Ashford Hospitality Trust (AHT) S-3Shelf registration

We are an externally-advised real estate investment trust (“REIT”). While our portfolio currently consists of both upscale hotels and upper upscale full-service hotels, our investment strategy is predominantly focused on investing in upper upscale full-service hotels in the United States that have a revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) generally less than two times the U.S. national average. We were formed as a Maryland corporation in May 2003. We are advised by Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC (“Ashford LLC”), a subsidiary of Ashford Inc. We own our lodging investments and conduct our business through Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (“Ashford Trust OP”), our operating partnership. Ashford OP General Partner LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, serves as the sole general partner of our operating partnership.

Our hotel properties are primarily branded under the widely recognized upscale and upper upscale brands of Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Intercontinental Hotel Group. As of December 31, 2021, we owned interests in the following:

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a REIT, which imposes limitations related to our operations. As of December 31, 2021, our 100 hotel properties were leased or owned by our wholly-owned subsidiaries that are treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries for U.S. federal income tax purposes (collectively, these subsidiaries are referred to as “Ashford TRS”). Ashford TRS then engages third-party or affiliated hotel management companies to operate the hotels under management contracts. Hotel operating results related to these properties are included in the consolidated statements of operations.

We are advised by Ashford LLC through an advisory agreement. All of the hotel properties in our portfolio are currently asset-managed by Ashford LLC. We do not have any employees. All of the services that might be provided by employees are provided to us by Ashford LLC.

We do not operate any of our hotel properties directly; instead we employ hotel management companies to operate them for us under management contracts. Remington Hotels, a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., manages 68 of our 100 hotel properties and WorldQuest. Third-party management companies manage the remaining hotel properties.

Ashford Inc. also provides other products and services to us or our hotel properties through certain entities in which Ashford Inc. has an ownership interest. These products and services include, but are not limited to, project management services, debt placement and related services, audio visual services, real estate advisory services, insurance claims services, hypoallergenic premium rooms, broker-dealer and distribution services and mobile key technology. Effective December 31, 2020, the Investment Management Agreement with Ashford Investment Management, LLC (“AIM”) was terminated.

As of December 31, 2021, Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. together owned approximately 610,246 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which represented an approximate 20.2% ownership interest in Ashford Inc., and owned 18,758,600 shares of Ashford Inc. Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, which was exercisable (at an exercise price of $117.50 per share) into an additional approximate 3,991,191 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which if exercised would have increased the Bennetts’ ownership interest in Ashford Inc. to 65.6%. The 18,758,600 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. include 360,000 shares owned by trusts.

Our principal executive offices are located at 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75254. Our telephone number is (972) 490-9600. Our website is www.ahtreit.com. The contents of our website are not a part of this prospectus. Shares of our common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “AHT.”

Such forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently known to us. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations can change as a result of many potential events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and other objectives may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider this risk when you make an investment decision concerning our securities. Additionally, the following factors could cause actual results to vary from our forward-looking statements:

When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this prospectus could cause our actual results and performance to differ significantly from those contained in our forward-looking statements. Additionally, many of these risks and uncertainties are currently amplified by and will continue to be amplified by, or in the future may be amplified by, the COVID-19 outbreak and the numerous government travel restrictions imposed in response thereto. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts us will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic, the actions taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its impact, and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and containment measures, among others. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee future results or performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect our views as of the date of this prospectus. Furthermore, we do not intend to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus to conform these statements to actual results and performance, except as may be required by applicable law.

Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to contribute the net proceeds from any sale of the securities pursuant to this prospectus to our operating partnership. Our operating partnership will subsequently use the net proceeds received from us to potentially acquire or develop additional properties and for general corporate purposes, which may include payment of dividends, the repayment of existing indebtedness and capital expenditures for improvements to the properties in our portfolio. Pending application of cash proceeds, we may invest the net proceeds in interest-bearing accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing securities in a manner that is consistent with our intention to qualify for taxation as a REIT. Such investments may include, for example, government and government agency certificates, government bonds, certificates of deposit, interest-bearing bank deposits, money market accounts and mortgage loan participations. Further details regarding the use of the net proceeds from the sale of a specific series or class of the securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We were formed under the laws of the State of Maryland. Rights of our stockholders are governed by the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, our charter and our bylaws. The following is a summary of the material provisions of our capital stock. Copies of our charter and bylaws are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Our charter provides that we have authority to issue up to 450,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of (a) 400,000,000 shares of common stock and (b) 50,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

We believe that the power of our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and thereafter to cause us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock provides us with flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs which might arise. The additional classes or series, as well as the common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless stockholder consent is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our board of directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue an additional class or series of stock that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our Company, even if such transaction or change of control involves a premium price for our stockholders or stockholders believe that such transaction or change of control may be in their best interests.

In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made by us). In addition, if we, or one or more owners (actually or constructively) of 10% or more of us, actually or constructively owns 10% or more of a tenant of ours (or a tenant of any partnership in which we are a partner), the rent received by us (either directly or through any such partnership) from such tenant will not be qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests of the Code. Our stock must also be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made by us).

Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of shares of our common stock that will or may violate any of the foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will be required to give notice immediately to us and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on our status as a REIT. The foregoing provisions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT.

Pursuant to our charter, if any purported transfer of our capital stock or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limits or the other restrictions in our charter, then any such purported transfer will be void and of no force or effect with respect to the purported transferee or owner (collectively referred to hereinafter as the “purported owner”) as to that number of shares in excess of the ownership limit (rounded up to the nearest whole share). The number of shares in excess of the ownership limit will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or

Shares of our capital stock transferred to the trustee are deemed offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price paid by the purported owner for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares of our capital stock at market price, the market price on the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of our capital stock to the trust) and (ii) the market price on the date we, or our designee, accepts such offer. We have the right to accept such offer until the trustee has sold the shares of our capital stock held in the trust pursuant to the clauses discussed below. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates and the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the purported owner and any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to such capital stock will be paid to the charitable beneficiary.

