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Hersha Hospitality Trust

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FY2008 Annual Report · Hersha Hospitality Trust
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H E R S H A

www.hersha.com

h e r s h a   h o s p i t a l i t y   t r u s t

Annual Report

2008

H E R S H A

 
 
 
 
 
12968CVR_LA:12968CVR_LA  3/31/09  9:37 AM  Page 2

H E R S H A

H E R S H A  H O S P I T A L I T Y  T R U S T  ( H T )

H E R S H A

H E R S H A  H O S P I T A L I T Y  T R U S T  ( H T )

Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT) is

a real estate investment trust

(REIT) focused on the 

acquisition and aggressive

management of primarily select

Hersha Portfolio by Hotel Brand

(1)

Marriott 33%

Hilton 29%

Intercontinental 15%

Hyatt 15%

Other 8%

(1) Based on pro-rata ownership share of 2008 EBITDA excluding preferred returns.

service and extended stay

Hersha Portfolio by Market Segment

(2)

hotels in metropolitan markets.

Hersha trades under the

symbol HT on the New York

Stock Exchange.  As of

December 31, 2008, the

Company owned interests in

76 upper upscale, upscale,

and midscale hotels 

located predominantly

in the Northeastern United

States.  Qualification as a REIT

under the Internal Revenue

Code enables the Company

to distribute income to

shareholders without federal

income tax liability to

the Company. 

Upscale 52%

Midscale 46%

Upper Upscale 3%

(2) Based on pro-rata ownership share of 2008 EBITDA excluding preferred returns.

Hersha Portfolio by Destination

(3)

 Major Metro 79%

Secondary 12%

Destination 9%

(3) Based on pro-rata ownership share of 2008 EBITDA excluding preferred returns.

Hersha Portfolio by Location

(4)

New York Metro & New Jersey 37%

Boston Metro & New England 22%

Philadelphia Metro & Mid-Atlantic 25%

Washington, DC Metro 10%

West Coast & Arizona 6%

(4) Based on pro-rata ownership share of 2008 EBITDA excluding preferred returns.

Board of Trustees

Hasu P. Shah
Chairman, Hersha Hospitality Trust

Jay H. Shah
Chief Executive Officer, Hersha Hospitality Trust

Michael A. Leven
President and COO, Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Donald J. Landry
Former CEO and President, Sunburst Hospitality, Inc.

John Sabin
Executive Vice President, Phoenix Health Systems, Inc.

Thomas S. Capello
Founder & Principal, First Capital Equities

Thomas J. Hutchison III
Former CEO, CNL Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Kiran P. Patel
Chief Investment Officer, Hersha Group

Corporate Officers

Jay H. Shah
Chief Executive Officer

Neil H. Shah
President and Chief Operating Officer

Ashish R. Parikh
Chief Financial Officer

Michael R. Gillespie
Chief Accounting Officer

David L. Desfor
Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

William J. Walsh
Vice President of Asset Management

Robert C. Hazard III
Vice President of Acquisitions and Development

Corporate Headquarters
44 Hersha Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Telephone: (717) 236-4400
Facsimile: (717) 774-7383

Philadelphia Executive Offices
Penn Mutual Towers
510 Walnut Street, 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: (215) 238-1046
Facsimile: (215) 238-0157

Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP
Certified Public Accountants
1601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103 
Telephone: (267) 256-7000

Registrar & Stock Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
10150 Mallard Creek Drive, Suite 307
Charlotte, NC 28262
Telephone:  (800) 829-8432

Legal Counsel
Hunton & Williams
Riverfront Plaza
951 East Byrd Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Telephone: (804) 788-8200

Common Stock Information
The Common Stock 
of Hersha Hospitality
Trust is traded on the New York
Stock Exchange under the Symbol “HT”

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  1:46 PM  Page 4

2008

Financial Highlights

(In thousands, except per share data)                        

Year Ended December 31,

hotel operating results

(a)

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Total  Revenues 

$

378,338

$

366,314

$

259,502

$

$
127,170         

72,076         

Average Daily Rate     
Occupancy
Revenue Per Available Room

$

$

139.48
71.44%
99.64

$

$

134.12
73.07%
98.00

$

$

117.91
71.75%
84.60

$

$

106.18
71.32%
75.73

$

$

97.62     

67.21%
65.61

(a) Pertains to all hotels owned as of year end including the total results of hotels owned in a joint venture structure.

(In thousands except per share data)    

Year Ended December 31,

hersha hospitality trust

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Operating Data: (Excluding Impairment Charges) (1)
Total Revenues (Including Discontinued Operations)
Net Income applicable to Common Shareholders
Adjusted Funds from Operations (2)

$

265,399 
5,829
61,308

Per Share Data: (Excluding Impairment Charges) (1)
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
AFFO
Distributions to Common Shareholders

$

0.07
0.07
1.15
0.72

$

$

248,813 
13,047
56,001

$

153,887 
298
29,888

$

0.22
0.22
1.21
0.72

)
(0.04
)
(0.04
0.97
0.72

$

$

89,466
1,377
15,567

0.04
0.04
0.67
0.72

$

$

58,511
2,049
11,571

0.12
0.12
0.57
0.72

Balance Sheet Data: (as of December 31)
Total Assets 
Total Debt 
Minority Interest in Partnership
Total Shareholder’s Equity

$

1,179,455
743,781
53,520
349,963

$

1,067,607
663,008
42,845
330,405

$

968,208
580,542
25,933
331,619

$

455,355
256,521
15,147
164,703

$

261,021
111,846
16,779
119,792

(1) Operating and Per Share Data exclude charges recorded during 2008 relating to an impairment loss on one of our development loans as well as
an investment in one of our unconsolidated joint ventures.

(2) Funds from Operations (FFO) as defined by NAREIT represents net income (loss) (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles), excluding extraordinary items as defined under GAAP and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated assets, plus certain non-
cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerhips and joint ventures. We present Adjusted
Funds From Operations (AFFO), which reflects FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition plus the following additional adjustments: adding
back write-offs of deferred financing costs on debt extinguishment, both for consolidated and unconsolidated properties, adding back amortization of
deferred financing costs, adding back non-cash stock expense, adding back impairment charges, adding back FFO attributed to our partners in 
consolidated joint ventures, and making adjustments to ground lease payments, which are required by GAAP to be amortized on a straight-line basis
over the term of the lease, to reflect the actual lease payment.

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  9:32 AM  Page 5

Annual Report 2008

Fellow Shareholders:

Although 2008 began with uncertainty and the possibility of a recession of ordinary pro-
portions, the economic crisis that unfolded in the latter part of the year altered the U.S.
economic landscape in dramatic fashion.  With the fall of the financial sector, the economy
retreated to a primitive, binary place where only risk and safety mattered.  Managerial con-
servatism and defensive attributes of business models carried little weight as we saw all
business sectors with otherwise dissimilar risk profiles, treated with similar disregard.  The
trifecta of the credit, liquidity and confidence crisis sacked the public equity markets with
an intensity and velocity that was unprecedented in the experience of this country’s busi-
ness leadership.

Against this troubled backdrop, Hersha’s portfolio demonstrated its resiliency by deliver-
ing defensive outperformance for 2008.  Our core consolidated portfolio of value-orient-
ed, focused service and upscale extended stay brands is strategically situated in high bar-
rier to entry, diverse urban and suburban markets in the northeastern U.S.  Our total and

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hersha hospitality trust

Hampton Inn, Philadelphia, PA

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hersha hospitality trust

Residence Inn, Langhorne, PA

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  9:32 AM  Page 8

Annual Report 2008

same store consolidated portfolio achieved 1.6% and 1.1% growth in revenue per avail-
able room (RevPAR), respectively, compared to negative RevPAR growth rates across the
broader hotel sector. 

We made the decision in the Spring of 2008 to issue equity to further fortify our balance
sheet in preparation for a contraction. We issued 6.6 million common shares and 2.5 mil-
lion  additional  operating  partnership  units  in  the  first  half  of  2008.    For  the  year,  the
Company generated $1.15 of AFFO per diluted common share down slightly from $1.22
a year ago.  

Across the last several years, Hersha has assembled a high quality portfolio of young hotels
in  high  barrier  to  entry  markets  that  are  affiliated  with  industry  leading  brands  such  as

Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt.  Our hotels are mid priced and offer compelling value to guests,
a true competitive advantage that is of particular importance today.  The hotels are in loca-
tions  with  varied  and  robust  demand  generators,  extensive  travel  infrastructure  and  a
strong mix of corporate and leisure travelers.  We typically own hotels of a modest size
that can be optimally yield managed even during periods of constrained demand.  These
factors combine to create less volatility in our cash flows, leading to a more stable business
platform.

Our  acquisitions  underwriting  follows  a  strict  discipline  and  in  recent  years  we  have
become  even  more  selective.   We  remained  conservative  as  hotel  trading  values  were
skewed by new entrants in the marketplace with unsettling investment objectives.  These
temporary players came bound with cyclical momentum, plentiful equity, inexpensive debt
and aggressive underwriting standards.  The ensuing frenzy disrupted the otherwise order-
ly hotel transaction market. 

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  1:47 PM  Page 9

Annual Report 2008

We slowed our acquisitions activity considerably in 2008 buying only six hotels.  Each hotel
had characteristics that made it defensive and resilient.  The hotels added to our portfo-
lio’s balance between urban and suburban markets and serve demand generators that are
less susceptible to economic contractions such as military bases and educational institu-
tions.  Our portfolio is purposefully diversified to include exposure to markets with less
volatile performance and a variety of demand generators.  During expansion cycles, the
stability of suburban hotels goes largely unrecognized, but our experience shows that dur-
ing downturns, the consistent contribution of these hotels to our FFO is strategically very
desirable.  

Our  portfolio  remains  the  youngest  in  the  public  hotel  sector.    In  addition  to  enjoying

above portfolio average growth as these hotels ramp up, the youthfulness of the portfo-
lio affords us the opportunity to responsibly save on expensive capital expenditures dur-
ing this liquidity constrained time.  Additionally, guests in our segment prefer newer hotels
allowing us to drive additional market share to our hotels during a contraction and allow-
ing us to better leverage the recovery when demand eventually returns. 

Though you may already be aware, it is worth mentioning again here that 80% of the port-
folio  is  comprised  primarily  of  market  leading,  branded  focused  service  and  upscale
extended stay hotels affiliated with the most highly recognized value oriented brands in
the market.  Our experience has shown that this segment of hotels offers a value propo-
sition  and  broad  distribution  platform  that  is  viewed  favorably  by  corporate  and  leisure
guests  during  periods  of  economic  dislocation.   We  have  witnessed  a  meaningful “trade
down” effect during past contractions when typical luxury or full service hotel customers
are  compelled  by  corporate  travel  policies  or  their  personal  sensitivities  to  seek  out

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  9:33 AM  Page 10

hersha hospitality trust

Residence Inn, Williamsburg, VA

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  9:33 AM  Page 11

hersha hospitality trust

Duane Street Hotel - Tribeca, New York, NY

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  9:33 AM  Page 12

Annual Report 2008

reasonably priced overnight accommodations for their travel.

Hersha’s value proposition is supported by the strength of our financial position. Our bal-
ance  sheet  strategy  avoided  overleveraging  the  Company. We  took  advantage  of  inexpen-
sively priced debt, but maintained overall leverage at healthy and sustainable levels.  We
have no meaningful debt maturities until 2013.  Additionally in 2008, the Company raised
$65 million in equity and increased its credit line from $100 million to $135 million giving
considerable support to our liquidity position.  We also extended the term of the credit
facility  for  another  three  years  and  secured  an  additional  one  year  extension  option
beyond the base term. 

Our model and our portfolio performance enabled our paying a consistent quarterly div-

idend during 2008 making Hersha the highest dividend yielding hotel company in the sec-
tor.   You may recall that we were one of only two companies that did not cut its dividend
in the aftermath of 9/11. We believe that our consistent dividend provides our sharehold-
ers some peace of mind and a base level of return through the inevitable cycles of the
economy.  As we move forward during this uncertain time, we will continue to review our
dividend payout quarterly to ensure that we are able to pay it responsibly without nega-
tively impacting our cash position. 

An additional factor in our outperformance in 2008 and what will prove to be a significant
driver for our success in the eventual recovery is the experienced and passionate man-
agement teams that we are privileged to lead.  In a time of unprecedented uncertainty,
management expertise becomes all the more critical as the playing field may shift on a day
to day basis.  Our executive management team has a 30 year tradition of owning and oper-
ating hotels and 10 years of experience with the public capital markets.  The operators that

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  9:34 AM  Page 13

Annual Report 2008

we  engage  to  manage  our  hotels  are  each  best  in  class  regional  companies  that  are
experts in day to day, multi-unit operations.  Our current asset management and opera-
tional strategy is based on taking full advantage of the control and responsiveness of our
franchisee managed hotel model as compared to the limited alignment often experienced
at  brand  managed  hotels.     The  increased  responsiveness  and  limited  fixed  costs  in  our
model allow us to defend against margin deterioration to a degree with which most hotel
companies cannot compete.  Our cost containment programs, will allow us to post strong
margin performance despite the weak demand environment.

Hersha is certainly not immune to the recessionary pressures that the nation is facing, but
we feel that our battle tested and results driven management team will navigate our port-
folio of hotels through the rapidly changing market conditions and challenging objectives
during this downturn. We readily admit that we are operating with the most limited visi-
bility that we have ever experienced, but we are also confident that in time visibility will
return and eventually the economy will recover.  Until then, we have made it our priority
to defend our margins, drive market share and to place ourselves in a position of strength
for when we emerge on the other side of the turmoil.

Collectively, management and members of the board of trustees are among the largest
shareholders of the company and we continue to add to our ownership positions.  We
continue to increase our alignment with our public shareholders because we are encour-
aged  by  the  company’s  investment  proposition  and  believe  that  it  is  well  positioned  to
deliver market leading returns. 

We appreciate having you as fellow shareholders and value the confidence that you have
placed in us.  We will continue to update you on our progress throughout the year.

Jay H. Shah
Chief Executive Officer

Neil H. Shah
Chief Operating Officer 

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  9:34 AM  Page 14

hersha hospitality trust

NU Hotel, Brooklyn, NY

12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  1:47 PM  Page 15

hersha hospitality trust

Hersha Hospitality Properties List

(1)

New York Metro Area
Duane Street Hotel, Manhattan/Tribeca
Hotel 373 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan/Midtown
Hampton Inn, Manhattan/Chelsea
Hampton  Inn, Manhattan/Herald  Square
Hampton Inn, Manhattan/Seaport
Holiday  Inn  Express,  Manhattan/Madison Square
NU Hotel, Brooklyn
Sheraton Hotel, JFK International Airport
Hilton Garden Inn, JFK International Airport
Hyatt Summerfield Suites, White Plains
Hampton Inn Brookhaven, Long Island/Farmingville
Holiday Inn Express, Long Island/Hauppauge
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Chester

New Jersey
Courtyard by Marriott, Ewing/Princeton
Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Bridgewater
Hilton Garden Inn, Edison/Raritan Center

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Boston Metro Area
Courtyard by Marriott, Boston/Brookline
Courtyard by Marriott, South Boston
Holiday Inn Express, Cambridge
Holiday Inn Express, South Boston
Sheraton Four Points, Boston/Logan Airport
Residence Inn by Marriott, Framingham
Residence Inn by Marriott, Norwood
Hawthorn Suites, Franklin

Massachusetts/Rhode Island
Residence Inn by Marriott, North Dartmouth
Comfort Inn, North Dartmouth
Courtyard by Marriott, Warwick, RI
Hampton Inn, Smithfield, RI

Connecticut
Marriott Downtown, Hartford
Hilton Hotel, Hartford
Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury
Homewood Suites, Glastonbury
Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa, Groton
Residence Inn by Marriott, Mystic
SpringHill Suites, Waterford
Residence Inn by Marriott, Southington
Courtyard by Marriott, Norwich
Residence Inn by Marriott, Danbury
Holiday Inn, Norwich

(1) HT Properties Listing as of March 1, 2009

Philadelphia Metro Area/Delaware
Hampton Inn, Center City Philadelphia
Courtyard by Marriott, Langhorne/Oxford Valley
Residence Inn by Marriott, Langhorne/Oxford Valley
Holiday Inn Express, Langhorne/Oxford Valley
Holiday Inn Express, King of Prussia/Valley Forge
Mainstay Suites, King of Prussia/Valley Forge
Sleep Inn, King of Prussia/Valley Forge
Holiday Inn Express, Frazer/Malvern
Courtyard By Marriott, Wilmington
Inn at Wilmington, Wilmington

Pennsylvania
Hampton Inn & Suites, Hershey
Holiday Inn Express, Hershey
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Allentown/Bethlehem
Comfort Inn, West Hanover/Hershey
Hilton Garden Inn, Gettysburg
Residence Inn by Marriott, Carlisle
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Harrisburg
TownePlace Suites, Harrisburg
Hampton Inn, Carlisle
Courtyard by Marriott, Scranton
Hampton Inn, Danville
Hampton Inn, Selinsgrove
Holiday Inn Express, New Columbia

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Washington D.C. Metro Area
Residence Inn by Marriott, Tyson's Corner, VA
Courtyard by Marriott, Alexandria, VA
Residence Inn by Marriott, Greenbelt, MD
Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Gaithersburg, MD
Fairfield Inn, Laurel, MD
Holiday Inn Express, Camp Springs, MD
Mainstay Suites, Frederick, MD
Comfort Inn, Frederick, MD

Virginia/North Carolina
Residence Inn by Marriott, Williamsburg, VA
Springhill Suites, Williamsburg, VA
Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Charlotte, NC

California
Hyatt  Summerfield  Suites,  Pleasant  Hill/Walnut  Creek, CA
Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Pleasanton/Dublin, CA

Arizona
Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Scottsdale, AZ 

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12968_LA:12968Hersha_LA  3/31/09  9:34 AM  Page 16

Annual Report 2008

2008

Financial Statements
H E R S H A   H O S P I T A L I T Y   T R U S T   ( H T )

H E R S H A

12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 1

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

INDEX 

Section

PART I
Item 1.
Item 2.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.

Business
Properties

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures

Page

2
7

9
10
12
17
59
59

The Annual Report contains excerpts from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and substantially conforms with the 
version filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  However, the Form 10-K also contains additional information.  For a free copy of our Form 
10-K, please contact: 

Investor Relations 
Hersha Hospitality Trust 
44 Hersha Drive 
Harrisburg, PA 17102 

Our Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC are also available on our website, www.hersha.com.  The most recent certifications by our chief executive officer 
and chief financial officer pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as exhibits to our Form 10-K. 

1   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 2

CAUTIONARY FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS 

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as 

amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, statements 
containing the words, “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” and words of similar import. Such forward-looking statements relate to 
future events, our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may 
cause our actual results, performance or achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future results, 
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should specifically consider the 
various factors identified in this report including, but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” 
“Growth Strategy” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” that could 
cause actual results to differ. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any 
revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments, except as required by 
law. 

PART I 

Item 1.  Business 

OVERVIEW 

Hersha Hospitality Trust is a self-advised Maryland statutory real estate investment trust that was organized in 1998 and 

completed its initial public offering in January of 1999. Our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under 
the symbol “HT”. We invest primarily in institutional grade hotels in central business districts, primary suburban office markets 
and stable destination and secondary markets in the Northeastern United States and select markets on the West Coast. Our primary 
strategy is to continue to acquire high quality, upscale, mid-scale and extended-stay hotels in metropolitan markets with high 
barriers to entry in the Northeastern United States and other markets with similar characteristics.  We are structured as a real estate 
investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes. 

As of December 31, 2008, our portfolio consisted of 58 wholly owned limited and full service properties and various 
interests in 18 limited and full service properties owned through joint venture investments.  Of the 18 limited and full service 
properties owned through our investment in joint ventures investments, three are consolidated. These 76 properties, with a total of 
9,556 rooms, are located in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North 
Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia and operate under leading brands, such as Marriott ®, Courtyard by Marriott 
®, Residence Inn ®, Fairfield Inn ®, Springhill Suites ®, TownePlace Suites ®,  Hilton ®, Hilton Garden Inn ®, Hampton Inn 
®, Homewood Suites ®, Hyatt Summerfield Suites ®, Holiday Inn ®, Holiday Inn Express ®, Comfort Inn ®, Mainstay Suites ®, 
Sleep Inn ®, Four Points by Sheraton ®, Sheraton Hotel ®, and Hawthorn Suites ®.  In addition, we own several hotels which 
operate as independent boutique hotels. 

We are structured as an umbrella partnership REIT, or UPREIT, and we own our hotels and our investments in joint 
ventures through our operating partnership, Hersha Hospitality Limited Partnership, or HHLP, for which we serve as general 
partner. Our hotels are managed by qualified independent management companies, including Hersha Hospitality Management, 
L.P., or HHMLP.  HHMLP is a private management company owned by certain of our trustees, officers and other third party 
investors. We have leased all of our wholly owned hotels to 44 New England Management Company, or 44 New England, our 
wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS.  In addition, all of the hotels we own through investments in joint ventures are 
leased to TRSs owned by the respective venture or to corporations owned in part by our wholly owned TRS. 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION 

Our address is 44 Hersha Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17102. Our telephone number is (717) 236-4400. Our Internet website 

address is: www.hersha.com. We make available free of charge through our website our code of ethics, annual report on Form 10-
K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to 
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such 
documents are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information available on our website is not, and shall not be 
deemed to be, a part of this report or incorporated into any other filings we make with the SEC. 

2   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 3

INVESTMENT IN HOTEL PROPERTIES 

Our operating strategy focuses on increasing hotel performance for our portfolio. The key elements of this strategy are: 

·  working together with our hotel management companies to increase occupancy levels and revenue per available 
room, or "RevPAR", through active property-level management, including intensive marketing efforts to tour 
groups, corporate and government extended stay customers and other wholesale customers and expanded yield 
management programs, which are calculated to better match room rates to room demand; and 

· 

positioning our hotels to capitalize on increased demand in the high quality, upper-upscale, upscale, mid-scale and 
extended-stay lodging segment, which we believe can be expected to follow from improving economic conditions, 
by managing costs and thereby maximizing earnings. 

As of December 31, 2008, we had 58 wholly owned limited and full service properties, with a total of 6,514 rooms. 

INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES 

In addition to the direct acquisition of hotels, we may make investments in hotels through joint ventures with strategic 

partners. We seek to identify acquisition candidates located in markets with economic, demographic and supply dynamics 
favorable to hotel owners and operators. 

As of December 31, 2008, we maintain ownership interests in 18 hotels with a total of 3,042 rooms through joint 

ventures with third parties.  Of the 18 hotels owned through interests in joint ventures, three are consolidated. 

DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND LAND LEASES 

We take advantage of our relationships with hotel developers, including entities controlled by our officers or affiliated 

trustees, to identify development and renovation projects that may be attractive to us. While these developers bear the risk of 
construction, we invest in hotel development projects by providing secured first mortgage or mezzanine financing to hotel 
developers and through the acquisition of land that is then leased to hotel developers. In many instances, we maintain a first right 
of refusal or right of first offer to purchase, at fair market value, the hotel for which we have provided development loan financing 
or land leases. 

As of December 31, 2008, we had an investment of $81.5 million in loans to eleven hotel development projects and a net 

investment of $23.4 million in three parcels of land leased to hotel developers. 

