Nine figures and counting

The sale of the Tampa Hilton for $101 million earlier this month highlights the burgeoning interest by institutional capital in top-level Gulf Coast lodging properties, the result of improved occupancy and revenue, analysts say.

CrossHarbor Capital Partners' acquisition of the 520-room downtown hotel marks just the fourth time in Tampa history that a hospitality asset has fetched nine figures in a sale.

Just as significantly, each of the $100 million-plus transactions occurred within the past two years, a sign that the region is commanding greater respect on national and international stages even as some markets appear to have peaked in regards to values.