Service Properties Trust - Annual Report: 2008 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Commission file number 1-115272

Hospitality Properties Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code 617-964-8389

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

         The aggregate market value of the voting shares of the registrant held by non-affiliates was $2.3 billion based on the $24.46 closing price per common share on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2008. For purposes of this calculation, an aggregate of 403,793 common shares of beneficial interest $0.01 par value, held by the trustees and officers of the registrant have been included in the number of shares held by affiliates.

         Number of the registrant's Common Shares outstanding as of February 27, 2009: 93,992,635

         References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the "Company," "HPT," "we," "us" or "our" include Hospitality Properties Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly stated or the context indicates otherwise.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Certain information required in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is to be incorporated herein by reference to our to be filed definitive Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 15, 2009, or our to be filed definitive Proxy Statement.

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WARNING CONCERNING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

        THIS ANNUAL REPORT OF FORM 10-K CONTAINS STATEMENTS WHICH CONSTITUTE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 AND OTHER FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS. WHENEVER WE USE WORDS SUCH AS "BELIEVE", "EXPECT", "ANTICIPATE", "INTEND", "PLAN", "ESTIMATE", OR SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS, WE ARE MAKING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED UPON OUR PRESENT INTENT, BELIEFS OR EXPECTATIONS, BUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO OCCUR AND MAY NOT OCCUR. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS REPORT RELATE TO VARIOUS ASPECTS OF OUR BUSINESS, INCLUDING:

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OUR MANAGERS' OR TENANTS' ABILITY TO PAY RETURNS OR RENT TO US;



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OUR ABILITY TO RAISE DEBT OR EQUITY CAPITAL;



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OUR INTENT TO REFURBISH, REBRAND OR MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO CERTAIN OF OUR PROPERTIES;



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THE FUTURE AVAILABILITY OF BORROWINGS UNDER OUR REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY;



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OUR ABILITY TO PAY INTEREST AND DEBT PRINCIPAL AND MAKE DISTRIBUTIONS;



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OUR POLICIES AND PLANS REGARDING INVESTMENTS AND FINANCINGS;



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OUR TAX STATUS AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, OR REIT;



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OUR ABILITY TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES;



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OUR EXPECTATION THAT WE WILL BENEFIT FINANCIALLY BY PARTICIPATING IN THE INSURANCE COMPANY BEING FORMED AND LICENSED IN THE STATE OF INDIANA WITH REIT MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH LLC, OR RMR, AND COMPANIES TO WHICH RMR PROVIDES MANAGEMENT SERVICES; AND



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OTHER MATTERS.

        THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATMENTS ARE BASED UPON OUR PRESENT INTENT, BELIEFS, OR EXPECTATIONS, BUT FORWARD LOOKING STATMEENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO OCCUR AND MAY NOT OCCUR. ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE CONTAINED IN OR IMPLIED BY OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF VARIOUS FACTORS. FACTORS THAT COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND UPON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS, CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION, CASH FLOWS, LIQUIDITY AND PROSPECTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

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CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY AND THE CAPITAL MARKETS;



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ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITH OUR MANAGING TRUSTEES AND RMR AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES AND CLIENTS;



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CHANGES IN PERSONNEL OR THE LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF QUALIFIED PERSONNEL;



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CHANGES IN FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LEGISLATION, GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS, ACCOUNTING RULES, TAX RATES AND SIMILAR MATTERS;

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LIMITATIONS IMPOSED ON OUR BUSINESS AND OUR ABILITY TO SATISFY COMPLEX RULES IN ORDER FOR US TO QUALIFY AS A REIT FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES;



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COMPLIANCE WITH AND CHANGES TO LAWS AND REGULATIONS AFFECTING THE REAL ESTATE, HOTEL, TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL CENTER INDUSTRIES; AND



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COMPETITION WITHIN THE REAL ESTATE, HOTEL AND TRAVEL CENTER INDUSTRIES GENERALLY AND AMONG REITS.

FOR EXAMPLE:

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IF THE AVAILABILITY OF DEBT CAPITAL REMAINS RESTRICTED OR BECOMES MORE RESTRICTED, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO REFINANCE OR REPAY OUR DEBT OBLIGATIONS WHEN THEY BECOME DUE OR ON TERMS WHICH ARE AS FAVORABLE AS WE NOW HAVE;



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OUR ABILITY TO MAKE FUTURE DISTRIBUTIONS DEPENDS UPON OUR FUTURE EARNINGS. WE MAY BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN OUR CURRENT RATE OF DISTRIBUTIONS AND FUTURE DISTRIBUTIONS MAY BE SUSPENDED OR PAID AT A LESSER RATE THAN THE DISTRIBUTIONS WE NOW PAY;



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HOTEL ROOM DEMAND IS USUALLY A REFLECTION OF THE GENERAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE COUNTRY; AND IF HOTEL ROOM DEMAND BECOMES FURTHER DEPRESSED DURING THE CURRENT U.S. RECESSION, THE OPERATING RESULTS OF OUR HOTELS MAY DECLINE, THE FINANCIAL RESULTS OF OUR MANAGERS AND TENANTS MAY SUFFER AND OUR OPERATORS AND TENANTS MAY BE UNABLE TO PAY OUR RETURNS OR RENTS;



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THE CURRENT U.S. RECESSION MAY CONTINUE FOR LONGER OR BE WORSE THAN WE NOW ANTICIPATE. SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES MAY FURTHER REDUCE THE DEMAND FOR GOODS AND SERVICES OF TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA LLC, OR TA, OUR TRAVEL CENTERS TENANT, AND FURTHER REDUCE TA'S ABILITY TO GENERATE THE CASH FLOWS NECESSARY TO PAY OUR RENTS;



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DEPRESSED HOTEL OPERATING RESULTS MAY RESULT IN A DEMAND ON GUARANTORS OF OUR MINIMUM RETURNS OR RENTS TO PAY SOME OF THE MINIMUM RETURNS DUE TO US AND SUCH GUARANTORS MAY BE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO MEET THEIR OBLIGATIONS;



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THE PRICE WHICH TA MUST PAY TO PURCHASE DIESEL FUEL AND OTHER PRODUCTS WHICH IT SELLS MAY MATERIALLY INCREASE, AND THESE PRICE INCREASES MAY INCREASE TA's WORKING CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS MORE THAN CURRENTLY EXPECTED AND REDUCE TA's ABILITY TO PAY OUR RENTS;



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FUEL CONSERVATION EFFORTS, AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF LIMITED ACTIVITY IN THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY OR A SIGNIFICANT AND PROLONGED DECLINE IN THE IMPORT INTO THE U.S. OF CONSUMER GOODS, MAY EACH AFFECT THE DEMAND FOR TA'S GOODS AND SERVICES AND TA'S ABILITY TO PAY RENTS TO US, INCLUDING DEFERRED AMOUNTS DUE TO US;



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TA MAY BE OR BECOME UNABLE TO PROPERLY MANAGE ITS BUSINESS TO PRODUCE ADEQUATE CASH FLOWS TO PAY ITS OBLIGATIONS;



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PARTICIPATION IN AN INSURANCE BUSINESS INVOLVES POTENTIAL FINANCIAL RISKS AND REWARDS TYPICAL OF ANY START UP BUSINESS VENTURE AS WELL

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AS OTHER FINANCIAL RISKS AND REWARDS SPECIFIC TO INSURANCE COMPANIES. AMONG THE RISKS THAT ARE SPECIFIC TO INSURANCE COMPANIES IS THE RISK THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ADEQUATELY FINANCE CLAIMS WHICH COULD LEAVE OUR COMPANY UNDERINSURED AND INCREASE ITS FUNDING EXPOSURE FOR CLAIMS THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN FUNDED IF INSURANCE WAS PROCURED WITH OTHER MORE ESTABLISHED INSURERS. ACCORDINGLY, OUR EXPECTED FINANCIAL BENEFITS FROM OUR INITIAL OR FUTURE INVESTMENTS IN AN INSURANCE COMPANY MAY BE DELAYED OR MAY NOT OCCUR AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY REQUIRE MORE FUNDS THAN WE EXPECT; AND

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WE MAY BE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY PROPERTIES THAT WE WANT TO ACQUIRE OR TO NEGOTIATE ACCEPTABLE PURCHASE PRICES, ACQUISITION FINANCING TERMS, MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS OR LEASE TERMS FOR NEW PROPERTIES;

        THESE RESULTS COULD OCCUR FOR MANY DIFFERENT REASONS, SOME OF WHICH, SUCH AS NATURAL DISASTERS OR CHANGES IN OUR MANAGERS' OR TENANTS' REVENUES OR COSTS, OR CHANGES IN CAPITAL MARKETS OR THE ECONOMY GENERALLY, ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL.

        OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE IN OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE DESCRIBED MORE FULLY UNDER "ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS."

        FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO OCCUR AND MAY NOT OCCUR.

        YOU SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE UPON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.

        EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WE DO NOT INTEND TO UPDATE OR CHANGE ANY FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.

STATEMENT CONCERNING LIMITED LIABILITY

        OUR AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST, DATED AUGUST 21, 1995, A COPY OF WHICH, TOGETHER WITH ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO, IS DULY FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION OF MARYLAND, PROVIDES THAT THE NAME "HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST" REFERS TO THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE DECLARATION OF TRUST AS SO AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, COLLECTIVELY AS TRUSTEES, BUT NOT INDIVIDUALLY OR PERSONALLY, AND THAT NO TRUSTEE, OFFICER, SHAREHOLDER, EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST SHALL BE HELD TO ANY PERSONAL LIABILITY, JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY, FOR ANY OBLIGATION OF, OR CLAIM AGAINST, HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST. ALL PERSONS DEALING WITH HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST, IN ANY WAY, SHALL LOOK ONLY TO THE ASSETS OF HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY SUM OR THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY OBLIGATION.

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HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST
2008 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

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*

Incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on May 15, 2009, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

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PART I

Item 1.    Business

        The Company.    We are a real estate investment trust, or REIT, formed in 1995 under the laws of the State of Maryland. As of December 31, 2008, we owned 289 hotels with 42,881 rooms or suites, and 185 travel centers. Our properties are located in 44 states in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Our principal place of business is 400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02458, and our telephone number is (617) 964-8389.

        Our principal external growth strategy is to expand our investments in high quality real estate used in hospitality industries and enter leases and management agreements with qualified operators which generate returns to us that exceed our operating and capital costs. Our principal internal growth strategy is to participate through percentage returns and rents in increases in total sales at our properties, and, under some of our hotel management agreements, increases in the operating income of our properties.

        Our investment, financing and disposition policies and business strategies are established by our board of trustees and may be changed by our board of trustees at any time without shareholder approval.

HOTEL PROPERTIES

        As of December 31, 2008, our hotels are operated as Courtyard by Marriott®, Candlewood Suites®, Staybridge Suites®, Residence Inn by Marriott®, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts®, Hyatt Place™, AmeriSuites®, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts®, Marriott Hotels and Resorts®, Radisson® Hotels & Resorts, TownePlace Suites by Marriott®, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson®, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts®, SpringHill Suites by Marriott®, or Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts.

        Courtyard by Marriott® hotels are designed to attract both business and leisure travelers. A typical Courtyard by Marriott® hotel has 80-150 guest rooms. Most Courtyard by Marriott® hotels are situated on well landscaped grounds and typically are built with a courtyard containing a patio, pool and socializing area that may be enclosed depending upon location. These hotels generally have a market offering 24-hour snacks & beverages, a restaurant, lounges, meeting rooms, business services, an exercise room, a guest laundry and a pool. The guest rooms are similar in size and furnishings to guest rooms in full service Marriott® hotels. In addition, many of the same amenities as would be available in full service Marriott® hotels are available in Courtyard by Marriott® hotels, except that restaurants may be open only for breakfast or serve limited menus, room service may not be available and meeting and function rooms are limited in size and number. According to Marriott International, Inc., or Marriott, as of December 2008, 728 Courtyard by Marriott® hotels were open and operating in the United States and internationally. We believe that the Courtyard by Marriott® brand is a leading brand in the upscale, select service segment of the United States hotel industry. We have invested a total of $849 million in 71 Courtyard by Marriott® hotels with a total of 10,281 rooms.

        Candlewood Suites® hotels are mid-priced extended stay hotels which offer studio and one-bedroom suites designed for business and leisure travelers expecting to stay five or more nights. Each Candlewood Suites® suite contains a fully equipped kitchen, a combination living and work area and a sleeping area. The kitchen typically includes a full size microwave, full size refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and coffee maker. The living area generally contains a convertible sofa or recliner, television, combination videocassette and DVD player and compact disc player. The work area includes a large desk and executive chair, free high speed internet access, two phone lines, voice mail and free local calls. Most Candlewood Suites® suites contain a king size bed. Other amenities generally offered at each Candlewood Suites® hotel include a fitness center, free guest laundry facilities and a Candlewood Cupboard® area where guests can purchase light meals, snacks and other refreshments

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24 hours a day. According to InterContinental Hotels Group plc, or InterContintental, the owner of the Candlewood Suites® brand, there were 204 Candlewood Suites® hotels open and operating in the United States as of December 2008. We have invested $589 million in 76 Candlewood Suites® hotels with a total of 9,220 suites.

        Staybridge Suites® hotels generally offer residential style studio, one-bedroom and two bedroom suites for business, governmental, relocations and family travelers. Each suite typically offers a fully equipped kitchen and a work area with an oversized desk, multi-feature telephones, an ergonomically designed chair and high speed internet access. Other amenities usually include free breakfast buffet, evening receptions, an on site convenience store, complimentary guest laundry, fitness center and a 24 hour business center. According to InterContinental, the owner of the Staybridge Suites® brand, there were 150 Staybridge Suites® hotels open and operating in the United States and internationally as of December 2008. We have invested a total of $476 million in 35 Staybridge Suites® hotels with a total of 4,338 suites.

        Residence Inn by Marriott® hotels are designed to attract business, governmental and family travelers who stay several consecutive nights. Residence Inn by Marriott® hotels generally have between 80 and 130 studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites. Most Residence Inn by Marriott® hotels are designed as residential style buildings with landscaped walkways, courtyards and recreational areas. Residence Inn by Marriott® hotels do not have restaurants. All offer complimentary continental breakfast and a complimentary evening hospitality hour. In addition, each suite contains a fully equipped kitchen and many have fireplaces. Most Residence Inn by Marriott® hotels also have daily housekeeping, swimming pools, exercise rooms, business centers, a Sport Court® and a guest laundry. According to Marriott, as of December 2008, 555 Residence Inn by Marriott® hotels were open and operating in the United States, Mexico and Canada. We believe that the Residence Inn by Marriott® brand is a leading brand in the extended stay segment of the United States hotel industry. We have invested a total of $455 million in 37 Residence Inn by Marriott® hotels with a total of 4,695 suites.

        Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts® is InterContinental's upscale brand targeted at the business and leisure guest seeking upscale accommodations at a reasonable price. Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts® have a particular focus on meeting accommodations and related services. Our Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts® contain between 295 and 613 rooms and between 5,000 and 25,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. With its wide variety of premium services and amenities, including fully-appointed guest rooms with ample work space, full complement of business services, concierge services, dining choices, quality fitness facilities and comprehensive meeting capabilities, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts® attempt to exceed guest expectations by providing "the right room, the right technology and the right service". According to InterContinental, there were 187 Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts® open and operating worldwide as of December 2008. We have invested a total of $368 million in 12 Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts® with a total of 4,406 rooms.

        Hyatt Place™ and AmeriSuites® hotels are all suite hotels designed to compete in the all suite segment of the lodging industry. After it acquired the AmeriSuites® brand in 2005, Global Hyatt Corporation, or Hyatt, announced a plan for all qualifying AmeriSuites® hotels to be rebranded to the more upscale Hyatt Place™ brand and renovated to incorporate the new interior and exterior design of the Hyatt Place™ brand. The renovation of our AmeriSuites® hotels began during 2006. As of December 31, 2008, we have completed renovations and rebranded 21 of our former AmeriSuites®hotels. Most renovated Hyatt Place™ hotel rooms include upgraded bedding, a wet bar, granite counters, a sectional sofa, complimentary Wi-Fi internet and a media center with a 42 inch high definition plasma television. Hotel guests can also enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and access to the 24 hour guest kitchen that offers a variety of food selections for purchase. Our one remaining AmeriSuites® hotel is currently being renovated and rebranded and is expected to re-open as a Hyatt Place™ by June 2009. According to Hyatt, there were two AmeriSuites® hotels and 124 Hyatt

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Place™ hotels open and operating in the United States as of December 2008. We have invested $299 million in 22 Hyatt Place™ and AmeriSuites® hotels with a total of 2,725 suites.

        InterContinental Hotels & Resorts® are luxury hotels that blend consistent global standards with the distinctive cultural features associated with their separate locations in an effort to deliver favorable guest experiences. Our InterContinental Hotels & Resorts® contain between 189 and 485 rooms. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts® offer high levels of service for business and leisure guests seeking a luxury hotel experience. Amenities include a wide range of personal and business services in addition to restaurants, cocktail lounges, pools, saunas and health/fitness centers. According to InterContinental, there were 55 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts® hotels open worldwide as of December 2008. We have invested a total of $310 million in five InterContinental Hotels & Resorts® with a total of 1,479 rooms.