ACQUISITIONS 

Our primary growth strategy is to selectively acquire high quality, upper- upscale, upscale, mid-scale and extended-stay 

hotels in metropolitan markets with high barriers-to-entry. Through our extensive due diligence process, we select those 
acquisition targets where we believe selective capital improvements and intensive management will increase the hotel’s ability to 
attract key demand segments, enhance hotel operations and increase long-term value.  We believe that current market conditions 
are creating opportunities to acquire hotels at attractive prices. In executing our disciplined acquisition program, we will consider 
acquiring hotels that meet the following additional criteria: 

· 

· 

· 

nationally-franchised hotels operating under popular brands, such as Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Courtyard 
by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, 
Hampton Inn, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hyatt Summerfield Suites, TownePlace Suites 
and Holiday Inn Express; 

hotels in locations with significant barriers-to-entry, such as high development costs, limited availability of land and 
lengthy entitlement processes; and 

hotels in our target markets where we can realize operating efficiencies and economies of scale. 

In the ordinary course of our business, we are actively considering hotel acquisition opportunities. Since our initial public 

offering in 1999, we have acquired, wholly or through joint ventures, a total of 84 hotels, including 27 hotels acquired from 
entities controlled by our officers or trustees. Of the 27 acquisitions from these entities, 24 were newly-constructed or newly-
renovated by these entities prior to our acquisition.  Only independent trustees vote on related party acquisitions, and a majority 
must approve the terms of all related party asset purchases. 

3   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 4

DISPOSITIONS 

We will evaluate our hotels on a periodic basis to determine if these hotels continue to satisfy our investment criteria. We 

may sell hotels opportunistically based upon management’s forecast and review of the cash flow potential for the hotel and re-
deploy the proceeds into debt reduction, development loans or acquisitions of hotels. We utilize several criteria to determine the 
long-term potential of our hotels. Hotels are identified for sale based upon management’s forecast of the strength of the hotel’s 
cash flows and its ability to remain accretive to our portfolio. Our decision to sell an asset is often predicated upon the size of the 
hotel, strength of the franchise, property condition and related costs to renovate the property, strength of market demand 
generators, projected supply of hotel rooms in the market, probability of increased valuation and geographic profile of the hotel. 
All asset sales are comprehensively reviewed by our Board of Trustees, including our independent trustees. A majority of the 
independent trustees must approve the terms of all asset sales. Since our initial public offering in 1999, we have sold a total of 18 
hotels. 

FINANCING 

The relative stability of the mid-scale and upscale segment of the limited service lodging industry allows us to increase 
returns to our shareholders through the prudent application of leverage. Our debt policy is to limit indebtedness to less than 67% 
of the fair market values at the time of acquisition for the hotels in which we invest. We may employ a higher amount of leverage 
at a specific hotel to achieve a desired return when warranted by that hotel's historical operating performance and may use greater 
leverage across our portfolio if and when warranted by prevailing market conditions. 

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 

We work closely with our hotel management companies to operate our hotels and increase same hotel performance for 
our portfolio. Through our TRS and our investment in joint ventures, we have retained the following management companies to 
operate our hotels, as of December 31, 2008: 

Manager

HHMLP
Waterford Hotel Group
LodgeWorks 
Jiten Management
Marriott

Total

Wholly Owned

Joint Ventures

Total

Hotels 
50
-

-

7

1

58

Rooms
5,306
-
1,005
-
203

6,514

Hotels
7
9

-

-

2

18

Rooms
1,052
1,708
-
282
-

Hotels
57
9
7
2
1

Rooms
6,358
1,708
1,005
282
203

3,042

76

9,556

Each management agreement provides for a set term and is subject to early termination upon the occurrence of defaults 

and certain other events described therein. As required under the REIT qualification rules, all managers, including HHMLP, must 
qualify as an “eligible independent contractor” during the term of the management agreements. 

Under the management agreements, the manager generally pays the operating expenses of our hotels. All operating 

expenses or other expenses incurred by the manager in performing its authorized duties are reimbursed or borne by our TRS to the 
extent the operating expenses or other expenses are incurred within the limits of the applicable approved hotel operating budget. 
Our managers are not obligated to advance any of their own funds for operating expenses of a hotel or to incur any liability in 
connection with operating a hotel. 

For their services, the managers receive a base management fee, and if a hotel meets and exceeds certain thresholds, an 

additional incentive management fee. The base management fee for a hotel is due monthly and is generally equal to 3% of the 
gross revenues associated with that hotel for the related month. 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, RENOVATION AND REFURBISHMENT 

We have established capital reserves for our hotels to maintain the hotels in a condition that complies with their 
respective franchise licenses among other requirements. In addition, we may upgrade the hotels in order to capitalize on 
opportunities to increase revenue, and, as deemed necessary by our management, to seek to meet competitive conditions and 
preserve asset quality. We will also renovate hotels when we believe the investment in renovations will provide an attractive 
return to us through increased revenues and profitability and is in the best interests of our shareholders. We maintain a capital 
expenditures policy by which replacements and renovations are monitored to determine whether they qualify as capital 
improvements. All items that are deemed to be repairs and maintenance costs are expensed and recorded in Hotel Operating 
Expenses. 

4   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
       
              
       
            
       
          
          
              
       
              
       
              
       
          
          
              
       
          
          
              
          
              
          
              
          
          
          
              
          
           
     
          
     
           
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 5

OPERATING PRACTICES 

Our managers utilize centralized accounting and data processing systems, which facilitate financial statement and budget 

preparation, payroll management, quality control and other support functions for the on-site hotel management team. Our 
managers also provide centralized control over purchasing and project management (which can create economies of scale in 
purchasing) while emphasizing local discretion within specific guidelines. 

DISTRIBUTIONS 

We have made forty consecutive quarterly distributions to the holders of our common shares since our initial public 

offering in January 1999 and intend to continue to make regular quarterly distributions to our shareholders as approved by our 
Board of Trustees.  The following table sets forth distribution information for the last two calendar years. 

 Class A
Common and Limited 
Partnership Unit Per 
Share Distribution 
Amount 

$                           
$                           
$                           
$                           

0.18
0.18
0.18
0.18

$                           
$                           
$                           
$                           

0.18
0.18
0.18
0.18

 Record Date 

 Payment Date 

 Series A Preferred
Per Share 
Distribution 
Amount 

3/31/2008
6/30/2008
9/30/2008
1/5/2009

3/30/2007
6/29/2007
9/28/2007
1/5/2008

4/16/2008
7/16/2008
10/16/2008
1/16/2009

$                      
$                      
$                      
$                      

0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50

4/17/2007
7/17/2007
10/16/2007
1/16/2008

$                      
$                      
$                      
$                      

0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50

Quarter to which 
Distribution Relates
2008

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

2007

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

 Record Date 

 Payment Date 

4/1/2008
7/1/2008
10/1/2008
1/1/2009

4/1/2007
7/1/2007
10/1/2007
1/1/2008

4/15/2008
7/15/2008
10/15/2008
1/15/2009

4/16/2007
7/16/2007
10/15/2007
1/15/2008

Our Board of Trustees will determine the amount of our future distributions in its sole discretion and its decision will 

depend on a number of factors, including the amount of funds from operations, our partnership’s financial condition, debt service 
requirements, capital expenditure requirements for our hotels, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of 
the Code and such other factors as the trustees deem relevant. Our ability to make distributions will depend on the profitability and 
cash flow available from our hotels. There can be no assurance we will continue to pay distributions at the rates above or any 
other rate.  Additionally, we may, if necessary and allowable, pay taxable dividends of our shares or debt securities to meet the 
distribution requirements. 

SEASONALITY 

Our hotels’ operations historically have been seasonal in nature, reflecting higher occupancy rates during the second and 

third quarters. This seasonality can be expected to cause fluctuations in our quarterly operating revenues and profitability. Hotel 
revenue is generally greater in the second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters. There are no assurances we will 
be able to continue to make quarterly distributions at the current rate. 

COMPETITION 

The upscale and mid-scale, limited service segment of the hotel business is highly competitive. Among many other 

factors, our hotels compete on the basis of location, room rates, quality, service levels, reputation, and reservation systems. There 
are many competitors in our market segments and new hotels are always being constructed.  Additions to supply create new 
competitors, in some cases without corresponding increases in demand for hotel rooms. 

We also compete for hotel acquisitions with entities that have investment objectives similar to ours. This competition 
could limit the number of suitable investment opportunities offered to us. It may also increase the bargaining power of property 
owners seeking to sell to us, making it more difficult for us to acquire new properties on attractive terms. 

EMPLOYEES 

As of December 31, 2008, we had 24 employees who were principally engaged in managing the affairs of the company 

unrelated to property management. Our relations with our employees are satisfactory. 

5   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 6

FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS 

We believe that the public’s perception of quality associated with a franchisor is an important feature in the operation of 

a hotel. Franchisors provide a variety of benefits for franchisees, which include national advertising, publicity and other marketing 
programs designed to increase brand awareness, training of personnel, continuous review of quality standards and centralized 
reservation systems. Most of our hotels operate under franchise licenses from national hotel franchisors, including: 

Franchisor
Marriott International
Hilton Hotels Corporation
Intercontinental Hotel Group
Global Hyatt Corporation
Starwood Hotels
Choice Hotels International

Franchise

Marriott, Residence Inn, Springhill Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites
Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites
Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Hawthorn Suites
Four Points by Sheraton, Sheraton Hotels
Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, Mainstay Suites

We anticipate that most of the hotels in which we invest will be operated pursuant to franchise licenses. 

The franchise licenses generally specify certain management, operational, record-keeping, accounting, reporting and 

marketing standards and procedures with which the franchisee must comply. The franchise licenses obligate our lessees to comply 
with the franchisors’ standards and requirements with respect to training of operational personnel, safety, maintaining specified 
insurance, the types of services and products ancillary to guest room services that may be provided by our lessees, display of 
signage, and the type, quality and age of furniture, fixtures and equipment included in guest rooms, lobbies and other common 
areas.  In general, the franchise licenses require us to pay the franchisor a fee typically ranging between 6.0% and 9.3% of our 
hotel revenues. 

TAX STATUS 

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code, commencing with 

our taxable year ended December 31, 1999. As long as we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to 
Federal income tax on the portion of our income that is currently distributed to shareholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any 
taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to Federal income tax (including any 
applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates. Even if we qualify for taxation as a 
REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and property and to Federal income and excise taxes on 
our undistributed income. 

We may own up to 100% of one or more TRSs. A TRS is a taxable corporation that may lease hotels under certain 
circumstances, provide services to us, and perform activities such as third party management, development, and other independent 
business activities. Overall, no more than 25% of the value of our assets may consist of securities of one or more TRS. In addition, 
no more than 25% of our gross income for any year may consist of dividends from one or more TRSs and income from certain 
non-real estate related sources. 

A TRS is permitted to lease hotels from us as long as the hotels are operated on behalf of the TRS by a third party 

manager who satisfies the following requirements: 

1.  such manager is, or is related to a person who is, actively engaged in the trade or business of operating “qualified lodging 

facilities” for any person unrelated to us and the TRS; 

2.  such manager does not own, directly or indirectly, more than 35% of our shares; 

3.  no more than 35% of such manager is owned, directly or indirectly, by one or more persons owning 35% or more of our 

shares; and 

4.  we do not directly or indirectly derive any income from such manager. 

The deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to us is limited to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate 
level of corporate taxation. A 100% excise tax is imposed on transactions between a TRS and us or our tenants that are not on an 
arm’s-length basis. 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT SEGMENTS 

We are in the business of acquiring equity interests in hotels, and we manage our business in one reportable segment. See 

Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for segment financial information. 

6   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 7

Item 2.  Properties 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the 58 hotels we wholly owned as of December 31, 

2008 which are consolidated on the Company’s financial statements. 

Name
Comfort Inn

Courtyard 

Fairfield Inn

Hampton Inn

Hawthorn Suites
Hilton Garden Inn

Holiday Inn 
Holiday Inn Express

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Independent

Mainstay

Residence Inn 

Sleep Inn
Sheraton Hotel
Summerfield Suites

TownePlace Suites

TOTAL ROOMS

Location
North Dartmouth, MA 
Harrisburg, PA
Frederick, MD
Alexandria, VA 
Scranton, PA 
Langhorne, PA 
Brookline/Boston, MA
Wilmington, DE
Bethlehem, PA 
Laurel, MD
Brookhaven, NY 
Chelsea/Manhattan, NY
Hershey, PA
Carlisle,PA
Danville, PA
Selinsgrove, PA 
Herald Square, Manhattan, NY 
Philadelphia, PA 
Seaport, NY 
Smithfield, RI
Franklin, MA 
JFK Airport, NY 
Edison, NJ
Gettysburg, PA
Norwich, CT 
Hauppauge, NY 
Cambridge, MA 
Hershey, PA
New Columbia, PA
Malvern, PA
Oxford Valley, PA
Chester, NY 
Camp Springs, MD 
Harrisburg, PA
King of Prussia, PA
Wilmington, DE
Fifth Ave, NY 
TriBeCa, NY 
Brooklyn, NY 
Valley Forge, PA
Frederick, MD
North Dartmouth, MA 
Tysons Corner, VA 
Framingham, MA
Greenbelt, MD
Norwood, MA 
Langhorne, PA 
Carlisle,PA 
Valley Forge, PA
JFK Airport, NY
White Plains, NY 
Bridgewater, NJ 
Gaithersburg, MD 
Pleasant Hill, CA
Pleasanton, CA 
Scottsdale, AZ 
Charlotte, NC 
Harrisburg, PA 

Year Opened

Number of Rooms

1986
1998
2004
2006
1996
2002
2003
1999
1997
1999
2002
2003
1999
1997
1998
1996
2005
2001
2006
2008
1999
2005
2003
2004
2006
2001
1997
1997
1997
2004
2004
2006
2008
1997
2004
1999
2007
2008
2008
2000
2001
2002
1984
2000
2002
2006
2007
2007
2000
2008
2000
1998
1998
2003
1998
1999
1989
2008

84
81
73
203
120
118
188
78
103
109
161
144
110
95
72
75
136
250
65
101
100
188
132
88
134
133
112
85
81
88
88
80
127
77
155
71
70
45
93
69
72
96
96
125
120
96
100
78
87
150
159
128
140
142
128
164
144
107

6,514

7  HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 8

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the 18 hotels we owned through joint ventures with 
third parties as of December 31, 2008.  Of the 18 properties owned through interests in joint ventures, three are consolidated. 

Name
Courtyard 

Four Points - Sheraton
Hilton
Homewood Suites
Marriott

Residence Inn 

Holiday Inn Express

Hilton Garden Inn
Springhill Suites

TOTAL ROOMS

Location
Norwich, CT
South Boston, MA
Warwick, RI
Ewing/Princeton, NJ
Revere/Boston, MA
Hartford, CT 
Glastonbury, CT 
Mystic, CT
Hartford, CT 
Danbury, CT
Mystic, CT
Southington, CT
Williamsburg, VA
South Boston, MA
Manhattan, NY 
Glastonbury, CT
Waterford, CT
Williamsburg, VA

Year Opened

Number of 
Rooms

HHLP 
Ownership
in Asset 

 HHLP 
Preferred 
Return 

 Consolidated/  
Unconsolidated 

1997
2005
2003
2004
2001
2005
2006
2001
2005
1999
1996
2002
2002
1998
2006
2003
1998
2002

144
164
92
130
180
393
136
285
409
78
133
94
108
118
228
150
80
120

3,042

66.7%
50.0%
66.7%
50.0%
55.0%
8.8%
48.0%
66.7%
15.0%
66.7%
66.7%
44.7%
75.0%
50.0%
50.0%
48.0%
66.7%
75.0%

8.5% Unconsolidated
N/A Unconsolidated
8.5% Unconsolidated
11.0% Unconsolidated
12.0% Consolidated
8.5% Unconsolidated
10.0% Unconsolidated
8.5% Unconsolidated
8.5% Unconsolidated
8.5% Unconsolidated
8.5% Unconsolidated
8.5% Unconsolidated
12.0% Consolidated

N/A Unconsolidated
N/A Unconsolidated
11.0% Unconsolidated
8.5% Unconsolidated

12.0% Consolidated

8  HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 9

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

SHARE PERFORMANCE GRAPH 

The following graph compares the yearly change in our cumulative total shareholder return on our common shares for the 
period beginning December 31, 2003 and ending December 31, 2008, with the yearly changes in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock 
Index (the S&P 500 Index), the Russell 2000 Index, and the SNL Hotel REITs Index (“Hotel REIT Index”) for the same period, 
assuming a base share price of $100.00 for our common shares, the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index and the Hotel REIT 
Index for comparative purposes. The Hotel REIT Index is comprised of eleven publicly traded REITs which focus on investments 
in hotel properties. Total shareholder return equals appreciation in stock price plus dividends paid and assumes that all dividends 
are reinvested. The performance graph is not indicative of future investment performance. We do not make or endorse any 
predictions as to future share price performance: 

Hersha Hospitality Trust
Russell 2000
SNL Hotel REITs Index
S&P 500

Period Ending December 31,

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

$         

100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00

$         

122.25
118.33
132.65
110.88

$         

103.64
123.72
145.65
116.32

$         

140.21
146.44
187.33
134.69

$         

123.21
144.15
145.80
142.09

2008
$           

44.98
95.44
58.32
89.52

Total Return Performance

250

200

e
u
l
a
V
x
e
d
n

I

150

100

50

0

12/31/2003

12/30/2004

12/30/2005

12/31/2006

12/31/2007

12/31/2008

Hersha

Russell 2000

SNL US REIT Hotel

S&P 500

9  HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
           
           
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
           
           
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 10

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data 

The following sets forth selected financial and operating data on a historical consolidated basis. The following data 
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.  Where applicable, the operating results of 
certain real estate assets which have been sold or otherwise qualify as held for disposition are included in discontinued operations 
for all periods presented. 

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 
(In thousands, except per share data) 

Revenue: 

Hotel Operating Revenues 

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

 $         250,464 

 $        229,461 

 $        132,354 

 $              65,493 

 $       33,228 

Interest Income From Development Loans

                7,890 

               6,046 

               2,487 

                   3,940 

            2,191 

Land Lease Revenue

Hotel Lease Revenue

Other Revenues

Total Revenue 

Operating Expenses: 

Hotel Operating Expenses 

Hotel Ground Rent

Land Lease Expense

                5,363 

               4,860 

               2,071 

                       - 

                       - 

                      - 

-
                           - 

                1,054 

                  980 

                  737 

                      529 

                    - 

1,192
               176 

            264,771 

           241,347 

           137,649 

                 69,962 

          36,787 

            144,972 

           130,910 

             76,694 

38,573

          19,875 

                1,040 

                  856 

                  804 

                2,939 

               2,721 

               1,189 

433

-

3,374

4,909

41

-

               504 

                  -   

            2,129 

            3,118 

                  -   

                  -   

            4,754 

          30,380 

Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes and Property Insurance 

              12,953 

             11,349 

               5,979 

General and Administrative 

Acquisition and Terminated Transaction Costs

Impairment of Development Loan Receivable and Other Asset

                8,714 

               7,953 

               5,820 

                   380 

                  149 

                  316 

              21,004 

                     -   

                    -   

Depreciation and Amortization 

Total Operating Expenses 

Operating Income 

Interest Income

Interest expense 

Other Expense

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

(Loss) Income before income (loss) from Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments,
    Distributions to Preferred Unitholders, Minority Interests
    and Discontinued Operations 

Income from Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments

Impairment on Unconsolidated Joint Venture Assets

Net (Loss) Income from Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments 
(Loss) Income Before Distribution to Preferred Unitholders, Minority Interest
    and Discontinued Operations 

              40,998 

             33,863 

             18,420 

            233,000 

           187,801 

           109,222 

8,336
                 55,666 

              31,771 

             53,546 

             28,427 

                 14,296 

            6,407 

                   306 

                  686 

              43,156 

             42,115 

                   129 

                    83 

                1,568 

                     -   

1,182

25,123

102
               1,485 

602

12,167

12

-

               241 

            4,155 

                 12 

                  -   

            (12,776)

             12,034 

               2,899 

                   2,719 

            2,481 

                1,373 

               3,476 

               1,799 

                      457 

               481 

              (1,890)

                     -   

                    -   

                         -   

                  -   

                 (517)

               3,476 

               1,799 

                      457 

               481 

            (13,293)

             15,510 

               4,698 

                   3,176 

            2,962 

Distributions to Preferred Unitholders 

                     -   

                     -   

                    -   

-

(Loss) Income Allocated to Minority Interest  in Continuing Operations

              (2,053)

               1,773 

                  579 

122
                   3,054 

               499 

               307 

            2,156 

            (11,240)

             13,737 

               4,119 

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations

Discontinued Operations, net of minority interest: 

Gain on Disposition of Hotel Properties

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations 

Income from Discontinued Operations

Net (Loss) Income 

Preferred Distributions

Net (Loss) Income applicable to Common Shareholders

                2,452 

               3,745 

                  693 

1,161

                  -   

                   (20)

                  365 

                  286 

                2,432 

               4,110 

                  979 

(918)
                      243 

              (107)

              (107)

              (8,808)

             17,847 

               5,098 

                   3,297 

            2,049 

                4,800 
$         (13,608)

               4,800 
$          13,047 

               4,800 
$               298 

1,920
 $                1,377 

                  -   
$         2,049 

Basic (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations applicable to Common Shareholders
Diluted (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations applicable to Common Shareholders (1)
Dividends declared per Common Share 

 $             (0.36)

 $              0.22 

 $            (0.03)

$                   

0.06

$            

0.13

                (0.36)

                 0.22 

               (0.03)

                  0.72 

                 0.72 

                 0.72 

0.06
                     0.72 

0.13
              0.72 

10   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
                          
            
                 
                      
                      
                   
                   
                        
                      
                   
              
                      
            
                 
                 
                        
                      
                      
                      
                   
                    
                   
                     
              
 
 
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Balance Sheet Data 

Net investment in hotel properties 

Assets Held for Sale 

Minority interest in Partnership 

Shareholder's equity 

Total assets 

Total debt 

Debt related to Assets Held for Sale 

Other Data 

Funds from Operations (2) 
Net cash provided by operating activities 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 

Weighted average shares outstanding 

Basic 
Diluted (1)

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

 $         982,082 

 $        893,297 

 $        807,784 

 $            317,980 

$      

163,923

                     -   

                     -   

                    -   

                   3,407 

              53,520 

             42,845 

             25,933 

                 15,147 

            349,963 

           330,405 

           331,619 

               164,703 

         1,179,455 

        1,067,607 

           968,208 

               455,355 

            743,781 

           663,008 

           580,542 

               256,146 

                     -   

                     -   

                    -   

                      375 

18,758

16,779

119,792

261,021

98,788

13,058

 $           31,441 

 $          49,822 

 $          25,936 

 $              14,495 

 $       10,539 

 $           53,894 

 $          59,300 

 $          27,217 

 $              15,002 

 $       12,148 

 $       (114,870)

 $         (46,027)

 $      (413,881)

 $           (190,825)

 $      (78,378)

 $           64,346 

 $         (11,262)

 $        388,200 

 $            163,989 

 $       46,137 

45,184,127

45,184,127

40,718,724

40,718,724

      27,118,264 

      27,118,264 

20,293,554

20,299,937

   16,391,805 

   16,391,805 

(1)           Income allocated to minority interest in the Partnership has been excluded from the numerator and Partnership units 
have been omitted from the denominator for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share since the effect of including 
these amounts in the numerator and denominator would have no impact. 
(2)           See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Funds From 
Operations” for an explanation of FFO, why we believe FFO is a meaningful measure of our operating performance and a 
reconciliation of FFO to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP. 

11   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
          
          
        
        
          
          
      
      
          
      
      
          
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 12

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

All statements contained in this section that are not historical facts are based on current expectations. Words such as 

“believes”, “expects”, “anticipate”, “intends”, “plans” and “estimates” and variations of such words and similar words also 
identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any 
such forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new 
information, subsequent events or any other circumstances. 

