ownership.

Income Taxes

The Company qualifies as a REIT under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and intends to continue to qualify as a REIT. In general, under such provisions, a trust which has made the required election and, in the taxable year, meets certain requirements and distributes to its shareholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income will not be subject to Federal income tax to the extent of the income which it distributes. Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of dividends to shareholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in depreciation of hotel properties for Federal income tax purposes.

Deferred income taxes relate primarily to the TRS Lessee and are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities of the TRS Lessee and their respective tax bases and for their operating loss and tax credit carry forwards based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. However, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realized based on consideration of available evidence, including tax planning strategies and other factors.

The Company may recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more-likely-than-not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, despite the Company’s belief that its filing position is supportable, the benefit of that tax position is not recognized in the statements of operations. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, as applicable, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company recognizes unrecognized tax benefits in the period that the uncertainty is eliminated by either affirmative agreement of the uncertain tax position by the applicable taxing authority, or by expiration of the applicable statute of limitation. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not record any uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2015, with few exceptions, the Company is subject to tax examinations by U.S. federal, state, and local income tax authorities for years 2003 through 2015.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

New Accounting Pronouncements

On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, but not prior to the original effective date of January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

On February 18, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the current consolidation guidance affecting both the variable interest entity (VIE) and voting interest entity (VOE) consolidation models. The standard does not add or remove any of the characteristics in determining if an entity is a VIE or VOE, but rather enhances the way the Company assesses some of these characteristics. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect ASU No. 2015-02 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

On April 17, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. ASU 2015-03 does not address debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. The SEC staff announced at the June 18, 2015 Emerging Issues Task Force Meeting that it would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of a line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are outstanding borrowings under that line-of-credit arrangement. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, which incorporates the SEC staff guidance into the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Currently, debt issuance costs are recorded as an asset and amortization of these deferred financing costs is recorded in interest expense. Under the new standard, debt issuance costs will continue to be amortized over the life of the debt instrument and amortization will continue to be recorded in interest expense. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016 and will be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company anticipates a change in our balance sheet presentation only because the standard does not alter the accounting for amortization of debt issuance costs.