        Marriott Hotels and Resorts® are renowned for the consistent quality of their physical appearances and well trained staff. Our Marriott Hotels and Resorts® contain between 356 and 601 rooms. The guest rooms offer luxury linens, a "smart workspace" with an ergonomic chair and multi-feature telephones. Our Marriott Hotels and Resorts® have between 20,000 to 29,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Amenities include a wide range of personal and business services in addition to a choice of restaurants, cocktail lounges, concierge floors, pools, saunas, and health/fitness centers. According to Marriott, there were 348 Marriott Hotels and Resorts® open worldwide as of December 2008. We have invested $117 million in three Marriott Hotels and Resorts® with a total of 1,349 guest rooms.

        Radisson® Hotels & Resorts is a leading full service hotel brand. Our Radisson® Hotels & Resorts hotels contain between 159 and 381 rooms. Amenities and services often include Sleep Number® beds, large desks, free high speed internet access, restaurants, room service and a pre-arrival online check in system. The meeting facilities at our Radisson® Hotels & Resorts generally can accommodate groups of between 10 and 600 people in a flexible meeting room design with audiovisual equipment. Most of our Radisson® Hotels & Resorts hotels also have a lobby lounge, swimming pool, exercise facilities and one or more restaurants. According to Carlson Hotels Worldwide, or Carlson, the owner of the Radisson® Hotels & Resorts brand, there were 407 Radisson® Hotels & Resorts open and operating worldwide as of December 2008. We have invested a total of $116 million in five Radisson® Hotels & Resorts with a total of 1,134 rooms.

        TownePlace Suites by Marriott® are extended stay hotels offering studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites for business and family travelers. TownePlace Suites by Marriott® compete in the mid-priced extended stay segment of the lodging industry. Each suite usually offers a fully equipped kitchen, a bedroom and separate living and work areas. Other amenities offered typically include voice mail, free high speed internet access, guest laundry facilities and a fitness center. According to Marriott, there were 163 TownePlace Suites by Marriott® open worldwide as of December 2008. We have invested $104 million in 12 TownePlace Suites by Marriott® with a total of 1,331 suites.

        Country Inn & Suites by Carlson® is a mid-market priced lodging chain catering to both business and leisure travel. Our Country Inn & Suites by Carlson® hotels contain between 84 and 180 rooms. Amenities and services at these hotels generally include large desks, free breakfast, weekday morning paper and high speed internet access. The meeting facilities at our Country Inn & Suites by Carlson® hotels generally can accommodate groups of between 10 and 200 people in a flexible meeting room design with audiovisual equipment. Most of our Country Inn & Suites by Carlson® hotels also feature a lobby with a fireplace, a swimming pool, exercise facilities, fax and copy service and a restaurant and lounge. According to Carlson, there were 469 Country Inn & Suites by Carlson® open and operating worldwide as of December 2008. We have invested a total of $75 million in five Country Inn & Suites by Carlson® with a total of 753 rooms.

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        Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts® offers business and leisure guests all the services and amenities of a full service hotel in a contemporary style at a reasonable price. Our one Holiday Inn Hotel® and our two Holiday Inn Select® hotels contain between 190 and 264 rooms. Amenities and services generally available at these hotels include a large work desk, phone with voicemail, free high speed internet access, a business center with internet access, copy and fax service, in room coffee or tea service, a refrigerator and designer bath amenities. The meeting facilities at our Holiday Inn Hotels® generally can accommodate groups of between 18 and 280 people in a flexible meeting room design with audiovisual equipment and catering options. These hotels typically also offer a swimming pool, exercise facilities, guest self-service laundry, a lobby lounge and restaurant. According to InterContinental, the owner of the Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts® brand, there were 920 Holiday Inn Hotels® open and operating worldwide as of December 2008. We have invested a total of $36 million in three Holiday Inn Hotels® with a total of 697 rooms.

        SpringHill Suites by Marriott® are all suites hotels designed to attract value conscious business and family travelers. Guest suites can be up to 25% larger than standard hotel rooms. Each suite usually has separate sleeping, living and work areas, a mini-refrigerator, a microwave and coffee service. Other amenities offered include a pull out sofa bed, complimentary hot breakfast buffet, complimentary newspaper, two phone lines, free high speed internet access and voice mail, guest laundry facilities and a fitness center. According to Marriott, there were 207 SpringHill Suites by Marriott® open as of December 2008. We have invested $21 million in two SpringHill Suites by Marriott® with a total of 264 suites.

        Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts is in the mid priced segment of the full service hotel category. Amenities and services available at this hotel include large desks, free high speed internet access, room service and a restaurant. The meeting facilities at our Park Plaza® Hotel & Resort generally can accommodate groups of between 10 and 400 people in a flexible meeting room design with audiovisual equipment. Our Park Plaza® Hotel & Resort hotel also has a lobby lounge, a swimming pool and exercise facilities. According to Carlson, the owner of the Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts brand, there were 35 Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts open and operating as of December 2008. At December 31, 2008, we had invested a total of $12 million in one Park Plaza® Hotel & Resort with a total of 209 rooms.

        The following table is the detail of our hotels as categorized by Smith Travel Research.

TRAVEL CENTER PROPERTIES

        As of December 31, 2008, we owned 185 travel centers; 145 of our travel centers are operated under the TravelCenters of America® or TA® brand names and 40 are operated under the Petro Stopping Centers® brand name.

        Substantially all our travel centers are full service sites located on or near an interstate highway and offer fuel and non-fuel products and services 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The typical travel center generally contains: over 20 acres of land with parking for 170 tractor trailers and 100 cars;

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a full service restaurant and one to three quick service restaurants, which are operated under nationally recognized brands; a truck repair facility and parts store; multiple diesel and gasoline fueling points; a travel and convenience store; and a game room, lounge, private showers and other amenities for professional truck drivers and motorists. In addition, some of our travel centers include a hotel.

        The physical layout of our travel centers varies from property to property. Many of our Travel Centers of America® and TA® properties have one building with separate service areas, while many of our Petro Stopping Centers® branded properties have several separate buildings. As of December 31, 2008, we have invested $1.8 billion in 145 TA® branded properties and $706 million in 40 Petro Stopping Centers® branded properties.

PRINCIPAL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT OR LEASE FEATURES

        As of December 31, 2008, 288 of our hotels are included in one of ten portfolio agreements; 197 hotels are leased to our taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, and managed by independent hotel operating companies, and 92 hotels are leased to third parties. One hotel is not included in a portfolio and is leased to a third party. Our 185 travel centers are leased under two portfolio agreements. The principal features of the management agreements and leases for our 474 properties are as follows:

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Minimum Returns or Minimum Rent.  All of our agreements require our managers or tenants to pay to us fixed minimum returns or minimum rent.



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Additional Returns or Rent.  Most of our agreements require percentage returns or rent based on increases in gross property revenues over threshold amounts. In addition, certain of our hotel management agreements provide for additional returns to us based on increases in hotel operating income.



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Long Terms.  Our management agreements and leases are generally entered for initial terms of 15 years or more. The weighted average term remaining for our agreements (weighted by our investment) is 14.5 years as of December 31, 2008.



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Pooled Agreements.  All but one of our properties is part of a portfolio combination. The manager's or tenant's obligations to us with respect to each property in a combination are subject to cross default with the obligations with respect to all the other properties in the same combination. The smallest combination includes 10 hotels in which we have invested $240 million; the largest portfolio combination includes 145 travel centers in which we have invested $1.8 billion.



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Geographic Diversification.  Each combination of properties is geographically diversified. In addition, our properties are located in the vicinity of major demand generators such as large suburban office parks, airports, medical or educational facilities or major tourist attractions for hotels and interstate highways for travel centers.



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All or None Renewals.  All manager or tenant renewal options for each combination of our properties may only be exercised on an all or none basis and not for separate properties.



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Property Maintenance.  Generally our hotel agreements require the deposit of 5% to 6% of gross hotel revenues into escrows to fund periodic renovations. For recently built or renovated hotels, this requirement may be deferred for the first few years of the agreement. Our travel center leases require the tenants to maintain the leased travel centers, including structural and non-structural components.



