NOTE 2 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company consolidate the accounts of the Company and all entities that are controlled by the Company’s ownership of a majority voting interest in such entities, as well as variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) considered necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with GAAP have been included. Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year 2015. For further information, please read the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Segment Disclosure

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), ASC 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for reporting financial and descriptive information about an enterprise’s reportable segments. We have determined that we have one reportable segment, with activities related to investing in real estate. Our investments in real estate are geographically diversified and the chief operating decision makers evaluate operating performance on an individual asset level. As each of our assets has similar economic characteristics, the assets have been aggregated into one reportable segment.

Investment in Hotel Properties

We allocate the purchase price of hotel acquisitions based on the initial estimate of the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and make adjustments, if and when necessary, to the recorded amounts of the acquired assets and liabilities within one year of consummation of the transaction in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. We determine the acquisition-date fair values of all assets and assumed liabilities using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers, including using a discounted cash flow analysis that uses appropriate discount or capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

Our hotel properties and related assets are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize the costs of significant additions and improvements that materially extend a property’s life. These costs may include hotel refurbishment, renovation, and remodeling expenditures, as well as certain indirect internal costs related to construction projects. We expense the cost of repairs and maintenance as incurred.

We generally depreciate our hotel properties and related assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Classification		Estimated Useful Lives
Buildings and improvements		25 to 40 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		2 to 15 years

We periodically re-evaluate asset lives based on current assessments of remaining utilization, which may result in changes in estimated useful lives. Such changes are accounted for prospectively and will increase or decrease future depreciation expense.

When depreciable property and equipment is retired or disposed, the related costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any gain or loss is reflected in current operations.

On a limited basis, we provide financing to developers of hotel properties for development or major renovation projects. We evaluate these arrangements to determine if we participate in residual profits of the hotel property through the loan provisions or other agreements. Where we conclude that these arrangements are more appropriately treated as an investment in the hotel property, we reflect the loan as an investment in hotel properties under development in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. If classified as hotel properties under development, no interest income is recognized on the loan and interest expense is capitalized on our investment in the hotel property during the construction or renovation period.

We monitor events and changes in circumstances for indicators that the carrying value of a hotel property or land held for development may be impaired. Additionally, we perform at least annual reviews to monitor the factors that could trigger an impairment. Factors that could trigger an impairment analysis include, among others: i) significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results, ii) significant changes in the manner of use of a property or the strategy of our overall business, including changes in the estimated holding periods for hotel properties and land parcels, iii) a significant increase in competition, iv) a significant adverse change in legal factors or regulations, and v) significant negative industry or economic trends. When such factors are identified, we prepare an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows of the specific property and determine if the investment is recoverable. If impairment is indicated, we estimate the fair value of the property based on discounted cash flows or sales price if the property is under contract and an adjustment is made to reduce the carrying value of the property to fair value.

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

We classify assets as held for sale in the period in which certain criteria are met, including when the sale of the asset within one year is probable. Assets held for sale are no longer depreciated and are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less selling costs.

Historically, we presented the results of operations of hotel properties that had been sold or otherwise qualified as assets held for sale in discontinued operations if the operations and cash flows of the hotel properties had been or would be eliminated from our ongoing operations. We elected for the early adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08 (see “New Accounting Standards” below) in the first quarter of 2014 and we currently anticipate that the majority of future properties for sale will not be classified as discontinued operations.

We periodically review our hotel properties and our land held for development based on established criteria such as age, type of franchise, adverse economic and competitive conditions, and strategic fit to identify properties that we believe are either non-strategic or no longer complement our business.

Variable Interest Entities

We consolidate variable interest entities (“VIE”) if we determine that we are the primary beneficiary of the entity. When evaluating the accounting for a VIE, we consider the purpose for which the VIE was created, the importance of each of the activities in which it is engaged and our decision-making role, if any, in those activities that significantly determine the entity’s economic performance relative to other economic interest holders. We determine our rights, if any, to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE by considering the economic interest in the entity, regardless of form, which may include debt, equity, management and servicing fees, or other contractual arrangements. We consider other relevant factors including each entity’s capital structure, contractual rights to earnings (losses), subordination of our interests relative to those of other investors, contingent payments, and other contractual arrangements that may be economically significant.

Additionally, we have in the past and may in the future enter into purchase and sale transactions in accordance with Section 1031 (“1031 Exchange”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC”), for the exchange of like-kind property to defer taxable gains on the sale of properties. For reverse transactions under a 1031 Exchange in which we purchase a property prior to selling the property to be matched in the like-kind exchange (a “Parked Asset”), legal title to the Parked Asset is held by a qualified intermediary engaged to execute the 1031 Exchange until the sale transaction and the 1031 Exchange is completed. We retain essentially all of the legal and economic benefits and obligations related to the Parked Assets prior to completion of the 1031 Exchange. As such, the Parked Assets are included in our consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations as a VIE until legal title is transferred to us upon completion of the 1031 Exchange. See Note 3 — Hotel Property Acquisitions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At times, cash on deposit may exceed the federally insured limit. We maintain our cash with high credit quality financial institutions.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists of certain funds maintained in escrow by various third parties for property taxes, insurance, and certain capital expenditures. Funds may be disbursed from the restricted account by the escrow-holders for specific expenditures such as property taxes and insurance or to us upon proof of expenditures and approval from the escrow-holders.

