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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Accounting for Acquisitions
Accounting for Acquisitions

In accordance with the guidance for business combinations, we determine whether a transaction or other event is a business combination, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business. Each business combination is then accounted for by applying the acquisition method. If the assets acquired are not a business, we account for the transaction or other event as an asset acquisition. Under both methods, we recognize the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity. In addition, for transactions that are business combinations, we evaluate the existence of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. We capitalize acquisition-related costs and fees associated with asset acquisitions. We immediately expense acquisition-related costs and fees associated with business combinations, which are included in Transaction costs in the consolidated statements of operations.
Transaction Costs — Transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2019 are costs incurred in connection with the Proposed Merger and related transactions, discussed in Note 1, and included legal, accounting, financial advisory and other transaction costs.  For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, transaction costs represented acquisition-related costs and fees associated with acquisitions of our Consolidated Hotels that were accounted for as business combinations. These costs are expensed as incurred in the consolidated statements of operations.
Impairments
Impairments

We periodically assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our long-lived real estate and related intangible assets may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. These impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, when a hotel property experiences a current or projected loss from operations, when it becomes more likely than not that a hotel property will be sold before the end of its useful life, or when there are adverse changes in the demand for lodging due to declining national or local economic conditions. We may incur impairment charges on long-lived assets, including real estate, related intangible assets, assets held for sale and equity investments. Our policies and estimates for evaluating whether these assets are impaired are presented below.

Real Estate — For real estate assets held for investment and related intangible assets in which an impairment indicator is identified, we follow a two-step process to determine whether an asset is impaired and to determine the amount of the charge. First, we compare the carrying value of the property’s asset group to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flow that we expect the property’s asset group will generate, including any estimated proceeds from the eventual sale of the property’s asset group. The undiscounted cash flow analysis requires us to make our best estimate of, among other things, net operating income (“NOI”), residual values and holding periods.

Our investment objective is to hold properties on a long-term basis. Depending on the assumptions made and estimates used, the future cash flow projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets and associated intangible assets can vary within a range of outcomes. We consider the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining our estimate of future cash flows and, if warranted, we apply a probability-weighted method to the different possible scenarios. If the future net undiscounted cash flow of the property’s asset group is less than the carrying value, the carrying value of the property’s asset group is considered not recoverable. We then measure the loss as the excess of the carrying value of the property’s asset group over its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the property’s asset group is primarily determined using market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales. If relevant market information is not available or is not deemed appropriate, we perform a future net cash flow analysis, discounted for the inherent risk associated with each investment.

Equity Investments in Real Estate — We evaluate our equity investments in real estate on a periodic basis to determine if there are any indicators that the value of our equity investment may be impaired and whether or not that impairment is other-than-temporary. To the extent an impairment has occurred and is determined to be other-than-temporary, we measure the charge as the excess of the carrying value of our investment over its estimated fair value.

Basis of Consolidation
Basis of Consolidation — Our consolidated financial statements reflect all of our accounts, including those of our controlled subsidiaries. The portions of equity in consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us are presented as noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Variable Interest Entity
When we obtain an economic interest in an entity, we evaluate the entity to determine if it should be deemed a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary and are therefore required to consolidate the entity. We apply the accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs to certain entities in which the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. Certain decision-making rights within a loan or joint-venture agreement can cause us to consider an entity a VIE. Limited partnerships and other similar entities that operate as a partnership will be considered a VIE unless the limited partners hold substantive kick-out rights or participation rights. Significant judgment is required to determine whether a VIE should be consolidated. We review the contractual arrangements provided for in the partnership agreement or other related contracts to determine whether the entity is considered a VIE, and to establish whether we have any variable interests in the VIE. We then compare our variable interests, if any, to those of the other variable interest holders to determine which party is the primary beneficiary of the VIE based on whether the entity (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The liabilities of these VIEs are non-recourse to us and can only be satisfied from each VIE’s respective assets.