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Security Features.  Each management agreement or lease includes various terms intended to secure the payments to us, including some or all of the following: cash security deposits which we receive but do not escrow; subordination of management fees payable to the operator to some or all of our return or rent; and full or limited guarantees from the manager's or tenant's

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parent company. As of December 31, 2008, eight of our 12 combination agreements and our one stand alone property, a total of 350 properties, have minimum returns or minimum rent payable to us which are subject to full or limited guarantees. These properties represent 76% of our total investments, at cost, at December 31, 2008.

        Our lease with a subsidiary of Host Hotels & Resorts Inc., or Host, for 18 Residence Inn hotels has a current expiration date of December 31, 2010. We received notice in November 2008 that our tenant has determined not to renew this agreement. Upon expiration of the agreement, we expect to lease the hotels to one of our TRSs and the hotel brand and management agreement with Marriott is not expected to change.

INVESTMENT AND OPERATING POLICIES

        Generally, we provide capital to owners and operators in hospitality related industries who wish to expand their business or divest their properties while remaining in the hospitality business. Many other public hospitality REITs seek to control the operations of properties in which they invest and generally design their management agreements or leases to capture substantially all net operating income from their hotels' businesses. Our agreements with our operators and tenants are designed with the expectation that, over their terms, net operating income from our properties will exceed minimum amounts due to us. We believe that this difference in operating philosophy may afford us a competitive advantage over other hospitality REITs in finding high quality investment opportunities on attractive terms and increase the dependability of our cash flows used to pay distributions.

        Our first investment in travel centers was structured differently than all our other investments. We acquired an operating travel centers business, reorganized the business to retain substantially all of the real estate and then distributed a tenant operating company to our shareholders. We may in the future make investments in this fashion, but we have no present intention to do so.

        Our investment objectives include increasing cash flow from operations from dependable and diverse sources in order to increase per share distributions. To achieve these objectives, we seek to: maintain a strong capital base of shareholders' equity; invest in high quality properties operated by qualified operating companies; use moderate debt leverage to fund additional investments which increase cash flow from operations because of positive spreads between our cost of investment capital and investment yields; structure investments which generate a minimum return and provide an opportunity to participate in operating growth at our properties; when market conditions permit, refinance debt with additional equity or long term debt; and pursue diversification so that our cash flow from operations comes from diverse properties and operators.

        In order to benefit from potential property appreciation, we prefer to own properties rather than make mortgage investments. We may invest in real estate joint ventures if we conclude that we may benefit from the participation of co-ventures or that the opportunity to participate in the investment is contingent on the use of a joint venture structure. We may invest in participating, convertible or other types of mortgages if we conclude that we may benefit from the cash flow or appreciation in the value of the mortgaged property. Convertible mortgages are similar to equity participation because they permit lenders to either participate in increasing revenues from the property or convert some or all of that mortgage into equity ownership interests. At December 31, 2008, we owned no convertible mortgages or joint venture interests.

        We may not achieve some or all of our investment objectives.

        Because we are a REIT, generally, we may not operate our properties. We or our tenants have entered into arrangements for operation of our properties. As described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, tax law changes known as the REIT Modernization Act, or the RMA, were enacted and became effective January 1, 2001. The RMA, among other things, allows a REIT to lease

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hotels to a TRS if the hotel is managed by a third party. As of December 31, 2008, 197 of our hotels are leased to our TRSs and managed by third parties. Any income realized by a TRS in excess of the rent paid to us by the subsidiary is subject to income tax at customary corporate rates. As, and if, the financial performance of the hotels operated for the account of our TRSs improves, these taxes may become material.

ACQUISITION POLICIES

        We intend to pursue growth through the acquisition of additional properties. Generally, we prefer to purchase multiple properties in one transaction because we believe a single management or lease agreement, cross default covenants and all or none renewal rights for multiple properties in diverse locations enhance the credit characteristics and the security of our investments. In implementing our acquisition strategy, we consider a range of factors relating to proposed property purchases including:

•

Historical and projected cash flows;



•

The competitive market environment and the current or potential market position of each property;



•

The availability of a qualified operator or lessee;



•

The financial strength of the proposed operator or lessee;



•

The amount and type of financial support available from the proposed operator or lessee;



•

The property's design, physical condition and age;



•

The estimated replacement cost and proposed acquisition price of the property;



•

The reputation of the particular management organization, if any, with which the property is or may become affiliated;



•

The level of services and amenities offered at the property;



•

The proposed management agreement or lease terms; and



•

The brand under which the property operates or is expected to operate.

        In determining the competitive position of a property, we examine the proximity and convenience of the property to its expected customer base, the number and characteristics of competitive properties within the property's market area and the existence of barriers to entry within that market, including site availability and zoning restrictions. While we have historically focused on the acquisition of upscale limited service, extended stay and full service hotel properties and, more recently, full service travel centers, we consider acquisitions in all segments of the hospitality industry. An important part of our acquisition strategy is to identify and select, or create, qualified, experienced and financially stable operators.

        Whenever we purchase an individual property or a small number of properties we attempt to arrange for these properties to be added to agreements covering, and operated in combination with, properties we already own.

        We have no policies which specifically limit the percentage of our assets that may be invested in any individual property, in any one type of property, in properties operated by or leased to any one entity or in properties operated by or leased to an affiliated group of entities.

        As stated above, our initial investment in travel center real estate was structured as the acquisition of an entire company, retention of the real estate and the creation of an operating company tenant. In making this type of acquisition, we have generally applied the same analysis described herein to real estate which we retained.

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        We have in the past considered, and may in the future consider, the possibility of entering into mergers or strategic combinations with other companies. A principal goal of any such transaction may be to further diversify our revenue sources and increase our cash flow from operations.

DISPOSITION POLICIES

        In the past, we have occasionally sold a property or exchanged properties which we own for different properties. During 2008, we sold three hotels with a net carrying value of approximately $15.8 million for net proceeds of approximately $16.0 million. Although we may do so, we have no current intention to dispose of any of our other presently owned properties. We currently make decisions to dispose of properties based on factors including but not limited to the following:

•

Potential opportunities to increase revenues and property values by reinvesting sale proceeds;



•

The proposed sale price;



•

The strategic fit of the property with the rest of our portfolio;



•

Our operator's or tenant's desire to cease operation of the property; and



•

The existence of alternative sources, uses or needs for capital.

FINANCING POLICIES

        Although there are no limitations in our organizational documents on the amount of indebtedness we may incur, our $750 million unsecured revolving credit facility and our unsecured term debt and convertible notes indenture and its supplements contain financial covenants which, among other things, restrict our ability to incur indebtedness and require us to maintain certain financial ratios and a minimum net worth. We currently intend to pursue our growth strategies while maintaining debt that is between 45% and 55% of our total capitalization. We may from time to time re-evaluate and modify our financing policies in light of then current economic conditions, relative availability and costs of debt and equity capital, market values of properties, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors; and we may increase or decrease our ratio of debt to total capitalization accordingly.

        Our board of trustees may determine to obtain a replacement for our current credit facility or to seek additional capital through equity offerings, interim or long term debt financings or retention of cash flows in excess of distributions to shareholders, or a combination of these methods. Only one of our properties is encumbered by a mortgage. To the extent that our board of trustees decides to obtain additional debt financing, we may do so on an unsecured basis or a secured basis. We may seek to obtain other lines of credit or to issue securities senior to our common and/or preferred shares, including preferred shares of beneficial interest and debt securities, either of which may be convertible into common shares or be accompanied by warrants to purchase common shares, or to engage in transactions which may involve a sale or other conveyance of hotels to subsidiaries or to unaffiliated entities. We may finance acquisitions through an exchange of properties or through the issuance of additional common shares or other securities. The proceeds from any of our financings may be used to pay distributions, to provide working capital, to refinance existing indebtedness or to finance acquisitions and expansions of existing or new properties.

        Manager.    Our day to day operations are conducted by Reit Management & Research LLC, or RMR. RMR originates and presents investment opportunities to our board of trustees and provides management and administrative services to us. RMR is a Delaware limited liability company that is beneficially owned by Barry M. Portnoy and his son, Adam D. Portnoy, our managing trustees. RMR has a principal place of business at 400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02458; and its telephone number is (617) 332-3990. RMR also acts as the manager of HRPT Properties Trust, or HRP, and to Senior Housing Properties Trust, or SNH, and has other business interests. The directors of RMR are:

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David J. Hegarty, Gerard M. Martin, formerly one of our managing trustees, Adam D. Portnoy and Barry M. Portnoy. The executive officers of RMR are Adam D. Portnoy, President and Chief Executive Officer; Jennifer B. Clark, Executive Vice President and General Counsel; David J. Hegarty, Executive Vice President and Secretary; Mark L. Kleifges, Executive Vice President; John G. Murray, Executive Vice President; Thomas M. O'Brien, Executive Vice President; John C. Popeo, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; David Blackman, Senior Vice President; Ethan S. Bornstein, Senior Vice President; Richard A. Doyle Jr., Senior Vice President; David M. Lepore, Senior Vice President and President of Property Management; Bruce J. Mackey Jr., Senior Vice President; John A. Mannix, Senior Vice President; Francis R. Murphy, Senior Vice President; and Andrew J. Rebholz, Senior Vice President. Messrs. Murray, Kleifges and Bornstein are also our officers. Other officers of RMR also serve as officers of other companies to which RMR provides management or other services.