Trade Receivables and Credit Policies

We grant credit to qualified customers, generally without collateral, in the form of trade accounts receivable. Trade receivables result from the rental of hotel rooms and the sales of food, beverage, and banquet services and are payable under normal trade terms. Trade receivables are stated at the amount billed to the customer and do not accrue interest.

We review the collectability of our trade receivables monthly. A provision for losses is determined on the basis of previous loss experience and current economic conditions.

Deferred Charges

Deferred charges consist of deferred financing fees and initial franchise fees. Costs incurred to obtain financing are capitalized and amortized as a component of interest expense over the term of the related debt using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method. Initial franchise fees are capitalized and amortized over the term of the franchise agreement using the straight-line method.

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling interests represent the portion of equity in a consolidated entity held by owners other than the consolidating parent. Non-controlling interests are reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets within equity, separately from stockholders’ equity. Revenue, expenses and net income (loss) attributable to both the Company and the non-controlling interests are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Our condensed consolidated financial statements include non-controlling interests related to common units of limited partnership interests (“Common Units”) in the Operating Partnership held by unaffiliated third parties and prior to the second quarter of 2014, third-party ownership of a 19% interest in a consolidated joint venture.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when rooms are occupied and services have been rendered. Revenues are recorded net of any sales and other taxes collected from guests. All rebates or discounts are recorded as a reduction to revenue. Cash received from the customer prior to guest arrival is recorded as an advanced deposit liability and is recognized as revenue at the time of occupancy.

Sales and Other Taxes

We have operations in states and municipalities that impose sales or other taxes on certain sales. We collect these taxes from our guests and remit the entire amount to the various governmental units. The taxes collected and remitted are excluded from revenues and are included in accrued expenses until remitted.

Equity-Based Compensation

Our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective June 15, 2015 (the “Amended Equity Plan”), provide for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, and other stock-based awards. We account for equity-based compensation using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for stock options and the grant date fair value of our common stock for all other awards. Restricted stock awards with performance-based vesting conditions are market-based awards and are valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. We expense awards under the Equity Plan and Amended Equity Plan ratably over the vesting period. The amount of stock-based compensation expense may be subject to adjustment in future periods due to a change in forfeiture assumptions or modification of previously granted awards.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging

All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value and reported as a derivative financial instrument asset or liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We use interest rate derivatives to hedge our risks on variable-rate debt. Interest rate derivatives could include swaps, caps and floors. We assess the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing changes in fair value or cash flows of the derivative financial instrument with the changes in fair value or cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction.

For interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in fair value is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the equity section of our condensed consolidated balance sheets and reclassified to interest expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in fair value is recognized directly in earnings through gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under certain provisions of the IRC. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute annually to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, which does not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax (other than taxes paid by our TRS at regular corporate income tax rates) to the extent we distribute 100% of our REIT taxable income to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates and generally will be unable to re-elect REIT status until the fifth calendar year after the year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT, unless we satisfy certain relief provisions.

We account for federal and state income taxes of our TRS using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities based on GAAP and respective carrying amounts for tax purposes, and operating losses and tax-credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of the change in tax rates. However, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not they will be realized based on consideration of available evidence, including future reversals of taxable temporary differences, future projected taxable income and tax planning strategies.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value measures are classified into a three-tiered fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1:		Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets.
Level 2:		Directly or indirectly observable inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets.
Level 3:		Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market information, which require a reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on one or more of the following valuation techniques:

Market approach:		Prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
Cost approach:		Amount required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost).
Income approach:		Techniques used to convert future amounts to a single amount based on market expectations (including present-value, option-pricing, and excess-earnings models).

Our estimates of fair value were determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methods. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methods may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. We classify assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

We elected not to use the fair value option for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade receivables, prepaid expenses and other, debt, accounts payable, and accrued expenses. With the exception of our fixed-rate debt (See Note 6 — Debt), the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in previous periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation and industry practice.

New Accounting Standards

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” The ASU changed the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing related disclosures. Criteria for discontinued operations will now include only disposals that represent a strategic shift in operations with a major effect on operations and financial results. The ASU is to be applied on a prospective basis and would be effective for us beginning January 1, 2015; however, we elected early adoption in the first quarter of 2014, which is permitted for disposals and classifications as held for sale which have not been reported previously.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate the consolidation of limited partnerships, variable interests and similar entities. This standard will be effective for the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2015-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but we do not anticipate that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or our consolidated results of operations.

In April 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 carrying value of the debt liability. This standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted and will be applied on a retrospective basis. The new standard will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2015-03 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but we do not anticipate that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or our consolidated results of operations.