Driftwood Florida Space Coast Portfolio – Private
Driftwood Capital offers accredited investors an exclusive opportunity to invest in a portfolio of four premium-branded beachfront hotels on Florida’s Space Coast featuring 1,218 guest rooms, 166K square feet of meeting space, and 21 food & beverage outlets. Once completed, the Driftwood Space Coast Portfolio is expected to represent more than 62% of the Space Coast’s beachfront hotel guest room inventory. The portfolio generates cash flow from two operational full-service hotels, Hilton Cocoa Beach and Crowne Plaza Melbourne. Additional revenue is anticipated from the newly constructed upscale element by Westin Melbourne extended-stay hotel, which is expected to open in Q2 2024. Lastly, scheduled to open in 2026, the Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa is expected to dominate the region as an iconic destination resort, and we believe will induce demand to the market.
Target Preferred IRR1
Target Common IRR1
Hold Period1
Deal Overview
- New equity of at least ~$170M required for initial closing.
- Total equity is expected to be ~$330M, of which there will be a minimum of ~$40M of preferred equity investment and a maximum of ~$135M of preferred equity investment.
- A 12% annual coupon is anticipated to be paid current each quarter in arrears.
- Capital Call 30% upon commitment
- Remainder called at the discretion of the Sponsor over an 18-month period
Number of hotels
4
Number of rooms
1,218
Market
Space Coast, FL
Year built/Renovated
2019—2026
Target closing
Q3 2024
2027E NOI
$63.6M
Management
DHM
Placement fee
1.5%
Fund management fee
1.5%
Property Overview
Program
- Hilton Cocoa beach
- Crowne Plaza Melbourne
- element Melbourne
- Westin Cocoa Beach Resort and Spa
- Item 1
Hilton Cocoa beach
- Keys: 295
- Meeting Space 22K SF
- 300 linear feet of beach frontage
- $10M ($34K/ key) spent on transformational renovation that positions the Hilton as the current market leader
- 141% RevPAR Index projected in 2024
- Six food & beverage outlets
- Well utilized, versatile function and event space
- Item 1
Crowne Plaza Melbourne
- Meeting Space 20K SF
- Largest beachfront group house in Melbourne
- $18.5M ($64K/key) renovation of guest rooms and public spaces 2018-2019
- Outside deck replacement in 2023
- Operational synergies expected with adjacent element by Westin Melbourne opening in 2024
- Item 1
element Melbourne
- Target Opening: 2024
- Keys: 130
- Meeting Space 500 SF
- Newest hotel product on Melbourne Beach by more than a decade and the first beachfront element by Westin
- Premium amenities that exceed brand standards with an elevated pool deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- Lack of extended stay and Marriott product in the vicinity is expected to capture outsized market share
- Only Marriott-branded beachfront extended stay hotel in 170-miles of oceanfront, from Daytona Beach to Juno Beach
- Opportunity for operational cost savings and synergies with adjacent Crowne Plaza Melbourne
- Item 1
Westin Cocoa Beach Resort and Spa
- Target Opening: 2026
- Meeting Space 123K SF of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space
- Expected to be a transformative development, positioned in one of the top five fastest growing MSAs in the US
- State-of-the-art resort and conference facility designed by world-renowned architect, Gensler
- Marriott distribution gap – no full-service Marriott beachfront properties for 160-miles, from Daytona Beach to Hutchinson Island
- Unprecedented $30M grant from Brevard County, $1M per year for 30 years, to promote the Resort
- $25M Marriott Performance Guaranty
- Updated construction costs of market-tested GMP (Gross Maximum Price) in September 2023
Portfolio Properties
Westin Cocoa Beach Resort and Spa
View Details502
Keys
15.7
Beachfront Acres
2026
Target Opening
123.7K SF
Meeting Space
11
F&B Venues
Marriott
Brand Parent
Westin Cocoa Beach Resort and Spa
- Expected to be a transformative development, positioned in one of the top five fastest growing MSAs in the US
- State-of-the-art resort and conference facility designed by world-renowned architect, Gensler
- Marriott distribution gap – no full-service Marriott beachfront properties for 160-miles, from Daytona Beach to Hutchinson Island
- Unprecedented $30M grant from Brevard County, $1M per year for 30 years, to promote the Resort
- $25M Marriott Performance Guaranty
- Updated construction costs of market-tested GMP (Gross Maximum Price) in September 2023
Hilton Cocoa Beach
View Details296
Keys
8.0
Beachfront Acres
1986/2023
Open/Renovated
21.7K SF
Meeting Space
6
F&B Venues
Hilton
Brand Parent
Hilton Cocoa Beach
- 300 linear feet of beach frontage
- $10M ($34K/ key) spent on a transformational renovation that positions the Hilton as the current market leader
- 141% RevPAR Index projected in 2024
- Six food & beverage outlets
- Well utilized, versatile function and event space
Crowne Plaza Melbourne
View Details290
Keys
9.9
Beachfront Acres
1979/2019
Open/Renovated
20.0K SF
Meeting Space
3
F&B Venues
IHG
Brand Parent
Crowne Plaza Melbourne
- Largest beachfront group house in Melbourne
- $18.5M ($64K/key) renovation of guest rooms and public spaces 2018-2019
- Outside deck replacement in 2023
- Operational synergies expected with the adjacent element by Westin Melbourne opening in 2024
element Melbourne
View Details130
Keys
2.6
Beachfront Acres
2024
Target Opening
525 SF
Meeting Space
1
F&B Venues
Marriott
Brand Parent
element Melbourne
- Newest hotel product on Melbourne Beach by more than a decade and the first beachfront element by Westin
- Premium amenities that exceed brand standards with an elevated pool deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- Lack of extended stay and Marriott product in the vicinity is expected to capture outsized market share
- Only Marriott-branded beachfront extended stay hotel in 170-miles of oceanfront, from Daytona Beach to Juno Beach
- Opportunity for operational cost savings and synergies with adjacent Crowne Plaza Melbourne
Investment Rationale
Impressive scale in an unparalleled location
Spanning over 36 beachfront acres within Florida’s thriving Space Coast, the curated portfolio epitomizes high-value hospitality real estate. With 1,218 keys, 166k SF meeting space, 21 food & beverage venues, and a significant market share (11.1% of total market keys), four unique and complementary hotels are set to transform the high barriers-to-entry Space Coast region.
Extremely high barriers to entry
Stringent zoning, entitlements, community buy-in, and the Brevard Barrier Island Area Protection Act limit competition and protect investment value. In fact, element Melbourne took just over 2.5 years to get entitled and Westin Cocoa Beach Resort and Spa took 5+ years to get shovel-ready, which required obtaining a special development district designation to get the desired height through a community referendum for approval.
Prime market with strong demand generators
The Space Coast we believe has unstoppable momentum of both leisure and business demand generators. Leisure wise, the Space Coast is the closest beach to Orlando amusement parks and MSA which attracts approximately 60M annual visitors. Cocoa Beach was named the US Top Surfing Destination, which attracted 2.5M visitors to Cocoa Beach in 2022. In addition, Port Canaveral is the #1 Busiest Cruise Port in the World with 7M annual visitors. Lastly, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex received 1.5M visitors in 2022 and the Kennedy Space Center hosts 1 out of 3 lower orbit launches in the US.
Business demand is fueled by the Aerospace industry, which contributed $4.2B to the county’s economy in 2021 and Defense industry, given proximity to US Patrick Space Force/Air force Base & defense Contractors with 14K active personnel and $29B budget. Also, the Aerospace boom, with 72 launches in 2023 and a projection to over 300 launches per year by 2026, the industry is driving high demand for all types of Real Estate, which other than hospitality also include specialized industrial facilities near Cape Canaveral, with major developers investing $500M+ in projects to cater to companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX.1
This combination we believe proves out the resiliency of the Space Coast hotel market, which has witnessed RevPAR growth of 6% YoY on average2, showcasing remarkable stability.
2 CoStar and Company Projections
Decade long presence on the Space Coast
Headquartered in Florida, Driftwood Capital possesses extensive experience and history within the Space Coast, having been invested in the region since 2013. With over a decade of market presence, including major renovations of the Hilton Cocoa Beach and Crowne Plaza Melbourne, as well as developing the new element by Westin Melbourne and for the last five years lead the entitlement and design process of the new Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa.
Recently renovated
The Crowne Plaza Melbourne completed a $18.5M ($64K per key) renovation of guest rooms and public spaces in 2018-2019 and $10M ($34K per key) was spent on a transformative renovation of the Hilton Cocoa Beach in 2023, which helped position the hotel as the current competitive set leader.
Compelling incentives for Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa development
The portfolio benefits from a $30M grant from Brevard County and an anticipated $25M performance guarantee from Marriott. This, combined with the absence of full-service Marriott beachfront properties along the 160-mile coastal area between Daytona Beach and Hutchinson Island, presents a unique opportunity within an underserved, premier market.
Diversified portfolio
Drawing from the top 3 hotel brands: Hilton, Marriott, and IHG reservation systems and loyalty programs, we believe provides the distribution power to achieve strong top-line revenues across various segments (Upper Upscale – Westin, Upscale – Hilton and Crowne Plaza, and Upscale Extended Stay – element). In addition, the portfolio provides a blended investment offering across cash-flowing assets and future upside through new developments – one more imminent, element Melbourne, and approximately 2-years later, the landmark Westin Resort & Space Cocoa Beach.
Experts Discussing the Strength of Market & Barriers to Entry
Lisa Sexton
Senior Vice President, Development Hospitality Expertise for Marriott International
Watch VideoRita Pritchett
Brevard County Commissioner for District 1 & Chairwoman for the Tourism Board of the County
Watch VideoFrequently Asked Questions
Who is Driftwood Capital?
Driftwood Capital is an innovative investment business that we believe is built on the solid foundation of a most trusted name in hospitality. We’ve created a hospitality ecosystem to help make smart investments secured by sponsor capital. As professionals well-versed in acquisitions, development, and lending, we source, underwrite, structure, and close investments across diverse markets and asset types, from name brands to boutique properties. We then bring our extensive experience in hotel management to each investment, seeking to add value and improve operations to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns in hospitality.
How does Driftwood Capital differentiate itself from other hotel owners, operators, and developers?
- Aligned Interests: We are invested in each deal alongside our investors.
- Institutional Quality: We provide accredited investors access to investment opportunities traditionally reserved for institutional investors.
- Above-Market Returns: Investors typically receive any quarterly distributions from day one, with annual returns historically between 7% and 10% and 15%+ XIRR.
- Personalized Portfolio: Investors create their own investment portfolio by selecting the deals that appeal to them.
Is there an investment minimum?
Yes, generally, the minimum investment is $50,000 USD, although the amount could vary from deal to deal.
How often are distributions paid?
Any distributions are expected to be paid from operating cash flow at the project GP’s discretion, generally 30 days after the quarter closes.
How does Driftwood Capital’s business model work?
Driftwood Capital purchases cash-flowing hotels, land for development, or funds loans before syndicating to accredited investors. In the case of acquisitions, Driftwood Capital generally engages its affiliated management company, Driftwood Hospitality Management, to help streamline operations and improve performance. The company typically maintains an ownership stake in each deal. Based on historical performance, investors are expected to receive 7-10% annual returns and an XIRR above 15%.
How does Driftwood Capital update investors about their investments?
A fundamental pillar of Driftwood Capital’s value proposition and success is an experienced Investor Relations team that seeks to deliver timely, accurate, and transparent information to all investors. Our dedicated, in-house Investor Relations team is available to address current or potential investors’ questions or concerns. Additionally, investors are expected to receive quarterly reports on individual hotels’ operating and financial performance issued 30 days after the quarter closes. Finally, Driftwood Capital’s Investor Portal — investors.driftwoodcapital.com — further differentiates us from commercial real estate peers and provides investors 24/7 access to their investment anywhere in the world via secure technology. The portal also houses encrypted access to open investments and tax documents.
What tax documents does Driftwood Capital provide?