        Employees.    We have no employees. Services which would otherwise be provided by employees are provided by RMR and by our managing trustees and officers. As of February 28, 2009, RMR had approximately 585 full time employees.

        Competition.    The hotel industry is highly competitive. Generally our hotels are located in areas that include other hotels. Increases in the number of hotels in a particular area could have a material adverse effect on the occupancy and daily room rates at our hotels located in that area. Agreements with the operators of our hotels sometimes restrict the right of each operator and its affiliates for periods of time to own, build, operate, franchise or manage other hotels of the same brand within various specified areas around our hotels. Under these agreements, neither the operators nor their affiliates are usually restricted from operating other brands of hotels in the market areas of any of our hotels, and after such period of time, the operators and their affiliates may also compete with our hotels by opening, managing or franchising additional hotels under the same brand name in direct competition with our hotels.

        The travel center and truck stop industry is fragmented and highly competitive. Fuel and non-fuel products and services can be obtained by long haul truck drivers from a variety of sources, including regional full service travel centers and pumper only truck stop chains, independently owned and operated truck stops and some large gas stations. In addition, some trucking companies operate their own terminals to provide fuel and services to their own trucking fleets.

        We expect to compete for property acquisition and financing opportunities with entities which may have substantially greater financial resources than us, including, without limitation, other REITs, operating companies in the hospitality industry, banks, insurance companies, pension plans and public and private partnerships. These entities may be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks with respect to the creditworthiness of property operators and the extent of leverage used in their capital structure. Such competition may reduce the number of suitable property acquisition or financing opportunities available to us or increase the bargaining power of property owners seeking to sell or finance their properties.

        Environmental Matters.    Under various laws, owners of real estate may be required to investigate and clean up hazardous substances present at their properties, and may be held liable for property damage or personal injuries that result from such hazardous substances. These laws also expose us to the possibility that we may become liable to reimburse the government for damages and costs it incurs in connection with hazardous substances. Our travel centers include fueling areas, truck repair and maintenance facilities and tanks for the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous substances, all of which create a potential for environmental damages. We reviewed environmental surveys and other studies of the properties we own prior to their purchase. Based upon those reviews we do not believe that any of our properties are subject to environmental contamination that is likely to result in material adverse consequences to us. Under the terms of our management agreements and leases, our

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tenants and operators have agreed to indemnify us from all environmental liabilities arising during the term of the agreements. However, no assurances can be given that environmental conditions for which we would be liable are not present at our properties or that costs we incur to remediate contamination will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. Moreover, our tenants and operators may not have sufficient resources to pay environmental liabilities.

        Internet Website.    Our internet website address is www.hptreit.com. Copies of our governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics and the charters of our audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees are posted on our website and also may be obtained free of charge by writing to our Secretary, Hospitality Properties Trust, 400 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458 or at our website. We make available, free of charge, on our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after these forms are filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Any shareholder or other interested party who desires to communicate with our non-management trustees, individually or as a group, may do so by filling out a report on our website. Our board of trustees also provides a process for security holders to send communications to the entire board. Information about the process for sending communications to our board can be found on our website. Our website address is included several times in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a textual reference only and the information in the website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        Segment Information.    As of December 31, 2008, we have two operating segments, hotel real estate investments and travel center real estate investments. See our consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further financial information on our operating segments.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        The following summary of federal income tax considerations is based on existing law, and is limited to investors who own our shares as investment assets rather than as inventory or as property used in a trade or business. The summary does not discuss all of the particular tax consequences that might be relevant to you if you are subject to special rules under federal income tax law, for example if you are:

•

a bank, life insurance company, regulated investment company, or other financial institution;



•

a broker, dealer or trader in securities or foreign currency;



•

a person who has a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;



•

a person who acquires our shares in connection with employment or other performance of services;



•

a person subject to alternative minimum tax;



•

a person who owns our shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, constructive sale transaction, constructive ownership transaction, or conversion transaction; or



•

except as specifically described in the following summary, a tax-exempt entity or a foreign person.

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        The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the IRC, sections that govern federal income tax qualification and treatment of a REIT and its shareholders are complex. This presentation is a summary of applicable IRC provisions, related rules and regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Future legislative, judicial, or administrative actions or decisions could also affect the accuracy of statements made in this summary. We have not received a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with respect to any matter described in this summary, and we cannot assure you that the IRS or a court will agree with the statements made in this summary. The IRS or a court could, for example, take a different position, which could result in significant tax liabilities for applicable parties, from that described in this summary with respect to our acquisitions, operations, restructurings or any other matters described in this summary. In addition, this summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax consequences, and does not discuss any estate, gift, state, local, or foreign tax consequences. For all these reasons, we urge you and any prospective acquiror of our shares to consult with a tax advisor about the federal income tax and other tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares. Our intentions and beliefs described in this summary are based upon our understanding of applicable laws and regulations that are in effect as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If new laws or regulations are enacted which impact us directly or indirectly, we may change our intentions or beliefs.

        Your federal income tax consequences may differ depending on whether or not you are a "U.S. shareholder." For purposes of this summary, a "U.S. shareholder" for federal income tax purposes is:

•

a citizen or resident of the United States, including an alien individual who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States or meets the substantial presence residency test under the federal income tax laws;



•

an entity treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;



•

an estate the income of which is subject to federal income taxation regardless of its source; or



•

a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or an electing trust in existence on August 20, 1996, to the extent provided in Treasury regulations;

whose status as a U.S. shareholder is not overridden by an applicable tax treaty. Conversely, a "non-U.S. shareholder" is a beneficial owner of our shares who is not a U.S. shareholder. If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A beneficial owner that is a partnership and partners in such a partnership should consult their tax advisors about the federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares.

Taxation as a REIT

        We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the IRC, commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 1995. Our REIT election, assuming continuing compliance with the then applicable qualification tests, continues in effect for subsequent taxable years. Although no assurance can be given, we believe that we have been organized and have operated, and will continue to be organized and to operate, in a manner that qualified and will continue to qualify us to be taxed under the IRC as a REIT.

        As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on our net income distributed as dividends to our shareholders. Distributions to our shareholders generally are included in their income as dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Our dividends are not

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generally entitled to the favorable 15% rate on qualified dividend income (scheduled to increase to ordinary income rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010), but a portion of our dividends may be treated as capital gain dividends, all as explained below. No portion of any of our dividends is eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. Distributions in excess of current or accumulated earnings and profits generally are treated for federal income tax purposes as return of capital to the extent of a recipient shareholder's basis in our shares, and will reduce this basis. Our current or accumulated earnings and profits are generally allocated first to distributions made on our preferred shares, and thereafter to distributions made on our common shares. For all these purposes, our distributions include both cash distributions and any in kind distributions of property that we might make, for example, our January 2007 spin off of TA to our common shareholders.

        The conversion formula of our convertible senior notes may be adjusted under a number of circumstances; adjustments may include changes in the type or amount of consideration a holder receives upon conversion. Section 305 of the IRC treats some of these adjustments as constructive distributions, in which case they would be taxable in a similar manner to actual distributions. In general, a holder of our convertible senior notes would be deemed to receive a constructive distribution if the conversion price is adjusted for a taxable distribution to the holders of common shares. Such a holder's adjusted tax basis in the convertible senior notes would be increased by constructive distributions that are taxable as dividends or gain, and would be unaffected by constructive distributions that are nontaxable returns of capital. Conversely, a failure to appropriately adjust the conversion price of our convertible senior notes could result in a constructive distribution to shareholders that hold our common shares, which would be taxable to them in a similar manner as actual distributions. A holder may also receive a constructive distribution if a conversion of its convertible senior notes is accompanied by a change in the conversion formula.