Reclassifications
Reclassifications — Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash — Restricted cash consists primarily of amounts escrowed pursuant to the terms of our mortgage debt to fund planned renovations and improvements, property taxes, insurance, and normal replacement of furniture, fixtures and equipment at our hotels.
Shares Repurchases
Share Repurchases — Share repurchases are recorded as a reduction of common stock par value and additional paid-in capital under our redemption plan, pursuant to which we may elect to redeem shares at the request of our stockholders, subject to certain exceptions, conditions, and limitations. The maximum amount of shares purchasable by us in any period depends on a number of factors and is at the discretion of our board of directors.
Real Estate
Real Estate — We carry land, buildings and personal property at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize improvements and we expense replacements, maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets as incurred. Renovations and/or replacements at the hotel properties that improve or extend the life of the assets are capitalized and depreciated over their useful lives, and repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. We capitalize interest and certain other costs, such as incremental labor costs relating to hotels undergoing major renovations and redevelopments.

Gain/Loss on Sale — We recognize gains and losses on the sale of properties when the transaction meets the definition of a contract, criteria are met for the sale of one or more distinct assets and control of the properties is transferred.
Equity Method Investments in Real Estate
Equity Investments in Real Estate — We classify distributions received from equity method investments using the cumulative earnings approach. Distributions received are considered returns on the investment and classified as cash inflows from operating activities. If, however, the investor’s cumulative distributions received, less distributions received in prior periods determined to be returns of investment, exceeds cumulative equity in earnings recognized, the excess is considered a return of investment and is classified as cash inflows from investing activities.

Under the conventional approach of accounting for equity method investments, an investor applies its percentage ownership interest to the venture’s net income or loss to determine the investor’s share of the earnings or losses of the venture. This approach is inappropriate if the venture’s capital structure gives different rights and priorities to its investors. Therefore, we follow the hypothetical liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) method in determining our share of these ventures’ earnings or losses for the reporting period as this method better reflects our claim on the ventures’ book value at the end of each reporting period. Earnings for our equity method investments are recognized in accordance with each respective investment agreement and, where applicable, based upon the allocation of the investment’s net assets at book value as if the investment was hypothetically liquidated at the end of each reporting period.

Cash
Cash — Our cash is held in the custody of several financial institutions, and these balances, at times, exceed federally-insurable limits. We seek to mitigate this risk by depositing funds only with major financial institutions.
Other Assets and Liabilities
Other Assets and Liabilities — At both December 31, 2019 and 2018, Other assets consists primarily of prepaid expenses, deferred tax assets and hotel inventories in the consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2019, Other assets also included deferred costs related to an agreement entered into with Watermark and Mr. Medzigian (see Note 3 for further discussion). At both December 31, 2019 and 2018, Other liabilities, which are included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, consists primarily of unamortized key money and other deferred incentive payments, hotel advance deposits, accrued distribution and shareholder servicing fees and sales and use and occupancy taxes payable.

Deferred Financing Cost
Deferred Financing Costs — Deferred financing costs represent costs to obtain mortgage financing. We amortize these charges to interest expense over the term of the related mortgage using a method which approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing costs are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability.
Hotel Revenue Recognition

Hotel Revenue Recognition — Revenue consists of amounts derived from hotel operations, including the sale of rooms, food and beverage and revenue from other operating departments, such as parking, spa, resort fees and gift shops, and is presented on a disaggregated basis on the consolidated statements of operations. These revenues are recorded net of any sales or occupancy taxes, which are collected from our guests as earned. All rebates or discounts are recorded as a reduction in revenue and there are no material contingent obligations with respect to rebates or discounts offered by us.

We recognize revenue when control of the promised good or service is transferred to the guest, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the promised good or service. Room revenue is generated through contracts with guests whereby the guest agrees to pay a daily rate for the right to use a hotel room and applicable amenities for an agreed upon length of stay. Our contract performance obligations are fulfilled at the end of the day that the guest is provided the room and revenue is recognized daily at the contract rate. Food and beverage revenue, including restaurant and banquet and catering services, are recognized at a point in time once food and beverage has been provided. Other operating department revenue for services such as parking, spa and other ancillary services, is recognized at a point in time when the goods and services are provided to the guest. We may engage third parties to provide certain services at the hotel, for example, audiovisual services. We evaluate each of these contracts to determine if the hotel is the principal or the agent in the transaction, and record the revenues as appropriate (i.e., gross vs. net).