GENERAL 

As of December 31, 2008, we owned interests in 76 hotels in the eastern United States including interests in 18 hotels 

owned through joint ventures. For purposes of the REIT qualification rules, we cannot directly operate any of our hotels. Instead, 
we must lease our hotels to a third party lessee or to a TRS, provided that the TRS engages an eligible independent contractor to 
manage the hotels.  As of December 31, 2008 we have leased all of our hotels to a wholly-owned TRS, a joint venture owned 
TRS, or an entity owned by our wholly-owned TRS.  Each of these TRS entities will pay qualifying rent, and the TRS entities 
have entered into management contracts with qualified independent managers, including HHMLP, with respect to our hotels. We 
intend to lease all newly acquired hotels to a TRS. 

The TRS structure enables us to participate more directly in the operating performance of our hotels. The TRS directly 

receives all revenue from, and funds all expenses relating to hotel operations. The TRS is also subject to income tax on its 
earnings. 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the U.S. economy has been influenced by financial market turmoil, growing 

unemployment and declining consumer sentiment. As a result, the lodging industry is experiencing slowing growth or negative 
growth which could have a negative impact on our future results of operations and financial condition.  For the year ended 
December 31, 2008, we have seen increases in Average Daily Rate (“ADR”) and Revenue Per Available Room (“RevPAR”), in 
part, as a result of our strategy of investing in high quality upscale hotels in high barrier to entry markets, including gateway 
markets such as the New York City metro market.  While we have seen increases in ADR and RevPAR in 2008, these increases 
were not at the levels realized in the previous year and we saw decreases in these measures in the fourth quarter of 2008. 

The turmoil in the financial markets has caused credit to significantly tighten making it more difficult for hotel 
developers to obtain financing for development projects or for hotels without an operating history.  This could have a negative 
impact on the collectability of our portfolio of development loans receivable.  We monitor this portfolio to determine the 
collectability of the loan principal and interest accrued.  We will continue to monitor this portfolio on an on-going basis.  For more 
information, please see “Note 4 – Development Loans Receivable and Land Leases.” 

In addition, the tightening credit markets have made it more difficult to finance the acquisition of new hotel properties or 

refinance existing hotel properties that do not have a history of profitable operations.  We monitor the maturity dates of our debt 
obligations and take steps in advance of the debt becoming due to extend or refinance the obligations.  Please refer to “Item 
7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for a discussion of our debt maturities. 

The following table outlines operating results for the Company’s portfolio of wholly owned hotels and those owned 

through joint venture interests that are consolidated in our financial statements for the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 
and 2006: 

CONSOLIDATED HOTELS: 

Year Ended 
2008

Year Ended 
2007

2008
vs. 2007
% Variance

Year Ended 
2006

2007
vs. 2006
% Variance

Rooms Available
Rooms Occupied
Occupancy
Average Daily Rate (ADR)
Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)

2,423,433
1,742,468
71.90%
136.59
98.21

$              
$                

2,248,253
1,656,158
73.66%
131.26
96.69

$              
$                

7.8%
5.2%
(1.8%)
4.1%
1.6%

1,472,318
1,065,825
72.39%
116.23
84.14

$              
$                

Room Revenues
Hotel Operating Revenues
Hotel Operating Revenues from Discontinued Operations

237,995,147
250,463,773

$     
$     
$                   
-

$     
$     
$         

217,393,817
229,460,728
6,684,522

9.5%
9.2%
N/A

$     
$     
$       

123,882,745
132,354,355
15,847,421

52.7%
55.4%
1.3%
12.9%
14.9%

75.5%
73.4%
N/A

12   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 13

The following table outlines operating results for the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 for hotels we 
own through an unconsolidated joint venture interest. These operating results reflect 100% of the operating results of the property 
including our interest and the interests of our joint venture partners and other minority interest holders. 

UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES: 

Rooms Available
Rooms Occupied
Occupancy
Average Daily Rate (ADR)
Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)

Year Ended 
2008

Year Ended 
2007

963,892
677,485
70.29%
146.91
103.26

$              
$              

954,114
682,169
71.50%
144.51
103.32

$              
$              

2008
vs. 2007
% Variance

Year Ended 
2006

2007
vs. 2006
% Variance

1.0%
(0.7%)
(1.2%)
1.7%
(0.1%)

879,384
613,272
69.74%
132.54
92.43

$              
$                

8.5%
11.2%
1.8%
9.0%
11.8%

21.3%
17.0%

Room Revenues
Total Revenues

$       
$     

99,530,317
127,874,193

$       
$     

98,580,629
130,167,451

1.0%
(1.8%)

$       
$     

81,285,744
111,301,348

Revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased 1.6% for our consolidated 

hotels and decreased 0.1% for our unconsolidated hotels when compared to the same period in 2007.  This represents a 
deceleration in the rate of increase in RevPAR when compared to the increase experienced during the year ended December 31, 
2007 over the same period in 2006.  The deceleration of our growth in RevPAR is primarily due to deteriorating economic 
conditions in 2008 and the stabilization of hotel properties acquired in the previous years. 

The increase in revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) during the year ended December 31, 2007 was due primarily to 

the Company’s broadened strategic portfolio focus on stronger central business districts and primary suburban office parks; the 
size of the recent acquisitions as a percentage of the portfolio; franchise affiliations with stronger brands, such as Hyatt 
Summerfield Suite, Hilton Garden Inn, Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott; and a focus on improving the average daily rate 
(“ADR”). The increase in both rooms and total revenue can be attributed primarily to the hotels acquired during the respective 
periods. 

COMPARISON OF THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 TO DECEMBER 31, 2007 

(dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Revenue 

Our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 consisted of hotel operating revenues, interest income from our 
development loan program, land lease revenue, and other revenue. Hotel operating revenues are recorded for wholly owned hotels 
that are leased to our wholly owned TRS and hotels owned through joint venture interests that are consolidated in our financial 
statements. Hotel operating revenues increased $21,003, or 9.2%, from $229,461 for the year ended December 31, 2007 to 
$250,464 for the same period in 2008.  The increase in revenues is primarily attributable to the acquisitions consummated in 2008 
and improved RevPAR and occupancy at certain of our hotels. We acquired interests in the following six consolidated hotels since 
December 31, 2007: 

Brand

Location

Duane Street Hotel (TriBeCa)
TownePlace Suites
Sheraton Hotel
Holiday Inn Express
nu Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites

New York, NY
Harrisburg, PA
JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY
Camp Springs, MD
Brooklyn, NY
Smithfield, RI

Acquisition 
Date

1/4/2008
5/8/2008
6/13/2008
6/26/2008
7/7/2008*
8/1/2008

Rooms

45
107
150
           127 
             93 
           101 

2008
Total Revenue

 $               3,688 
                  1,755 
                  3,931 
                  1,313 
                  2,314 
                     848 

           623 

 $             13,849 

*The property was purchased on 1/14/2008, but did not open for business until 7/7/2008. 

13   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             
           
           
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 14

Revenues for all six hotels were recorded from the date of acquisition as hotel operating revenues. Further, hotel 
operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 included revenues for a full year related to the following six hotels that 
were purchased during the year ended December 31, 2007: 

Brand

Residence Inn 
Residence Inn 
Holiday Inn Express
Hampton Inn
Independent
Holiday Inn

Location

Langhorne, PA
Carlisle, PA
Chester, NY
Seaport, NY
373 Fifth Avenue
Norwich, CT

Acquisition 
Date
1/8/2007
1/10/2007
1/25/2007
2/1/2007
6/1/2007
7/1/2007

Rooms

100
78
80
65
70
134

2008
Total Revenue
$               4,062 
                 2,417 
                 2,337 
                 5,833 
                 4,562 
                 3,297 

2007
Total Revenue
 $             3,352 
                2,091 
                2,367 
                5,200 
                3,051 
                1,689 

           527 

$             22,508 

 $           17,750 

We invest in hotel development projects by providing secured first mortgage or mezzanine financing to hotel developers 
and through the acquisition of land that is then leased to hotel developers.  Interest income is earned on our development loans at 
rates ranging between 10.0% and 20.0%. Interest income from development loans receivable was $7,890 for the year ended 
December 31, 2008 compared to $6,046 for the same period in 2007.  The average balance of development loans receivable 
outstanding in 2008 was higher than the average balance outstanding in 2007. This resulted in a $1,844, or 30.5% increase in 
interest income.  For one of our development loans to an unaffiliated developer, we recorded an impairment charge as of 
December 31, 2008 for the remaining principal of $18,748, which is net of unamortized discount and loan fees in the amount of 
$1,252.  The loan was deemed to be fully impaired when the developer was unable to obtain additional construction financing to 
complete the project and consequently defaulted under his senior mortgage loan.  The project, located in Brooklyn, New York, 
NY, was to include hotel, residential and retail components, however, the land acquisition financing and our loan were not 
sufficient to fund the ongoing construction.  A receivable for uncollected interest income of $569, which is net of unrecognized 
deferred loan fees of $143, was also recorded as an impairment charge.  In connection with the development loan, we also hold an 
option to acquire an interest in the hotel upon completion of the development project.  This option was valued at $1,687 at its 
inception and is deemed to be fully impaired.  The total impairment charge recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008 
related to this development loan and option was $21,004. 

In 2006 we acquired two parcels of land, and in 2007 we acquired an additional two parcels of land, which are being 

leased to hotel developers.  The hotel developers are owned in part by certain executives and affiliated trustees of the 
Company.  Our net investment in these parcels is approximately $23,366. Each land parcel is leased at a minimum rental rate of 
10% of our net investment in the land. Additional rents are paid by the lessee for the principal and interest on the mortgage, real 
estate taxes and insurance.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded $5,363 in land lease revenue from these 
parcels. We incurred $2,939 in expense related to these land leases resulting in a contribution of $2,424 to our operating income 
during the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Other revenue consists primarily of fees earned for asset management services provided to properties owned by two of 
our unconsolidated joint ventures.  Other revenues increased from $980 for the year ended December 31, 2007 to $1,054 during 
the year ended December 31, 2008. 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, interest income decreased $380 compared to the same period in 2007. Increased 

levels of interest income in 2007 resulted from higher levels of interest bearing deposits related to the acquisition of hotel 
properties during 2007. 

Expenses 

Total hotel operating expenses increased 10.7% to approximately $144,972 for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 

$130,910 for the year ended December 31, 2007. Consistent with the increase in hotel operating revenues, hotel operating 
expenses increased primarily due to the acquisitions consummated since the comparable period in 2007, as mentioned above. The 
acquisitions also resulted in an increase in depreciation and amortization from $33,863 for the year ended December 31, 2007 to 
$40,998 for the year ended December 31, 2008. Similarly, real estate and personal property tax and property insurance increased 
$1,604, or 14.1%, in the year ended December 31, 2008 when compared to the same period in 2007. 

General and administrative expense increased by approximately $761 from $7,953 in 2007 to $8,714 in 2008. General 

and administrative expenses increased primarily to increased stock based compensation costs associated with the issuance of 
additional stock awards in June 2008. 

14   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 15

Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments 

Through our investment in the Mystic Partners joint venture, we have an 8.8% interest in the Hilton Hotel in Hartford, 

CT.  In 2008, the Company determined that its interest in this hotel was impaired.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company 
recorded an impairment loss of approximately $1,890 which represents our entire investment in the hotel.  Offsetting this loss was 
approximately $1,373 in income from our unconsolidated joint venture investments.  The net of the impairment charge and 
income from our unconsolidated joint ventures is a net loss of approximately $517.  For the year ended December 31, 2007, 
approximately $3,476 in income from unconsolidated joint venture investments was recorded, resulting in a decrease of $3,993 
over the same period in 2008. 

During 2007, we acquired joint venture interests in the following property: 

Joint Venture
Metro 29th Street Associates, LLC

Brand
Holiday Inn Express

Name
Manhattan-New York, NY

Acquisition 
Date
2/1/2007

Rooms
228

 Ownership 
% 
50.0%

Hersha 
Preferred 
Equity 
Return 
N/A

Net Income/Loss 

Net loss applicable to common shareholders for year ended December 31, 2008 was $13,608 compared to net income 

applicable to common shareholders of $13,047 for the same period in 2007. 

Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $31,771 compared to operating income of $53,546 during 
the same period in 2007. The $21,775, or 40.7%, decrease in operating income was primarily the result of the impairment charge 
of $21,004 related to our investment in a development loan and an option to acquire the hotel property upon completion, noted 
above.  This impairment charge was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2008. 

The weighted average minority interest ownership in our operating partnership increased from 11.83% for the year ended 

December 31, 2007 to 15.10% for the year ended December 31, 2008. This change is a result of the issuance of units in our 
operating partnership as consideration for the acquisition of hotel properties and is partially offset by the issuance of 6,600,000 of 
our common shares in May of 2008. Interest expense, increased $1,041 from $42,115 for the year ended December 31, 2007 to 
$43,156 for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in interest expense is the result of mortgages placed on newly 
acquired properties and increased average balances on our line of credit. 

Included in net loss applicable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2008 is $2,432 in income from 

discontinued operations compared to $4,110 in income during the same period in 2007.  Discontinued operations was driven 
primarily by a gain of $2,452 resulting from the sale of the Holiday Inn Conference Center in New Cumberland, PA in October 
2008 and a gain of $3,745 results from the sale of the Fairfield Inn, Mt. Laurel, NJ and Hampton Inn, Linden, NJ in November 
2007. 

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS 

(in thousands, except share data) 

The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) developed Funds from Operations (“FFO”) as a 

non-GAAP financial measure of performance of an equity REIT in order to recognize that income-producing real estate 
historically has not depreciated on the basis determined under GAAP. We calculate FFO applicable to common shares and 
Partnership units in accordance with the April 2002 National Policy Bulletin of NAREIT, which we refer to as the White Paper. 
The White Paper defines FFO as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP) excluding extraordinary items as 
defined under GAAP and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated assets, plus certain non-cash items, such as 
depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Our interpretation of the 
NAREIT definition is that minority interest in net income (loss) should be added back to (deducted from) net income (loss) as part 
of reconciling net income (loss) to FFO. Our FFO computation may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do 
not compute FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or that interpret the NAREIT definition differently than we do. 

The GAAP measure that we believe to be most directly comparable to FFO, net income (loss) applicable to common 

shares, includes depreciation and amortization expenses, gains or losses on property sales, minority interest and preferred 
dividends. In computing FFO, we eliminate these items because, in our view, they are not indicative of the results from our 
property operations. 

FFO does not represent cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered an 

alternative to net income as an indication of Hersha’s performance or to cash flow as a measure of liquidity or ability to make 
distributions. We consider FFO to be a meaningful, additional measure of operating performance because it excludes the effects of 
the assumption that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time, and because it is widely used by industry 
analysts as a performance measure. We show both FFO from consolidated hotel operations and FFO from unconsolidated joint 
ventures because we believe it is meaningful for the investor to understand the relative contributions from our consolidated and 

15   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 16

unconsolidated hotels. The display of both FFO from consolidated hotels and FFO from unconsolidated joint ventures allows for a 
detailed analysis of the operating performance of our hotel portfolio by management and investors. We present FFO applicable to 
common shares and Partnership units because our Partnership units are redeemable for common shares. We believe it is 
meaningful for the investor to understand FFO applicable to all common shares and Partnership units. The following table 
reconciles FFO for the periods presented to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income, for the same periods. 

Net (loss) income applicable to common shares
(Loss) income allocated to minority interest
(Loss) income of discontinued operations allocated to minority interest
Loss (income) from unconsolidated joint ventures
Gain on sale of assets
Depreciation and amortization 
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations
FFO related to the minority interests in consolidated joint ventures (1)

Funds from consolidated hotel operations
  applicable to common shares and Partnership units

Income from Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments
Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

(Loss) Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Add:

Depreciation and amortization of purchase price
  in excess of historical cost (2)
Interest in deferred financing costs written off
  in unconsolidated joint venture debt extinguishment
Interest in depreciation and amortization
  of unconsolidated joint venture (3)

Funds from unconsolidated joint ventures operations
  applicable to common shares and Partnership units

Funds from Operations
  applicable to common shares and Partnership units

Weighted Average Common Shares and Units Outstanding

Basic
Diluted 

December 31, 2008

Twelve Months Ending
December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

$                     

(13,608)
(2,053)
(4)
517
(2,452)
40,998
420
(240)

$                      

13,047
1,773
49
(3,476)
(3,745)
33,863
1,267
(652)

$                           

298
579
37
(1,799)
(693)
18,420
1,850
(714)

23,578

1,373
(1,890)
(517)

2,093

-

6,287

7,863

42,126

3,476
-
3,476

2,055

(2,858)

5,023

7,696

17,978

1,799
-
1,799

1,817

(207)

4,549

7,958

$                      

31,441

$                      

49,822

$                      

25,936

45,184,127
53,218,864

40,718,724
46,183,394

27,118,264
30,672,675

(1)   Adjustment made to deduct FFO related to the minority interest in our consolidated joint ventures. Represents the portion 

of net income and depreciation allocated to our joint venture partners. 

(2)  Adjustment made to add depreciation of purchase price in excess of historical cost of the assets in the unconsolidated joint 

venture at the time of our investment. 

(3)  Adjustment made to add our interest in real estate related depreciation and amortization of our unconsolidated joint 

ventures. 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2007 

FFO was $31,441 for the year ended December 31, 2008, which was a decrease of $18,381 or 36.9%, over FFO in the 
comparable period in 2007, which was $49,822. The decrease in FFO was primarily a result of an impairment of development 
loan receivable and other asset of $21,004 and an impairment of our interest in an unconsolidated joint venture of $1,890. 

FFO was also negatively impacted by increases in our interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2006 

For the year ended December 31, 2007, FFO increased $23,886, or 92.1% over the same period in 2006. The increase in 

FFO was primarily a result of growth in the lodging industry and the markets where our properties are located, the benefits of 
acquiring assets and interests in joint ventures since December 31, 2005 and continued stabilization and maturation of the existing 
portfolio. 

FFO was negatively impacted by increases in our interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2007. 

16   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
                         
                          
                             
                                
                               
                               
                             
                         
                         
                         
                         
                            
                        
                        
                        
                             
                          
                          
                            
                            
                            
                        
                        
                        
                          
                          
                          
                         
                              
                              
                            
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                              
                         
                            
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                 
                 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 17

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Hersha Hospitality Trust 

Report of Independent Auditors
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended  
  December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2008

Page

18
19
20

22
23
24
56

17   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 18

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Trustees and Stockholders of 
Hersha Hospitality Trust: 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hersha Hospitality Trust and subsidiaries as of December 31, 
2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash 
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. In connection with our audits of the consolidated 
financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index.  These 
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of Hersha Hospitality Trust’s 
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement 
schedule based on our audits.  We did not audit the financial statements of Mystic Partners, LLC an equity method investee 
company (See note 3) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006.  The Company's equity in earnings of Mystic Partners, 
LLC was $1,691,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006.  The 2006 financial statements of Mystic Partners, LLC were audited 
by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Mystic 
Partners as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, is based on the report of the other auditors. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 
are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinions. 

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors related to 2006, the consolidated financial statements referred 
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hersha Hospitality Trust and subsidiaries as of December 
31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial 
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in 
all material respects, the information set forth therein. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
Hersha Hospitality Trust and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 5, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
March 5, 2009 

18   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 19

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS] 

Assets:

Investment in Hotel Properties, net of Accumulated Depreciation
Investment in Joint Ventures
Development Loans Receivable
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Escrow Deposits
Hotel Accounts Receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $120 and $47
Deferred Costs, net of Accumulated Amortization of $3,606 and $3,252
Due from Related Parties
Intangible Assets, net of Accumulated Amortization of $595 and $764
Other Assets

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

$                         

982,082
46,283
81,500
15,697
12,404
6,870
9,157
4,645
7,300
13,517

$                        

893,297
51,851
58,183
12,327
13,706
7,287
8,048
1,256
5,619
16,033

Total Assets

$                     

1,179,455

$                    

1,067,607

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:

Line of Credit
Mortgages and Notes Payable, net of unamortized discount of $61 and $72
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
Dividends and Distributions Payable
Due to Related Parties

Total Liabilities

Minority Interests:
Common Units
Interest in Consolidated Joint Ventures

Total Minority Interests

Shareholders' Equity:

$                           

88,421
655,360
17,745
11,240
1,352

$                          

43,700
619,308
17,728
9,688
2,025

774,118

692,449

$                           

53,520
1,854

$                          

42,845
1,908

55,374

44,753

Preferred Shares - 8% Series A, $.01 Par Value, 2,400,000 Shares Issued and Outstanding at 
   December 31, 2008 and 2007 (Aggregate Liquidation Preference $60,000)

Common Shares - Class A, $.01 Par Value, 80,000,000 Shares Authorized, 48,276,222
    and 41,203,612 Shares Issued and Outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, 
    respectively

Common Shares - Class B, $.01 Par Value, 1,000,000 Shares Authorized, None Issued and 
   Outstanding
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Additional Paid-in Capital
Distributions in Excess of Net Income

Total Shareholders' Equity

24

483

-
(109)
463,772
(114,207)

349,963

24

412

-
(23)
397,127
(67,135)

330,405

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

$                     

1,179,455

$                    

1,067,607

The Accompanying Notes Are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements. 

19   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

    
 
 
                             
                            
                             
                            
                             
                            
                             
                            
                               
                              
                               
                              
                               
                              
                               
                              
                             
                            
                           
                          
                             
                            
                             
                              
                               
                              
                           
                          
                               
                              
                             
                            
                                    
                                   
                                  
                                 
                                   
                                  
                                 
                                  
                           
                          
                          
                           
                           
                          
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 20

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007 AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

Revenue:

Hotel Operating Revenues
Interest Income from Development Loans
Land Lease Revenue
Other Revenues

Total Revenues

Operating Expenses:

Hotel Operating Expenses
Hotel Ground Rent
Land Lease Expense
Real Estate and Personal Property
     Taxes and Property Insurance
General and Administrative
Acquisition and Terminated Transaction Costs
Impairment of Development Loan Receivable and Other Asset
Depreciation and Amortization

Total Operating Expenses

Operating Income

Interest Income
Interest Expense
Other Expense
Loss on Debt Extinguishment

(Loss) Income before (loss) income from 
  Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments,
  Minority Interests and Discontinued Operations

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Income from Unconsolidated 
  Joint Venture Investments
Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture 

(Loss) Income from Unconsolidated 
  Joint Venture Investments

(Loss) Income before Minority Interests and 
  Discontinued Operations

(Loss) Income allocated to Minority Interests in 
  Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations

Discontinued Operations, net of minority interests
  (Note 12):

Gain on Disposition of Hotel Properties
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations

Income from Discontinued Operations

Net (Loss) Income 

Preferred Distributions

Net (Loss) Income applicable to 
  Common Shareholders

2008

2007

2006

$            

250,464
7,890
5,363
1,054
264,771

144,972
1,040
2,939

12,953
8,714
380
21,004
40,998
233,000

31,771

306
43,156
129
1,568

(12,776)

1,373
(1,890)

(517)

(13,293)

(2,053)
(11,240)

2,452
(20)
2,432

(8,808)
4,800

$            

229,461
6,046
4,860
980
241,347

130,910
856
2,721

11,349
7,953
149
-
33,863
187,801

53,546

686
42,115
83
-

12,034

3,476
-

3,476

15,510

1,773
13,737

3,745
365
4,110

17,847
4,800

$            

132,354
2,487
2,071
737
137,649

76,694
804
1,189

5,979
5,820
316
-
18,420
109,222

28,427

1,182
25,123
102
1,485

2,899

1,799
-

1,799

4,698

579
4,119

693
286
979

5,098
4,800

$                 

(13,608)

$                  

13,047

$                       

298

The Accompanying Notes Are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements. 