We typically provide all investors with a Schedule K-1 for their respective investment in any Driftwood-sponsored investment. Schedule K-1 is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax form issued annually that reports each partner’s share of a partnership’s earnings, losses, deductions, and credits.
What documents are required to invest with Driftwood Capital?
Driftwood Capital requires the following documentation for compliance purposes:
Investing as an individual with one subscriber
- Valid, unexpired government-issued ID
- IRS Form W-9
- Valid investor accreditation letter
- Completed and executed the Subscription Agreement
Investing as an individual with more than one subscriber
- Valid, unexpired government-issued ID
- IRS Form W-9
- Valid investor accreditation letter
- Completed and executed subscription agreement by both investors
- Given more than one subscriber, the investors MUST SELECT one of the following within the Subscription Agreement:
- Tenants in common
- Joint tenants with rights of survivorship
- Tenants by the entireties
Investing via Entity (LP, LLC, C-Corp, or SD IRA)
- Valid, unexpired government-issued ID
- IRS Form W-9
- Valid investor accreditation letter
- Entity’s Articles of Incorporation and Operating Agreement (not necessary if investing via SD IRA)
- Completed and executed the Subscription Agreement
Investing via Trust
- Valid, unexpired government-issued ID
- IRS Form W-9
- Valid investor accreditation letter
- Trust agreement
- Completed and executed the Subscription Agreement
What is an accredited investor?
In the United States, to be considered an accredited investor, individuals must have a net worth of at least $1,000,000, excluding the value of their primary residence or have a household income of at least $200,000 each year for the last two years (or $300,000 combined income with your spouse or spousal equivalent) and have the expectation to make the same amount this year. The term “accredited investor” is further defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Why do I need to prove I’m an accredited investor?
Deals offered by Driftwood Capital or any of its affiliated funds are typically offered pursuant to SEC exemptions from public registration which require that we verify an investor’s accreditation.
How do I prove I am accredited?
In order to provide Accredited Investor status, you can provide financial statements from a bank/brokerage account showing net assets over $1 million dollars; 2 years of Federal tax Returns or a valid investor accreditation letter from a CPA or an attorney. An alternative would be to visit one of the third-party sites listed below and provide Driftwood Capital with an accreditation letter:
https://www.verifyinvestor.com/
https://www.earlyiq.com/investor-verification
* Driftwood does not accept self-certification of investor accreditation.
What is an investor accreditation verification letter?
An Accredited Investor Verification Letter is a legal document provided by a qualified accountant, investment advisor, or lawyer who can certify your accreditation. The verification letter is valid for up to 3 months from the date it is executed.
Driftwood Capital is an innovative investment business that we believe is built on the solid foundation of a most trusted name in hospitality.
We’ve created a hospitality ecosystem to help make smart investments secured by sponsor capital. As professionals well versed in acquisitions, development and lending, we source, underwrite, structure and close investments across diverse markets and asset types, from name brands to boutique properties. We then bring our extensive experience in hotel management to each investment, seeking to add value and improve operations to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns in hospitality.
Learn MoreLegal disclosure
This Presentation is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities. All content available in this Presentation is general in nature, not directed to any particular person, and is for informational purposes only. This Presentation excludes material information, including, but not limited to, risk factors to be considered by prospective investors. The information contained herein reflects the opinions and projections of Driftwood Capital, LLC (“Driftwood”) as of the date of this Presentation, which are subject to change without notice at any time. There is no obligation to update, modify, or amend this Presentation or otherwise notify a recipient of these materials in the event that any information contained herein, or any opinion, projection, forecast, or estimate, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate. The information provided herein is believed to be reliable and has been obtained from sources Driftwood believes are reliable, but no representation or warranty is made, express or implied, with respect to the fairness, correctness, accuracy, reasonableness, or completeness of the information and opinions. Neither Driftwood nor any of its affiliates, representatives, or executives represents that the information contained in this Presentation is accurate, current, or complete. Driftwood does not represent that any opinion or projection will be realized.
All economic and performance data is historical and must be considered in conjunction with applicable disclosures. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. There can be no assurance that the results achieved by past investments will be achieved by any future investment.