        If a shareholder actually or constructively owns none or a small percentage of our common shares, and such shareholder surrenders its preferred shares to us to be repurchased for cash only, then the repurchase of the preferred shares is likely to qualify for sale or exchange treatment because the repurchase would not be "essentially equivalent to a dividend" as defined by the IRC. More specifically, a cash repurchase of preferred shares will be treated under Section 302 of the IRC as a distribution, and hence taxable as a dividend to the extent of our allocable current or accumulated earnings and profits, as discussed above, unless the repurchase satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the IRC and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the repurchased shares. The repurchase will be treated as a sale or exchange if it (1) is "substantially disproportionate" with respect to the surrendering shareholder's ownership in us, (2) results in a "complete termination" of the surrendering shareholder's common and preferred share interest in us, or (3) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to the surrendering shareholder, all within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the IRC. In determining whether any of these tests have been met, a shareholder must generally take into account our common and preferred shares considered to be owned by such shareholder by reason of constructive ownership rules set forth in the IRC, as well as our common and preferred shares actually owned by such shareholder. In addition, if a repurchase is treated as a distribution under the preceding tests, then a shareholder's tax basis in the repurchased preferred shares will be transferred to the shareholder's remaining shares of our common or preferred shares, if any, and if such shareholder owns no other shares of our common or preferred shares, such basis may be transferred to a related person or may be lost entirely. Because the determination as to whether a shareholder will satisfy any of the tests of Section 302(b) of the IRC depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that the preferred shares are repurchased, we encourage you to consult your own tax advisor to determine your particular tax treatment.

        Our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, has opined that we have been organized and have qualified as a REIT under the IRC for our 1995 through 2008 taxable years, and that our current

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investments and plan of operation enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the IRC. Our continued qualification and taxation as a REIT will depend upon our compliance with various qualification tests imposed under the IRC and summarized below. While we believe that we will satisfy these tests, our counsel has not reviewed and will not review compliance with these tests on a continuing basis. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will be subject to federal income taxation as if we were a C corporation and our shareholders will be taxed like shareholders of C corporations. In this event, we could be subject to significant tax liabilities, and the amount of cash available for distribution to our shareholders may be reduced or eliminated.

        If we qualify as a REIT and meet the tests described below, we generally will not pay federal income tax on amounts we distribute to our shareholders. However, even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to federal tax in the following circumstances:

•

We will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed "real estate investment trust taxable income," including our undistributed net capital gains.



•

If our alternative minimum taxable income exceeds our taxable income, we may be subject to the corporate alternative minimum tax on our items of tax preference.



•

If we have net income from the disposition of "foreclosure property" that is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or from other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax on this income at the highest regular corporate rate, currently 35%.



•

If we have net income from prohibited transactions, including dispositions of inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business other than foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax on this income at a 100% rate.



•

If we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test discussed below, but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT, we will be subject to tax at a 100% rate on the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% or the 95% test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.



•

If we fail to distribute for any calendar year at least the sum of 85% of our REIT ordinary income for that year, 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for that year, and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.



•

If we acquire an asset from a corporation in a transaction in which our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of a present or former C corporation, and if we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of this asset during the ten year period beginning on the date on which the asset ceased to be owned by the C corporation, then we will pay tax at the highest regular corporate tax rate, which is currently 35%, on the lesser of the excess of the fair market value of the asset over the C corporation's basis in the asset on the date the asset ceased to be owned by the C corporation, or the gain we recognize in the disposition.



•

If we acquire a corporation, to preserve our status as a REIT we must generally distribute all of the C corporation earnings and profits inherited in that acquisition, if any, not later than the end of the taxable year of the acquisition. However, if we fail to do so, relief provisions would allow us to maintain our status as a REIT provided we distribute any subsequently discovered C corporation earnings and profits and pay an interest charge in respect of the period of delayed distribution. As discussed below, we have acquired C corporations in connection with our acquisition of real estate. Our investigations of these C corporations indicated that they did not

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have undistributed earnings and profits that we inherited but failed to timely distribute. However, upon review or audit, the IRS may disagree.

•

As summarized below, REITs are permitted within limits to own stock and securities of a "taxable REIT subsidiary." A TRS is separately taxed on its net income as a C corporation, and is subject to limitations on the deductibility of interest expense paid to its REIT parent. In addition, its REIT parent is subject to a 100% tax on the difference between amounts charged and redetermined rents and deductions, including excess interest.



•

If and to the extent we invest in foreign jurisdictions, our income from those properties will generally be subject to tax in those jurisdictions. In 2005, we acquired hotels in Canada and Puerto Rico. Our profits from properties outside the United States will generally be subject to tax in the local jurisdictions. Through structuring and available tax exemptions, we have minimized the Canadian and Puerto Rican income taxes we must pay, but there can be no assurance that these existing structures and exemptions will be available to us in the future to minimize taxes. If we continue to operate as we do, then we will distribute our taxable income to our shareholders each year and we will generally not pay federal income tax. As a result, we cannot recover the cost of foreign income taxes imposed on our foreign investments by claiming foreign tax credits against our federal income tax liability. Also, we cannot pass through to our shareholders any foreign tax credits.

        If we fail to qualify or elect not to qualify as a REIT, we will be subject to federal income tax in the same manner as a C corporation. Distributions to our shareholders if we do not qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us nor will distributions be required under the IRC. In that event, distributions to our shareholders will generally be taxable as ordinary dividends potentially eligible for the 15% income tax rate (scheduled to increase to ordinary income rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010) discussed below in "Taxation of U.S. Shareholders" and, subject to limitations in the IRC, will be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. Also, we will generally be disqualified from qualification as a REIT for the four taxable years following disqualification. If we do not qualify as a REIT for even one year, this could result in reduction or elimination of distributions to our shareholders, or in our incurring substantial indebtedness or liquidating substantial investments in order to pay the resulting corporate-level taxes. The IRC provides certain relief provisions under which we might avoid automatically ceasing to be a REIT for failure to meet certain REIT requirements, all as discussed in more detail below.

REIT Qualification Requirements

        General Requirements.    Section 856(a) of the IRC defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:

(1)

that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;



(2)

the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;



(3)

that would be taxable, but for Sections 856 through 859 of the IRC, as a C corporation;



(4)

that is not a financial institution or an insurance company subject to special provisions of the IRC;



(5)

the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons;



(6)

that is not "closely held" as defined under the personal holding company stock ownership test, as described below; and



(7)

that meets other tests regarding income, assets and distributions, all as described below.

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Section 856(b) of the IRC provides that conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a pro rata part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Section 856(h)(2) of the IRC provides that neither condition (5) nor (6) need be met for our first taxable year as a REIT. We believe that we have met conditions (1) through (7) during each of the requisite periods ending on or before our most recently completed taxable year, and that we can continue to meet these conditions in future taxable years. There can, however, be no assurance in this regard.

        By reason of condition (6), we will fail to qualify as a REIT for a taxable year if at any time during the last half of a year more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares is owned directly or indirectly by five or fewer individuals. To help comply with condition (6), our declaration of trust and bylaws restrict transfers of our shares. In addition, if we comply with applicable Treasury regulations to ascertain the ownership of our shares and do not know, or by exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, that we failed condition (6), then we will be treated as having met condition (6). However, our failure to comply with these regulations for ascertaining ownership may result in a penalty of $25,000, or $50,000 for intentional violations. Accordingly, we intend to comply with these regulations, and to request annually from record holders of significant percentages of our shares information regarding the ownership of our shares. Under our declaration of trust and bylaws, our shareholders are required to respond to these requests for information.

        For purposes of condition (6), REIT shares held by a pension trust are treated as held directly by the pension trust's beneficiaries in proportion to their actuarial interests in the pension trust. Consequently, five or fewer pension trusts could own more than 50% of the interests in an entity without jeopardizing that entity's federal income tax qualification as a REIT. However, as discussed below, if a REIT is a "pension-held REIT," each pension trust owning more than 10% of the REIT's shares by value generally may be taxed on a portion of the dividends it receives from the REIT.

        The IRC provides that we will not automatically fail to be a REIT if we do not meet conditions (1) through (6), provided we can establish reasonable cause for any such failure. Each such excused failure will result in the imposition of a $50,000 penalty instead of REIT disqualification. It is impossible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of this relief provision. This relief provision applies to any failure of the applicable conditions, even if the failure first occurred in a prior taxable year, as long as each of the requirements of the relief provision is satisfied after October 22, 2004.

        Our Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Our Investments through Partnerships.    Except in respect of TRSs as discussed below, Section 856 (i) of the IRC provides that any corporation, 100% of whose stock is held by a REIT, is a qualified REIT subsidiary and shall not be treated as a separate corporation. The assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as the REIT's. We believe that each of our direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, other than the TRSs discussed below, will either be a qualified REIT subsidiary within the meaning of Section 856(i) of the IRC, or a noncorporate entity that for federal income tax purposes is not treated as separate from its owner under regulations issued under Section 7701 of the IRC. Thus, except for the TRSs discussed below, in applying all the federal income tax REIT qualification requirements described in this summary, all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of our direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries are treated as ours.