If we do not buy the shares, the trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from us of the transfer of shares to the trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the trustee who could own the shares without violating the ownership limits. After that, the trustee must distribute to the purported owner an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the net price paid by the purported owner for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the market price on the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of our capital stock to the trust) and (ii) the net sales proceeds received by the trust for the shares. Any proceeds in excess of the amount distributable to the purported owner will be distributed to the beneficiary.

Our charter also provides that “Benefit Plan Investors” ​(as defined in our charter) may not hold, individually or in the aggregate, 25% or more of the value of any class or series of shares of our capital stock to the extent such class or series does not constitute “Publicly Offered Securities” ​(as defined in our charter).

All persons who own, directly or by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 5% (or such other percentage as provided in the regulations promulgated under the Code) of the lesser of the number or value of the shares of our outstanding capital stock must give written notice to us within 30 days after the end of each calendar year. In addition, each stockholder will, upon demand, be required to disclose to us in writing such information with respect to the direct, indirect and constructive ownership of shares of our stock as our board of directors deems reasonably necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code applicable to a REIT, to comply with the requirements or any taxing authority or governmental agency or to determine any such compliance.

All certificates representing shares of our capital stock bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

These ownership limits could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our Company that might involve a premium price over the then prevailing market price for the holders of some, or a majority, of our outstanding shares of common stock or which such holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interest.

The prospectus supplement relating to the series of preferred stock offered by that supplement will describe the specific terms of those securities, including:

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs rank:

When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for the full payment is not set apart) upon the shares of preferred stock of any series or class and the shares of any other series or class of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the preferred stock of that series or class, then all dividends authorized on shares of preferred stock of that series or class and any other series or class of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with that preferred stock shall be authorized pro rata so that the amount of dividends authorized per share on the preferred stock of that series or class and other series or class of preferred stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the shares of preferred stock of that series or class (which will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if the preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend) and that other series or class of preferred stock bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on preferred stock of that series or class that may be in arrears.

We may have the right or may be required to redeem one or more series of preferred stock, in whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, if any, and at the time and at the redemption prices set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If a series of preferred stock is subject to mandatory redemption, we will specify in the applicable articles supplementary and prospectus supplement the number of shares we are required to redeem, when those redemptions start, the redemption price, and any other terms and conditions affecting the redemption.

Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of us or winding up of our affairs, then, before any distribution or payment will be made to the holders of common stock or any other series or class of stock ranking junior to any series or class of the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of that series or class of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally available for distribution to shareholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement), plus an amount equal to all dividends accrued and unpaid on the preferred stock (which will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if the preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend). After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets.

If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the legally available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding shares of any series or class of preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of our stock of ranking on a parity with that series or class of preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, then the holders of that series or class of preferred stock and all other classes or series of capital stock will share ratably in any distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

If liquidating distributions have been made in full to all holders of any series or class of preferred stock, our remaining assets will be distributed among the holders of any other classes or series of stock ranking junior to that series or class of preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares. For these purposes, the consolidation or merger of us with or into any other entity, or the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business, will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Holders of preferred stock will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Unless provided otherwise for any series or class of preferred stock, so long as any shares of preferred stock of a series or class remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of that series or class of preferred stock outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (such series or class voting separately as a class):

Holders of Series D Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights, except that if six or more quarterly dividend payments have not been made, the Board will be expanded by two seats and the holders of Series D Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class with the holders of all other series of Preferred Stock that has been granted similar voting rights and is considered parity stock with the Series D Preferred Stock, will be entitled to elect these two directors. In addition, the issuance of senior shares or certain changes to the terms of the Series D Preferred Stock that would be materially adverse to the rights of holders of Series D Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote or consent of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding Series D Preferred Stock and shares of any class or series of shares ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock which are entitled to similar voting rights, if any, voting as a single class.

The Series D Preferred Stock accrues a cumulative cash dividend at an annual rate of 8.45% on the $25.00 per share liquidation preference; provided, however, that during any period of time that both (i) the Series D Preferred Stock is not listed on either the NYSE, NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American”), or the NASDAQ, or on a successor exchange and (ii) we are not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Series D Preferred Stock will accrue a cumulative cash dividend at an annual rate of 9.45% on the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to an annual dividend rate of $2.3625 per share), which we refer to as a special distribution.

Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our Company, the holders of Series D Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) to the date of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of our Company, before any payment or distribution will be made to or set apart for the holders of any junior stock.

The Series D Preferred Stock is not convertible or exchangeable for any of our other securities or property, and holders of shares of our Series D Preferred Stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of our Company. Holders of Series D Preferred Stock do not have redemption rights. Our Series D Preferred Stock is not subject to any sinking fund provisions.

During any period in which we are required to pay a special distribution, holders of the Series D Preferred Stock will become entitled to certain information rights related thereto.

Subject to the provisions of the charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, we are not aware of any limitations on the rights to own our Series D Preferred Stock, including rights of non-resident or foreign stockholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our Series D Preferred Stock, imposed by foreign law or by our charter or bylaws.

As of February 22, 2022, we had 1,251,044 shares of our Series F Preferred Stock outstanding. The following is a summary of the material terms and provisions of our Series F Preferred Stock.

The Board has classified and designated 4,800,000 shares of Series F Preferred Stock. All outstanding shares of our Series F Preferred Stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), we may, at our option, redeem the Series F Preferred Stock, in whole or in part within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption. If, prior to the Change of Control conversion date, we exercise any of our redemption rights relating to the Series F Preferred Stock (whether our optional redemption right or our special optional redemption right), the holders of Series F Preferred Stock will not have the conversion right described below.