20   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

    
 
 
                 
                 
                  
                    
                    
                     
                    
                        
                        
                
                
                 
                
                
                   
                    
                        
                        
                    
                    
                     
                    
                    
                      
                    
                    
                     
                       
                        
                        
                  
                             
                             
                  
                  
                   
                
                
                 
                  
                  
                   
                       
                        
                     
                  
                  
                   
                       
                          
                        
                    
                             
                     
                   
                    
                      
                    
                    
                     
                   
                             
                             
                        
                      
                      
                   
                    
                      
                     
                      
                         
                 
                  
                     
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        
                        
                    
                    
                        
                   
                  
                     
                    
                    
                     
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 21

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007 AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS 

Earnings Per Share:

BASIC

(Loss) income from continuing operations
  applicable to common shareholders
Income from 
  Discontinued Operations

Net (loss) income applicable 
  to common shareholders

DILUTED

(Loss) income from continuing operations
  applicable to common shareholders
Income from 
  Discontinued Operations

Net (loss) income applicable 
  to common shareholders

2008

2007

2006

$                    (0.36)

$                      0.22 

 $                    (0.03)

                        0.05 

                        0.10 

                         0.04 

 $                    (0.31)

 $                      0.32 

 $                      0.01 

$                    (0.36) *  $                      0.22   * 

 $                    (0.03) * 

                        0.05  * 

                        0.10   * 

                         0.04  * 

 $                    (0.31)  * 

 $                      0.32   * 

 $                      0.01   * 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:

Basic 
Diluted

45,184,127
45,184,127

*

40,718,724
40,718,724

*

27,118,264
27,118,264

*

*  Income allocated to minority interest in the Partnership has been excluded from the numerator and OP Units have been omitted 
from the denominator for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share since the effect of including these amounts in the 
numerator and denominator would have no impact. Weighted average OP Units outstanding for the years ended December 31, 
2008, 2007 and 2006 were 8,034,737, 5,464,670 and 3,554,361, respectively.  Unvested stock awards have been omitted from the 
denominator for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 since 
the effect of including these awards in the denominator would be anti-dilutive to income from continuing operations applicable to 
common shareholders. 

The Accompanying Notes Are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements. 

21   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
 
 
           
           
             
           
           
             
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 22

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007 AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES] 

Balance at December 31, 2005 
Common Stock Issuance 
Issuance Costs 
Unit Conversion 
Reallocation of Minority Interest

Dividends declared:

Common Stock ($0.72 per share)
Preferred Stock ($2.00 per share)

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
Stock Based Compensation

Restricted Share Award Grants
Restricted Share Award Vesting
Share Grants to Trustees

Comprehensive Income (Loss): 
Other Comprehensive Loss
Net Income 

Total Comprehensive Income 
Balance at December 31, 2006 
Unit Conversion 
Unit Conversion Costs 
Reallocation of Minority Interest
Dividends declared:

Common Stock ($0.72 per share)
Preferred Stock ($2.00 per share)

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
Stock Based Compensation

Restricted Share Award Grants
Restricted Share Award Vesting
Share Grants to Trustees

Comprehensive Income (Loss): 
Other Comprehensive Loss
Net Income 

Total Comprehensive Income 
Balance at December 31, 2007 
Common Stock Issuance 
Issuance Costs 
Unit Conversion 
Reallocation of Minority Interest
Dividends declared:

Common Stock ($0.72 per share)
Preferred Stock ($2.00 per share)

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
Stock Based Compensation

Restricted Share Award Grants
Restricted Share Award Vesting
Share Grants to Trustees

Comprehensive Income (Loss): 
Other Comprehensive Loss
Net Loss

Total Comprehensive Loss 
Balance at December 31, 2008 

Class A
Common Shares 

Shares 
20,373,752
20,118,750

-
82,077

Dollars 

203
201
-

1

Class B
Common Shares 

Shares 
-
-
-
-

Dollars 
-
-
-
-

Series A
Preferred Shares

Shares
2,400,000

Dollars

-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

2,400,000

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

24
$                  
-
-
-

$         

381,592
2,366
(142)
12,422

233
$                   
-
-
-

$          

(50,635)
-
-
-

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Other
Comprehensive
Income 

24
-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

193,228
191,875
(1,061)
649

(3,467)

-
-
29

-
293
46

-
-

327
-

-

-

-
-
-

-

-

(94)
-

Distributions
in Excess
of Net
Earnings

(29,079)
-

-

-

Total 

164,703

           192,076 
              (1,061)
                  650 

               (3,467)

(21,854)
(4,800)
-

            (21,854)
              (4,800)
                    29 

-

-

-
5,098

                     - 
                  293 
                    46 

                   (94)
               5,098 

5,004
331,619

$         
               2,369 
                 (142)
             12,422 

(29,547)
(4,800)
-

            (29,547)
              (4,800)
                    30 

-
-
-

-
-

                     - 
                  768 
                    95 

                 (256)
             17,847 

17,591
330,405

$         
             62,073 
                 (228)
               1,372 
               1,966 

(33,464)
(4,800)
-

            (33,464)
              (4,800)
                    31 

-
-
-

                     - 
               1,411 
                    91 

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

(256)
-

-
17,847

$                    

(23)

$          

(67,135)

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-
29

-
766
94

-
-

397,127
62,007
(228)
1,370
1,966

-
-
31

(3)
1,411
91

-
-

-

$                

-

2,400,000

$                  

24

$         

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-

$                

-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-

-
-
2,871

89,500
-
5,000

-
-

40,671,950
306,460
-
-

-
-
2,620

214,582
-
8,000

-
-

-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

$                 

405
3

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

1

2
1

41,203,612
6,600,000

$                 

412
66

175,843
-

-
-
5,092

281,675
-
10,000

-
-

2

3

-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-

-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-

48,276,222

$                 

483

-

$                

-

2,400,000

$                  

24

$         

463,772

$                  

(109)

$        

(114,207)

(86)
-

-
(8,808)

                   (86)
              (8,808)
(8,894)
349,963

$         

The Accompanying Notes Are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements. 

22   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
       
                   
                   
                   
         
                     
            
                     
            
            
       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
            
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
              
              
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
              
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
            
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
              
                
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     
                      
                   
              
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                
                
       
                      
       
            
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
              
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
            
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
              
                
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     
                      
                   
            
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                   
                   
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                   
                
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                    
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
              
              
       
                      
       
         
                     
              
                 
            
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
            
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
              
                
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     
                      
                   
            
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                
                      
                   
              
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
              
              
       
                      
       
 
  
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 23

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

Operating activities:
Net (loss) income

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income
to net cash provided by operating activities:

Gain on disposition of hotel assets held for sale
Impairment of development loan receivable and other asset
Depreciation
Amortization
Debt extinguishment
Income allocated to minority interests
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures
Loss (gain) recognized on change in fair value of derivative instrument
Stock based compensation expense

Change in assets and liabilities:

(Increase) decrease in:

Hotel accounts receivable 
Escrows
Other assets
Due from related party

Increase (decrease) in:

Due to related party
Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities:

Purchase of hotel property assets
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from disposition of hotel assets held for sale
Deposits on hotel acquisitions
Cash paid for franchise fee intangible
Investment in notes receivable
Repayment of notes receivable
Investment in development loans receivable
Repayment of development loans receivable
Distributions from unconsolidated joint venture
Advances and capital contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities:

Proceeds from (repayments of) borrowings under line of credit, net
Principal repayment of mortgages and notes payable
Proceeds from mortgages and notes payable
Settlement of interest rate derivative
Cash paid for deferred financing costs
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
Stock issuance costs related to conversion of partnership units
Distributions to partners in consolidated joint ventures
Dividends paid on common shares
Dividends paid on preferred shares
Distributions paid on common partnership units
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

2008

2007

2006

$                         

(8,808)

$                         

17,847

$                           

5,098

(2,888)
21,004
41,219
1,958
1,587
(1,621)
517
3,036
71
1,502

420
1,302
(1,132)
(3,251)

(1,115)
93
53,894

(63,626)
(19,226)
6,456
-
(57)
-
1,350
(64,200)
22,416
2,113
(96)
(114,870)

44,721
(57,421)
59,156
-
(1,244)
61,845
-
-
(32,169)
(4,800)
(5,742)
64,346

3,370
12,327

(4,248)
-
34,963
1,812
-
2,323
(3,476)
4,501
(89)
852

(2,500)
1,845
(261)
3,691

(1,291)
3,331
59,300

(32,658)
(16,773)
11,905
-
(11)
-
34
(65,700)
53,000
6,485
(2,309)
(46,027)

19,700
(20,717)
28,543
-
(286)
-
(143)
(526)
(29,424)
(4,800)
(3,609)
(11,262)

2,011
10,316

(784)
-
20,131
1,118
1,485
706
(1,799)
4,578
(197)
339

(1,731)
(87)
(2,781)
(2,131)

(1,448)
4,720
27,217

(395,359)
(11,020)
9,800
(2,100)
(46)
(1,057)
1,909
(51,616)
37,050
2,767
(4,209)
(413,881)

24,000
(80,222)
280,205
79
(1,224)
191,015
-
(221)
(18,174)
(4,800)
(2,458)
388,200

1,536
8,780

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year

$                        

15,697

$                         

12,327

$                        

10,316

The Accompanying Notes Are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements. 

23   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

    
 
  
                           
                           
                              
                           
                                
                                
                           
                           
                           
                             
                             
                             
                             
                                
                             
                           
                             
                                
                                
                           
                           
                             
                             
                             
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                                
                                
                                
                           
                           
                             
                             
                                
                           
                              
                           
                           
                             
                           
                           
                           
                           
                                  
                             
                             
                           
                           
                           
                         
                         
                       
                         
                         
                         
                             
                           
                             
                                
                                
                           
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                           
                             
                                  
                             
                         
                         
                         
                           
                           
                           
                             
                             
                             
                                
                           
                           
                       
                         
                       
                           
                           
                           
                         
                         
                         
                           
                           
                         
                                
                                
                                  
                           
                              
                           
                           
                                
                         
                                
                              
                                
                                
                              
                              
                         
                         
                         
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                         
                         
                             
                             
                             
                           
                           
                             
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 24

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

 NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Hersha Hospitality Trust (“we” or the “Company”) was formed in May 1998 as a self-administered, Maryland real estate 
investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. 

The Company owns a controlling general partnership interest in Hersha Hospitality Limited Partnership (“HHLP” or  the 
“Partnership”), which owns a 99% limited partnership interest in various subsidiary partnerships. Hersha Hospitality, LLC 
(“HHLLC”), a Virginia limited liability company, owns a 1% general partnership interest in the subsidiary partnerships and the 
Partnership is the sole member of HHLLC. 

The Partnership formed a wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary, 44 New England Management Company (“44 New England” or 
“TRS Lessee”), to lease certain of the Company’s hotels. 

On May 5, 2008, we transferred the listing of our common shares of beneficial interest and 8.0% Series A preferred shares of 
beneficial interest from the American Stock Exchange to the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).  Hersha’s common shares 
now trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "HT" and its Series A preferred shares now trade on the NYSE under the ticker 
symbol "HT PR A." 

As of December 31, 2008, the Company, through the Partnership and subsidiary partnerships, wholly owned fifty-eight limited 
and full service hotels. All of the wholly owned hotel facilities are leased to the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”), 44 
New England. 

In addition to the wholly owned hotel properties, as of December 31, 2008, the Company owned joint venture interests in another 
eighteen properties. The properties owned by the joint ventures are leased to a TRS owned by the joint venture or to an entity 
owned by the joint venture partners and 44 New England. The following table lists the properties owned by these joint ventures: 

Joint Venture

Ownership

Property

Location

Lessee/Sublessee

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Inn America Hospitality at Ewing, LLC
PRA Glastonbury, LLC
PRA Suites at Glastonbury, LLC
Mystic Partners, LLC

Hiren Boston, LLC
SB Partners, LLC
Metro 29th Street Associates, LLC.

Consolidated Joint Ventures
Logan Hospitality Associates, LLC
LTD Associates One, LLC
LTD Associates Two, LLC

50.0%
48.0%
48.0%
66.7%
8.8%
66.7%
66.7%
66.7%
66.7%
44.7%
66.7%
15.0%
50.0%
50.0%
50.0%

55.0%
75.0%
75.0%

Courtyard
Hilton Garden Inn
Homewood Suites
Marriott
Hilton
Courtyard
Courtyard
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Springhill Suites
Marriott
Courtyard
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express

Ewing/Princeton, NJ
Glastonbury, CT
Glastonbury, CT
Mystic, CT
Hartford, CT
Norwich, CT
Warwick, RI
Danbury, CT
Mystic, CT
Southington, CT
Waterford, CT
Hartford, CT
South Boston, MA
South Boston, MA
New York, NY

Hersha Inn America TRS Inc.
Hersha PRA TRS, Inc
Hersha PRA LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC
South Bay Boston, LLC
South Bay Sandeep, LLC
Metro 29th Sublessee, LLC

Four Points – Sheraton
Springhill Suites
Residence Inn

Revere/Boston, MA
Williamsburg, VA
Williamsburg, VA

Revere Hotel Group, LLC
HT LTD Williamsburg One LLC
HT LTD Williamsburg Two LLC

Mystic Partners, LLC owns an interest in nine hotel properties. Our interest in Mystic Partners, LLC is relative to our interest in 
each of the nine properties owned by the joint venture as defined in the joint venture’s governing documents. Each of the nine 
properties owned by Mystic Partners, LLC is leased to a separate entity that is consolidated in Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC 
which is owned by 44 New England and our joint venture partner in Mystic Partners, LLC. 

The properties are managed by eligible independent management companies, including Hersha Hospitality Management, LP 
(“HHMLP”). HHMLP is owned in part by four of the Company’s executive officers, two of its trustees and other third party 
investors. 

24   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 25

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

 NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Principles of Consolidation and Presentation 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles and include all of our accounts as well as accounts of the Partnership, subsidiary partnerships and our wholly owned 
TRS Lessee. All significant inter-company amounts have been eliminated. 

Consolidated properties are either wholly owned or owned less than 100% by the Partnership and are controlled by the Company 
as general partner of the Partnership. Properties owned in joint ventures are also consolidated if the determination is made that we 
are the primary beneficiary in a variable interest entity (VIE) or we maintain control of the asset through our voting interest in the 
entity. Control can be demonstrated by the ability of the general partner to manage day-to-day operations, refinance debt and sell 
the assets of the partnerships without the consent of the limited partners and the inability of the limited partners to replace the 
general partner. Control can be demonstrated by the limited partners if the limited partners have the right to dissolve or liquidate 
the partnership or otherwise remove the general partner without cause or have rights to participate in the significant decisions 
made in the ordinary course of the partnership’s business. 

We evaluate each of our investments and contractual relationships to determine whether they meet the guidelines of consolidation. 
Our examination consists of reviewing the sufficiency of equity at risk, controlling financial interests, voting rights, and the 
obligation to absorb expected losses and expected gains, including residual returns. Based on our examination, the following 
entities were determined to be VIE’s: Mystic Partners, LLC; Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC; Hersha PRA LLC; South Bay 
Boston, LLC; HT LTD Williamsburg One LLC; HT LTD Williamsburg Two LLC; Metro 29th Sublessee, LLC; Hersha Statutory 
Trust I; and Hersha Statutory Trust II. Mystic Partners, LLC is a VIE entity, however because we are not the primary beneficiary 
it is not consolidated by the Company. Our maximum exposure to losses due to our investment in Mystic Partners, LLC is limited 
to our investment in the joint venture which is $27,977 as of December 31, 2008.  Also, Mystic Partners Leaseco, LLC; Hersha 
PRA LLC; South Bay Boston, LLC; HT LTD Williamsburg One LLC; HT LTD Williamsburg Two LLC, and Metro 29th 
Sublessee, LLC lease hotel properties from our joint venture interests and are variable interest entities. These entities are 
consolidated by the lessors, the primary beneficiaries of each entity. Hersha Statutory Trust I and Hersha Statutory Trust II are 
VIEs but HHLP is not the primary beneficiary in these entities. The accounts of Hersha Statutory Trust I and Hersha Statutory 
Trust II are not consolidated with and into HHLP. 

We have consolidated the operations of the Logan Hospitality Associates, LLC; LTD Associates One, LLC; and LTD Associates 
Two, LLC joint ventures because each entity is a voting interest entity and the Company owns a majority voting interest in the 
venture. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during 
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we made are reasonable and appropriate, as discussed in the applicable 
sections throughout these Consolidated Financial Statements, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact our 
reported results. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates and 
assumptions and changes in market conditions could impact our future operating results. 

Investment in Hotel Properties 

The Company allocates the purchase price of hotel properties acquired based on the fair value of the acquired real estate, furniture, 
fixtures and equipment, and intangible assets and the fair value of liabilities assumed, including debt. The Company’s investments 
in hotel properties are carried at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: 

Building and Improvements 
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment 

7 to 40 Years 
5 to 7 Years 

25   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 26

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of each hotel to determine if circumstances exist indicating impairment to 
the carrying value of the investment in the hotel or that depreciation periods should be modified. If facts or circumstances support 
the possibility of impairment, the Company will prepare an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, without interest 
charges, of the specific hotel and determine if the investment in such hotel is recoverable based on the undiscounted future cash 
flows. If impairment is indicated, an adjustment will be made to the carrying value of the hotel to reflect the hotel at fair value. 

In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment 
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” a hotel is considered held for sale when management and our independent trustees commit to 
a plan to sell the property, the property is available for sale, management engages in active program to locate a buyer for the 
property and it is probable the sale will be completed within a year of the initiation of the plan to sell. 

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 

If it is determined that we do not have a controlling interest in a joint venture, either through our financial interest in a VIE or our 
voting interest in a voting interest entity, the equity method of accounting is used. Under this method, the investment, originally 
recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize our share of net earnings or losses of the affiliates as they occur rather than as dividends 
or other distributions are received, limited to the extent of our investment in, advances to and commitments for the investee. 
Pursuant to our joint venture agreements, allocations of profits and losses of some of our investments in unconsolidated joint 
ventures may be allocated disproportionately as compared to the ownership percentages due to specified preferred return rate 
thresholds. 

The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of its investment in unconsolidated joint ventures to determine if 
circumstances exist indicating impairment to the carrying value of the investment.  When an impairment indicator is present, we 
will review the recoverability of our investment.  It the investment’s carrying value is not considered recoverable, we will estimate 
the fair value of the investment.  Our estimate of fair value takes into consideration factors such as expected future operating 
income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors.  This determination requires 
significant estimates by management, including the expected cash flows to be generated by the assets owned and operated by the 
joint venture. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the fair 
value of our investment in the unconsolidated joint venture. 

Development Loans Receivable 

The Company provides secured first-mortgage and mezzanine financing to hotel developers. Development loans receivable are 
recorded at cost and are reviewed for potential impairment at each balance sheet date. The Company’s development loans 
receivable are each secured by various hotel or hotel development properties or partnership interests in hotel or hotel development 
properties. We have determined that development loans receivable do not constitute a financial interest in a VIE and do not 
consolidate the operating results of the borrower in our consolidated financial statements.  Our evaluation consists of reviewing 
the sufficiency of the borrower’s equity at risk, controlling financial interests in the borrower, voting rights of the borrower, and 
the borrower’s obligation to absorb expected losses and expected gains, including residual returns. The analysis utilized by the 
Company in evaluating the development loans receivable involves considerable management judgment and assumptions. 

A development loan receivable is considered impaired when it becomes probable, based on current information, that the Company 
will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the loan’s contractual terms. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured 
by comparing the recorded amount of the loan to the present value of the expected cash flows or the fair value of the collateral. If 
a loan was deemed to be impaired, the Company would record a charge to income for any shortfall. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and in banks plus short-term investments with an initial maturity of three 
months or less when purchased. 

Escrow Deposits 

Escrow deposits include reserves for debt service, real estate taxes, and insurance and reserves for furniture, fixtures, and 
equipment replacements, as required by certain mortgage debt agreement restrictions and provisions. 

26   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 27

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

 NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Hotel Accounts Receivable 

Hotel accounts receivable consists primarily of meeting and banquet room rental and hotel guest receivables. The Company 
generally does not require collateral. Ongoing credit evaluations are performed and an allowance for potential losses from 
uncollectible accounts is provided against the portion of accounts receivable that is estimated to be uncollectible. 

Deferred Costs 

Deferred loan costs are recorded at cost and amortized over the terms of the related indebtedness using the effective interest 
method. 

Due from/to Related Parties 

Due from/to Related Parties represents current receivables and payables resulting from transactions related to hotel management 
and project management with affiliated entities. Due from related parties results primarily from advances of shared costs incurred. 
Due to affiliates results primarily from hotel management and project management fees incurred. Both due to and due from related 
parties are generally settled within a period not to exceed one year. 

Intangible Assets 

Intangible assets consist of leasehold intangibles for above-market and below-market value of in-place leases and deferred 
franchise fees.  The leasehold intangibles are amortized over the remaining lease term. Deferred franchise fees are amortized using 
the straight-line method over the life of the franchise agreement. 

Minority Interest 

Minority interest in the Partnership represents the limited partner’s proportionate share of the equity of the Partnership. Income 
(Loss) is allocated to minority interest in accordance with the weighted average percentage ownership of the Partnership during 
the period. At the end of each reporting period the appropriate adjustments to the income (loss) are made based upon the weighted 
average percentage ownership of the Partnership during the period. Our ownership interest in the Partnership as of December 31, 
2008, 2007 and 2006 was 84.5%, 86.4% and 91.4%, respectively. At December 31, 2008, there were 8,746,300 units outstanding 
with a fair market value of $26,239 which has been determined using the Company’s stock price at December 31, 2008. 

The Company revalues the minority interest associated with the Partnership units each quarter to maintain a proportional 
relationship between the book value of equity associated with common shareholders relative to that of the Unit holders since both 
have equivalent rights and Units are convertible into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis. 

We also maintain minority interests for the equity interest owned by third parties in Logan Hospitality Associates, LLC; LTD 
Associates One, LLC; and LTD Associates Two, LLC. Third parties own a 45% interest in Logan Hospitality Associates, LLC 
and a 25% interest in each of LTD Associates One LLC and LTD Associates Two, LLC. We allocate the income (loss) of these 
joint ventures to the minority interest in consolidated joint ventures based upon the ownership of the entities, preferences in 
distributions of cash available and the terms of each venture agreement. 

Shareholders’ Equity 

On May 16, 2008, we completed a public offering of 6,000,000 common shares at $9.90 per share.  On May 20, 2008, the 
underwriters exercised a portion of their over-allotment option with respect to that offering, and we issued an additional 600,000 
common shares at $9.90 per share.  Proceeds to us, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses, were 
approximately $61,845.  Immediately upon closing the offering, we contributed all of the net proceeds of the offering to the 
Partnership in exchange for additional Partnership interests.  The net offering proceeds were used to repay indebtedness. 

Stock Based Compensation 

We apply Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R) whereby we measure 
the cost of employee service received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the 
award.  

27   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 28

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

The compensation cost is amortized on a straight line basis  over the period during which an employee is required to provide 
service in exchange for the award. 

Derivatives and Hedging 

The Company’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate 
movements or other identified risks. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and interest rate 
caps as part of its cash flow hedging strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-
rate amounts in exchange for fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying principal 
amount. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges limit the Company’s exposure to increased cash payments due to 
increases in variable interest rates. 

Revenue Recognition 

We recognize revenue and expense for all consolidated hotels as hotel operating revenue and hotel operating expense when earned 
and incurred. These revenues are recorded net of any sales or occupancy taxes collected from our guests. We participate in 
frequent guest programs sponsored by the brand owners of our hotels and we expense the charges associated with those programs, 
as incurred. 