        We have invested and may invest in real estate through one or more limited or general partnerships or limited liability companies that are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, regulations under the IRC provide that, for purposes of the REIT qualification requirements regarding income and assets discussed below, the REIT is deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership corresponding to the REIT's proportionate capital interest in the partnership and is deemed to be entitled to the income

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of the partnership attributable to this proportionate share. In addition, for these purposes, the character of the assets and gross income of the partnership generally retain the same character in the hands of the REIT. Accordingly, our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, and items of income of each partnership in which we are a partner is treated as ours for purposes of the income tests and asset tests discussed below. In contrast, for purposes of the distribution requirement discussed below, we must take into account as a partner our share of the partnership's income as determined under the general federal income tax rules governing partners and partnerships under Sections 701 through 777 of the IRC.

        Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.    We are permitted to own any or all of the securities of a "taxable REIT subsidiary" as defined in Section 856(l) of the IRC, provided that no more than 25% of our assets, at the close of each quarter, is comprised of our investments in the stock or securities of our TRSs. (For our 2001 through 2008 taxable years, no more than 20% of our assets, at the close of each quarter, was permitted to be comprised of our investments in the stock or securities of our TRSs; before the introduction of TRSs in 2001, our ability to own separately taxable corporate subsidiaries was more limited.) Among other requirements, a TRS must:

(1)

be a non-REIT corporation for federal income tax purposes in which we directly or indirectly own shares;



(2)

join with us in making a TRS election;



(3)

not directly or indirectly operate or manage a lodging facility or a health care facility; and



(4)

not directly or indirectly provide to any person, under a franchise, license, or otherwise, rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated, except that in limited circumstances a subfranchise, sublicense or similar right can be granted to an independent contractor to operate or manage a lodging facility or, after our 2008 taxable year, a health care facility.

        In addition, a corporation other than a REIT in which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value will automatically be treated as a TRS. Subject to the discussion below, we believe that we and each of our TRSs have complied with, and will continue to comply with, the requirements for TRS status at all times during which we intend for a subsidiary's TRS election to be in effect, and we believe that the same will be true for any TRS that we later form or acquire.

        Our ownership of stock and securities in TRSs is exempt from the 10% and 5% REIT asset tests discussed below. Also, as discussed below, TRSs can perform services for our tenants without disqualifying the rents we receive from those tenants under the 75% or 95% gross income tests discussed below. Moreover, because TRSs are taxed as C corporations that are separate from us, their assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit are not generally imputed to us for purposes of the REIT qualification requirements described in this summary. Therefore, TRSs can generally undertake third-party management and development activities and activities not related to real estate. Finally, while a REIT is generally limited in its ability to earn qualifying rental income from a TRS, a REIT can earn qualifying rental income from the lease of a qualified lodging facility to a TRS if an eligible independent contractor operates the facility, as discussed more fully below.

        Restrictions are imposed on TRSs to ensure that they will be subject to an appropriate level of federal income taxation. For example, a TRS may not deduct interest paid in any year to an affiliated REIT to the extent that the interest payments exceed, generally, 50% of the TRS's adjusted taxable income for that year. However, the TRS may carry forward the disallowed interest expense to a succeeding year, and deduct the interest in that later year subject to that year's 50% adjusted taxable income limitation. In addition, if a TRS pays interest, rent, or other amounts to its affiliated REIT in an amount that exceeds what an unrelated third party would have paid in an arm's length transaction, then the REIT generally will be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of the excessive portion of the

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payment. Finally, if in comparison to an arm's length transaction, a tenant has overpaid rent to the REIT in exchange for underpaying the TRS for services rendered, then the REIT may be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of the overpayment. There can be no assurance that arrangements involving our TRSs will not result in the imposition of one or more of these deduction limitations or excise taxes, but we do not believe that we are or will be subject to these impositions.

        Income Tests.    There are two gross income requirements for qualification as a REIT under the IRC:

•

At least 75% of our gross income (excluding: (a) gross income from sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale; (b) any income arising from "clearly identified" hedging transactions that we enter into after July 30, 2008 to manage interest rate or price fluctuations with respect to borrowings we incur to acquire or carry real estate assets; (c) any income arising from "clearly identified" hedging transactions that we enter into after July 30, 2008 primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations relating to any item that qualifies under the 75% or 95% gross income tests; and (d) real estate foreign exchange gain (as defined in Section 856(n)(2) of the IRC) that we recognize after July 30, 2008) must be derived from investments relating to real property, including "rents from real property" as defined under Section 856 of the IRC, interest and gain from mortgages on real property, income and gain from foreclosure property, or dividends and gain from shares in other REITs. When we receive new capital in exchange for our shares or in a public offering of five-year or longer debt instruments, income attributable to the temporary investment of this new capital in stock or a debt instrument, if received or accrued within one year of our receipt of the new capital, is generally also qualifying income under the 75% gross income test.



•

At least 95% of our gross income (excluding: (a) gross income from sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale; (b) any income arising from "clearly identified" hedging transactions that we enter into after December 31, 2004 to manage interest rate or price fluctuations with respect to borrowings we incur to acquire or carry real estate assets; (c) any income arising from "clearly identified" hedging transactions that we enter into after July 30, 2008 primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations relating to any item that qualifies under the 75% or 95% gross income tests; and (d) passive foreign exchange gain (as defined in Section 856(n)(3) of the IRC) that we recognize after July 30, 2008) must be derived from a combination of items of real property income that satisfy the 75% gross income test described above, dividends, interest, gains from the sale or disposition of stock, securities, or real property or, for financial instruments entered into during our 2004 or earlier taxable years, certain payments under interest rate swap or cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments.

For purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests outlined above, income derived from a "shared appreciation provision" in a mortgage loan is generally treated as gain recognized on the sale of the property to which it relates. Although we will use our best efforts to ensure that the income generated by our investments will be of a type that satisfies both the 75% and 95% gross income tests, there can be no assurance in this regard.

        In order to qualify as "rents from real property" under Section 856 of the IRC, several requirements must be met:

•

The amount of rent received generally must not be based on the income or profits of any person, but may be based on receipts or sales.



•

Rents do not qualify if the REIT owns 10% or more by vote or value of the tenant, whether directly or after application of attribution rules. While we intend not to lease property to any party if rents from that property would not qualify as rents from real property, application of the

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10% ownership rule is dependent upon complex attribution rules and circumstances that may be beyond our control. For example, an unaffiliated third party's ownership directly or by attribution of 10% or more by value of our shares, as well as an ownership position in the stock of one of our tenants which, when added to our own ownership position in that tenant, totals 10% or more by vote or value of the stock of that tenant, would result in that tenant's rents not qualifying as rents from real property; in this regard, we already own close to, but less than, 10% of the outstanding common shares of TA, and TA has undertaken to limit its redemptions and repurchases of outstanding common shares so that we do not come to own 10% or more of its outstanding common shares. Our declaration of trust and bylaws disallow transfers or purported acquisitions, directly or by attribution, of our shares to the extent necessary to maintain our REIT status under the IRC. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that these provisions in our declaration of trust and bylaws will be effective to prevent our REIT status from being jeopardized under the 10% affiliated tenant rule. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to monitor and enforce these restrictions, nor will our shareholders necessarily be aware of ownership of shares attributed to them under the IRC's attribution rules.

•

There is a limited exception to the above prohibition on earning "rents from real property" from a 10% affiliated tenant, if the tenant is a TRS. If at least 90% of the leased space of a property is leased to tenants other than TRSs and 10% affiliated tenants, and if the TRS's rent for space at that property is substantially comparable to the rents paid by nonaffiliated tenants for comparable space at the property, then otherwise qualifying rents paid by the TRS to the REIT will not be disqualified on account of the rule prohibiting 10% affiliated tenants.



•

There is an additional exception to the above prohibition on earning "rents from real property" from a 10% affiliated tenant. For this additional exception to apply, a real property interest in a "qualified lodging facility" must be leased by the REIT to its TRS, and the facility must be operated on behalf of the TRS by a person who is an "eligible independent contractor," all as described in Section 856(d)(8)-(9) of the IRC. As described below, we believe our leases with our TRSs have satisfied and will continue to satisfy these requirements.



•

In order for rents to qualify, we generally must not manage the property or furnish or render services to the tenants of the property, except through an independent contractor from whom we derive no income or, for our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, through one of our TRSs. There is an exception to this rule permitting a REIT to perform customary tenant services of the sort that a tax-exempt organization could perform without being considered in receipt of "unrelated business taxable income" as defined in Section 512(b)(3) of the IRC. In addition, a de minimis amount of noncustomary services will not disqualify income as "rents from real property" so long as the value of the impermissible services does not exceed 1% of the gross income from the property.