A “Change of Control” is when, after the original issuance of the Series F Preferred Stock, the following have occurred and are continuing:

In addition, we may redeem the Series F Preferred Stock, in whole or from time to time in part, at a cash redemption price equal to 100% of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference plus all accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption. The Series F Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of Series F Preferred Stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Change of Control conversion date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem the Series F Preferred Stock) to convert some or all of the Series F Preferred Stock held by such holder on the Change of Control conversion date into a number of shares of our common stock per share of Series F Preferred Stock to be converted equal to the lesser of:

subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration. The “Common Stock Price” will be (i) the amount of cash consideration per share of common stock, if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is solely cash; or (ii) the average of the closing prices for our common stock on the NYSE for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control, if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is other than solely cash.

If, prior to the Change of Control conversion date, we have provided or provide a redemption notice, whether pursuant to our special optional redemption right in connection with a Change of Control or our optional redemption right, holders of Series F Preferred Stock will not have any right to convert the Series F Preferred Stock in connection with the Change of Control conversion right and any shares of Series F Preferred Stock selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control conversion date.

Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the Series F Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.

Holders of shares of our Series F Preferred Stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of our Company. Subject to the provisions of the charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, we are not aware of any limitations on the rights to own our Series F Preferred Stock, including rights of non-resident or foreign stockholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our Series F Preferred Stock, imposed by foreign law or by our charter or bylaws.

A “Change of Control” is when, after the original issuance of the Series G Preferred Stock, the following have occurred and are continuing:

In addition, we may redeem the Series G Preferred Stock, in whole or from time to time in part, at a cash redemption price equal to 100% of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference plus all accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption. The Series G Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of Series G Preferred Stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Change of Control conversion date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem the Series G Preferred Stock) to convert some or all of the Series G Preferred Stock held by such holder on the Change of Control conversion date into a number of shares of our common stock per share of Series G Preferred Stock to be converted equal to the lesser of:

subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration. The “Common Stock Price” will be (i) the amount of cash consideration per share of common stock, if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is solely cash; or (ii) the average of the closing prices for our common stock on the NYSE for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control, if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is other than solely cash.

If, prior to the Change of Control conversion date, we have provided or provide a redemption notice, whether pursuant to our special optional redemption right in connection with a Change of Control or our optional redemption right, holders of Series G Preferred Stock will not have any right to convert the Series G Preferred Stock in connection with the Change of Control conversion right and any shares of Series G Preferred Stock selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control conversion date.

Holders of shares of our Series H Preferred Stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of our Company. Subject to the provisions of the charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, we are not aware of any limitations on the rights to own our Series H Preferred Stock, including rights of non-resident or foreign stockholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our Series H Preferred Stock, imposed by foreign law or by our charter or bylaws.

As of February 22, 2022 we had 1,252,923 shares of our Series I Preferred Stock outstanding. The following is a summary of the material terms and provisions of our Series I Preferred Stock.

The Board has classified and designated 6,210,000 shares of Series I Preferred Stock. All outstanding shares of our Series I Preferred Stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

The Series I Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs rank:

Holders of Series I Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights, except that if six or more quarterly dividend payments have not been made, the Board will be expanded by two seats and the holders of Series I Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class with the holders of all other series of Preferred Stock

subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration. The “Common Stock Price” will be (i) the amount of cash consideration per share of common stock, if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is solely cash; or (ii) the average of the closing prices for our common stock on the NYSE for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control, if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is other than solely cash.

If, prior to the Change of Control conversion date, we have provided or provide a redemption notice, whether pursuant to our special optional redemption right in connection with a Change of Control or our optional redemption right, holders of Series I Preferred Stock will not have any right to convert the Series I Preferred Stock in connection with the Change of Control conversion right and any shares of Series I Preferred Stock selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control conversion date.

Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the Series I Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.

Holders of shares of our Series I Preferred Stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of our Company.

During any period that we are not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and any Series I Preferred Stock is outstanding, holders of the Series I Preferred Stock will become entitled to certain information rights related thereto.

Subject to the provisions of the charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, we are not aware of any limitations on the rights to own our Series I Preferred Stock, including rights of non-resident or foreign stockholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our Series I Preferred Stock, imposed by foreign law or by our charter or bylaws.

We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, or “depositary shares,” rather than full shares of preferred stock. In that event, we will issue receipts for depositary shares, and each receipt will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The shares of any series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement to be entered into between us and the depositary named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The deposit agreement will contain terms applicable to the holders of depositary shares in addition to the terms stated in the depositary receipts. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of the preferred share represented by such depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred share, including dividend, voting, redemption, subscription and liquidation rights. The terms of any depositary shares will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement and the provisions of the deposit agreement, which will

These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.

We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indentures.

We and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters, including:

In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, we and the trustee may only make the following changes with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:

Each indenture provides that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for obligations to:

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company or another depository named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to that series.

At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will make no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.

We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

The trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make interest payments by check which we will mail to the holder. Unless we otherwise indicate in a prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate trust office of the trustee in the City of New York as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

All money we pay to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

The subordinated notes will be unsecured and will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus supplement. The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of subordinated notes which we may issue. It also does not limit us from issuing any other secured or unsecured debt.

This section describes the general terms and provisions of our warrants. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the warrants offered through that prospectus supplement as well as any general terms described in this section that will not apply to those warrants.

We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities, preferred stock, or common stock. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities, and they may be attached to or separate from the other securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement that we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, as detailed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation, or agency or trust relationship, with you.

Each right would entitle the holder of the rights to purchase for cash the principal amount of debt securities or the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such rights as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.