Payment is due at the time that goods or services are rendered or billed. For room revenue, payment is typically due and paid in full at the end of the stay with some guests prepaying for their rooms prior to the stay. For package revenue, where ancillary guest services are included with the guests’ hotel reservations in a package arrangement, we allocate revenue based on the stand-alone selling price for each of the components of the package. We applied a practical expedient to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts that have an original expected length of one year or less. Any contracts that have an original expected length of greater than one year are insignificant.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations — Asset retirement obligations relate to the legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of a long-lived asset. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recorded in the period in which it is incurred and the cost of such liability is recorded as an increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by the same amount. The liability is accreted each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the related long-lived asset. Revisions to estimated retirement obligations result in adjustments to the related capitalized asset and corresponding liability. 

In order to determine the fair value of the asset retirement obligations, we make certain estimates and assumptions including, among other things, projected cash flows, the borrowing interest rate and an assessment of market conditions that could significantly impact the estimated fair value. These estimates and assumptions are subjective.

Capitalized Costs
Capitalized Costs — We capitalize interest and certain other costs, such as property taxes, land leases, property insurance and incremental labor costs relating to hotels undergoing major renovations and redevelopments. We begin capitalizing interest as we incur disbursements, and capitalize other costs when activities necessary to prepare the asset ready for its intended use are underway. We cease capitalizing these costs when construction is substantially complete.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and Amortization — We compute depreciation for hotels and related building improvements using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the properties (limited to 40 years for buildings and ranging from four years up to the remaining life of the building at the time of addition for building improvements), site improvements (generally four to 15 years), and furniture, fixtures and equipment (generally one to 12 years).
Organization and Offering Cost
Organization and Offering Costs — During our offering period, costs incurred in connection with the raising of capital were recorded as deferred offering costs. Upon receipt of offering proceeds, we charged the deferred costs to stockholders’ equity. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement as described in Note 3, we reimbursed our Advisor for organization and offering costs incurred up to regulatory limits. Organization costs were expensed as incurred and are included in corporate general and administrative expenses in the financial statements.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments — We measure derivative instruments at fair value and record them as assets or liabilities, depending on our rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. For a derivative designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized in Other comprehensive loss until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. In accordance with fair value measurement guidance, counterparty credit risk is measured on a net portfolio position basis.

Income Taxes
Income Taxes — We elect to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required, among other things, to distribute at least 90% of our REIT net taxable income to our stockholders and meet certain tests regarding the nature of our income and assets. As a REIT, we are not subject to federal income taxes on our income and gains that we distribute to our stockholders as long as we satisfy certain requirements, principally relating to the nature of our income and the level of our distributions, as well as other factors. We believe that we have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner that allows us to continue to qualify as a REIT.

We conduct business in various states and municipalities within the United States, and, as a result, we or one or more of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. As a result, we are subject to certain state and local taxes and a provision for such taxes is included in the consolidated financial statements.

We elect to treat certain of our corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). In general, a TRS may perform additional services for our investments and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate-related business (except for the operation or management of health care facilities or lodging facilities or providing to any person, under a franchise, license or otherwise, rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated). A TRS is subject to corporate federal, state and local income taxes.

Significant judgment is required in determining our tax provision and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish tax reserves based on a benefit recognition model, which could result in a greater amount of benefit (and a lower amount of reserve) being initially recognized in certain circumstances. Provided that the tax position is deemed more likely than not of being sustained, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. We derecognize the tax position when it is no longer more likely than not of being sustained.

Our earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to stockholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in depreciation and timing differences of certain income and expense recognitions, for federal income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes relate primarily to our TRSs 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 our TRSs 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 (Note 12).