Interest income on development loan financing is recorded in the period earned based on the interest rate of the loan and 
outstanding balance during the period. Development loans receivable and accrued interest on the development loans receivable are 
evaluated to determine if outstanding balances are collectible.  Interest is recorded only if it is determined the outstanding loan 
balance and accrued interest balance are collectible. 

We lease land to hotel developers under fixed lease agreements. In addition to base rents, these lease agreements contain 
provisions that require the lessee to reimburse real estate taxes, debt service and other impositions. Base rents and reimbursements 
for real estate taxes, debt service and other impositions are recorded in land lease revenue on an accrual basis.  Expenses for real 
estate taxes, interest expense, and other costs that are reimbursed under the land leases are recorded in land lease expense when 
they are incurred. 

Other revenues consist primarily of fees earned for asset management services provided to hotels we own through unconsolidated 
joint ventures. Fees are earned as a percentage of the hotels revenue and are recorded in the period earned to the extent of the 
minority interest ownership. 

Income Taxes 

The Company qualifies as a REIT under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), as amended, and intends to 
continue to qualify as a REIT. In general, under such provisions, a trust which has made the required election and, in the taxable 
year, meets certain requirements and distributes to its shareholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income will not be subject to 
Federal income tax to the extent of the income which it distributes. Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of 
dividends to shareholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in 
depreciation of hotel properties for Federal income tax purposes. 

Deferred income taxes relate primarily to the TRS Lessee 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 the TRS Lessee 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. 

Although the TRS Lessee is expected to operate at a profit for Federal income tax purposes in future periods, the utilization of the 
deferred tax asset is not determinable. Therefore, any deferred tax assets have been reserved as we have not concluded that it is 
more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realizable. 

28   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 29

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Reclassification 

Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

SFAS No. 141R 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 
No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R requires most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and goodwill acquired in a 
business combination to be recorded at “full fair value.” SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 
2008. The Company has not determined whether the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will have a material effect on the Company’s 
financial statements. Adoption of SFAS No.141R on January 1, 2009 could have a material effect on the Company’s financial 
statements and the Company’s future financial results to the extent the Company acquires significant amounts of real estate assets. 
Costs related to future acquisitions will be expensed as incurred compared to the Company’s current practice of capitalizing such 
costs and amortizing them over the useful life of the acquired assets. In addition, to the extent the Company enters into acquisition 
agreements with earn-out provisions, a liability may be recorded at the time of acquisition based on an estimate of the earn-out to 
be paid compared to our current practice of recording a liability for the earn-out when amounts are probable and determinable. 

SFAS No. 160 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in 
Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”).  SFAS No. 160 requires noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as 
minority interests) to be reported as a component of equity, which changes the accounting for transactions with noncontrolling 
interest holders. No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The adoption of this statement will 
result in minority interest to be reclassified as a component of shareholders’ equity. 

SFAS No. 161 

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative 
and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. The objective of the guidance is to provide 
users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; how 
derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect 
an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after 
November 15, 2008.  The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will not have a material effect on the 
Company’s financial statements. 

FSP EITF 03-6-1 

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position on Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 03-6, “Determining Whether 
Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities” (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 
states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether 
paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) pursuant to the 
two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 
2008, and interim periods within those years. All prior-period EPS data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively (including 
interim financial statements, summaries of earnings, and selected financial data) to conform with the provisions of FSP EITF 03-
6-1. Early application is not permitted.  We expect that the adoption of this FSP will not impact our financial position or net 
income. 

29   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 30

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT IN HOTEL PROPERTIES 

Investment in hotel properties consist of the following at December 31, 2008 and 2007: 

Land
Buildings and Improvements
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
Construction in Progress

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

$                       

184,879
802,760
121,991
-

1,109,630

$                    

172,061
706,038
105,979
1,541
985,619

Less Accumulated Depreciation

(127,548)

(92,322)

Total Investment in Hotel Properties

$                      

982,082

$                    

893,297

Depreciation expense was $41,219, $34,895 and $20,120 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 

During the year ended December 31, 2008 we acquired the following wholly owned hotel properties: 

Hotel 
Duane Street Hotel,
     TriBeCa, New York, NY
nu Hotel,
     Brooklyn, NY
TownePlace Suites, 
     Harrisburg, PA
Sheraton Hotel, 
     JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY
Holiday Inn Express,
     Camp Springs, MD
Hampton Inn, 
     Smithfield, RI

Total 2008
  Wholly Owned Acquisitions

Acquisition 
Date

Land 

Buildings and 
Improvements 

Furniture 
Fixtures and 
Equipment 

Franchise Fees, 
Loan Costs, and 
Leasehold 
Intangible

Total Purchase 
Price 

Fair Value of 
Assumed Debt

1/4/2008

 $           8,213 

 $            12,869 

 $              2,793 

 $                    -   

 $            23,875 

 $                    - 

1/14/2008

                   -   

               17,343 

                       -   

                       -   

               17,343 

                       - 

5/8/2008

              1,238 

               10,182 

                 1,792 

                      42 

               13,254 

                       - 

6/13/2008

                   -   

               27,584 

                 4,413 

                 2,893 

               34,890 

               23,800 

6/26/2008

              1,629 

               11,115 

                    931 

                        5 

               13,680 

                       - 

8/1/2008

              2,057 

                 9,502 

                 1,156 

                    102 

               12,817 

                 6,990 

 $         13,137 

 $            88,595 

 $            11,085 

 $              3,042 

 $          115,859 

 $            30,790 

In connection with the acquisitions made during the year ended December 31, 2008, we acquired $344 in working capital assets 
and assumed $662 in working capital liabilities. 

Interest rates on debt assumed in the acquisitions of the Sheraton Hotel, JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY and the Hampton Inn, 
Smithfield, RI were at market rates.  In connection with the acquisition of the Sheraton Hotel, the Company assumed a $23,800 
variable rate mortgage which accrued interest at LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum.  This debt was repaid in October 2008 with 
borrowings from our revolving line of credit, and this property now serves as collateral for borrowings under our revolving line of 
credit.  In connection with the acquisition of the Sheraton Hotel, we assumed a lease for the underlying land with a remaining term 
of approximately 94 years.  The remaining lease payments were determined to be below market value and, as a result, $2,171 of 
the purchase price was allocated to a leasehold intangible asset.  This asset is recorded in intangible assets on the consolidated 
balance sheet and is being amortized over the remaining life of the lease. 

In connection with the acquisition of the Duane Street Hotel, the Company entered into a $15,000 fixed rate mortgage with 
interest at 7.15%.  The mortgage matures in February 2018 and is interest only for the first three years.  Upon acquisition of the nu 
Hotel, located in Brooklyn, NY, we commenced renovations to fit out the building prior to its opening.  Costs associated with the 
building while it was being renovated, including interest, were capitalized.  On July 7, 2008, the property opened and all 
renovation costs were capitalized to building and improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment and are being depreciated 
over the useful lives of these assets.  In connection with the acquisition of the nu Hotel the Company entered into an $18,000 
variable rate mortgage debt facility with interest at LIBOR plus 2.00%.  Principal of $13,240 was drawn on the date of 
acquisition, while the remainder of the balance has been drawn as renovations progressed and as interest was incurred.  The 
mortgage requires the payment of interest only and matures in January of 2011. 

30   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
  
 
 
                         
                      
                         
                      
                                
                          
                      
                      
                       
                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 31

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT IN HOTEL PROPERTIES (continued) 

In connection with the acquisition of the Hampton Inn, Smithfield, RI, the Company assumed a $6,990 fixed rate mortgage which 
accrues interest at 6.98%.  The mortgage matures in December 12, 2016.  In connection with the acquisition of the property, the 
sellers provided a $500 note payable which accrued interest at a rate of 7.00% per annum.  This note was repaid prior to 
September 30, 2008. 

The Duane Street Hotel, New York, NY was acquired from entities that are owned by certain of the Company’s executives and 
affiliated trustees.  Included in the consideration paid for the Duane Street Hotel were 779,585 units of limited partnership interest 
(“OP Units”) in Hersha Hospitality Limited Partnership ("HHLP" or the “Partnership”), our operating partnership subsidiary, 
valued at $6,862. The OP Units were issued to certain executives and affiliated trustees of the Company.  The Sheraton Hotel, 
JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY, was acquired from entities that are owned by certain of the Company’s executives and affiliated 
trustees and an unrelated third party.  Included in the consideration paid for the Sheraton Hotel were 1,177,306 OP Units in HHLP 
valued at $10,596.  The OP Units were issued to certain executives and affiliated trustees of the Company and an unrelated third 
party.  The Holiday Inn Express, Camp Springs, MD, was acquired from entities that are owned by certain of the Company’s 
executives and affiliated trustees and an unrelated third party.  Included in the consideration paid for the Holiday Inn Express were 
540,337 OP Units in HHLP valued at $4,166.  The OP Units were issued to certain executives and affiliated trustees of the 
Company and an unrelated third party. 

Our newly acquired hotels are leased to our wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”), 44 New England Management 
Company and all are managed by Hersha Hospitality Management, LP (“HHMLP”).  HHMLP is owned by three of the 
Company’s executives, two of its affiliated trustees and other investors that are not affiliated with the Company. 

During the year ended December 31, 2007 we acquired the following wholly owned hotel properties: 

Hotel 

Residence Inn,
  Langhorne, PA

Residence Inn,
  Carlisle, PA

Holiday Inn Express,
  Chester, NY

Hampton Inn - Seaport,
  New York, NY
Hotel 373 and Starbucks Lease - 5th 
Avenue, New York, NY

Nevins Street, 
  Brooklyn, NY

Holiday Inn,
  Norwich, CT
Total 2007
  Wholly Owned Acquisitions

Acquisition 
Date

Land 

Buildings and 
Improvements 

Furniture 
Fixtures and 
Equipment 

Franchise Fees 
and Loan Costs 

Total Purchase 
Price 

Fair Value of 
Assumed Debt 

1/8/2007

 $           1,463 

 $             12,125 

 $               2,170 

 $                     50 

 $             15,808 

$                     - 

1/10/2007

               1,015 

                   7,511 

                   1,330 

                        89 

                   9,945 

                  7,000 

1/25/2007

               1,500 

                   6,701 

                   1,031 

                      126 

                   9,358 

                  6,700 

2/1/2007

               7,816 

                19,056 

                   1,729 

                   1,036 

                29,637 

               20,202 

6/1/2007

            14,239 

                16,801 

                   3,294 

                        11 

                34,345 

               22,000 

6/11/2007 & 
7/11/2007

            10,650 

                        -   

                        -   

                      269 

                10,919 

                  6,500 

7/1/2007

               1,984 

                12,037 

                   2,041 

                        67 

                16,129 

                  8,162 

 $         38,667 

 $             74,231 

 $             11,595 

 $               1,648 

 $           126,141 

$             70,564 

Interest rates on debt assumed in the acquisition of the Residence Inn, Carlisle, PA and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Chester, 
NY were at market rates.  We assumed $19,250 in debt with the acquisition of the Hampton Inn-Seaport, New York, NY bearing 
interest at a fixed rate of 6.36% which was determined on the date of acquisition to be above market rates.  We recorded a 
premium of $952 related to the assumption of this debt. In the acquisition of Hotel 373 – 5th Avenue, New York, NY, we 
assumed $22,000 in variable rate debt bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.00% and an interest rate cap which effectively caps 
interest on this debt at 7.75%.  The debt matures and the interest rate cap terminates on April 9, 2009.  The interest rate cap had a 
fair value of $15 on the date of acquisition.  We assumed $6,500 in variable rate debt bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.70% with 
the acquisition of a parcel of land on Nevins Street in Brooklyn, NY.  This parcel of land is being leased to a hotel developer that 
is owned in part by certain executives and affiliated trustees of the Company.  Lease income on the land includes payment of debt 
service on the assumed debt.  We assumed $8,162 in debt with the acquisition of the Holiday Inn, Norwich, CT which was repaid 
on July 30, 2007. 

The Residence Inn, Carlisle, PA and the Hampton Inn-Seaport, New York, NY were acquired from entities that are owned by 
certain of the Company’s executives and affiliated trustees.  Included in the consideration paid for the Residence Inn, Carlisle, PA 

31   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 32

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT IN HOTEL PROPERTIES (continued) 

were 119,818 OP Units in HHLP valued at $1,330.  The OP Units were issued to sellers that are not affiliated with the 
Company.  Consideration paid for the Hampton Inn-Seaport, New York, NY, included 15,016 OP Units valued at $168 and an 
$8,208 note payable.  The OP Units and note payable were issued to certain executives and affiliated trustees of the Company. 

On May 24, 2007, the note payable was fully repaid.  Interest expense of $203 was incurred on the notes payable during the year 
ended December 31, 2007.  Included in the consideration paid for the Hotel 373 – 5th Avenue, New York, NY were 1,000,000 OP 
Units valued at $12,320.  The OP Units were issued to a seller that is not affiliated with the Company.  Consideration paid for the 
Holiday Inn, Norwich, CT, included 659,312 OP Units valued at $7,800.  The OP Units were issued to certain executives and 
affiliated trustees of the Company. 

On January 8, 2007, we closed on the acquisition of the Residence Inn, Langhorne, PA. The purchase agreement for this 
acquisition contained certain provisions that entitle the seller to an earn-out payment of up to $1,000 based on the net operating 
income of the property, as defined in the purchase agreement. The earn-out period expired on July 31, 2008.  Based on results for 
this property through July 31, 2008, a $1,000 earn-out was paid in October 2008.  This additional purchase price was capitalized 
to land, building and improvements, and furniture, fixtures and equipment and is being depreciated over the useful lives of these 
assets. 

The purchase agreements for some of our acquisitions contain certain provisions that entitle the seller to an earn-out payment 
based on the Net Operating Income of the properties, as defined in each purchase agreement.  The following table summarizes our 
existing earn-out provisions: 

Acquisition 
Date

Acquisition Name

Maximum Earn-Out 
Payment Amount

Earn-Out Period 
Expiration

12/28/2006
Summerfield Suites Portfolio
6/26/2008 Holiday Inn Express, Camp Springs, MD
8/1/2008 Hampton Inn & Suites, Smithfield, RI

 $                          6,000,000 

December 31, 2009

                             1,905,000 

December 31, 2010

                             1,515,000 

December 31, 2010

We are currently unable to determine whether amounts will be paid under these three earn-out provisions since significant time 
remains until the expiration of the earn-out periods.  Due to uncertainty of the amounts that will ultimately be paid, no accrual has 
been recorded on the consolidated balance sheet for amounts due under these earn-out provisions. In the event amounts are 
payable under these provisions, payments made will be recorded as additional consideration given for the properties. 

On February 15, 2006, we acquired an 80% joint venture interest in an entity that owns the Hampton Inn, Philadelphia, PA. The 
entity that sold the 80% interest was owned, in part, by certain executives and affiliated trustees of the Company. On October 1, 
2007, we acquired the remaining 20% interest from our joint venture partners. The following is the allocation of purchase price for 
each step of the acquisition: 

Acquisition 
Date

Land 

Buildings and 
Improvements 

Furniture 
Fixtures and 
Equipment 

Franchise Fees 
and Loan Costs 

Total

 Acquisition of 80% Interest 

 2/15/2006 

 $           2,928 

 $            21,062 

 $              3,029 

 $                 117 

 $            27,136 

 Acquisition of Remaining 20% Interest 

10/1/2007

744

4,850

790

-

                 6,384 

32   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                
                 
                    
                    
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 33

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT IN HOTEL PROPERTIES (continued) 

Consideration paid for the remaining 20% interest in the Hampton Inn, Philadelphia, PA consisted of 406,877 OP Units valued at 
$4,162, which were issued to certain executives and affiliated trustees of the Company. Prior to the acquisition of the remaining 
20% interest, the Hampton Inn, Philadelphia, PA was reported as a consolidated joint venture and its assets and liabilities were 
included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and non-controlling interest of $588 was reported as Minority Interests.  As 
a result of acquiring the remaining 20% interest in the venture, our investment in hotel properties was increased as follows: 

Purchase Price

Less:

Net book value included in consolidated financial
   statements prior to acquisition 

Step-up in value included in consolidated financial
   statements after acquisition

Land 

Buildings and 
Improvements 

Furniture 
Fixtures and 
Equipment 

Total

 $              744 

 $              4,850 

 $                 790 

 $              6,384 

(193)

(2,396)

(220)

                (2,809)

$              

551

$               

2,454

$                  

570

$               

3,575

Pro Forma Operating Results (Unaudited) 

The following condensed pro forma financial data is presented as if all 2008 and 2007 acquisitions had been consummated as of 
January 1, 2007. Properties acquired without any operating history are excluded from the condensed pro forma operating results. 
The condensed pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what actual results of operations of the Company would 
have been assuming the acquisitions had been consummated at the beginning of the year presented, nor does it purport to 
represent the results of operations for future periods. 

Pro Forma Total Revenues

Pro Forma (Loss) income from Continuing Operations applicable to Common Shareholders

Income from Discontinued Operations

Pro Forma Net (Loss) income
Preferred Distributions

Pro Forma Net (Loss) income applicable to Common Shareholders

Pro Forma (Loss) income 
   applicable to Common Shareholders per Common Share

Basic
Diluted

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

Basic 
Diluted

For the Year Ended December 31, 

2008

$               

266,728

2007
$                 

243,681

$                

$                   

(11,115)
2,432
(8,683)
4,800
(13,483)

13,220
4,110
17,330
4,800
12,530

$                

$                   

$                    
$                    

(0.30)
(0.30)

$                       
$                       

0.31
0.31

45,184,127
45,184,127

40,718,724
40,718,724

33   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
  
 
 
               
               
                  
 
 
 
 
 
                    
                       
                   
                     
                    
                       
           
              
           
              
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 34

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES 

As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 our investment in unconsolidated joint ventures consisted of the following: 

Joint Venture

Hotel Properties

Percent 
Owned

Preferred
Return

December 31, 

2008

2007

PRA Glastonbury, LLC
Inn American Hospitality at Ewing, LLC

Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury, CT
Courtyard by Marriott, Ewing, NJ

48%*
50.0%

11.0% cumulative
11.0% cumulative

 $            738 
               736 

 $            945 
            1,016 

Hiren Boston, LLC
SB Partners, LLC
Mystic Partners, LLC
PRA Suites at Glastonbury, LLC
Metro 29th Street Associates, LLC

Courtyard by Marriott, Boston, MA
Holiday Inn Express, Boston, MA
Hilton and Marriott branded hotels in CT and RI
Homewood Suites, Glastonbury, CT
Holiday Inn Express, New York, NY

50.0%
50.0%
8.8%-66.7%
48%*
50.0%

N/A
N/A
8.5% non-cumulative
10.0% non-cumulative
N/A

            3,960 
            2,091 
          27,977 
            2,800 
            7,981 
 $       46,283 

            4,148 
            2,010 
          32,928 
            2,808 
            7,996 
 $       51,851 

*  Percent owned was 40.0% through March 31, 2007.  On April 1, 2007 our percent owned increased to 48.0%. 

On February 1, 2007 we acquired a 50.0% interest in Metro 29th Street Associates, LLC (“Metro 29th”), the lessee of the 228 
room Holiday Inn Express-Manhattan, New York, NY, for approximately $6,817. Metro 29th holds a twenty five year lease with 
certain renewal options at the end of the lease term.  We also acquired an option to acquire a 50% interest in the entity that owns 
the Holiday Inn Express-Manhattan.  The option is exercisable after February 1, 2012 or upon termination of Metro 29th Street’s 
lease of the hotel and expires at the end of the lease term.  The fair value of the option was $933 at the time of acquisition and is 
recorded in other assets on our consolidated balance sheet.  We issued 694,766 OP Units valued at $7,747 for our interest in Metro 
29th and the option.  Metro 29th Street entered into an agreement with Metro 29th Sublessee, LLC, a joint venture owned by 44 
New England and our joint venture partner, to sublease the hotel property.  The hotel is managed by HHMLP. 

On April 1, 2007, we increased our investment in PRA Glastonbury, LLC, the owner of the Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury, CT, 
and PRA Suites at Glastonbury, LLC, the owner of the Homewood Suites, Glastonbury, CT by acquiring an additional 8% 
preferred interest from our partner in each venture.  The purchase prices for our additional equity interests were $780 and $716 for 
PRA Glastonbury, LLC and PRA Suites at Glastonbury, LLC, respectively. 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, we determined that our investment in the Hartford Hilton, part of the Mystic Partners 
joint venture portfolio, was impaired.  As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,890 which is included as 
impairment of investment in unconsolidated joint venture on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.  This charge 
reduced our investment in the Hartford Hilton to $0. 

34   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 35

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES (continued) 

Income from our unconsolidated joint ventures is allocated to us and our joint venture partners consistent with the allocation of 
cash distributions in accordance with the joint venture agreements. Any difference between the carrying amount of these 
investments and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized over the expected useful lives of the properties and other 
intangible assets. Income (loss) recognized during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 for our Investments in 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures is as follows: 

PRA Glastonbury, LLC
Inn American Hospitality at Ewing, LLC
Hiren Boston, LLC
SB Partners, LLC
Mystic Partners, LLC
PRA Suites at Glastonbury, LLC
Metro 29th Street Associates, LLC
HT/CNL Metro Hotels, LP

Income from Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments

Less:  Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture 

Twelve Months Ended

12/31/2008
$                          

94
20
(189)
80
(345)
(8)
1,721
-
1,373
(1,890)

12/31/2007
$                   

47
73
304
191
1,612
(7)
1,256
-
3,476
-

12/31/2006

$               

(257)
160
(167)
(24)
1,691
(2)

-
398
1,799
-

Net (Loss) Income from Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments

$                     

(517)

$              

3,476

$             

1,799

The SB Partners and Hiren Boston joint venture agreements provided for a 10% preferred return during the first two years of the 
ventures based on our equity interest in the ventures.  The preferred return period expired on July 1, 2007 for Hiren and October 1, 
2007 for SB Partners.  Subsequent to this initial two year period, cash distributions are made 50% to us and 50% to our joint 
venture partners in the ventures. 

The Mystic Partners joint venture agreement provides for an 8.5% non-cumulative preferred return based on our contributed 
equity interest in the venture. Cash distributions will be made from cash available for distribution, first, to us to provide an 8.5% 
annual non-compounded return on our unreturned capital contributions and then to our joint venture partner to provide an 8.5% 
annual non-compounded return of their unreturned contributions. Any remaining cash available for distribution will be distributed 
to us 10.5% with respect to the net cash flow from the Hartford Marriott, 7.0% with respect to the Hartford Hilton and 56.7%, 
with respect to the remaining seven properties. Mystic Partners allocates income to us and our joint venture partner consistent with 
the allocation of cash distributions in accordance with the joint venture agreements. 

Each of the Mystic Partners hotel properties, except the Hartford Hilton, is under an Asset Management Agreement with 44 New 
England to provide asset management services. Fees for these services are paid monthly to 44 New England and recognized as 
income in the amount of 1% of operating revenues, except for the Hartford Marriott which is 0.25% of operating revenues. 

The Company and our joint venture partner in Mystic Partners jointly and severally guarantee the performance of the terms of a 
loan to Adriaen’s Landing Hotel, LLC, owner of the Hartford Marriott, in the amount of $50,000, and 315 Trumbull Street 
Associates, LLC, owner of the Hartford Hilton, in the amount of $27,000, if at any time during the term of the note and during 
such time as the net worth of Mystic Partners falls below the amount of the guarantee.  We have determined that the probability of 
incurring loss under this guarantee is remote and the value attributed to the guarantee is de minimis. 

35   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

    
 
 
 
                            
                     
                   
                        
                   
                 
                            
                   
                   
                        
                
                
                            
                     
                     
                       
                
                   
                           
                   
                   
                       
                
                
                     
                   
                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 36

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES (continued) 

The following tables set forth the total assets, liabilities, equity and components of net income, including the Company’s share, 
related to the unconsolidated joint ventures discussed above as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and for the years 
ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006. 