The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. Units may be offered independently or together with common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or warrants offered by any prospectus supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those securities.

While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future units that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of units that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any units offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.

We will incorporate by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part the form of unit agreement, including a form of unit certificate, if any, that describes the terms of the series of units we are offering before the issuance of the related series of units. The following summaries of material provisions of the units and the unit agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the unit agreement applicable to a particular series of units. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement related to the units that we sell under this prospectus, as well as the complete unit agreements that contain the terms of the units.

We may issue units consisting of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, debt securities, rights or any combination thereof. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time, or at any time before a specified date.

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of units, including the following:

The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Common Stock,” “Description of Preferred Stock,” “Description of Warrants” and “Description of Debt Securities” will apply to each unit and to any common stock, preferred stock, debt security or warrant included in each unit, respectively.

Upon the issuance of a global security, the depository for the global security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of the individual securities represented by that global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with such depository, who are called “participants.” Those accounts will be designated by the underwriters, dealers or agents with respect to the securities or by us if the securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to the depository’s participants or persons that may hold interests through those participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the applicable depository or its nominee (with respect to beneficial interests of participants) and records of the participants (with respect to beneficial interests of persons who hold through participants). The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair the ability to own, pledge or transfer beneficial interest in a global security.

So long as the depository for a global security or its nominee is the registered owner of such global security, that depository or nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by that global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture or other instrument defining the rights of a holder of the securities. Except as provided below or in the applicable prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interest in a global security will not be entitled to have any of the individual securities of the series represented by that global security registered in their names, will not

Our charter contains a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of our common stock and, consequently, the applicability of the control share acquisitions unless we later amend our charter, with stockholder approval, to modify or eliminate this provision.

Our charter may be amended only if declared advisable by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

The dissolution of our Company must be declared advisable by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation (other than for expenses incurred in a successful defense of such an action) or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of:

The partnership agreement provides that if the partnership requires additional funds at any time in excess of funds available to the partnership from borrowing or capital contributions, we may borrow such funds from a financial institution or other lender and lend such funds to the partnership. Under the partnership agreement, we are obligated to contribute the proceeds of any offering of stock as additional capital to the partnership. The operating partnership is authorized to cause the partnership to issue partnership interests for less than fair market value if we conclude in good faith that such issuance is in both the partnership’s and our best interests.

The partnership agreement provides that we may make additional capital contributions, including properties, to the partnership in exchange for additional partnership units. If we contribute additional capital to the partnership and receive additional partnership interests for such capital contribution, our percentage interests will be increased on a proportionate basis based on the amount of such additional capital contributions and the value of the partnership at the time of such contributions. Conversely, the percentage interests of the other limited partners will be decreased on a proportionate basis. In addition, if we contribute additional capital to the partnership and receive additional partnership interests for such capital contribution, the capital accounts of the partners will be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any unrealized gain or loss attributable to our properties as if there were an actual sale of such properties at the fair market value thereof. Limited partners have no preemptive right to make additional capital contributions.

The operating partnership could issue preferred partnership interests in connection with acquisitions of property or otherwise. Any such preferred partnership interests would have priority over common partnership interests with respect to distributions from the partnership, including the partnership interests that our wholly-owned subsidiaries own.

Under the partnership agreement, we have granted to each limited partner holding common units (other than our subsidiary) the right to redeem its limited partnership units. This right may be exercised at the election of a limited partner by giving us written notice, subject to some limitations. The purchase price for the limited partnership units to be redeemed will equal the fair market value of our common stock adjusted by a conversion factor, as determined in the partnership agreement. The purchase price for the limited partnership units may be paid in cash, or, in our discretion, by the issuance by us of a number of shares of our common stock equal to the number of limited partnership units with respect to which the rights are being exercised. However, no limited partner will be entitled to exercise its redemption rights to the extent that the issuance of common stock to the redeeming partner would be prohibited under our charter or, if after giving effect to such exercise, would cause any person to own, actually or constructively, more than 9.8% of our common stock, unless such ownership limit is waived by us in our sole discretion.

Certain of our officers and employees of our advisor hold a special class of partnership units in our operating partnership referred to as long term incentive partnership units, or LTIP units. LTIP units vest over a number of years and whether vested or not, generally receive the same treatment as common units of our operating partnership, with the key difference being, at the time of the award, LTIP units do not have full economic parity with common units but can achieve such parity over time. The LTIP units will achieve parity with the common units upon the sale or deemed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the partnership at a time when our stock is trading at some level in excess of the price it was trading at on the date of the LTIP issuance. More specifically, LTIP units will achieve full economic parity with common units in connection with (i) the actual sale of all or substantially all of the assets of our operating partnership or (ii) the hypothetical sale of such assets, which results from a capital account revaluation, as defined in the partnership agreement, for the operating partnership. A capital account revaluation generally occurs whenever there is an issuance of additional partnership interests or the redemption of partnership interests. If a sale, or deemed sale as a result of a capital account revaluation, occurs at a time when the operating partnership’s assets have sufficiently appreciated, the LTIP units will achieve full economic parity with the common units. However, in the absence of sufficient appreciation in the value of the assets of the operating partnership at the time a sale or deemed sale occurs, full economic parity would not be reached. If such parity is reached, vested LTIP units become convertible into an equal number of common units and at that time, the holder will have the redemption rights described above. Until and unless such parity is reached, the LTIP units are not redeemable. All of the LTIP units our operating partnership has issued have reached economic parity with the common units, except approximately 661,616 LTIP units issued in 2015 and 111,858 LTIP units issued in 2017 have not yet achieved such parity.