We recognize deferred income taxes in certain of our subsidiaries taxable in the United States. Deferred income taxes are generally the result of temporary differences (items that are treated differently for tax purposes than for GAAP purposes as described in Note 12). In addition, deferred tax assets arise from unutilized tax net operating losses, generated in prior years. Deferred income taxes are computed under the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between tax bases and financial bases of assets and liabilities. We provide a valuation allowance against our deferred income tax assets when we believe that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred income tax asset may not be realized. Whenever a change in circumstances causes a change in the estimated realizability of the related deferred income tax asset, the resulting increase or decrease in the valuation allowance is included in deferred income tax expense (benefit).
Share-Based Payments
Share-Based Payments — We have granted Class A restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain employees of the Subadvisor. RSUs issued to employees of the Subadvisor generally vest over three years, and are subject to continued employment. We also issued Class A common stock to our directors as part of their director compensation. The expense recognized for share-based payment transactions for awards made to directors is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with current accounting guidance for share-based payments. Share-based payment transactions for awards made to employees of the Subadvisor are based on the fair value of the services received. We recognize these compensation costs only for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. We include share-based payment transactions within Corporate general and administrative expense.

Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests — Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests are recognized in accordance with each respective investment agreement and, where applicable, based upon the allocation of the investment’s net assets at book value as if the investment was hypothetically liquidated at the end of each reporting period.

Loss Per Share
Loss Per Share — Loss per share, as presented, represents both basic and diluted per-share amounts for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. We calculate loss per share using the two-class method to reflect the different classes of our outstanding common stock. Loss per basic share of common stock is calculated by dividing Net loss attributable to CWI 2 by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding during the year. The allocation of Net loss attributable to CWI 2 is calculated based on the weighted-average shares outstanding for Class A common stock and Class T common stock for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Recent Accounting Requirements
Recent Accounting Requirements

The following ASUs, promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), are applicable to us:

Pronouncements Adopted as of December 31, 2019

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 modifies the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract: the lessee and the lessor. ASU 2016-02 provides new guidelines that change the accounting for leasing arrangements for lessees, whereby their rights and obligations under substantially all leases, existing and new, are capitalized and recorded on the balance sheet. For lessors, however, the new standard remains generally consistent with existing guidance, but has been updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).

We adopted this guidance for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method, applying the transition provisions at the beginning of the period of adoption rather than at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We elected the package of practical expedients as permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed us to not reassess: (i) whether arrangements contain leases, (ii) lease classification and (iii) initial direct costs. The adoption of the lease standard did not result in a cumulative effect adjustment recognized in the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. On January 1, 2019, we recognized a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability related to our operating leases of $1.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively, in Other assets and Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheet.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. ASU 2017-12 makes more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting. It also amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess hedge effectiveness. It is intended to more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management strategies, simplify the application of hedge accounting, and increase transparency as to the scope and results of hedging programs. We adopted this guidance for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2017-12 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions in exchange for goods and services from nonemployees, which will align the accounting for such payments to nonemployees with the existing requirements for share-based payments granted to employees (with certain exceptions). These share-based payments will now be measured at the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued. We adopted this guidance for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of an asset is defined as the exit price, which is the amount that would either be received when an asset is sold or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers are: Level 1, for which quoted market prices for identical instruments are available in active markets, such as money market funds, equity securities and U.S. Treasury securities; Level 2, for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the instrument, such as certain derivative instruments, including interest rate caps and swaps; and Level 3, for securities that do not fall into Level 1 or Level 2 and for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring us to develop our own assumptions.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Derivative Assets — Our derivative assets, which are included in Other assets in the consolidated financial statements, are comprised of interest rate caps and swaps (Note 7).

The valuation of our derivative instruments is determined using a 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, as well as observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. 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 our derivative instruments for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings and thresholds. These derivative instruments were classified as Level 2 as these instruments are custom, over-the-counter contracts with various bank counterparties that are not traded in an active market.