NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Fair Value Measurements

Our determination of fair value measurements are based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, we utilize a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liabilities, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

As of June 30, 2016, the Company’s derivative instruments represented the only financial instruments measured at fair value. Currently, the Company uses derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps and caps, to manage its interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs.

We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees.

Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and the counterparties. However, as of June 30, 2016 we have assessed the significance of the effect of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

Derivative Instruments



							Estimated Fair Value
Hedged Debt	Type	Strike Rate	Index	Effective Date	Maturity Date	Notional Amount		June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015

Courtyard, LA Westside, Culver City, CA	Cap	3.000%	1-Month LIBOR + 3.00%	October 27, 2015	September 29, 2017	35,000		13		19
Hyatt, Union Square, New York, NY	Cap	3.000%	1-Month LIBOR + 2.30%	June 10, 2015	June 10, 2019	55,750		15		136
Hyatt, Union Square, New York, NY*	Cap	2.000%	1-Month LIBOR + 4.19%	April 9, 2013	April 9, 2016	55,000		-		-
Unsecured Term Loan	Swap	0.545%	1-Month LIBOR + 2.35%	November 5, 2012	November 5, 2016	100,000		(29)		84
Unsecured Term Loan	Swap	0.600%	1-Month LIBOR + 2.35%	December 18, 2012	November 5, 2016	50,000		(24)		18
Duane Street Hotel, New York, NY	Swap	0.933%	1-Month LIBOR + 4.50%	February 1, 2014	February 1, 2017	9,071		(24)		(21)
Hilton Garden Inn 52nd Street, New York, NY	Swap	1.152%	1-Month LIBOR + 2.90%	June 1, 2015	February 21, 2017	44,775		(195)		(215)
							$	(244)	$	21

* On June 10, 2015, we refinanced the debt associated with Hyatt Union Square. As a result, we entered into an interest rate cap

with a strike rate of 3.000%. The original interest rate cap matured on April 9, 2016 and was replaced by the aforementioned interest rate cap with a strike rate of 3.000%.

The fair value of certain swaps and our interest rate caps is included in other assets at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the fair value of certain of our interest rate swaps is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

The net change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges was a gain of $16 and a loss of $65 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and a loss of $221 and $621 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These unrealized gains/losses were reflected on our consolidated balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate derivative. The change in net unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges reflects a reclassification of $140 and $372, and $319 and $710 of net unrealized gains/losses from accumulated other comprehensive income as an increase/decrease to interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the next twelve months ending June 30, 2017, the Company estimates that an additional $304 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

Fair Value of Debt

The Company estimates the fair value of its fixed rate debt and the credit spreads over variable market rates on its variable rate debt by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at estimated market rates or credit spreads consistent with the maturity of the debt obligation with similar credit policies. Credit spreads take into consideration general market conditions and maturity. The inputs utilized in estimating the fair value of debt are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As of June 30, 2016, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s debt were $1,053,790 and $1,053,283, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s debt were $1,169,377 and $1,170,901, respectively.