As of February 22, 2022, the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable, at our option, upon exercise of the redemption rights by holders of common partnership units (including LTIP units that have reached economic parity with the common partnership units) is approximately 257,772. The number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the redemption rights will be adjusted to account for share splits, mergers, consolidations or similar pro rata share transactions and changes in the conversion factor.

The holders of the LTIP units will have the right to convert vested LTIP units into ordinary common units on a one-for-one basis at any time after such LTIP units have achieved economic parity with the common units. No other limited partners have any conversion rights.

The partnership agreement requires the partnership to be operated in a manner that enables us to satisfy the requirements for being classified as a REIT, to minimize any excise tax liability imposed by the Code and to ensure that the partnership will not be classified as a “publicly traded partnership” taxable as a corporation under Section 7704 of the Code.

In addition to the administrative and operating costs and expenses incurred by the partnership, the partnership will pay all of our administrative costs and expenses. These expenses will be treated as expenses of the partnership and will generally include:

The partnership agreement provides that the partnership will make cash distributions in amounts and at such times as determined by us in our sole discretion, to us and other limited partners in accordance with the respective percentage interests of the partners in the partnership.

Upon liquidation of the partnership, after payment of, or adequate provisions for, debts and obligations of the partnership, including any partner loans, any remaining assets of the partnership will be distributed to us and the other limited partners with positive capital accounts in accordance with the respective positive capital account balances of the partners.

Profits and losses of the partnership (including depreciation and amortization deductions) for each fiscal year generally are allocated to us and the other limited partners in accordance with the respective percentage interests of the partners in the partnership. All of the foregoing allocations are subject to compliance with the provisions of Code sections 704(b) and 704(c) and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. The partnership will use the “traditional method” under Code section 704(c) for allocating items with respect to which the fair market value at the time of contribution differs from the adjusted tax basis at the time of contribution for a hotel.

In addition, the operating partnership may be amended, without the consent of any limited partner, in the event that we or any of our subsidiaries engages in a merger or consolidation with another entity and immediately after such transaction the surviving entity contributes to the operating partnership substantially all of the assets of such surviving entity and the surviving entity agrees to assume our subsidiary’s obligation as general partner of the partnership. In such case, the surviving entity will amend the operating partnership agreement to arrive at a new method for calculating the amount a limited partner is to receive upon redemption or conversion of a partnership unit (such method to approximate the existing method as much as possible).

The partnership agreement of our operating partnership provides that neither the general partner, nor any of its directors and officers will be liable to the partnership or to any of its partners as a result of errors in judgment or mistakes of fact or law or of any act or omission, if the general partner acted in good faith.

In addition, the partnership agreement requires our operating partnership to indemnify and hold the general partner and its directors, officers and any other person it designates, harmless from and against any

In addition, this discussion is limited to persons who hold our securities as a “capital asset” ​(generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code.

The statements of law in this discussion and the opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP are based on current provisions of the Code, existing, temporary and final Treasury regulations thereunder, and current administrative rulings and court decisions. No assurance can be given that future legislative, judicial, or administrative actions or decisions, which may be retroactive in effect, will not affect the accuracy of any statements in this prospectus with respect to the transactions entered into or contemplated prior to the effective date of such changes. Except for the private letter ruling we received on October 27, 2019 with respect to the eligible independent contractor status of certain subsidiaries of Ashford Inc., we have not received any rulings from the IRS concerning our qualification as a REIT. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any tax consequences described below.

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws. We believe that, commencing with our short year ending December 31, 2003, we have been organized and operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code, and we intend to continue to operate in such a manner, but no assurance can be given that we will operate in a manner so as to continue to qualify as a REIT. This section discusses the laws governing the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its investors. These laws are highly technical and complex.

In connection with this the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, O’Melveny & Myers LLP has issued an opinion to us to the effect that, commencing with our short year ended December 31, 2003, we have been organized and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT, and our organization and current and proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code for our taxable year ending December 31, 2022 and thereafter. Investors should be aware that O’Melveny & Myers LLP’s opinion is based upon customary assumptions, is conditioned upon the accuracy of certain representations made by us as to factual matters, including representations regarding the nature of our properties and the prior and future conduct of our business, is conditioned upon the accuracy of certain representations made by Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. as to factual matters, including representations regarding its organization and operation, for its taxable year ended December 31, 2013, is conditioned upon the accuracy of certain representations made by Ashford Inc. as to factual matters, and is not binding upon the IRS or any court. In addition, O’Melveny & Myers LLP’s opinion is based on existing federal

If we comply with regulatory rules pursuant to which we are required to send annual letters to holders of our stock requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our stock, and we do not know, or exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, whether we failed to meet requirement 6 above, we will be treated as having met the requirement.

In addition, we must satisfy all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS that must be met to elect and maintain REIT qualification.

A corporation that is a “qualified REIT subsidiary” is not treated as a corporation separate from its parent REIT. All assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a “qualified REIT subsidiary” are treated as assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of the REIT. A “qualified REIT subsidiary” is a corporation, other than a TRS, all of the capital stock of which is owned by the REIT. Thus, in applying the requirements described in this section, any “qualified REIT subsidiary” that we own will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of that subsidiary will be treated as our assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit. Similarly, any wholly-owned limited liability company or certain wholly-owned partnerships that we own will be disregarded, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of such limited liability company will be treated as ours.

An unincorporated domestic entity, such as a partnership or limited liability company that has a single owner, generally is not treated as an entity separate from its parent for U.S. federal income tax purposes. An unincorporated domestic entity with two or more owners is generally treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership that has other partners, the REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable REIT qualification tests. For purposes of the 10% value test (as described below under “— Asset Tests”), our proportionate share is based on our proportionate interest in the equity interests and certain debt securities issued by the partnership. For all of the other asset and income tests, our proportionate share is based on our proportionate interest in the capital interests in the partnership. Our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, and items of income of our operating partnership and of any other partnership, joint venture, or limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which we own or will acquire an interest, directly or indirectly (each, a “Partnership” and, together, the “Partnerships”), are treated as our assets and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT qualification requirements.

