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ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Collaborative Arrangement, Accounting Policy

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”), to lease 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 A preferred shares of beneficial interest trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "HT PR A”, and its 8.0% Series B preferred shares of beneficial interest trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “HT PR B.”

As of December 31, 2011, the Company, through the Partnership and subsidiary partnerships, wholly owned sixty-five 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, 2011, the Company owned joint venture interests in another fifteen 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
Inn America Hospitality at Ewing, LLC	50.0%	Courtyard	Ewing/Princeton, NJ	Hersha Inn America TRS Inc.
Mystic Partners, LLC	66.7%	Marriott	Mystic, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	8.8%	Hilton	Hartford, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	66.7%	Courtyard	Norwich, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	66.7%	Courtyard	Warwick, RI	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	66.7%	Residence Inn	Danbury, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	66.7%	Residence Inn	Mystic, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	44.7%	Residence Inn	Southington, CT	Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
	66.7%	Springhill Suites	Waterford, 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
Metro 29th Street Associates, LLC.	50.0%	Holiday Inn Express	New York, NY	Metro 29th Sublessee, LLC

Consolidated Joint Ventures
LTD Associates One, LLC	75.0%	Springhill Suites	Williamsburg, VA	HT LTD Williamsburg One LLC
LTD Associates Two, LLC	75.0%	Residence Inn	Williamsburg, VA	HT LTD Williamsburg Two LLC

Mystic Partners, LLC owns an interest in nine hotel properties. Our interest in Mystic Partners, LLC is relative to our interest in each of the nine properties owned by the joint venture as defined in the joint venture's governing documents. Each of the nine 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 three of the Company's executive officers, two of its trustees and other 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.

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. Our examination consists of reviewing the sufficiency of equity at risk, controlling financial interests, voting rights, and which entity has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's performance, and the obligation to absorb losses that could be significant, and receive gains that could be significant, including residual returns. Based on our examination, the following entities were determined to be VIE's: Mystic Partners, LLC; Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC; South Bay Boston, LLC; HT LTD Williamsburg One LLC; HT LTD Williamsburg Two LLC; Metro 29th Sublessee, 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 $23,762 as of December 31, 2011. Also, Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC; South Bay Boston, LLC; HT LTD Williamsburg One LLC; HT LTD Williamsburg Two LLC, and Metro 29th Sublessee, 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. Hersha Statutory Trust I and Hersha Statutory Trust II are VIEs but HHLP is not the primary beneficiary in these entities. The accounts of Hersha Statutory Trust I and Hersha Statutory Trust II are not consolidated with and into HHLP.

We have consolidated the operations of LTD Associates One, LLC; and LTD Associates Two, LLC joint ventures because each entity is a voting interest entity and the Company owns a majority voting interest in the venture.

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

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.

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 the 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, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of our investment in the unconsolidated joint venture.

Development Loans Receivable

The Company provides secured first-mortgage and mezzanine financing to hotel developers. Development loans receivable are recorded at cost and are reviewed for potential impairment on an on-going basis. The Company's development loans receivable are each secured by various hotel or hotel development properties or partnership interests in hotel or hotel development properties. We have determined that development loans receivable do not constitute a financial interest in a VIE and do not consolidate the operating results of the borrower in our consolidated financial statements. Our evaluation consists of reviewing the sufficiency of the borrower's equity at risk, controlling financial interests in the borrower, voting rights of the borrower, and which entity has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's performance, and the obligations to absorb losses that could be significant, and receive gains that could be significant, including residual returns. The analysis utilized by the Company in evaluating the development loans receivable involves considerable management judgment and assumptions.

A development loan receivable is considered impaired when it becomes probable, based on current information, that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the loan's contractual terms. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured by comparing the recorded amount of the loan to the present value of the expected cash flows or the fair value of the collateral. If a loan was deemed to be impaired, the Company would record a charge to income for any shortfall.

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.

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 and interest receivable on development loans made to related parties. 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

Intangible assets consist of leasehold intangibles for above-market and below-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.

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, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was 95.9%, 95.8%, and 86.9%, 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 within equity on our consolidated balance sheets. These noncontrolling interests totaled $307 as of December 31, 2011 and $474 as of December 31, 2010. In addition, certain common units of limited partnership interests in HHLP (“Nonredeemable Common Units”) are reclassified from the mezzanine section of our consolidated balance sheets to equity. These noncontrolling interests of Nonredeemable Common Units totaled $16,864 as of December 31, 2011 and $19,410 as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, there were 4,206,064 Nonredeemable Common Units outstanding with a fair market value of $20,526, based on the price per share of our common shares on the NYSE on such date. 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.

