Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has partnered with investment firm Lafayette Square to enhance capital access for diverse hotel owners. Through this exclusive collaboration, Wyndham will help qualified hotel owners connect directly with Lafayette Square, which is offering up to $100 million in financing over the coming years to support their projects. While eligibility will vary, the funds aim to empower hoteliers to advance initiatives that may have been delayed due to limited access to traditional funding sources.

Lafayette Square’s investment strategy directly addresses the capital challenges faced by diverse hotel owners. This initiative is the latest addition to Wyndham’s ongoing BOLD (Black Owners and Lodging Developers) and Women Own the Room programs. Both initiatives are designed to empower Black and women entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry by tackling the specific obstacles each group faces. These programs offer a range of support, including networking opportunities, educational resources through the newly launched Accelerator Circle, operational assistance, and complimentary services to boost revenue. Together, BOLD and Women Own the Room have contributed to over 100 hotel deals with Black and women owners, with more than 20 of those properties now open and operational.

“Inequities still exist within hospitality, especially when it comes to financing. Champions like Lafayette Square—who believe in our same mission—can help us bring greater representation to our industry. There are deserving, credible hoteliers that continue to face roadblocks, and we’re committed to using our network to not only give the keys to hotel ownership to more diverse owners, but ultimately help give them the access to tools, resources and partners they need to succeed.” – Galen Barrett, VP, Strategic Franchise Initiatives, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

“Financing is an ongoing issue—particularly for diverse hotel owners— and there’s a growing need to intervene. We believe in elevating entrepreneurs who have historically not had the backing to succeed. Tapping into Wyndham’s network brings us and our resources to the epicenter of hospitality, helping make hotel ownership more attainable to qualified hoteliers.” – Abhay Patel, Managing Director, Lafayette Square

Expanding Hotel Ownership

Despite her background in real estate and prior experience owning a hotel in Memphis, BOLD member Dr. Amina James faced familiar challenges when seeking financing for her next project in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She encountered high-interest rates and loan offers that lacked sufficient capital to support her business plan. In response, Wyndham connected Dr. James with Lafayette Square, paving the way for her to become the first Wyndham franchisee to secure financing from the firm.

Thanks to this partnership, Dr. James was able to finalize a financing package that supported the acquisition of her second hotel, now operating as the Wyndham Lake Charles. With this funding, she plans to enhance the property and improve its operations by bringing in a third-party management team to optimize performance.

“Because of Wyndham’s support, the credibility they saw in me and their connection to Lafayette Square, I can now say I own two hotels. BOLD and Women Own the Room are actively changing hospitality by forging the path – and knocking down the barriers along the way – to make hotel ownership possible. That’s a vision and a mission I’m proud to be part of.” – Amina James, Wyndham Franchisee and Member of BOLD by Wyndham

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