Investment in Hotel Properties (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investment in Hotel Properties
Investment in hotel properties, gross	$ 3,401,497	$ 2,430,486
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(587,560)	(527,667)
Investment in hotel properties, net	2,813,937	1,902,819
Land
Investment in Hotel Properties
Investment in hotel properties, gross	265,108	237,758
Buildings and improvements
Investment in Hotel Properties
Investment in hotel properties, gross	2,601,310	1,867,786
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Investment in Hotel Properties
Investment in hotel properties, gross	329,826	251,743
Intangibles
Investment in Hotel Properties
Investment in hotel properties, gross	164,961	34,081
Franchise fees
Investment in Hotel Properties
Investment in hotel properties, gross	1,031	983
Construction in process
Investment in Hotel Properties
Investment in hotel properties, gross	$ 39,261	$ 38,135