We may in the future acquire interests in partnerships and limited liability companies that are joint ventures in which we do not own general partner or managing member interests. If a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our qualification as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause us to fail a REIT gross income or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the partnership or limited liability company or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless we are able to qualify for a statutory REIT “savings” provision, which may require us to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain our REIT qualification.

Second, in general, at least 95% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, other types of dividends and interest, gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or any combination of these. Gross income from our sale of any property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business and cancellation of indebtedness, or COD, income is excluded from both income tests. Certain foreign currency gains will be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests, as discussed below in “— Foreign Currency Gain.” In addition, income and gain from “hedging transactions,” as defined in the section below entitled “— Hedging Transactions,” that we enter into, or have entered into, will be excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for purposes of the 95% gross income test and the 75% gross income test. Rules similar to those applicable to income from “hedging transactions” apply to income arising from transactions that we enter into, or have entered into, primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain included in the computation of the 95% income test or the 75% income test (or any property which generates such income or gain). The following paragraphs discuss the specific application of the gross income tests to us.

Pursuant to percentage leases, our TRSs lease each of our properties (other than ones they may own). The percentage leases provide that our TRSs are obligated to pay to the Partnerships (1) a minimum base rent plus percentage rent based on gross revenue and (2) “additional charges” or other expenses, as defined in the leases. Percentage rent is calculated by multiplying fixed percentages by revenues for each of the hotels. Both base rent and the thresholds in the percentage rent formulas may be adjusted for inflation.

In order for the base rent, percentage rent, and additional charges to constitute “rents from real property,” the percentage leases must be respected as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes and not treated as service contracts, joint ventures, or some other type of arrangement. The determination of whether the percentage leases are true leases depends on an analysis of all the surrounding facts and circumstances. In making such a determination, courts have considered a variety of factors, including the following:

Another requirement for qualification of our rent as “rents from real property” is that we must not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more by vote or value of the stock of any corporate lessee or 10% or more by vote or value of the assets or net profits of any non-corporate lessee (a “related party tenant”) other than a TRS. All of our hotels are leased to TRSs (other than those owned by a TRS). In addition, our Charter prohibits transfers of our stock that would cause us to own actually or constructively, 10% or more by vote or value of the ownership interests in any non-TRS lessee. Based on the foregoing, we should never own, actually or constructively, 10% or more by vote or value of any lessee other than a TRS. However, because the constructive ownership rules are broad and it is not possible to monitor continually direct and indirect transfers of our stock, no absolute assurance can be given that such transfers or other events of which we have no knowledge will not cause us to own constructively 10% or more by vote or value of a lessee (or a subtenant, in which case only rent attributable to the subtenant is disqualified) other than a TRS at some future date.

As described above, we may own up to 100% of the capital stock of one or more TRSs. A TRS is a fully taxable corporation that generally may engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to tenants of its parent REIT, except that a TRS may not directly or indirectly operate or manage any lodging facilities or health care facilities or provide rights to any brand name under which any lodging or health care facility is operated, unless such rights are provided to an “eligible independent

A third requirement for qualification of our rent as “rents from real property” is that the rent attributable to the personal property leased in connection with the lease of a hotel must not be greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. The rent attributable to the personal property contained in a hotel is the amount that bears the same ratio to total rent for the taxable year as the average of the fair market values of the personal property at the beginning and at the end of the taxable year bears to the average of the aggregate fair market values of both the real and personal property contained in the hotel at the beginning and at the end of such taxable year (the “personal property ratio”). With respect to each hotel, we believe either that the personal property ratio is less than 15% or that any income attributable to excess personal property will not jeopardize our ability to qualify as a REIT. There can be no assurance, however, that the IRS would not challenge our calculation of a personal property ratio or that a court would not uphold such assertion. If such a challenge were successfully asserted, we could fail to satisfy the 95% or 75% gross income test and thus lose our REIT status.

A fourth requirement for qualification of our rent as “rents from real property” is that, other than within the 1% de minimis exception described above (i.e., we may provide a minimal amount of “non-customary” services to the tenants of a property, other than through a TRS or an independent contractor, as long as our income from the services does not exceed 1% of our income from the related property) and other than through a TRS, we cannot furnish or render noncustomary services to the tenants of our hotels, or manage or operate our hotels, other than through an independent contractor who is adequately compensated and from whom we do not derive or receive any income. Provided that the percentage leases are respected as true leases, we should satisfy that requirement, because the Partnerships will not perform any services other than customary services for our TRSs. Furthermore, we have represented that, with respect to other hotel properties that we acquire in the future, we will not perform noncustomary services for our TRSs.

If a portion of our rent from a hotel does not qualify as “rents from real property” because the rent attributable to personal property exceeds 15% of the total rent for a taxable year, the portion of the rent that is attributable to personal property will not be qualifying income for purposes of either the 75% or 95% gross income test. Thus, if such rent attributable to personal property, plus any other income that is nonqualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, during a taxable year exceeds 5% of our gross income during the year, we would lose our REIT status. If, however, the rent from a particular hotel does not qualify as “rents from real property” because either (1) the percentage rent is considered based on the income or profits of the related lessee, (2) the lessee is a related party tenant other than a TRS, or (3) we

However, a REIT will not be considered to have foreclosed on a property where the REIT takes control of the property as a mortgagee-in-possession and cannot receive any profit or sustain any loss except as a creditor of the mortgagor. Property generally ceases to be foreclosure property with respect to a REIT at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired such property, or longer if an extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. The foregoing grace period is terminated and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:

As a result of the rules with respect to foreclosure property, if a lessee defaults on its obligations under a percentage lease, we terminate the lessee’s leasehold interest, and we are unable to find a replacement lessee

A U.S. holder generally will report distributions that we designate as capital gain dividends as long-term capital gain without regard to the period for which the U.S. holder has held our stock. A corporate U.S. holder, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income.

