Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company consolidates all wholly-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities in which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Entities which the Company does not control through voting interest and entities which are variable interest entities of which the Company is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates . Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Restricted Cash As required by certain debt and lease agreements, restricted cash consists of cash held in escrow accounts for debt service or lease payments, insurance programs, and taxes, among others. The Hudson/Delano 2014 Mortgage Loan, defined and discussed below in note 7, provides that, in the event the debt yield ratio falls below certain defined thresholds, all cash flows from Hudson and Delano South Beach are deposited into accounts controlled by the lenders from which debt service and operating expenses, including management fees, are paid and from which other reserve accounts may be funded. Any excess amounts will be retained by the lenders until the debt yield ratio exceeds the required thresholds for two consecutive calendar quarters. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated recoverable amount, net of allowances. Management provides for the allowances based on a percentage of aged receivables and assesses accounts receivable on a periodic basis to determine if any additional amounts will potentially be uncollectible. After all attempts to collect accounts receivable are exhausted, the uncollectible balances are written off against the allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts is immaterial for all periods presented. Property and Equipment Building and building improvements are depreciated on a straight-line method over their estimated useful life of 39.5 years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line method using five years. Building and equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Costs of significant improvements, including real estate taxes, insurance, and interest during the construction periods are capitalized. There was no such capitalized real estate taxes, insurance and interest for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets attributable to business acquisitions and combinations. The Company tests for impairment of goodwill at least annually at year end. The Company will test for impairment more frequently if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. In accordance with ASU No. 2011-08, management assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If this is the case, management will perform a more detailed two-step goodwill impairment test which is used to identify potential goodwill impairments and to measure the amount of goodwill impairment losses to be recognized, if any. In applying the detailed two-step process, management identifies potential impairments in goodwill by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, including goodwill, the asset is not impaired. Any excess of carrying value over the estimated fair value of goodwill would be recognized as an impairment loss in continuing operations. The Company has one reportable operating segment, which is its reporting unit under ASC 350-20; therefore management aggregates goodwill associated to all owned hotels and the management company when analyzing potential impairment. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, management concluded that no goodwill impairment existed as qualitative factors did not indicate that the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit was less than its carrying value. Further, management also performed a quantitative analysis comparing the Company’s carrying values to market values, as provided by third-party appraisals prepared in late 2015 and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets In accordance with ASC 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment Assets Held for Sale The Company considers properties to be assets held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market a property or a group of properties for sale and the sale is probable. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company records the carrying value of each property or group of properties at the lower of its carrying value, which includes allocable goodwill, or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and the Company stops recording depreciation expense. Any gain realized in connection with the sale of the properties for which the Company has significant continuing involvement, such as through a long-term management agreement, is deferred and recognized over the initial term of the related management agreement. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), “ Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant and Equipment; Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Components of an Entity In December 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the TLG Equity Sale, as discussed in note 1. F or the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company classified the assets and liabilities related to TLG as assets held for sale. The Company’s assets related to TLG included its investment in the TLG management contracts, which were amortized using the straight line method, over the life of each applicable management contract prior to the Company’s reclassification of these assets to assets held for sale, goodwill, and some intangible assets. The Company’s liabilities related to TLG were payables which were incurred in the normal course of its operation. Business Combinations The Company recognizes identifiable assets acquired, liabilities (both specific and contingent) assumed, and non-controlling interests in a business combination at their fair values at the acquisition date based on the exit price (i.e. the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date). Furthermore, acquisition-related costs, such as due diligence, legal and accounting fees, are expensed as incurred. In certain situations, a deferred tax asset or liability is created due to the difference between the fair value and the tax basis of the acquired asset and assumed liabilities at the acquisition date, which also may result in a goodwill asset being recorded. Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures using the equity method as it does not exercise control over significant business decisions such as buying, selling or financing nor is it the primary beneficiary under ASC 810-10, as discussed above. Under the equity method, the Company increases its investment for its proportionate share of net income and contributions to the joint venture and decreases its investment balance by recording its proportionate share of net loss and distributions. Once the Company’s investment balance in an unconsolidated joint venture is zero, the Company suspends recording additional losses. For investments in which there is recourse or unfunded commitments to provide additional equity, distributions and losses in excess of the investment are recorded as a liability. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no liabilities required to be recorded related to these investments. The Company periodically reviews its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for other-than-temporary declines in market value. In this analysis of fair value, the Company uses a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate the fair value of its investment taking into account expected cash flow from operations, holding period and net proceeds from the dispositions of the property. Any decline that is not expected to be recovered is considered other-than-temporary and an impairment charge is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the investment. During 2015, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $3.9 million related to the Company’s investment in Mondrian Istanbul, which was recorded in impairment loss and equity in income of investment in unconsolidated joint venture, and a loss of $3.1 million on receivables from an unconsolidated joint venture. The Company’s estimated fair value relating to these impairment assessments was based primarily upon the assets’ expected cash flow, market conditions, and settlement discussions with the Company’s Mondrian Istanbul joint venture partner. Other Assets In October 2014, the Company funded an approximately $15.3 million key money obligation related to Mondrian London, which is included in Other Assets and is being amortized over the term of the hotel management agreement. In August 2012, the Company entered into a 10-year licensing agreement with MGM, with two five-year extensions at the Company’s option subject to performance thresholds, to convert an existing hotel to Delano Las Vegas. Delano Las Vegas opened in September 2014. In addition, the Company acquired the leasehold interests in three food and beverage venues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from an existing tenant for $15.0 million in cash at closing and a deferred, principal-only $10.6 million promissory note (“Restaurant Lease Note”) to be paid over seven years, which the Company recorded at fair value as of the date of issuance at $7.5 million, as discussed in note 7. The three food and beverage venues are managed by TLG and are operated pursuant to 10-year operating leases with an MGM affiliate, pursuant to which the Company pays minimum annual lease payments and a percentage rent based on cash flow. The Company allocated the total consideration paid, or to be paid, to the license agreement and the restaurant leasehold asset based on their respective fair values. The Company amortizes the fair value of the license agreement and restaurant leasehold interests, using the straight line method, over the 10-year life of the respective agreement. Further, as of December 31, 2015, other assets also include deferred financing costs, which are being amortized using the straight line method, which approximates the effective interest rate method, over the terms of the related debt agreements. Foreign Currency Translation As we have international operations at hotels that we manage in London and hotels operated pursuant to franchise agreements in Turkey, currency exchange risks between the U.S. dollar and the British pound and U.S dollar and Turkish Lira arise as a normal part of our business. We reduce these risks by transacting these businesses primarily in their local currency. As a result, the translation of transactions with these hotels has resulted in foreign currency transaction gains and losses, which have been reflected in the results of operations based on exchange rates in effect at the date of the transactions. Such transactions do not have a material effect on the Company’s earnings. Revenue Recognition The Company’s revenues are derived from lodging, food and beverage and related services provided to hotel customers such as telephone, minibar and rental income from tenants. Revenue is recognized when the amounts are earned and can reasonably be estimated. These revenues are recorded net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities and are recognized as the related services are delivered. Rental revenue is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease agreement. The Company recognizes base and incentive management fees and chain service expense reimbursements related to the management of operating hotels in which the Company does not have an ownership interest, or in operating hotels that are unconsolidated joint ventures. These amounts are recognized as revenue when earned in accordance with the applicable management agreement. Under its management agreements, the Company generally recognizes base management and chain service expense reimbursements as a percentage of gross revenue and incentive management fees as a percentage of net operating income or Net Capital or Refinancing Proceeds, as defined in the applicable management agreement. The chain service expense reimbursements represent reimbursements of costs incurred by the Company from its managed hotels. The Company recognizes termination fees as income when received. In 2013, the Company recognized $2.3 million of fees related primarily to the termination of the Company’s Ames management agreement, which was recorded in management fee-related parties and other income on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Additionally, the Company recognizes license and franchise fees related to operating hotels that are subject to license or franchise agreements and managed by third parties. These fees are recognized as revenue when earned in accordance with the applicable agreement. Under its license and franchise agreements, the Company generally recognizes base license or franchise fees as a percentage of gross sales, and incentive management fees as a percentage of net profits, as calculated pursuant to the applicable management agreement. Prior to completion of the TLG Equity Sale, the Company, through its ownership of TLG, also recognized management fees from the management of nightclubs, restaurants, pool lounges, and bar venues. These fees were recognized as revenue when earned in accordance with the applicable management agreement. Under its food and beverage management agreements, the Company generally recognizes base management fees as a percentage of gross sales, and incentive management fees as a percentage of net profits, as calculated pursuant to the applicable management agreement. Concentration of Credit Risk The Company places its temporary cash investments in high credit financial institutions. However, a portion of temporary cash investments may exceed FDIC insured levels from time to time. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances. Repairs and Maintenance Costs Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred and are included in hotel selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740-10, Income Taxes The Company’s deferred tax assets are recorded net of a valuation allowance when, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. Decreases to the valuation allowance are recorded as reductions to the Company’s provision for income taxes and increases to the valuation allowance result in additional provision for income taxes. The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, is primarily dependent on estimated future taxable income. A change in the Company’s estimate of future taxable income may require an addition to or reduction from the valuation allowance. The Company has established a reserve on its deferred tax assets based on anticipated future taxable income and tax strategies which may include the sale of property or an interest therein. All of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are subject to local jurisdiction corporate income taxes. Income tax expense is reported at the applicable rate for the periods presented. Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, were computed using the Company’s effective tax rate. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had cash flow hedges in the form of interest rate caps. In accordance with ASC 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging purchased three new interest rate caps, discussed further in note 7. Credit-risk-related Contingent Features The Company has entered into warrant agreements with Yucaipa American Alliance Fund II, L.P. and Yucaipa American Alliance (Parallel) Fund II, L.P., (collectively, the “Yucaipa Investors”), as discussed in note 11, to purchase a total of 12,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $6.00 per share (the “Yucaipa Warrants”). In addition, subject to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Yucaipa Investors have certain consent rights over certain transactions for so long as they collectively own or have the right to purchase through exercise of the Yucaipa Warrants 6,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, as discussed further in note 11. The Yucaipa Warrants are exercisable utilizing a cashless exercise method only, resulting in a net share issuance. Fair Value Measurements ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ASC 820-10 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, ASC 820-10 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 and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which is 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. Currently, the Company uses interest rate 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, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820-10, 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, 2015 and 2014, the Company assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. Accordingly, all derivatives have been classified as Level 2 fair value measurements. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had three interest rate caps outstanding and the fair value of these interest rate caps was zero. These interest rate caps expired in February 2016 and the Company purchased three new interest rate caps, as discussed further in note 7. In connection with the three restaurant leases in Las Vegas, the Company issued the Restaurant Lease Note to be paid over seven years. The Restaurant Lease Note does not bear interest except in the event of default, as defined by the agreement. In accordance with ASC 470, Debt During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized non-cash charges of $3.9 million related to the Company’s investment in Mondrian Istanbul, which was recorded in impairment loss and equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated joint ventures, and a loss of $3.1 million on receivables from an unconsolidated joint venture, which was recorded in loss on receivables and other assets from unconsolidated joint ventures and managed hotels. The Company’s estimated fair value relating to these impairment assessments was based primarily upon Level 3 measurements, including the assets’ expected cash flow, market conditions, and settlement discussions with the Company’s Mondrian Istanbul joint venture partner. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges related to the Company’s receivables due from and other assets related to Mondrian SoHo and Delano Marrakech, which was recorded as a loss on receivables and other assets from unconsolidated joint ventures and managed hotels. Also during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges related to the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, through equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated joint ventures. The Company’s estimated fair value relating to these 2013 impairment assessments was based primarily upon Level 3 measurements, including a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate the fair value of the assets taking into account the assets expected cash flow, holding period and estimated proceeds from the disposition of assets, as well as market and economic conditions. The following table presents charges recorded as a result of applying Level 3 non-recurring measurements included in net loss for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Investment in Mondrian Istanbul $ 3,900 $ — $ — Investment in Ames — — 151 Loss on receivables and other assets from unconsolidated joint ventures and managed hotels 3,086 — 6,029 Total Level 3 measurement expenses included in net loss $ 6,986 $ — $ 6,180 Fair Value of Financial Instruments Disclosures about fair value of financial instruments are based on pertinent information available to management as of the valuation date. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair values. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts at which these instruments could be purchased, sold, or settled. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and fixed and variable rate debt. Management believes the carrying amount of the aforementioned financial instruments, excluding fixed-rate debt, is a reasonable estimate of fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 due to the short-term maturity of these items or variable market interest rates. The Company had fixed rate debt of $54.9 million and $55.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which included the Company’s trust preferred securities and Restaurant Lease Note, discussed above, and excludes capital leases. This fixed rate debt had a fair market value at December 31, 2015 and 2014 of approximately $60.6 million and $63.0 million, respectively, using market rates. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its fixed rate debt fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its fixed rate debt utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads. However, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its fixed rate debt and determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its fixed rate debt. Accordingly, all derivatives have been classified as Level 2 fair value measurements. Stock-based Compensation The Company accounts for stock based employee compensation using the fair value method of accounting described in ASC 718-10. For share grants, such as RSUs and LTIP Units, defined and detailed further in note 10, total compensation expense is based on the price of the Company’s stock at the grant date. For option grants, the total compensation expense is based on the estimated fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For awards under the Company’s Outperformance Award Program long-term incentive awards, discussed in note 10, the total compensation expense was based on the estimated fair value using the Monte Carlo pricing model. Compensation expense for all stock-based compensation is recorded ratably over the vesting period. Income (Loss) Per Share Basic net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Vested LTIP Units (as defined in note 10) are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of basic earnings per common share pursuant to the two-class method. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, plus other potentially dilutive securities, such as unvested shares of restricted common stock and warrants. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Due to the redemption feature associated with the Sasson-Masi Put Options, the Company initially classified the noncontrolling interest in temporary equity in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s guidance as codified in ASC 480-10, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity Noncontrolling Interest The Company follows ASC 810-10, when accounting and reporting for noncontrolling interests in a consolidated subsidiary and the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Under ASC 810-10, the Company reports noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the consolidated financial statements and reflects net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests and net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders on the face of the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The membership units in Morgans Group, the Company’s operating company, owned by the Former Parent are presented as a noncontrolling interest in Morgans Group in the consolidated balance sheets and were approximately $ 0.6 Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02 (“ASU 2015-02”), “Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ” ASU 2015-02 applies to reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities. Additionally, the amendments eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within, beginning after December 15, 2015. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 (“ASU 2015-03”), “Interest – Imputation of Interest. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15 (“ASU 2015-15”), “ Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting Interest – Imputation of Interest In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the accounting for measurement-period adjustments related to a business combination in ASU No. 2015-16 (“ASU 2015-16”), “Business Combination (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments from Business Combination”. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 (“ASU 2015-14”), “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers; Deferral of Effective Date.” “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” Revenue Recognition In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), “Leases.” Reclassifications Certain prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |