Tampa brokerage sparks bidding war for $5.2M Georgia hotel

A Tampa brokerage closed a 5.2 million Georgia hotel sale after more than 120 buyers sparked a competitive bidding war.

A Tampa-based hotel brokerage has closed another competitive sale as investor activity continues to rise across the Southeast.

DSH Hotel Advisors arranged the $5.2 million sale of the Sleep Inn and Suites in Valdosta.

The deal drew more than 120 interested buyers and five formal offers, which signals continued momentum in renovated midscale hotels.

CHECK OUT TBBW’S NEWS PODCAST

This article explains what happened, why the sale matters for regional investors and how the trend around interior entry hotels is shaping buyer behavior.

What happened

DSH Hotel Advisors reported that Managing Principal Dennis Hopper, with Investment Associate Vandan Patel and Senior Vice President of Investments Randy Taylor, arranged the sale of the 71-room Sleep Inn and Suites.

Falak Properties bought the asset from 1031 Specialists Processor for $5.2 million.

The firm handled the listing exclusively and attracted more than 120 confidentiality agreements along with five qualified offers.

The hotel has interior-entry rooms and sits off Interstate 75, offering steady visibility and access to drivers headed toward Wild Adventures Theme Park or Valdosta State University.

The property recently completed a series of upgrades that included new guest room and hallway carpeting, lobby seating, updated bathroom tile and new AC units.

Hopper said the renovations and location helped drive interest.
“This is a great example of a well-located renovated hotel attracting strong demand,” Hopper said.

READ: Waldorf Astoria plans 18 story tower in downtown Sarasota

Patel said interior entry hotels continue to perform well.
“This sale highlights the continued strength of well-positioned interior entry hotels,” Patel said.

Taylor said alignment between buyer and seller was key to the closing.
“Our focus on aligning the goals of the seller and buyer helped us deliver another successful hotel sale,” Taylor said.

What’s happening now

This sale fits a broader pattern across the Southeast. Renovated midscale hotels priced below replacement cost continue to trade even as buyers remain cautious in other commercial real estate sectors.

Interior entry hotels have held investor attention throughout 2024 and 2025 due to consistent performance, lower staffing needs and reliable demand in secondary markets.

READ: Steve King leaves Meals on Wheels Tampa stronger than he found it

Valdosta and Lowndes County also continue to see year-over-year growth, which supports underwriting confidence.

What this means for you

  • For Tampa Bay investors

Southeast hotel assets are still moving and renovated properties remain attractive entry points. Buyers with strong operational plans or franchise relationships are gaining ground in markets like Valdosta, Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Lakeland.

  • For hotel owners

Capital improvements can increase interest quickly. Properties with fresh FF&E, updated public areas and low replacement risk are generating more competitive offers.

  • For developers and brokers

Interior entry hotels remain one of the most stable categories in the midscale market. Buyers continue to favor predictable performance and strong highway locations.

  • For family offices

The sale is another example of how value-add hospitality assets can provide strong returns with manageable risk profiles. A steady Southeast travel pipeline helps with long-term planning.

What you should do

Here are steps owners and investors may consider:

  • Review renovation priorities

Small upgrades tend to improve buyer interest and support stronger offers.

  • Evaluate exit timing

The Southeast continues to outperform many other U.S. regions. Hospitality demand has stayed steady through shifts in interest rate expectations.

  • Track highway markets

Interstate properties remain consistent performers due to high visibility and traffic flow.

  • Monitor replacement costs

Hotels priced below replacement cost continue to attract competitive offers, making this category attractive to both sellers and buyers.

Takeaway

The $5.2 million sale of the Sleep Inn and Suites in Valdosta reflects continued strength in renovated midscale hotels.

It underscores how interior-entry assets remain top performers in the Southeast lodging market. The deal adds to a growing list of closings by DSH Hotel Advisors, which signals continued movement across Florida and Georgia.

TBBW will continue to track hospitality trends that matter to regional investors and owners.

Stay Connected

Sign up for TBBW’s newsletter

Watch TBBW’s Podcast

Follow TBBW on Social Media

Read More TBBW stories

You May Also Like
Delta plans larger Sky Club at Tampa airport

Delta plans to relocate and expand its Sky Club at Tampa International Airport in 2028.

Read More
Delta Sky Club food service area with chefs serving guests at an airport lounge
Blake outlines office execution plan in Gas Plant bid

Blake Investment Partners details its office delivery plan for the Historic Gas Plant District.

Read More
Conceptual rendering of a mixed-use office development proposed for the Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg.
Wing It On! to open first Tampa location amid Florida push

Wing It On! will open its first Tampa location in 2026 as Florida franchise growth accelerates.

Read More
Wing It On! showcases its signature buffalo wings, seasoned fries and dipping sauce ahead of its first Tampa franchise opening.
NYCFC names Visit Tampa Bay as official tourism partner

NYCFC names Visit Tampa Bay a tourism partner as preseason training begins in Florida.

Read More
New York City FC players train during preseason practice in Tampa as part of a new tourism partnership with Visit Tampa Bay.
Other Posts
UTampa to build new Science Center along Hillsborough River

UTampa will begin construction on a new Science Center along the Hillsborough River this spring.

Read More
Rendering of the University of Tampa’s planned Science Center along the Hillsborough River.
ASH on Water Street finds its voice with chef Seth Temple

ASH on Water Street enters a confident new chapter under chef Seth Temple.

Read More
Dining room at ASH on Water Street filled with guests as the restaurant settles into its identity
Hotel ORA is approaching a new pricing phase

Hotel ORA is nearing a pricing inflection point as financing milestones shift leverage from sales velocity to long-term control in downtown Tampa.

Read More
Luxury hotel suite rendering at Hotel ORA with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Tampa at dusk.
Pinellas tourism hits $10B impact, funds $153M projects

Tourism continues to anchor Pinellas County’s economy, generating more than $10 billion in economic impact in 2025 while supporting roughly 100,000 jobs across hospitality, retail, transportation and related sectors. Beyond visitor spending, tourism is also driving significant reinvestment back into the county. In 2025, tourism-generated dollars returned nearly $155 million directly into Pinellas County communities,

Read More
Aerial view of downtown St. Petersburg showing waterfront, high-rise buildings and marina, highlighting how tourism dollars support local infrastructure and growth.