We may elect to retain and pay U.S. federal income tax on the net long-term capital gain that we receive in a taxable year. In that case, a U.S. holder would be taxed on its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term capital gain, to the extent that we designate such amount in a timely notice to such holder. The U.S. holder would be entitled to a credit or refund for its proportionate share of the U.S. federal income tax we

The rules governing federal income taxation of non-U.S. holders of our securities are complex. A “non-U.S. holder” means a holder that is not a U.S. holder, as defined above, and is not an entity treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. This section is only a summary of such rules as they apply to non-U.S. holders of our stock; a summary of such rules as they apply to non-U.S. holders of our debt securities is discussed below under “ — Holders of our Debt Securities.” We urge non-U.S. holders to consult their tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state, and local income tax laws on ownership of our capital stock, including any reporting requirements.

If a distribution is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the distribution at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. holders are taxed with respect to such distributions. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax with respect to a distribution treated as effectively connected with its conduct of a U.S. trade or business, unless reduced or eliminated by a tax treaty.

Except as described in the following paragraph, a non-U.S. holder will not incur tax on a distribution in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits if the excess portion of such distribution does not exceed the adjusted basis of its stock. Instead, the excess portion of such distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of such stock. A non-U.S. holder will be subject to tax on a distribution that exceeds both our current and accumulated earnings and profits and the adjusted basis of its stock, if the non-U.S. holder otherwise would be subject to tax on gain from the sale or disposition of its stock, as described below. If we cannot determine at the time we make a distribution whether or not the distribution will exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, we will treat the entire amount of any distribution as a taxable dividend. However, a non-U.S. holder may obtain a refund of amounts that we withhold if we later determine that a distribution in fact exceeded our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

If our stock constitutes a United States real property interest, as defined below, unless (1) we are a “domestically-controlled qualified investment entity,” as defined below, (2) the distribution is with respect to a class of our stock regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States and is made to a non-U.S. holder that did not own more than 10% of such class of capital stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of distribution or (3) the distribution is with respect to stock held by a “qualified shareholder,” including stock held indirectly through one or more partnerships (to the extent not held by an “applicable investor”), the distribution will give rise to gain from the sale or exchange of

For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, a non-U.S. holder (other than certain qualified foreign pension funds) may incur tax on distributions that are attributable (or deemed so attributable pursuant to applicable Treasury regulations) to gain from our sale or exchange of “United States real property interests” under special provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws referred to as “FIRPTA.” The term “United States real property interests” includes certain interests in real property and stock in corporations at least 50% of whose assets consists of interests in real property. Under those rules, a non-U.S. holder is generally taxed on distributions attributable (or deemed attributable) to gain from sales of United States real property interests as if such gain were effectively connected with a United States business of the non-U.S. holder. A non-U.S. holder thus would be taxed on such a distribution at the normal rates, including applicable capital gains rates, applicable to U.S. holders, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of a nonresident alien individual. A non-U.S. corporate holder not entitled to treaty relief or exemption also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on such a distribution. Except as described below with respect to regularly traded stock, we must withhold 21% of any distribution that we could designate as a capital gain dividend. A non-U.S. holder may receive a credit against its tax liability for the amount we withhold. Any distribution with respect to any class of stock which is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States, will not be treated as gain recognized from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest if the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 10% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period preceding the date of the distribution. As a result, non-U.S. holders generally will be subject to withholding tax on such capital gain distributions in the same manner as they are subject to withholding tax on ordinary dividends. We anticipate that each class of our capital stock will be regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States following this offering. If a class of our capital stock is not regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States or the non-U.S. holder owned more than 10% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period preceding the date of the distribution, capital gain distributions with respect to that class of capital that are attributable to our sale of real property would be subject to tax under FIRPTA, as described above unless otherwise excepted. Moreover, if a non-U.S. holder owning more than 5% of a class of our capital stock disposes of such stock during the 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a dividend, and such non-U.S. holder (or a person related to such non-U.S. holder) acquires or enters into a contract or option to acquire our capital stock within 61 days of the first day of the 30-day period described above, and any portion of such dividend payment would, but for the disposition, be treated as a United States real property interest capital gain to such non-U.S. holder, then such non-U.S. holder will be treated as having United States real property interest capital gain in an amount that, but for the disposition, would have been treated as United States real property interest capital gain.

Any distribution that is made by a REIT that would otherwise be subject to FIRPTA because the distribution is attributable to the disposition of a United States real property interest will retain its character

Floating rate debt securities are subject to special OID rules. In the case of an OID debt security that is a floating rate debt security, both the “yield to maturity” and “qualified stated interest” will be determined solely for purposes of calculating the accrual of OID as though the debt security will bear interest in all periods at a fixed rate generally equal to the rate that would be applicable to interest payments on the debt security on its date of issue or, in the case of certain floating rate debt securities, the rate that reflects the yield to maturity that is reasonably expected for the debt security. Additional rules may apply if either:

This discussion does not address the tax rules applicable to debt securities with an indexed principal amount or other contingent payments, or debt securities that may be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities. If you are considering the purchase of floating rate OID debt securities, debt securities with indexed principal amounts or other contingent payments, or debt securities that may be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, you should carefully examine the prospectus supplement or supplements relating to those debt securities, and should consult your own tax advisors regarding the federal income tax consequences to you of holding and disposing of those debt securities.

Any market discount will be considered to accrue ratably during the period from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of the debt security, unless you elect to accrue on a constant interest method. You may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues on either a ratable or constant interest method, in which case the rule described above regarding deferral of interest deductions will not apply. This

If you cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest, including OID, made to you will be subject to the 30% federal withholding tax (which will be deducted from such interest payments by the paying agent), unless you provide to the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed:

Special certification rules apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals. The 30% federal withholding tax generally will not apply to any payment of principal or gain that you realize on the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of any of the debt securities.

In addition, you will not be subject to backup withholding and information reporting with respect to the proceeds of the sale of debt securities within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, if the payor receives the certification described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a U.S. person, as defined under the Code, or you otherwise establish an exemption.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Pursuant to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), foreign financial institutions (which include most foreign hedge funds, private equity funds, mutual funds, securitization vehicles and any other investment vehicles) and certain other foreign entities must comply with registration and information reporting rules with respect to their U.S. account holders and investors or be subject to a withholding tax on U.S.-source payments made to them (whether received as a beneficial owner or as an intermediary for another party). A foreign financial institution or other foreign entity that does not comply with the FATCA registration and reporting requirements will generally be subject to a new 30% withholding tax on “withholdable payments.” For this purpose, withholdable payments generally include U.S.-source payments (including U.S. source dividends), and (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations below) the gross proceeds from a sale of equity or debt instruments of issuers who are considered U.S. issuers under the FATCA rules. The FATCA withholding tax applies even if the payment would otherwise not be subject to U.S. nonresident withholding tax (e.g., because it is capital gain). While withholding under FATCA would

We own, directly or indirectly, the stock of several TRSs. A TRS is a fully taxable corporation for which a TRS election is properly made and is required to pay regular U.S. federal income tax, and state and local income tax where applicable, as a non-REIT “C” corporation. In addition, a TRS may be prevented from deducting interest on debt funded directly or indirectly by us if certain tests are not satisfied, as described below in “— Interest Deduction Limitation.”. A TRS may lease hotels from us under certain circumstances, provide services to our tenants, and perform activities unrelated to our tenants, such as third-party management, development, and other independent business activities. A corporation of which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the stock will automatically be treated as a TRS. Overall, no more than 20% (25% with respect to taxable years beginning on or after July 31, 2008 and before January 1, 2018) of the value of our assets may consist of the securities of TRSs.

A TRS may not directly or indirectly operate or manage any hotels or health care facilities or provide rights to any brand name under which any hotel or health care facility is operated. However, rents received by us from a TRS pursuant to a hotel lease will qualify as “rents from real property” as long as the hotel is operated on behalf of the TRS by a person who satisfies the following requirements:

A “qualified lodging facility” is a hotel, motel, or other establishment more than one-half of the dwelling units in which are used on a transient basis, unless wagering activities are conducted at or in connection with such facility by any person who is engaged in the business of accepting wagers and who is legally authorized to engage in such business at or in connection with such facility. A “qualified lodging facility” includes customary amenities and facilities operated as part of, or associated with, the lodging facility as long as such amenities and facilities are customary for other properties of a comparable size and class owned by other unrelated owners.

The TRS rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to us to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. Further, the rules impose a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and us or our tenants that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. We intend that all of our transactions with any TRS that we form will be conducted on an arm’s-length basis, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in this regard.

We have formed and made a timely election with respect to each of our TRSs, which lease each of our properties not owned by a TRS. Additionally, we may form or acquire additional TRSs in the future.

We and/or you may be subject to state and local tax in various states and localities, including those states and localities in which we or you transact business, own property, or reside. The state and local tax treatment in such jurisdictions may differ from the U.S. federal income tax treatment described above. Consequently, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the effect of state and local tax laws upon an investment in our capital stock.

The prospectus supplement for each series of securities we sell will describe that offering, including:

We also may sell the securities in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in connection with a redemption or repayment, by a remarketing firm acting as principal for its own account or as our agent. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities that they remarket.

We may authorize underwriters to solicit offers by institutions to purchase the securities subject to the underwriting agreement from us, at the public offering price stated in the prospectus supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. If we sell securities under these delayed delivery contracts, the prospectus supplement will state that as well as the conditions to which these delayed delivery contracts will be subject and the commissions payable for that solicitation.

We may also sell any of the securities through agents designated by us from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of these securities and will list commissions payable by us to any such agents in the prospectus supplement. These agents will be acting on a best efforts basis to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment, unless we state otherwise in the prospectus supplement.

We may sell any of the securities directly to purchasers. In this case, we will not engage underwriters or agents in the offer and sale of these securities.

We may indemnify underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and agree to contribute to payments which these underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.

The securities offered hereby may be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters that purchase securities from us may make a market in these securities. The underwriters will not be obligated, however, to make a market and may discontinue market-making at any time without notice to holders of the securities. We cannot assure you that there will be liquidity in the trading market for any securities of any series.

The consolidated financial statements and schedule as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in the Registration Statement have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, New York, New York. Certain Maryland law matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Hogan Lovells US LLP. Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP will rely on the opinion of Hogan Lovells US LLP as to all matters of Maryand law. Certain legal tax matters, including our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, will be passed upon for us by O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Certain matters may be passed upon by counsel for the underwriters named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision which eliminates such liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

Our bylaws obligate us, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to any present or former director or officer who is made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or any individual who, while a director or officer of our Company and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, and who is made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described in the preceding sentence and to any employee or agent of our Company or a predecessor of our Company.

The partnership agreement of our operating partnership provides that we, as general partner, and our officers and directors are indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this registration statement on Form S-3:

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints J. Robison Hays, III, Alex Rose and Deric S. Eubanks, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Registration Statement, and any and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.