The information contained in the Presentation should not form the basis for any investment decision. This Presentation is provided for assistance only and is not intended to be and must not alone be taken as the basis for an investment decision. Neither this Presentation nor any of its content is offered as investment, legal, or tax advice and should not be deemed as investment, legal or tax advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any specific security. For the avoidance of doubt, no investment advice is being provided to recipients of this Presentation by Driftwood or any of its affiliates (including Driftwood Advisors, LLC), representatives, or executives. Each recipient of this Presentation should make such investigation as it deems necessary to arrive at an independent evaluation of the contents hereof and should consult its own legal, financial, and accounting advisors to determine the merits and risks of such an investment.
Investments in real estate involve a high degree of risk and should be considered only by highly sophisticated persons who can bear the economic risk of loss and illiquidity.
The investments described in this Presentation do not represent all the investments made or managed by Driftwood or its principals. All returns for any investments that have not been fully liquidated are subject to revision, and Driftwood is under no obligation to inform any recipient of this Presentation of any such revision.
All time-sensitive references are made as of the first date of dissemination of this Presentation by Driftwood to the recipient unless otherwise expressly indicated. The delivery of this Presentation does not imply that the information herein is correct as of any time subsequent thereto unless otherwise expressly indicated.
Images identified herein as renderings are artistic representations of the intended design and concept for the project. While every effort has been made to accurately depict the project’s anticipated design and concept as of the date hereof, the final product may vary from the renderings in terms of design, finishes, colors, landscaping, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and overall appearance. Driftwood reserves the right to make modifications, substitutions, or changes to the project’s design and concept, and Driftwood is under no obligation to inform any party of the same. The renderings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as a representation or guarantee of the final outcome of the project.
Certain information contained in this Presentation constitutes “forward-looking statements” that can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology.
Projected Performance Disclaimer
The projections and other information shown on this presentation, including projected net operating income (“NOI”), is hypothetical in nature, does not reflect actual results, and is not any guarantee of future results. Projected results are based on assumptions which may not prove to be accurate. There are a number of limitations inherent in projected results like those portrayed on this slide. In addition, a specific investor’s actual performance may be materially different from such illustrative data depending on numerous factors. No representations or warranties whatsoever are made by the Company or any other person or entity as to the future profitability of an investment vehicle or the results of making an investment. Projected or past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Target Returns Disclaimer
The target returns shown on this presentation are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual results, and are not any guarantee of future results. Target returns are based on assumptions which may not prove to be accurate. There are a number of limitations inherent in target returns like those portrayed on this slide. In addition, a specific investor’s actual performance may be materially different from such illustrative data depending on numerous factors. No representations or warranties whatsoever are made by the Company or any other person or entity as to the future profitability of an investment vehicle or the results of making an investment. Projected or past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements and may be worse due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation, changes in laws, fluctuations in real estate markets, and the tourism and hospitality industries, increases in costs, and adverse conditions in the credit and capital markets. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of Driftwood and its affiliates.
By accepting receipt of this Presentation, the recipient is deemed to represent they understand, either individually or through an advisor, the risks involved in making investments of this nature and have sufficient investment expertise, either individually or through an advisor, to make their own investment decision.
This Presentation is intended for the confidential use of only those persons to whom it is transmitted by Driftwood and is not to be reproduced or used for any other purpose.
The unauthorized distribution of this Presentation is strictly prohibited.
1 In reviewing these projections and projections set forth elsewhere herein, prospective investors are cautioned that no assurance can be given that actual returns will meet or exceed the targeted returns (including that they may be materially lower than the targeted returns) or that actual results will otherwise meet DDP’s expectations or objectives. In addition, notwithstanding the targeted hold period, DDP is not required to sell the Hotel or any portion thereof at any time and the decision of whether and when to sell the Hotel or any portion thereof will be made by DDP, in its sole discretion, based on market conditions, the performance of the Hotel and other factors which it may consider. Accordingly, the Hotel may be sold, in whole or in part, sooner than expected, or the Hotel or any portion thereof may be held for longer than the target hold period. Please refer to the offering materials relating to an investment in the Hotel, including the “Legal Disclosures” set forth therein, for additional material information.