Certain common units of limited partnership interests in HHLP (“Redeemable Common Units”) have 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 serve as collateral contains a provision that could result in a net cash settlement outside of the control of the Company. As a result, the Redeemable Common Units will continue to be classified in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets as they do not meet the requirements for equity classification under US GAAP. The carrying value of the Redeemable Common Units equals the greater of carrying value based on the accumulation of historical cost or the redemption value. As of December 31, 2011, there were 3,064,252 Redeemable Common Units outstanding with a redemption value equal to the fair value of the Redeemable Common Units, or $14,955. The redemption value of the Redeemable Common Units is based on the price per share of our common shares on the NYSE on such date. As of December 31, 2011, the Redeemable Common Units were valued on the consolidated balance sheets at redemption value since the Redeemable Common Units redemption value was greater than historical cost of $12,402. As of December 31, 2010, the Redeemable Common Units were valued on the consolidated balance sheets at redemption value since the Redeemable Common Units redemption value was greater than historical cost of $13,521.

We also maintain noncontrolling interests for the equity interest owned by third parties in LTD Associates One, LLC and LTD Associates Two, LLC. Third parties own a 25% interest in each of LTD Associates One, LLC and LTD Associates Two, LLC. We allocate the income (loss) of these joint ventures to the noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures based upon the ownership of the entities, preferences in distributions of cash available and the terms of each venture agreement.

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 ventures, 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 is excluded from net income or loss applicable to common shareholders in the consolidated statements of operations.

Shareholders' Equity

On May 18, 2011, we completed a public offering of 4,600,000 8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (“Series B Preferred Shares”), liquidation preference $25.00 per share, including 600,000 Series B Preferred Shares subject to an overallotment option exercised by the underwriters. Net proceeds of the offering, less expenses and underwriters commissions, were approximately $110,977. Net proceeds from the offering were used to reduce some of the indebtedness outstanding under our revolving line of credit facility and to fund a portion of the purchase price of Courtyard by Marriott, Westside, Los Angeles, CA, which was acquired on May 19, 2011.

On January 21, 2010, we completed a public offering in which 51,750,000 common shares, including 6,750,000 common shares subject to an overallotment option exercised by the underwriters, were sold by us through several underwriters for net proceeds to us of approximately $148,955 before the payment of offering-related expenses. Immediately upon closing the offering, we contributed all of the net proceeds of the offering to HHLP in exchange for additional common units of limited partnership in HHLP.

On March 24, 2010, we completed a public offering in which 27,600,000 common shares, including 3,600,000 common shares subject to an overallotment option exercised by the underwriters, were sold by us through several underwriters for net proceeds to us of approximately $112,762 before the payment of offering-related expenses. Immediately upon closing the offering, we contributed all of the net proceeds of the offering to the Partnership in exchange for additional common units of limited partnership in HHLP.

On October 22, 2010, we completed a public offering in which 28,750,000 common shares, including 3,750,000 common shares subject to an overallotment option exercised by the underwriters, were sold by us through several underwriters for net proceeds to us of approximately $160,017 before the payment of offering-related expenses. Immediately upon closing the offering, we contributed all of the net proceeds of the offering to HHLP in exchange for additional common units of limited partnership in HHLP. HHLP used the net proceeds of this offering to reduce some of the indebtedness outstanding under our revolving line of credit facility and secured debt on several of our existing assets and intends to use the remainder for general corporate purposes, including repayment of debt and future acquisitions.

On August 4, 2009, we entered into a purchase agreement with Real Estate Investment Group L.P. (“REIG”), pursuant to which we sold 5,700,000 common shares at a price of $2.50 per share to REIG for gross proceeds of $14,250. We also granted REIG the option to buy up to an additional 5,700,000 common shares at a price of $3.00 per share, which is exercisable through August 4, 2014. On February 9, 2012 the closing price for our common shares on the NYSE exceeded $5.00 for 20 consecutive trading days, and, in accordance with the terms of the option, we called in and canceled the option in exchange for issuing 2,521,561 common shares to REIG with an aggregate value equal to $13,566. This amount equals the volume weighted average price per common share for the 20 trading days prior to the exercise of the option, less the $3.00 option price, multiplied by the 5,700,000 common shares remaining under the option.

On June 12, 2009, we entered into a sales agreement with a broker-dealer acting as a sales agent, under which it could offer and sell up to 15,000,000 common shares. Sales of shares under this agreement, if any, could be made by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” and in privately negotiated transactions. Under the sales agreement, during the year ended December 31, 2009, we sold 2,742,300 shares with net proceeds of $8,258.

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 or other identified risks. 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.

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, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company did not record any uncertain tax positions.

Although the TRS Lessee is expected to operate at a profit for Federal income tax purposes in future periods, the utilization of the deferred tax asset is not determinable. Therefore, any deferred tax assets have been reserved as we have not concluded that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realizable.

Segment Reporting

Reclassification

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