Balance Sheets

Investment in hotel properties, net
Other Assets

Total Assets

Liabilities and Equity

Mortgages and notes payable
Other liabilities
Equity:

Hersha Hospitality Trust
Joint Venture Partner(s)

Total Equity

December 31, 
2008
$                 

209,468
25,334
234,802

$                

December 31, 
2007

$          

$          

229,829
30,000
259,829

$                 

219,889
11,636

$          

221,398
12,305

44,938
(41,661)
3,277

47,311
(21,185)
26,126

Total Liabilities and Equity

$                

234,802

$          

259,829

The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s share in the unconsolidated joint ventures to the Company’s investment 
in the unconsolidated joint ventures as presented on the Company’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007. 

Company's Share
Excess Investment (1)
Investment in Joint Venture 

December 31, 
2008
$                   

44,938
1,345
46,283

December 31, 
2007
$            

47,311
4,540
51,851

$                  

$            

(1)  Excess investment represents the unamortized difference between the Company's investment and the Company's share of 
the equity in the underlying net investment in the partnerships.  The excess investment is amortized over the life of the 
properties, and the amortization is included in Net (Loss) Income from Unconsolidated Joint Venture Investments. 

Statements of Operations

Room Revenue
Other Revenue
Operating Expenses
Interest Expense
Debt Extinguishment
Loss on Impairment of Building and Equipment
Lease Expense
Property Taxes and Insurance
Federal and State Income Taxes
General and Administrative
Depreciation and Amortization

Twelve Months Ended

12/31/2008

12/31/2007

12/31/2006

$                   

99,530
28,344
(82,327)
(13,442)
-
(9,171)
(5,538)
(6,459)
121
(7,835)
(16,171)

$            

98,581
31,586
(81,873)
(15,421)
(2,858)
-
(5,332)
(6,159)
(141)
(7,446)
(16,680)

$            

81,285
30,016
(74,370)
(15,687)
(517)
-
(393)
(5,537)
(224)
(7,264)
(16,993)

Net loss

$                

(12,948)

$            

(5,743)

$           

(9,684)

36   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
 
 
                     
              
                     
              
                     
              
                   
            
                       
              
 
 
 
                       
                
 
 
 
 
                     
              
              
                   
            
            
                   
            
            
                           
              
                 
                     
                   
                   
                     
              
                 
                     
              
              
                          
                 
                 
                     
              
              
                   
            
            
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 37

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 4 - DEVELOPMENT LOANS RECEIVABLE AND LAND LEASES 

We have approved first mortgage and mezzanine lending to hotel developers, including entities in which our executive officers 
and affiliated trustees own an interest, to enable such entities to construct hotels and conduct related improvements on specific 
hotel projects at interest rates ranging from 10% to 20%. As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we had Development 
Loans Receivable of $81,500 and $58,183, respectively. Interest income from development loans was $7,890, $6,046, and $2,487 
for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Accrued interest on our development loans receivable was 
$2,785 as of December 31, 2008 and $1,591 as of December 31, 2007. 

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, our development loans receivable consisted of the following: 

Hotel Property

Sheraton - JFK Airport, NY
Hampton Inn & Suites - West Haven, CT
Hilton Garden Inn - New York, NY
Hampton Inn - Smithfield, RI
Homewood Suites - Newtown, PA
Union Square Hotel - Union Square, NY
Hyatt Place - Manhattan, NY
Lexington Avenue Hotel - Manhattan, NY
Renaissance by Marriott - Woodbridge, NJ
32 Pearl - Manhattan, NY
Greenwich Street Courtyard - Manhattan, NY
Independent Hotel - New York, NY
Hilton Garden Inn - Dover, DE
Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites - Brooklyn, NY

Borrower

Risingsam Hospitality, LLC
44 West Haven Hospitality, LLC
York Street LLC
44 Hersha Smithfield, LLC
Reese Hotels, LLC
Risingsam Union Square, LLC
Brisam East 52, LLC
44 Lexington Holding, LLC
Hersha Woodbridge Associates, LLC
SC Waterview, LLC
Brisam Greenwich, LLC
Maiden Hotel, LLC
44 Aasha Hospitality Associates, LLC
167 Johnson Street, LLC

Tranche 1
Tranche 2
Discount

Total Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites - Brooklyn, NY

Principal 
Outstanding 
12/31/2008
-
$                    
2,000
15,000
-
500
10,000
10,000
10,000
5,000
8,000
10,000
10,000
1,000

-
-
-
-

Principal 
Outstanding 
12/31/2007

Interest 
Rate

$              

10%
10%
11%
10%
11%
10%
10%
11%
11%
10%
10%
20%
10%

11%
13.5%

10,016
2,000
15,000
2,000
700
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

11,000
9,000
(1,533)
18,467

Maturity Date **

October 9, 2008
October 9, 2009 *
May 31, 2009
October 9, 2008 *

November 14, 2009
May 31, 2009
January 16, 2010

May 30, 2009 *
April 1, 2009 *
July 4, 2009
September 12, 2009
March 8, 2009
November 1, 2009 *

Total Development Loans Receivable

$              

81,500

$              

58,183

* Indicates borrower is a related party 
** Represents current maturity date in effect.  Agreements for our development loans receivable typically allow for two one-year 
extensions which can be exercised by the borrower if the loan is not in default. 

We monitor our portfolio of development loans on an on-going basis to determine collectability of the loan principal and accrued 
interest.  As part of our review we determined that the developer of the Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites – Brooklyn, NY has 
failed to make payments to the senior lender on the property’s first mortgage.   After discussions with the developer and the senior 
lender, we have determined that the fair value of the loan receivable and discount is $0 as of December 31, 2008.   As a result, we 
incurred an impairment charge for the remaining principal of $18,748, which is net of unamortized discount in the amount of 
$1,252.  A receivable for uncollected interest income of $569, which is net of unrecognized deferred loan fees of $143, was also 
recorded as an impairment charge. 

Advances and repayments on our development loans receivable consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 
2008, 2007, and 2006: 

2008

2007

2006

Balance at January 1,
New Advances
Repayments
Discount recorded
Amortization of discount
Impairment of Development Loan Receivable, net of discount

Balance at December 31, 

$         

$         

$         

58,183
64,200
(22,416)
-
281
(18,748)
81,500

47,016
65,700
(53,000)
(1,687)
154
-
58,183

32,450
51,616
(37,050)
-
-
-
47,016

$        

$        

$         

37   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
 
 
 
                 
                 
               
               
                     
                 
                    
                    
               
               
               
                     
               
                     
                 
                     
                 
                     
               
                     
               
                     
                 
                     
                     
               
                     
                 
                     
                
             
       
 
  
 
 
           
           
           
         
         
          
                    
           
                 
                
                
                 
         
                
                 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 38

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 4 - DEVELOPMENT LOANS RECEIVABLE AND LAND LEASES (continued) 

We acquire land and improvements and lease them to entities, including entities in which our executive officers and affiliated 
trustees own an interest, to enable such entities to construct hotels and related improvements on the leased land.  The land is 
leased under fixed lease agreements which earn rents at a minimum rental rate of 10% of our net investment in the leased 
property. Additional rents are paid by the lessee for the interest on the mortgage, real estate taxes and insurance. Revenues from 
our land leases are recorded in land lease revenue on our consolidated statement of operations.  All expenses related to the land 
leases are recorded in operating expenses as land lease expense.  Leased land and improvements are included in investment in 
hotel properties on our consolidated balance sheet.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 our investment in leased land and 
improvements consists of the following: 

Location

Land 

Improvements

Other

Total 
Investment

Debt

Net Investment

Acquisition/ 
Lease Date

Lessee

Investment In Leased Properties

440 West 41st Street,
  New York, NY
39th Street and 8th Avenue,
  New York, NY
Nevins Street,
  Brooklyn, NY

 $           10,735 

 $           11,051 

 $                196 

 $           21,982 

 $           12,100 

 $             9,882 

7/28/2006

              21,774 

                      -   

                   541 

              22,315 

              13,250 

                9,065 

              10,650 

                      -   

                   269 

              10,919 

                6,500 

                4,419 

6/28/2006
6/11/2007 & 
7/11/2007

Metro Forty First 
Street, LLC
Metro 39th Street 
Associates, LLC
H Nevins Street 
Associates, LLC

*

Total

 $           43,159 

$           11,051 

 $             1,006 

$           55,216 

$           31,850 

$           23,366 

 * Indicates lessee is a related party 

38   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
  
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 39

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 5 — OTHER ASSETS 

Other Assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2008 and 2007: 

2008

2007

Transaction Costs
Investment in Statutory Trusts
Notes Receivable
Due from Lessees
Prepaid Expenses
Interest due on Development Loans to Non-Related Parties
Deposits on Property Improvement Plans
Hotel Purchase Option 
Other

$              

$              

237
1,548
1,267
1,907
3,182
2,024
149
933
2,270
13,517

209
1,548
2,581
1,986
3,402
1,456
640
2,620
1,591
16,033

$        

$         

Transaction Costs - Transaction costs include legal fees and other third party transaction costs incurred relative to entering into 
debt facilities, issuances of equity securities or acquiring interests in hotel properties are recorded in other assets prior to the 
closing of the respective transactions. 

Investment in Statutory Trusts - We have an investment in the common stock of Hersha Statutory Trust I and Hersha Statutory 
Trust II. Our investment is accounted for under the equity method. 

Notes Receivable – Notes receivable as of December 31, 2007 includes a loan made to one of our unconsolidated joint venture 
partners in the amount of $1,120 bearing interest at 13.5% with a maturity date of December 27, 2008.  Notes receivable as of 
December 31, 2007 also included $1,350 extended in November and December 2006 to the purchaser of the Holiday Inn Express, 
Duluth, GA; Comfort Suites, Duluth, GA; Hampton Inn, Newnan, GA; and the Hampton Inn Peachtree City, GA (collectively the 
“Atlanta Portfolio”).  The Atlanta Portfolio notes receivables were repaid in September 2008.  Notes receivable as of December 
31, 2008 includes a loan made to one of our unconsolidated joint venture partners in the amount of $1,267 bearing interest at 11% 
with a maturity date of December 31, 2009. 

Due from Lessees - Due from lessees represent rents due under our land lease and hotel lease agreements. 

Prepaid Expense - Prepaid expenses include amounts paid for property tax, insurance and other expenditures that will be expensed 
in the next twelve months. 

Interest due on Development Loans – Interest due on development loans represents interest income due from loans extended to 
non-related parties that are used to enable such entities to construct hotels and conduct related improvements on specific hotel 
projects. This excludes interest due on development loans from loans extended to related parties in the amounts of $761 and $135, 
as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which is included in the Due from Related Parties caption on the face of the 
consolidated balance sheets. 

Deposits on Property Improvement Plans – Deposits on property improvement plans consists of amounts advanced to HHMLP 
that is to be used to fund capital expenditures as part of our property improvement programs at certain properties. 

Hotel Purchase Option – We have options to acquire interests in two hotel properties at fixed purchase prices.  An option valued 
at $1,687 is for the development property related to the impaired development loan receivable noted in Footnote 4.  We 
determined that the fair value of this option as of December 31, 2008 is $0.  Therefore, we recorded an impairment charge for the 
option value of $1,687, which is included in Impairment of Development Loan Receivable and Other Asset on the Company’s 
consolidated statements of operations. 

39   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
             
             
             
             
             
                
             
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 6 - DEBT 

Mortgages and Notes Payable 

The total mortgages payable balance at December 31, 2008, and December 31, 2007, was $603,538 and $567,507, respectively, 
and consisted of mortgages with fixed and variable interest rates ranging from 4.0% to 8.94%. The maturities for the outstanding 
mortgages ranged from July 2009 to January 2032. Aggregate interest expense incurred under the mortgages payable totaled 
$34,855, $33,767 and $20,579 during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The mortgages are secured by first deeds of trust on 
various hotel properties with a combined net book value of $919,815 and $829,008 as of December 31, 2008, and 2007, 
respectively.  Our indebtedness contains various financial and non-financial event of default covenants customarily found in 
financing arrangements.  Our mortgages payable typically require that specified debt service coverage ratios be maintained with 
respect to the financed properties before we can exercise certain rights under the loan agreements relating to such properties.  If 
the specified criteria are not satisfied, the lender may be able to escrow cash flow.  As of December 31, 2008 we were in 
compliance with all event of default covenants under the applicable loan agreement. 

We have two junior subordinated notes payable in the aggregate amount of $51,548 to the Hersha Statutory Trusts pursuant to 
indenture agreements. The $25,774 note issued to Hersha Statutory Trust I will mature on June 30, 2035, but may be redeemed at 
our option, in whole or in part, beginning on June 30, 2010 in accordance with the provisions of the indenture agreement. The 
$25,774 note issued to Hersha Statutory Trust II will mature on July 30, 2035, but may be redeemed at our option, in whole or in 
part, beginning on July 30, 2010 in accordance with the provisions of the indenture agreement. The note issued to Hersha 
Statutory Trust I bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.34% per annum through June 30, 2010, and the note issued to Hersha Statutory 
Trust II bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.173% per annum through July 30, 2010. Subsequent to June 30, 2010 for notes issued to 
Hersha Statutory Trust I and July 30, 2010 for notes issued to Hersha Statutory Trust II, the notes bear interest at a variable rate of 
LIBOR plus 3.0% per annum.  Interest expense in amount of $3,729, $3,793, and $3,766 was recorded during the years ended 
December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. 

As part of the acquisition of the Hyatt Summerfield Suites Portfolio, HHLP entered into a management agreement with 
Lodgeworks, L.P. (“Lodgeworks”).  Lodgeworks extended an interest-free loan to HHLP for working capital contributions that 
are due at either the termination or expiration of the management agreement.  Because the interest rate on the note payable is 
below the market rate of interest at the date of the acquisition, a discount was recorded on the note payable.  The discount reduced 
the principal balances recorded in the mortgages and notes payable and is being amortized over the remaining life of the loan and 
is recorded as interest expense.  The balance of the note payable, net of unamortized discount, was $274 as of December 31, 2008 
and $253 as of December 31, 2007. 

Aggregate annual principal payments for the Company’s mortgages and notes payable for the five years following December 31, 
2008 and thereafter are as follows: 

Year Ending December 31,

Amount

2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Thereafter
Unamortized Discount

72,196
21,833
41,587
11,938
25,265
482,602
(61)
655,360

$        

The loan agreements for two debt obligations totaling $34,100, which mature during the next twelve months, contain extension 
options that can be exercised at our discretion, effectively extending the maturity of $12,100 to 2011 and extending the maturity of 
$22,000 to 2012.  As of December 31, 2008, mortgages and notes payable and borrowings under our line of credit had a carrying 
value of $743,842, which exceeded the fair value by approximately $48,511 due to an increase in market borrowing rates. 

40   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
             
             
             
             
             
           
                   
 
 
 
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HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 6 – DEBT (continued) 

Revolving Line of Credit 

On October 14, 2008, we entered into a Revolving Credit Loan and Security Agreement with T.D. Bank, NA and various other 
lenders.   The credit agreement provides for a revolving line of credit in the principal amount of up to $175,000, including a sub-
limit of $25,000 for irrevocable stand-by letters of credit. The existing bank group has committed $135,000, and the credit 
agreement is structured to allow for an increase of an additional $40,000 under the line of credit, provided that additional 
collateral is supplied. 

On October 14, 2008, our previous line of credit was terminated and replaced by the new line of credit and as a result all amounts 
outstanding under our previous credit facility were repaid with borrowings from our new credit facility. Additional borrowings 
under the line of credit provided by T.D. Bank, NA may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including 
payment of distributions or dividends and for the future purchase of additional hotels.  The line of credit expires on December 31, 
2011, and, provided no event of default has occurred and remains uncured, we may request that T.D. Bank, NA and the other 
lenders renew the line of credit for an additional one-year period. 

At HHLP’s option, the interest rate on the line of credit is either (i) the Wall Street Journal variable prime rate per annum or (ii) 
LIBOR available for the periods of 1, 2, 3, or 6 months plus two and one half percent (2.5%) per annum.  Our interest rate swap 
agreement entered into on February 1, 2008 which fixed the interest rate on a $40,000 portion of our existing line of credit 
remains in place.  See Note 8 for more information on this interest rate swap. 

The line of credit is collateralized by a first lien-security interest in all existing and future assets of HHLP, a collateral assignment 
of all hotel management contracts of the management companies in the event of default, and title-insured, first-lien mortgages on 
the following properties: 

- Fairfield Inn, Laurel, MD 
- Hampton Inn, Danville, PA 
- Hampton Inn, Philadelphia, PA 
- Holiday Inn, Norwich, CT 
- Holiday Inn Express, Camp Springs, MD 
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Harrisburg, PA 

- Holiday Inn Express, Hershey, PA 
- Holiday Inn Express, New Columbia, PA 
- Mainstay Suites and Sleep Inn, King of Prussia, PA 
- Residence Inn, Langhorne, PA 
- Residence Inn, Norwood, MA 
- Sheraton Hotel, JFK Airport, New York, NY 

The credit agreement providing for the line of credit includes certain financial covenants and requires that we maintain (1) a 
minimum tangible net worth of $300,000; (2) a maximum accounts and other receivables from affiliates of $125,000; (3) annual 
distributions not to exceed 95% of adjusted funds from operations; (4) maximum variable rate indebtedness to total debt of 30%; 
and (5) certain financial ratios, including the following: 

· 
· 
· 

a debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.35 to 1.00; 
a total funded liabilities to gross asset value ratio of not more than 0.67 to 1.00; and 
a EBITDA to debt service ratio of not less than 1.40 to 1.00; 

The Company maintained a line of credit balance of $88,421 at December 31, 2008 and $43,700 at December 31, 2007. The 
Company recorded interest expense of $3,094, $4,239 and $2,134 related to the line of credit borrowings, for the years ended 
December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on our Line of Credit during the years ended 
December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was 5.07%, 7.30%, and 7.33%, respectively.  As of December 31, 2008 our remaining 
borrowing capacity under the Line of Credit was $42,143. 

Capitalized Interest 

We utilize mortgage debt and our revolving line of credit to finance on-going capital improvement projects at our 
properties.  Interest incurred on mortgages and the revolving line of credit that relates to our capital improvement projects is 
capitalized through the date when the assets are placed in service.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we 
capitalized $544 and $389, respectively, of interest expense related to these projects. 

41   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 6 – DEBT (continued) 

Deferred Costs 

Costs associated with entering into mortgages and notes payable and our revolving line of credit are deferred and amortized over 
the life of the debt instruments. Amortization of deferred costs is recorded in interest expense. As of December 31, 2008, deferred 
costs were $9,157, net of accumulated amortization of $3,606.  Deferred costs were $8,048, net of accumulated amortization of 
$3,252, as of December 31, 2007. Amortization of deferred costs for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was 
$2,030, $1,724 and $944, respectively. 

Debt Extinguishment 

On July 1, 2008, we settled on the defeasance of loans associated with four of our properties.  These mortgage loans had an 
aggregate outstanding principal balance of approximately $11,028 as of June 30, 2008.  As a result of this extinguishment, we 
expensed $1,399 in unamortized deferred costs and defeasance premiums for three of the four properties, which are included in 
the Debt Extinguishment caption on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 and now 
serve as collateral for our revolving credit facility entered into on October 14, 2008. The fourth property, the 
Holiday Inn Conference Center, New Cumberland, PA was sold on October 30, 2008 and $19 in unamortized deferred costs 
expensed as a result of the debt extinguishment is included in the Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations caption on the 
consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008. 

On September 30, 2008, we repaid $8,188 on our mortgage with M&T Bank for the Holiday Inn Express, Cambridge property as 
a result of debt refinancing.  The new debt of $11,000 has a fixed interest rate of 6.625% and a maturity date of September 30, 
2023.  As a result of this extinguishment, we expensed $17 in unamortized deferred costs, which are included in the Loss on Debt 
Extinguishment caption on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008. 

On October 14, 2008, we replaced our previous line of credit with Commerce Bank and various other lenders with a new credit 
facility with T.D. Bank, NA and various other lenders.  As a result of the termination of the existing line of credit, we expensed 
$152 in unamortized deferred costs related to the origination of the original Commerce Bank Line of Credit, which are included in 
the Loss on Debt Extinguishment caption on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008. 

In January 2006, we replaced our line of credit with Sovereign Bank and various other lenders with a line of credit with 
Commerce Bank and various other lenders. As a result of this termination, we expensed $255 in unamortized deferred costs 
related to the origination of the Sovereign Bank line of credit, which are included in the Loss on Debt Extinguishment caption on 
the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006. 

On April 7, 2006, we repaid $21,900 on our mortgage with Merrill Lynch for the Hampton Inn Herald Square property as a result 
of a debt refinancing. The new debt of $26,500 has a fixed interest rate of 6.085% and a maturity date of May 1, 2016. As a result 
of this extinguishment, we expensed $534 in unamortized deferred costs and prepayment penalties, which are included in the Loss 
on Debt Extinguishment caption on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006. 

On June 9, 2006, we repaid $34,200 on our mortgage with UBS for the McIntosh Portfolio, as a result of a debt refinancing. The 
new debt of $36,300 has a fixed interest rate of 6.33% and maturity date of June 11, 2016 for each of the loans associated with the 
McIntosh Portfolio. As a result of this extinguishment, we expensed $374 in unamortized deferred costs, which are included in the 
Loss on Debt Extinguishment caption on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006. 

On September 9, 2006, we repaid $8,287 on our mortgage with South New Hampshire Bank for the Residence Inn, Norwood, 
using proceeds from a draw on our line of credit with Commerce Bank. In connection with the mortgage assumption, the seller 
agreed to reimburse all pre-payment related fees associated with this payoff. 

On December 27, 2006, we repaid $12,907 on our mortgage with GE Capital for the Hilton Garden Inn, JFK, NY property as a 
result of a debt payoff.  The new debt of $21,000 was acquired on March 7, 2007 and has a fixed interest rate of 5.82% and a 
maturity date of March 1, 2017.  As a result of this extinguishment, we expensed $322 in prepayment penalties, which are 
included in the Loss on Debt Extinguishment caption on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 
31, 2006. 

42   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

We are the sole general partner in our operating partnership subsidiary, HHLP, which is indirectly the sole general partner of the 
subsidiary partnerships. At December 31, 2008, there were 8,746,300 non-controlling OP Units outstanding with a fair market 
value of $26,239, based on the price per share of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on such date.  These units 
are redeemable by the unitholders for cash or, at our option, common shares on a one-for-one basis. 

Management Agreements 

Our wholly owned TRS, 44 New England, engages eligible independent contractors pursuant to REIT qualifications, including 
HHMLP, as the property managers for hotels it leases from us pursuant to management agreements. Our management agreements 
with HHMLP provide for five-year terms and are subject to early termination upon the occurrence of defaults and certain other 
events described therein. As required under the REIT qualification rules, HHMLP must qualify as an “eligible independent 
contractor” during the term of the management agreements. Under the management agreements, HHMLP generally pays the 
operating expenses of our hotels. All operating expenses or other expenses incurred by HHMLP in performing its authorized 
duties are reimbursed or borne by our TRS to the extent the operating expenses or other expenses are incurred within the limits of 
the applicable approved hotel operating budget. HHMLP is not obligated to advance any of its own funds for operating expenses 
of a hotel or to incur any liability in connection with operating a hotel.  Management agreements with other unaffiliated hotel 
management companies have similar terms. 

For its services, HHMLP receives a base management fee, and if a hotel exceeds certain thresholds, an incentive management fee. 
The base management fee for a hotel is due monthly and is equal to 3% of gross revenues associated with each hotel managed for 
the related month. The incentive management fee, if any, for a hotel is due annually in arrears on the ninetieth day following the 
end of each fiscal year and is based upon the financial performance of the hotels.   For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 
and 2006, base management fees incurred totaled $6,136, $5,571 and $4,361, respectively and are recorded as Hotel Operating 
Expenses.  For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, incentive management fees of $363, $0, and $0, respectively 
were recorded as Hotel Operating Expenses. 

Franchise Agreements 

Our branded hotel properties are operated under franchise agreements assumed by the hotel property lessee. The franchise 
agreements have 10 to 20 year terms but may be terminated by either the franchisee or franchisor on certain anniversary dates 
specified in the agreements. The franchise agreements require annual payments for franchise royalties, reservation, and 
advertising services, and such payments are based upon percentages of gross room revenue. These payments are paid by the hotels 
and charged to expense as incurred.  Franchise fee expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $17,041, 
$16,333 and $9,773 respectively.  The initial fees incurred to enter into the franchise agreements are amortized over the life of the 
franchise agreements. 

Administrative Services Agreement 

Each of the wholly owned hotels and consolidated joint venture hotel properties managed by HHMLP incurs a monthly 
accounting and information technology fee.   Monthly fees for accounting services are $2 per property and monthly information 
technology fees are $0.5 per property. In addition, each of the wholly owned hotels not managed by HHMLP, but for which the 
accounting is provided by HHMLP incurs a monthly accounting fee of $3.   For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 
2006, the Company incurred accounting fees of $1,426, $1,408 and $1,053, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2008, 
2007 and 2006, the Company incurred information technology fees of $316, $276 and $251, respectively. Administrative services 
fees, accounting fees, and information technology fees are included in General and Administrative expenses. 

Capital Expenditure Fees 

Beginning April 1, 2006, HHMLP began to charge a 5% fee on all capital expenditures and pending renovation projects at the 
properties as compensation for procurement services related to capital expenditures and for project management of renovation 
projects.  For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we incurred fees of  $271, $292, and $155, respectively, which 
were capitalized in with the cost of fixed asset additions. 

43   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued) 

Acquisitions from Affiliates 

We have entered into an option agreement with each of our officers and affiliated trustees such that we obtain a right of first 
refusal to purchase any hotel owned or developed in the future by these individuals or entities controlled by them at fair market 
value. This right of first refusal would apply to each party until one year after such party ceases to be an officer or trustee of our 
Company. Our Acquisition Committee of the Board of Trustees is comprised solely of independent trustees, and the purchase 
prices and all material terms of the purchase of hotels from related parties are approved by the Acquisition Committee. 

Hotel Supplies 

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we incurred expenses of $1,588, $2,113 and $1,686, respectively, for 
hotel supplies from Hersha Hotel Supply, an unconsolidated related party, which are expenses included in Hotel Operating 
Expenses. Approximately $39 and $149 is included in accounts payable at December 31, 2008 and 2007. 

Due From Related Parties 

The Due from Related Party balance as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was approximately $4,645 and $1,256, 
respectively. The balances primarily consisted of accrued interest due on our development loans, and the remaining due from 
related party balance are receivables owed from our unconsolidated joint ventures. 

Due to Related Parties 

The Due to Related Parties balance as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was approximately $1,352 and $2,025, 
respectively. The balances consisted of amounts payable to HHMLP for administrative, management, and benefit related fees. 

Hotel Ground Rent 

During 2003, in conjunction with the acquisition of the Hilton Garden Inn, Edison, NJ, we assumed a land lease from a third party 
with an original term of 75 years. Monthly payments as determined by the lease agreement are due through the expiration in 
August 2074. On February 16, 2006, in conjunction with the acquisition of the Hilton Garden Inn, JFK Airport, we assumed a 
land lease with an original term of 99 years.  Monthly payments are determined by the lease agreement and are due through the 
expiration in July 2100.  On June 13, 2008, in conjunction with the acquisition of the Sheraton Hotel, JFK Airport, we assumed a 
land lease with an original term of 99 years.  Monthly payments are determined by the lease agreement and are due through the 
expiration in November 2103.  Each land leases provide rent increases at scheduled intervals. We record rent expense on a 
straight-line basis over the life of the lease from the beginning of the lease term. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 
and 2006, we incurred $1,040, $856, and $804 respectively, in hotel ground rent from continuing operations under the agreements. 

Future minimum lease payments (without reflecting future applicable Consumer Price Index increases) under these agreements 
are as follows: 

Year Ending December 31,

Amount

Litigation 

$          

2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Thereafter

$                

891
905
935
975
981
93,160
97,847

We are not presently subject to any material litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any other litigation threatened against us, other 
than routine actions for negligence or other claims and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some 
of which are expected to be covered by liability insurance and all of which collectively are not expected to have a material adverse 
effect on our liquidity, results of operations or business or financial condition.  

44   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
                  
                  
                  
             
 
 
 
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HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 8 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS 

Fair Value Measurements 

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS No. 157”) which defines fair 
value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 
applies to reported balances that are required or permitted to be measured at fair value under existing accounting pronouncements; 
the standard does not require any new fair value measurements of reported balances. 

SFAS No. 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement.  Therefore, a fair 
value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or 
liability.  As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair 
value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources 
independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting 
entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). 

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the 
ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, 
either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as 
inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and 
yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, 
which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the 
determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair 
value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair 
value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value 
measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. 

As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s derivative instruments represented the only financial instruments measured at fair 
value.  Currently, the Company uses derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps and caps, to manage its interest 
rate risk.   The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including 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, and uses observable market-based inputs. 

To comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 157, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect 
both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  In 
adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of 
netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. 

Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair 
value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current 
credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties.  However, as of December 31, 2008, the 
Company has assessed the significance of the effect of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative 
positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As 
a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value 
hierarchy. 

Derivative Instruments 

On January 15, 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that fixes the interest rate on the variable rate mortgage, 
bearing interest at one month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 2.0%, originated to finance the acquisition of the nu Hotel, Brooklyn, 
NY.  Under the terms of this interest rate swap, we pay fixed rate interest of 3.245% on the $13,240 notional amount and we 
receive floating rate interest equal to the one month U.S. dollar LIBOR, effectively fixing our interest at a rate of 5.245%.  On 
January 12, 2009, we entered into a new interest rate swap agreement for this variable rate mortgage, bearing interest at one month 
U.S. LIBOR plus 2.0%. 

45   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 8 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

Under the terms of this interest rate swap, we pay fixed rate interest of 1.1925% up to a $18,000 notional amount and we receive 
floating rate interest equal to the one month U.S. LIBOR, effectively fixing our interest at a rate of 3.1925%.  This interest rate 
swap matures on January 10, 2011. 

On February 1, 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that fixes the interest rate on a $40,000 portion of our 
floating revolving credit facility with Commerce Bank, which bears interest at one month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 2.0%.  Under 
the terms of this interest rate swap, we pay fixed rate interest of 2.6275% on the $40,000 notional amount and we receive floating 
rate interest equal to the one month U.S. dollar LIBOR, effectively fixing our interest on this portion of the line of credit at a rate 
of 4.6275%.  This interest rate swap agreement matured on February 1, 2009, and we did not replace it with another agreement. 

On December 31, 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that fixes the interest rate on a variable rate mortgage, 
bearing interest at one month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 3.0%, originated upon the refinance of the debt associated with the Hilton 
Garden Inn, Edison, NJ.  Under the terms of this interest rate swap, we pay fixed rate interest of 1.37% and we receive floating 
rate interest equal to the one month U.S. dollar LIBOR, effectively fixing our interest at a rate of 4.37%.  The notional amount 
amortizes in tandem with the amortization of the underlying hedged debt and is $7,300 as of December 31, 2008. 

We maintain an interest rate cap that effectively fixes interest payments when LIBOR exceeds 5.75% on our debt financing Hotel 
373, New York, NY.  The notional amount of the interest rate cap is $22,000 and equals the principal of the variable interest rate 
debt being hedged. 

We maintain an interest rate swap that fixes our interest rate on a variable rate mortgage on the Sheraton Four Points, Revere, 
MA.  Under the terms of this interest rate swap, we pay fixed rate interest of 4.73% of the notional amount and we receive floating 
rate interest equal to the one month U.S. dollar LIBOR.  The notional amount amortizes in tandem with the amortization of the 
underlying hedged debt and is $7,619 as of December 31, 2008.  We entered into this interest rate swap in July of 2004 and 
designated it as a cash flow hedge in November of 2004 when the fair value of the swap was a liability of $342, causing 
ineffectiveness in the hedge relationship.  Prior to January 1, 2008, the hedge relationship was deemed to be effective and the 
change in fair value related to the effective portion of the interest rate swap was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive 
Income on the Balance Sheet.  Subsequent to January 1, 2008, the hedge relationship was no longer deemed to be effective. The 
change in fair value of this interest rate swap for the year ended December 31, 2008 was a loss of $52 and was recorded in Interest 
Expense on the Statement of Operations. 

At December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the fair value of the interest rate swaps and cap were: 

Date of Transaction

Hedged Debt

July 2, 2004
July 1, 2007
January 15, 2008
February 1, 2008
December 31, 2008

Variable Rate Mortgage - Sheraton Four Points, Revere, MA
Variable Rate Mortgage - Hotel 373, New York, NY
Variable Rate Mortgage - Nu Hotel, Brooklyn, NY
Revolving Variable Rate Credit Facility
Variable Rate Mortgage - Hilton Garden Inn, Edison, NJ

Type 

Swap
Cap
Swap
Swap
Swap

Maturity Date

July 23, 2009
April 9, 2009
January 12, 2009
February 1, 2009
January 1, 2011

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Value 

$                              

(172)
-

$                           

(6)
(74)
(25)
(277)

$                              

$                           

(119)

(120)
1

-
-

The fair value of the derivative instrument is included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities at December 
31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. 

The change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges was a loss of $86, $256, and $94 for the years 
ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.  These unrealized losses were reflected on our Balance Sheet in 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Hedge ineffectiveness of $1, $15, and $14 on cash flow hedges was recognized in 
interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. 

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as 
interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. The change in net unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges 
reflects a reclassification of $13 of net unrealized gains/losses from accumulated other comprehensive income as a reduction to 
interest expense during 2008. During 2009, the Company estimates that an additional $37 will be reclassified as a reduction to 
interest expense. 

46   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                 
                                  
                                   
                               
                                 
                               
                                 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 47

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 9 - SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 

In May 2008, the Company established the Hersha Hospitality Trust 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) for the purpose 
of attracting and retaining executive officers, employees, trustees and other persons and entities that provide services to the 
Company. Prior to the 2008 Plan, the Company made awards pursuant to the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”).  Upon 
approval of the 2008 Plan by the Company’s shareholders on May 22, 2008, the Company terminated the 2004 Plan.  Termination 
of the 2004 Plan did not have any effect on equity awards and grants previously made under that plan. 

Executives 

Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards issued to executives of the Company of $1,411, $766 and $293 was 
incurred during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to the restricted share awards and is 
recorded in general and administrative expense on the statement of operations. Unearned compensation as of December 31, 2008 
and 2007 was $4,118 and $3,008, respectively.  The following table is a summary of all of the grants issued to executives under 
the 2004 and 2008 Plans: 

Shares Vested
December 31,

Unearned Compensation
December 31,

Original Issuance 
Date
June 1, 2005
June 1, 2006
June 1, 2007
June 2, 2008
September 30, 2008

Shares Issued
              71,000 
              89,500 
            214,582 
            278,059 
                3,616 

            656,757 

Share Price 
on date of 
grant
 $         9.60 
 $         9.40 
 $       12.32 
 $         8.97 
 $         7.44 

Vesting 
Period
4 years 
4 years 
4 years 
4 years 
 1-4 years 

Vesting 
Schedule
25%/year
25%/year
25%/year
25%/year
25-100%/year

2008
         53,250 
         44,750 
         53,645 
                 -   
                 -   

2007
         35,500 
         22,375 
                 -   
                 -   
                 -   

2008
 $              71 
               298 
            1,597 
            2,130 
                 22 

2007
 $            242 
               508 
            2,258 
                  -   
                  -   

        151,645 

          57,875 

 $         4,118 

 $         3,008 

Trustees 

Compensation expense related to stock awards issued to the Board of Trustees of $91, $86, and $45 was incurred during the years 
ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006.   All shares issued to the Board of Trustees are immediately vested.  The following 
table is a summary of all of the grants issued to trustees under the 2004 and 2008 Plans: 

Date of Award Issuance
March 1, 2005
January 3, 2006
January 2, 2007
July 2, 2007
January 2, 2008
June 2, 2008
January 2, 2009

Shares Issued
                             2,095 
                             5,000 
                             4,000 
                             4,000 
                             4,000 
                             6,000 
                           12,500 

                            37,595 

Share Price on 
date of grant
$                 11.97 
                     9.12 
                   11.44 
                   12.12 
                     9.33 
                     8.97 
                     2.96 

47   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 48

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 10 - EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The following table is a reconciliation of the income (numerator) and weighted average shares (denominator) used in the 
calculation of basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, 
Earnings Per Share. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below. 

2008

Year Ended December 31,
2007

2006

Numerator:
BASIC

(Loss) income from Continuing Operations
Dividends paid on unvested restricted shares
Distributions to 8.0% Series A Preferred Shareholders

(Loss) income from continuing operations
     applicable to common shareholders
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net (Loss) income applicable to common shareholders

$           (11,240)
                  (329)
               (4,800)

$             13,737 
                  (197)
               (4,800)

 $               4,119 
                     (95)
                (4,800)

             (16,369)
                 2,432 
$           (13,937)

                 8,740 
                 4,110 
$             12,850 

                   (776)
                     979 
 $                  203 

DILUTED*

(Loss) income from Continuing Operations
Dividends paid on unvested restricted shares
Distributions to 8.0% Series A Preferred Shareholders

(Loss) income from continuing operations
     applicable to common shareholders
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net (Loss) income applicable to common shareholders

Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares - basic
Effect of dilutive securities:
Unvested stock awards

$           (11,240)
                  (329)
               (4,800)

$             13,737 
                  (197)
               (4,800)

 $               4,119 
                     (95)
                (4,800)

             (16,369)
                 2,432 
$           (13,937)

                 8,740 
                 4,110 
$             12,850 

                   (776)
                     979 
 $                  203 

        45,184,127 

40,718,724

27,118,264

                       -    ** 

-

**

-

**

Weighted average number of common shares - diluted*

        45,184,127 

        40,718,724 

         27,118,264 

Earnings Per Share:

BASIC

(Loss) income from continuing operations applicable to 
common shareholders
Income from Discontinued Operations

$               (0.36)
$                 0.05 

$                 0.22 
$                 0.10 

 $               (0.03)
 $                 0.04 

Net (loss) income applicable to common shareholders

$               (0.31)

$                 0.32 

 $                 0.01 

DILUTED*

(Loss) income from continuing operations applicable to 
common shareholders
Income from Discontinued Operations

$               (0.36)
$                 0.05 

$                 0.22 
$                 0.10 

 $               (0.03)
 $                 0.04 

Net (loss) income applicable to common shareholders

$               (0.31)

$                 0.32 

 $                 0.01 

* Income allocated to minority interest in the Partnership has been excluded from the numerator and OP Units have been omitted 
from the denominator for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share since the effect of including these amounts in the 
numerator and denominator would have no impact. Weighted average OP Units outstanding for years ended December 31, 2008, 
2007 and 2006 were 8,034,737, 5,464,670 and 3,554,361, respectively. 

** Unvested stock awards have been omitted from the denominator for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share for 
the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 since the effect of including these awards in the denominator would be anti-
dilutive to income from continuing operations applicable to common shareholders. 

48   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
                    
                    
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 49

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 11 - CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES AND NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES 

Interest paid in 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled $41,797, $40,594, and $25,349, respectively. The following non-cash investing and 
financing activities occurred during 2008, 2007 and 2006: 

Common Shares issued as part of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

$                 

31

$                  

30

$                 

29

2008

2007

2006

Issuance of Common Shares to the Board of Trustees

Issuance of OP Units for acquisitions of hotel properties

Debt assumed in acquisition of  hotel properties 

Issuance of OP Units for acquisition of unconsolidated joint venture

Issuance of OP Units for acquisition of option to acquire interest in hotel property

Conversion of OP Units to Common Shares

Reallocation to minority interest 

Issuance of notes receivable in disposition of hotel properties held for sale

91

21,624

30,790

-

-

1,372

1,966

-

95

25,781

70,564

6,817

933

2,369

12,422

-

46

9,940

101,900

-

-

650

3,467

1,350

49   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
                   
                    
                   
            
             
              
            
             
          
                  
               
                  
                  
                  
                  
              
               
                 
              
             
              
                  
                  
              
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 50

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 12 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS  

We follow the provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” which requires, 
among other things, that the operating results of certain real estate assets which have been sold, or otherwise qualify as held for 
disposition (as defined by SFAS No. 144), be included in discontinued operations in the statements of operations for all periods 
presented. 

In September of 2005, our Board of Trustees authorized management of the Company to sell the Holiday Inn Express, Hartford, 
CT. The operating results for this hotel were reclassified to discontinued operations in the statements of operations in the 
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006. The hotel was acquired by the Company in January 2004 and was 
sold on April 12, 2006. Proceeds from the sale were $3,600, and the gain on the sale was $497, of which $61 was allocated to 
minority interest in HHLP.  During 2004, in conjunction with the acquisition of the Holiday Inn Express, Hartford, CT, we 
assumed a land lease from a third party with an original term of 99 years. Monthly payments as determined by the lease agreement 
were due through the expiration in September 2101. Subsequent to the sale of this property in the second quarter of 2006, we did 
not incur further lease expense.  For the year ended December 31, 2006, we incurred $85 in hotel ground rent under this 
agreement, which have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the statement of operations.  The lease was assumed by the 
purchaser of this property. 

In March of 2006, our Board of Trustees authorized management of the Company to sell four properties located in metropolitan 
Atlanta, Georgia. These four properties are the Holiday Inn Express, Duluth, Comfort Suites, Duluth, Hampton Inn, Newnan and 
the Hampton Inn Peachtree City.  The operating results for these hotels were reclassified to discontinued operations in the 
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.  These hotels were acquired by the Company in April and May 
2000 and were sold during November and December 2006.  Proceeds from the sales were $18,100, and the gain on the sale was 
$290, of which $33 was allocated to minority interest in HHLP. Notes receivable in the aggregate amount of $1,350 were received 
as part of the proceeds of the sale of the Atlanta Portfolio and were repaid in September 2008. 

In September of 2007, our Board of Trustees authorized management of the Company to sell the Hampton Inn, Linden, NJ 
(Hampton Inn) and Fairfield Inn, Mt. Laurel, NJ (Fairfield Inn).  The Company acquired the Hampton Inn in October 2003 and 
the Fairfield Inn in January 2006.   The operating results for these hotels have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the 
statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.  Proceeds from the sales were $29,500, and the gain on 
the sale was $4,248, of which $503 was allocated to minority interest in HHLP. 

In October 2008, the Company sold the Holiday Inn Conference Center, New Cumberland, PA (Holiday Inn).  Beginning on July 
1, 2006, the Company leased this hotel to an unrelated party and the lease agreement contained a purchase provision by the 
lessee.  Prior to July 1, 2006, this hotel was leased to our wholly owned TRS and operating revenues and expenses of the hotel 
were recorded in hotel operating revenues and hotel operating expenses.  The operating results for this hotel have been reclassified 
to discontinued operations in the statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.  Proceeds from 
the sale of this property were $6,456 and the gain on this sale was $2,888, of which $436 was allocated to minority interest in 
HHLP. 

We allocate interest and capital lease expense to discontinued operations for debt that is to be assumed or that is required to be 
repaid as a result of the disposal transaction. We allocated $145, $1,276 and $2,215 of interest and capital lease expense to 
discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. 

50   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 51

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 12 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (continued)  

The following table sets forth the components of discontinued operations (excluding the gains on sale) for the years ended 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006: 

Revenue:

Hotel Operating Revenues
Hotel Lease Revenue

Total Revenue

Expenses:

2008

2007

2006

$           

-
628
628

$         

6,685
781
7,466

$        

15,847
391
16,238

Interest and Capital Lease Expense
Hotel Operating Expenses
Hotel Ground Rent
Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes and Property Insurance
General and Administrative
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
Depreciation and Amortization
Total Expenses

Loss (Income) from Discontinued Operations before Minority Interest
Allocation to Minority Interest

145
-
-
65
3
19
420
652

(24)
4

1,276
3,999
-
510
-
-
1,267
7,052

414
(49)

2,215
10,799
85
966
-
-
1,850
15,915

323
(37)

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations

$           

(20)

$            

365

$             

286

51   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
           
             
               
           
          
          
           
          
            
            
          
          
            
              
                 
             
             
               
               
              
                
             
              
                
           
          
            
           
          
          
              
               
               
              
                
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 52

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 13 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND MINORITY INTEREST IN PARTNERSHIP 

Common Shares 

The Company’s common shares are duly authorized, fully paid and non-assessable. Common shareholders are entitled to receive 
dividends if and when authorized and declared by the Board of Trustees of the Company out of assets legally available and to 
share ratably in the assets of the Company legally available for distribution to its shareholders in the event of its liquidation, 
dissolution or winding up after payment of, or adequate provision for, all known debts and liabilities of the Company. 

Preferred Shares 

The Declaration of Trust authorizes our Board of Trustees to classify any unissued preferred shares and to reclassify any 
previously classified but unissued preferred shares of any series from time to time in one or more series, as authorized by the 
Board of Trustees. Prior to issuance of shares of each series, the Board of Trustees is required by Maryland REIT Law and our 
Declaration of Trust to set for each such series, subject to the provisions of our Declaration of Trust regarding the restriction on 
transfer of shares of beneficial interest, the terms, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, 
limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each such series. Thus, 
our Board of Trustees could authorize the issuance of additional preferred shares with terms and conditions which could have the 
effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control in us that might involve a premium price for holders 
of common shares or otherwise be in their best interest. 

Common Partnership Units 

Units of interest in our limited partnership, or OP Units are issued in connection with the acquisition of wholly owned hotels and 
joint venture interests in hotel properties.  The total number of OP Units outstanding as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was 
8,746,300; 6,424,915; and 3,835,586, respectively. These units can be converted to common shares which are issuable to the 
limited partners upon exercise of their redemption rights. The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the redemption rights 
will be adjusted upon the occurrence of stock splits, mergers, consolidation or similar pro rata share transactions, that otherwise 
would have the effect of diluting the ownership interest of the limited partners or our shareholders. During 2008 and 2007, 
175,843 and 306,460 common units were converted to Class A Common Shares, respectively. 

52   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 53

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 14 - INCOME TAXES 

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code commencing with its taxable year 
ended December 31, 1999. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational 
requirements, including a requirement that it currently distribute at least 90% of its adjusted taxable income to its shareholders. It 
is the Company’s current intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain the Company’s qualification for taxation as a 
REIT. As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal corporate income tax on that portion of its net income that 
is currently distributed to shareholders. If the Company fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be 
subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and may not be able 
to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company may 
be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property, and to federal income and excise taxes on its undistributed 
taxable income. 

Taxable income from non-REIT activities managed through taxable REIT subsidiaries is subject to federal, state and local income 
taxes. 44 New England Company, a 100% owned taxable REIT subsidiary, and Revere Hotel Group LLC, a 55% owned taxable 
REIT subsidiary, (collectively “Consolidated TRS”) are both entities subject to income taxes at the applicable federal, state and 
local tax rates. 

In 2008, 2007 and 2006, 44 New England Management Company generated net operating losses (income) of $2,554, $707 and 
($420), respectively. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, Revere Hotel Group LLC generated net operating losses of $265, $313, $521, 
respectively.  The Company did not record an income tax expense (benefit) for the net operating losses generated in 2008, 2007 or 
2006. 

There was no income tax expense (benefit) recognized by the Consolidated TRS for 2008, 2007 and 2006. 

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. statutory 
federal income tax rate to pretax income as a result of the following differences: 

Computed "Expected" federal tax expense (benefit) of TRS, at 35%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect
Changes in valuation allowance

2008

For the year ended December 31,
2007
$          

2006
$          

$       

(1,251)
(181)
1,432

(270)
(66)
336

(451)
(6)
457

Total income tax expense

$           

-

$            
-

$            
-

The components of consolidated TRS’s deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows: 

as of December 31,
2008
2007

Deferred tax assets:

Net operating loss carryforward
Depreciation

Net deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance

Deferred tax assets

$        

3,185
(29)
3,156
(3,156)
-

$           

$        

1,743
(19)
1,724
(1,724)
$            
-

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or 
all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable 
income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the 
Consolidated TRS will not realize the benefits of these deferred tax assets at December 31, 2008. 

53   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
              
                
          
             
             
 
 
 
              
              
          
          
         
         
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 54

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 14 - INCOME TAXES (continued) 

Earnings and profits, which will determine the taxability of dividends to shareholders, will differ from net income reported for 
financial reporting purposes due to the differences for federal tax purposes in the estimated useful lives and methods used to 
compute depreciation. The following table sets forth certain per share information regarding the Company’s common and 
preferred share distributions for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. 

Preferred Shares - 8% Series A

Ordinary income 
Capital Gain Distribution 
Common Shares - Class A

Ordinary income 
Return of Capital 
Capital Gain Distribution 

2008

2007

2006

86.46%
13.54%  

81.98%
18.02%  

83.05%
16.95%

44.61%
48.40%
6.99%

48.25%
41.14%
10.61%

28.27%
65.85%
5.88%

54   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 55

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006 
[IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS] 

NOTE 15 - SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 

Total Revenues

Total Expenses

(Loss) Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

(Loss) Income before Minority Interests and Discontinued Operations

(Loss) Income Allocated to Minority Holders in Continuing Operations

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations (including Gain on Disposition of Hotel Properties)

Net (Loss) Income

Preferred Distributions
Net (Loss) Income applicable to Common Shareholders

Basic and diluted earnings per share:

Year Ended December 31, 2008

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$           

55,607

$              

71,363

$           

75,933

$            

62,174

58,642

(738)

(3,773)

(990)

(2,783)

(96)

(2,879)

62,757

1,360

9,966

1,738

8,228

(3)

8,225

69,855

1,629

7,707

1,417

6,290

45

6,335

86,599

(2,768)

(27,193)

(4,218)

(22,975)

2,486

(20,489)

1,200
(4,079)

$           

$                

1,200
7,025

1,200
5,135

$             

1,200
(21,689)

$           

(Loss) Income from continuing operations applicable to common shareholders

$             

(0.10)

$                  

0.16

$               

0.11

$               

(0.51)

Discontinued Operations

Net Loss (Income) applicable to Common Shareholders

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

Basic

Diluted

Total Revenues

Total Expenses

(Loss) Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

(Loss) Income before Minority Interests and Discontinued Operations

(Loss) Income Allocated to Minority Holders in Continuing Operations

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations (including Gain on Disposition of Hotel Properties)

Net (Loss) Income

Preferred Distributions
Net (Loss) Income applicable to Common Shareholders

Basic and diluted earnings per share:

-

-

-

0.05

$             

(0.10)

$                  

0.16

$               

0.11

$               

(0.46)

40,891,140

40,891,140

44,253,641

44,253,641

47,764,168

47,764,168

47,770,780

47,770,780

Year Ended December 31, 2007

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$           

47,466

$              

64,529

$           

68,712

$            

61,326

51,687

(838)

(5,059)

(981)

(4,078)

(160)

(4,238)

57,414

1,741

8,856

1,164

7,692

103

7,795

60,658

1,680

9,734

1,376

8,358

138

8,496

60,240

893

1,979

214

1,765

4,029

5,794

1,200
(5,438)

$           

$                

1,200
6,595

1,200
7,296

$             

1,200
4,594

$              

(Loss) Income from continuing operations applicable to common shareholders

$             

(0.13)

$                  

0.16

$               

0.18

$                

0.01

Discontinued Operations

Net (Loss) Income applicable to Common Shareholders

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

Basic

Diluted

-

-

-

0.10

$             

(0.13)

$                  

0.16

$               

0.18

$                

0.11

40,537,851

40,537,851

40,642,569

40,842,382

40,807,626

40,807,626

40,882,090

40,882,685

55   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
 
 
                
                  
                
                  
                  
                        
                    
               
                  
               
                  
                      
                  
                  
                
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
               
                  
                      
                  
                  
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 56

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 
[IN THOUSANDS] 

Initial Costs

Costs Capitalized Subsequent 
to Acquisition

Gross Amounts at which Carrried 
at Close of Period

Accumulated 
Depreciation

Net Book Value

Description

Encumbrances

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Total

Buildings & 
Improvements*

Land, Buildings 
& Improvements

Date of 
Acquisition

Hampton Inn, Carlisle, PA

$                

(3,477)

$                

300

$             

3,109

$            

200

$           

2,170

$                

500

$                

5,279

$          

5,779

$             

(1,507)

$                

4,272

06/01/97

Holiday Inn Exp, Hershey, 
PA

Holiday Inn Exp,  New 
Columbia, PA

Comfort Inn, Harrisburg, 
PA

Hampton Inn, Selinsgrove, 
PA

Hampton Inn, Danville, PA

HIE & Suites, Harrisburg, 
PA

Hampton Inn, Hershey, PA

Mainstay Suites, Frederick, 
MD

Mainstay Suites & 
Sleep Inn, KOP, PA

Hilton Garden Inn, Edison, 
NJ

Sheraton Four Points,            
Revere, MA

Residence Inn, 
Framingham, MA

-

-

(2,113)

(2,905)

-

(2,994)

(2,537)

(7,300)

(8,148)

426

94

-

157

300

213

807

262

1,133

-

70

2,645

2,510

2,720

2,511

2,787

1,934

5,714

1,049

7,294

12,159

14,996

(8,848)

1,325

12,737

Comfort Inn, Frederick, MD

Hilton Garden Inn, 
Gettysburg, PA

(3,257)

(5,031)

450

745

4,342

6,116

Hampton Inn, NYC, NY

(26,250)

5,472

23,280

Residence Inn, Greenbelt, 
MD

Fairfield Inn,  Laurel, MD

Holiday Inn Exp, 
Langhorne, PA

Holiday Inn Exp, Malvern, 
PA

(12,047)

2,615

14,815

-

(6,499)

(4,038)

927

1,088

2,639

6,120

6,573

5,324

Holiday Inn Exp, KOP, PA

(12,849)

2,557

13,339

Courtyard Inn, Wilmington, 
DE

McIntosh Inn, Wilmington, 
DE

Residence Inn, 
Williamsburg, VA

Springhill Suites, 
Williamsburg, VA

-

(12,631)

988

898

10,295

4,515

(7,610)

1,911

11,625

(5,182)

1,430

10,293

Courtyard Inn, Brookline, 
MA

(38,913)

Courtyard Inn, Scranton, PA

(6,208)

-

761

47,414

7,193

410

66

214

93

99

81

4

3,429

771

1,184

2,356

1,170

1,083

1,365

171

2,989

836

160

214

250

399

294

811

433

6,074

6,910

(1,726)

5,184

10/01/97

3,281

3,441

(900)

2,541

12/01/97

3,904

4,118

(1,051)

3,067

05/15/98

4,867

5,117

(1,574)

3,543

09/12/96

3,957

4,356

(1,066)

3,290

08/28/97

3,017

3,311

(790)

2,521

03/06/98

7,079

7,890

(1,592)

6,298

01/01/00

4,038

4,471

(712)

3,759

01/01/02

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

654

-

-

-

13

(13)

-

-

323

331

355

768

90

31

106

182

992

58

90

246

689

766

606

60

242

1,099

1,133

7,617

8,750

(1,433)

7,317

06/01/01

-

70

12,490

12,490

(1,639)

10,851

10/01/04

15,351

15,421

(3,720)

11,701

02/23/04

1,325

13,505

14,830

(1,659)

13,171

03/26/04

450

745

5,472

2,615

927

1,088

3,293

2,557

988

898

1,924

1,417

-

761

4,432

4,882

6,147

6,892

(523)

(692)

4,359

05/27/04

6,200

07/23/04

23,386

28,858

(2,308)

26,550

04/01/05

14,997

17,612

(1,702)

15,910

07/16/04

7,112

8,039

6,631

7,719

5,414

8,707

(766)

(610)

(489)

7,273

01/31/05

7,109

05/26/05

8,218

05/24/05

13,585

16,142

(1,250)

14,892

05/23/05

10,984

11,972

(1,041)

10,931

06/17/05

5,281

6,179

(529)

5,650

06/17/05

12,231

14,155

(2,208)

11,947

11/22/05

10,353

11,770

(1,783)

9,987

11/22/05

47,656

47,656

(4,218)

43,438

06/15/05

8,292

9,053

(667)

8,386

02/01/06

56   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
                           
                  
               
              
             
                  
                  
            
               
                  
                           
                    
               
                
                
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
                       
               
              
             
                  
                  
            
               
                  
                  
                  
               
                
             
                  
                  
            
               
                  
                           
                  
               
                
             
                  
                  
            
               
                  
                  
               
                
             
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
                  
               
                  
             
                  
                  
            
               
                  
                  
                  
               
              
             
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
               
               
                   
                
               
                  
            
               
                  
                  
                       
             
                   
                
                       
                
          
               
                
                  
                    
             
                   
                
                    
                
          
               
                
                  
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                  
                  
               
                   
                  
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
                  
               
                   
                  
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                           
                  
               
                   
                
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
               
               
                   
                  
               
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
               
               
              
                  
               
                  
            
                  
                  
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                           
                  
             
                   
                
                  
                
          
               
                
                
                  
               
                   
                
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
               
             
                
                
               
                
          
               
                
                  
               
             
               
                  
               
                
          
               
                  
                
                       
             
                   
                
                       
                
          
               
                
                  
                  
               
                   
             
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 57

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 (continued) 
[IN THOUSANDS]  

Initial Costs

Costs Capitalized Subsequent 
to Acquisition

Gross Amounts at which Carrried 
at Close of Period

Accumulated 
Depreciation

Net Book Value

Description

Encumbrances

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Total

Buildings & 
Improvements*

Land, Buildings 
& Improvements

Date of 
Acquisition

$              

(15,343)

$             

3,064

$           

16,068

$             
-

$                

91

$             

3,064

$              

16,159

$        

19,223

$             

(1,200)

$              

18,023

01/03/06

Courtyard Inn, Langhorne, 
PA

Fairfield Inn, Bethlehem, 
PA

Residence Inn, Tyson's 
Corner, VA

Hilton Garden Inn,                
JFK Airport, NY

Hawthorne Suites,     
Franklin, MA

Comfort Inn, Dartmouth, 
MA

Residence Inn, Dartmouth, 
MA

Holiday Inn Exp, 
Cambridge, MA

Residence Inn, Norwood, 
MA

Hampton Inn, Brookhaven, 
NY

Holiday Inn Exp, Hauppage, 
NY

Residence Inn, Langhorne, 
PA

(6,132)

1,399

6,778

(9,044)

4,283

14,475

(21,000)

-

25,018

(8,430)

1,872

(3,090)

902

8,968

3,525

(8,880)

1,933

10,434

(10,972)

1,956

9,793

-

1,970

11,761

(14,778)

3,130

17,345

(10,133)

2,737

14,080

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,463

12,094

94

Hampton Inn, Chelsea, NY

(36,000)

8,905

33,500

Hyatt Summerfield Suites, 
Bridgewater, NJ

Hyatt Summerfield Suites, 
Charlotte, NC

Hyatt Summerfield Suites, 
Gaithersburg, MD

Hyatt Summerfield Suites,    
Pleasant Hills, CA

Hyatt Summerfield Suites,    
Pleasanton, CA

Hyatt Summerfield Suites,    
Scottsdale, AZ

Hyatt Summerfield Suites,    
White Plains, NY

(14,492)

3,373

19,685

(7,330)

770

7,315

(13,720)

2,912

16,001

(20,160)

6,216

17,229

(14,490)

3,941

12,560

(16,778)

3,060

19,968

(33,030)

8,823

30,273

HIE & Suites, Chester, NY

Residence Inn, Carlisle, PA

(6,700)

(6,958)

1,500

1,015

6,671

7,511

Hampton Inn, Seaport, NY

(19,218)

7,816

19,040

Hotel 373-5th Ave, NYC, 
NY

Holiday Inn, Norwich, CT

Sheraton Hotel,  JFK 
Airport, NY

Hampton Inn, Philadelphia, 
PA

(22,000)

14,239

16,778

-

-

-

1,984

12,037

-

27,315

3,490

24,382

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

328

282

423

113

497

188

503

152

863

685

889

613

159

1,608

309

137

142

163

154

43

24

143

78

123

52

1,399

4,283

7,106

8,505

(581)

7,924

01/03/06

14,757

19,040

(1,084)

17,956

02/02/06

-

25,441

25,441

(1,868)

23,573

02/16/06

9,081

10,953

4,022

4,924

10,622

12,555

10,296

12,252

11,913

13,883

(622)

(328)

(706)

(716)

(725)

10,331

04/25/06

4,596

05/01/06

11,849

05/01/06

11,536

05/03/06

13,158

07/27/06

18,208

21,338

(1,081)

20,257

09/06/06

14,765

17,502

12,983

14,540

(899)

(624)

16,603

09/01/06

13,916

01/08/07

34,113

43,018

(1,999)

41,019

09/29/06

19,844

23,217

8,923

9,693

16,310

19,222

17,366

23,582

12,702

16,643

(995)

(565)

(865)

(872)

(639)

22,222

12/28/06

9,128

12/28/06

18,357

12/28/06

22,710

12/28/06

16,004

12/28/06

20,131

23,191

(1,011)

22,180

12/28/06

30,427

39,250

(1,528)

37,722

12/28/06

1,872

902

1,933

1,956

1,970

3,130

2,737

1,557

8,905

3,373

770

2,912

6,216

3,941

3,060

8,823

1,500

1,015

7,816

6,714

8,214

7,535

8,550

19,183

26,999

14,239

16,856

31,095

1,984

12,160

14,144

-

27,367

27,367

(322)

(374)

(922)

(671)

(460)

(374)

7,892

01/25/07

8,176

01/10/07

26,077

02/01/07

30,424

06/01/07

13,684

07/01/07

26,993

06/13/08

2,798

3,490

27,180

30,670

(4,420)

26,250

02/15/06

57   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

   
  
                  
               
               
                   
                
               
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                
                       
             
                   
                
                       
                
          
               
                
                  
               
               
                   
                
               
                  
          
                  
                
                  
                  
               
                   
                
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                
               
               
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                           
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                           
               
             
                
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                  
                  
               
                   
             
                  
                  
            
                  
                  
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                  
               
               
                   
                  
               
                  
            
                  
                  
                  
               
               
                   
                  
               
                  
            
                  
                  
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                
             
             
                   
                  
             
                
          
                  
                
                           
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                           
                       
             
                   
                  
                       
                
          
                  
                
                           
               
             
                   
             
               
                
          
               
                
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 58

HERSHA HOSPITALITY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 (continued) 
[IN THOUSANDS] 

Initial Costs

Costs Capitalized Subsequent 
to Acquisition

Gross Amounts at which Carrried 
at Close of Period

Accumulated 
Depreciation

Net Book Value

Description

Encumbrances

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Land

Buildings &   
Improvements

Total

Buildings & 
Improvements*

Land, Buildings 
& Improvements

Date of 
Acquisition

Duane Street,  Tribeca, NY

$              

(15,000)

$             

8,213

$           

12,869

$             
-

$              

287

$             

8,213

$              

13,156

$        

21,369

$                

(334)

$              

21,035

01/04/08

NU Hotel,    Brooklyn, NY

(17,818)

-

22,042

Towneplace Suites, 
Harrisburg, PA

Holiday Inn Express,  Camp 
Springs, MD

Hampton Inn, Smithfield, 
RI

Courtyard Inn, Alexandria, 
VA

(9,250)

1,237

10,136

-

1,629

11,094

(6,943)

2,057

9,486

(25,000)

6,376

26,089

8th Ave Land,  NYC, NY

(13,250)

21,575

-

(12,100)

10,735

11,051

(6,500)

10,650

-

41st Street Facility, NYC, 
NY

Nevins Street Land, 
Brooklyn, NY

Total Investment in Real 
Estate

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

37

115

17

214

198

(1)

-

-

22,044

22,044

10,173

11,410

11,209

12,838

9,503

11,560

1,237

1,629

2,057

6,376

(263)

(165)

(146)

(99)

21,781

01/14/08

11,245

05/08/08

12,692

06/26/08

11,461

08/01/08

26,303

32,679

(1,520)

31,159

09/29/06

21,575

198

21,773

10,735

11,050

21,785

(12)

(679)

21,761

06/28/06

21,106

07/28/06

10,650

-

10,650

-

10,650

06/11/07 & 
07/11/07

$            

(603,376)

$         

182,793

$         

766,780

$         

2,086

$         

35,980

$         

184,879

$            

802,760

$      

987,639

$           

(67,824)

$            

919,815

*Assets are depreciated over a 7 to 40 year life, upon which the latest income statement is computed. 

2008

2007

2006

Reconciliation of Real Estate
Balance at beginning of year
Additions during the year
Dispositions during the year
Total Real Estate

Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation
Balance at beginning of year
Depreciation for year
Accumulated depreciation on assets sold
Balance at the end of year

$             

$          

$                

$            

$         

$                

878,099
114,596
(5,056)
987,639

49,091
20,965
(2,232)
67,824

776,609
125,175
(23,685)
878,099

33,373
17,252
(1,534)
49,091

$              

$           

$                  

$               

$            

$                  

318,865
479,028
(21,284)
776,609

21,727
14,390
(2,744)
33,373

The aggregate cost of land, buildings and improvements for Federal income tax purposes for the years ended December 31, 2008, 
2007 and 2006 is approximately $894,596, $817,805, and $676,415, respectively. 

Depreciation is computed for buildings and improvements using a useful life for these assets of 7 to 40 years. 

58   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

  
  
                
                       
             
                   
                    
                       
                
          
                  
                
                  
               
             
                   
                  
               
                
          
                  
                
                           
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
                  
                
                  
               
               
                   
                  
               
                  
          
                    
                
                
               
             
                   
                
               
                
          
               
                
                
             
                       
                   
                
             
                     
          
                    
                
                
             
             
                   
                   
             
                
          
                  
                
                  
             
                       
                   
                     
             
                          
          
                        
                
 
 
 
 
               
            
                  
                 
             
                   
                 
              
                    
                 
               
                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 59

Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

None. 

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures 

(a) 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) 
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by 
this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure 
controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report are functioning effectively to provide reasonable 
assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) 
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated 
and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow 
timely decisions regarding disclosure. A control system cannot provide absolute assurance, however, that the objectives of the 
controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, 
if any, within a company have been detected. 

(b) 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as 
defined within Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting refers to the processes 
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements 
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes policies and procedures that: 

· 

· 

· 

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 
of the assets of the Company; 
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made 
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and 
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the 
Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting is a significant deficiency, or a combination of significant 
deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial 
statements will not be prevented or detected. 

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the 
criteria contained in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of 
the Treadway Commission as of December 31, 2008. Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that, as of December 
31, 2008, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria. The effectiveness of our 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered 
public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein. 

59   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12968_LB:12968_LB  3/26/09  10:31 AM  Page 60

(c) 

Audit Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of 
Hersha Hospitality Trust: 

We have audited Hersha Hospitality Trust and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (COSO). Hersha Hospitality Trust's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal 
control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in 
the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control 
over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of 
the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of 
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

In our opinion, Hersha Hospitality Trust maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as 
of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
consolidated balance sheets of Hersha Hospitality Trust and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related 
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the 
three-year period ended December 31, 2008, and our report dated March 5, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those 
consolidated financial statements. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
March 5, 2009 

60   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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(d) 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2008, that have 
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

61   HERSHA 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
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H E R S H A

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H E R S H A

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H E R S H A

H E R S H A  H O S P I T A L I T Y  T R U S T  ( H T )

H E R S H A

H E R S H A  H O S P I T A L I T Y  T R U S T  ( H T )

Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT) is

a real estate investment trust

(REIT) focused on the 

acquisition and aggressive

management of primarily select

Hersha Portfolio by Hotel Brand

(1)

Marriott 33%

Hilton 29%

Intercontinental 15%

Hyatt 15%

Other 8%

(1) Based on pro-rata ownership share of 2008 EBITDA excluding preferred returns.

service and extended stay

Hersha Portfolio by Market Segment

(2)

hotels in metropolitan markets.

Hersha trades under the

symbol HT on the New York

Stock Exchange.  As of

December 31, 2008, the

Company owned interests in

76 upper upscale, upscale,

and midscale hotels 

located predominantly

in the Northeastern United

States.  Qualification as a REIT

under the Internal Revenue

Code enables the Company

to distribute income to

shareholders without federal

income tax liability to

the Company. 

Upscale 52%

Midscale 46%

Upper Upscale 3%

(2) Based on pro-rata ownership share of 2008 EBITDA excluding preferred returns.

Hersha Portfolio by Destination

(3)

 Major Metro 79%

Secondary 12%

Destination 9%

(3) Based on pro-rata ownership share of 2008 EBITDA excluding preferred returns.

Hersha Portfolio by Location

(4)

New York Metro & New Jersey 37%

Boston Metro & New England 22%

Philadelphia Metro & Mid-Atlantic 25%

Washington, DC Metro 10%

West Coast & Arizona 6%

(4) Based on pro-rata ownership share of 2008 EBITDA excluding preferred returns.

Board of Trustees

Hasu P. Shah
Chairman, Hersha Hospitality Trust

Jay H. Shah
Chief Executive Officer, Hersha Hospitality Trust

Michael A. Leven
President and COO, Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Donald J. Landry
Former CEO and President, Sunburst Hospitality, Inc.

John Sabin
Executive Vice President, Phoenix Health Systems, Inc.

Thomas S. Capello
Founder & Principal, First Capital Equities

Thomas J. Hutchison III
Former CEO, CNL Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Kiran P. Patel
Chief Investment Officer, Hersha Group

Corporate Officers

Jay H. Shah
Chief Executive Officer

Neil H. Shah
President and Chief Operating Officer

Ashish R. Parikh
Chief Financial Officer

Michael R. Gillespie
Chief Accounting Officer

David L. Desfor
Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

William J. Walsh
Vice President of Asset Management

Robert C. Hazard III
Vice President of Acquisitions and Development

Corporate Headquarters
44 Hersha Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Telephone: (717) 236-4400
Facsimile: (717) 774-7383

Philadelphia Executive Offices
Penn Mutual Towers
510 Walnut Street, 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: (215) 238-1046
Facsimile: (215) 238-0157

Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP
Certified Public Accountants
1601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103 
Telephone: (267) 256-7000

Registrar & Stock Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
10150 Mallard Creek Drive, Suite 307
Charlotte, NC 28262
Telephone:  (800) 829-8432

Legal Counsel
Hunton & Williams
Riverfront Plaza
951 East Byrd Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Telephone: (804) 788-8200

Common Stock Information
The Common Stock 
of Hersha Hospitality
Trust is traded on the New York
Stock Exchange under the Symbol “HT”

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H E R S H A

www.hersha.com

h e r s h a   h o s p i t a l i t y   t r u s t

Annual Report

2008

H E R S H A