•

If rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property is 15% or less of the total rent received under the lease, then the rent attributable to personal property will qualify as "rents from real property" if this 15% threshold is exceeded, the rent attributable to personal property will not so qualify. For our taxable years through December 31, 2000, the portion of rental income treated as attributable to personal property was determined according to the ratio of the tax basis of the personal property to the total tax basis of the real and personal property that is rented. For our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, the ratio is determined by reference to fair market values rather than tax bases.

We believe that all or substantially all our rents have qualified and will qualify as rents from real property for purposes of Section 856 of the IRC, subject to the considerations in the following paragraph.

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        We have received opinions from our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, that (i) our underground storage tanks should constitute real estate assets, rather than personal property, for purposes of the various REIT qualification tests described in this summary, and (ii) with respect to each of our leases with TA, although the matter is not free from doubt, for purposes of applying the 15% incidental personal property test above, regarding rent attributable to incidental personal property leased in connection with real property, the test will be applied in the aggregate to all the travel center sites leased under each such lease on a lease by lease basis, rather than on a site by site basis. If the IRS or a court determines that one or both of these opinions is incorrect, then a portion of the rental income we receive from TA could be nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, possibly jeopardizing our compliance with the 95% gross income test. Under those circumstances, however, we expect we would qualify for the gross income tests' relief provision described below, and thereby preserve our qualification as a REIT. If the relief provision below were to apply to us, we would be subject to tax at a 100% rate on the amount by which we failed the 95% gross income test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability for the taxable year; however, in a typical taxable year, we have little or no nonqualifying income from other sources and thus would expect to owe little tax in such circumstances.

        In order to qualify as mortgage interest on real property for purposes of the 75% test, interest must derive from a mortgage loan secured by real property with a fair market value, at the time the loan is made, at least equal to the amount of the loan. If the amount of the loan exceeds the fair market value of the real property, the interest will be treated as interest on a mortgage loan in a ratio equal to the ratio of the fair market value of the real property to the total amount of the mortgage loan.

        Amounts payable to us under agreements relating to the Canadian hotels we acquired in 2005 may be determined by reference to revenue and expenditure items denominated in Canadian dollars. Real estate foreign exchange gains recognized after July 30, 2008 are not considered in the 75% and 95% gross income tests summarized above. For exchange gains recognized prior to July 31, 2008, there was a lack of precise authority. However, because amounts paid to us, as opposed to our TRS, under these Canadian hotel agreements are denominated in U.S. dollars and determined by reference to more than just exchange rates, we believe that we did not have material amounts of exchange gains in respect of our Canadian investments from 2005 through July 30, 2008.

        Our January 31, 2007 spin off of TA was treated for federal income tax purposes as though we disposed of each of the individual assets of TA and its principal subsidiaries in a taxable transaction in which individual asset gains, but not losses, were recognized. The amount realized on each asset in this taxable disposition was equal to the fair market value of that asset at the time of the spin off, and our tax basis in the asset was the carryover tax basis inherited from TravelCenters. For these purposes, the assets and liabilities of any TRSs are ignored, and instead the stock in the TRS is treated like any other individual asset being distributed. Even though some of the gains we recognized on the distributed assets were not qualifying gross income under the 75% and 95% gross income tests of Section 856(c) of the IRC, we do not believe the recognized gains from the distribution materially affected our ability to comply with these tests. Although our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, is unable to opine on factual matters such as the fair market value of the distributed assets at the time of the spin off, Sullivan & Worcester LLP has opined that it is more likely than not that we have been reasonable in our approach to valuations and gain computations (including valuation methodology) in connection with the spin off of TA and thus that, even if our computations should be successfully challenged so as to result in our failing the 95% gross income test, we would more likely than not qualify for the gross income tests' relief provision described below and thereby preserve our qualification as a REIT. If the relief provision below were to apply to us, we would be subject to tax at a 100% rate on the amount by which we failed the 95% gross income test, with adjustments, multiplied

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by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability for the taxable year; but we would expect to owe little tax in such circumstances.

        Absent the "foreclosure property" rules of Section 856(e) of the IRC, a REIT's receipt of business operating income from a property would not qualify under the 75% and 95% gross income tests. But as foreclosure property, gross income from such a business operation would so qualify. In the case of property leased by a REIT to a tenant, foreclosure property is defined under applicable Treasury regulations to include generally the real property and incidental personal property that the REIT reduces to possession upon a default or imminent default under the lease by the tenant, and as to which a foreclosure property election is made by attaching an appropriate statement to the REIT's federal income tax return.

        Any gain that a REIT recognizes on the sale of foreclosure property, plus any income it receives from foreclosure property that would not qualify under the 75% gross income test in the absence of foreclosure property treatment, reduced by expenses directly connected with the production of those items of income, would be subject to income tax at the maximum corporate rate, currently 35%, under the foreclosure property income tax rules of Section 857(b)(4) of the IRC. Thus, if a REIT should lease foreclosure property in exchange for rent that qualifies as "rents from real property" as described above, then that rental income is not subject to the foreclosure property income tax.

        Other than sales of foreclosure property, any gain we realize on the sale of property held as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a penalty tax at a 100% rate. This prohibited transaction income also may adversely affect our ability to satisfy the 75% and 95% gross income tests for federal income tax qualification as a REIT. We cannot provide assurances as to whether or not the IRS might successfully assert that one or more of our dispositions is subject to the 100% penalty tax. However, we believe that dispositions of assets that we have made or that we might make in the future will not be subject to the 100% penalty tax, because we intend to:

•

own our assets for investment with a view to long-term income production and capital appreciation;



•

engage in the business of developing, owning and managing our existing properties and acquiring, developing, owning and managing new properties; and



•

make occasional dispositions of our assets consistent with our long-term investment objectives.

        If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or the 95% gross income tests in any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for that year if we satisfy the following requirements after October 22, 2004:

•

our failure to meet the test is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and



•

after we identify the failure, we file a schedule describing each item of our gross income included in the 75% or 95% gross income tests for that taxable year.

It is impossible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of this relief provision for the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Even if this relief provision does apply, a 100% tax is imposed upon the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% test or the 95% test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability. This relief provision applies to any failure of the applicable income tests, even if the failure first occurred in a prior taxable year, as long as each of the requirements of the relief provision is satisfied after October 22, 2004.

        Under prior law, if we failed to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests, we nevertheless would have qualified as a REIT for that year if: our failure to meet the test was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect; we reported the nature and amount of each item of

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our income included in the 75% or 95% gross income tests for that taxable year on a schedule attached to our tax return; and any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. For our 2004 and prior taxable years, we attached a schedule of gross income to our federal income tax returns, but it is impossible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of this prior relief provision for the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Even if this relief provision did apply, a 100% tax is imposed upon the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% test or the 95% test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

        Asset Tests.    At the close of each quarter of each taxable year, we must also satisfy the following asset percentage tests in order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes:

•

At least 75% of our total assets must consist of real estate assets, cash and cash items, shares in other REITs, government securities, and temporary investments of new capital (that is, stock or debt instruments purchased with proceeds of a stock offering or a public offering of our debt with a term of at least five years, but only for the one-year period commencing with our receipt of the offering proceeds).



•

Not more than 25% of our total assets may be represented by securities other than those securities that count favorably toward the preceding 75% asset test.



•

Of the investments included in the preceding 25% asset class, the value of any one non-REIT issuer's securities that we own may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of any one non-REIT issuer's outstanding voting securities. For our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, we may not own more than 10% of the vote or value of any one non-REIT issuer's outstanding securities, unless that issuer is our TRS or the securities are "straight debt" securities or otherwise excepted as discussed below.



•

For our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, our stock and securities in a TRS are exempted from the preceding 10% and 5% asset tests. However, no more than 25% (for our 2001 through 2008 taxable years, 20%) of our total assets may be represented by stock or securities of TRSs.

        When a failure to satisfy the above asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter.

        In addition, if we fail the 5% value test or the 10% vote or value tests at the close of any quarter and do not cure such failure within 30 days after the close of that quarter, that failure will nevertheless be excused if (a) the failure is de minimis and (b) within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which we identify the failure, we either dispose of the assets causing the failure or otherwise satisfy the 5% value and 10% vote and value asset tests. For purposes of this relief provision, the failure will be "de minimis" if the value of the assets causing the failure does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the relevant quarter or (b) $10,000,000. If our failure is not de minimis, or if any of the other REIT asset tests have been violated, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT if (a) we provide the IRS with a description of each asset causing the failure, (b) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, (c) we pay a tax equal to the greater of (i) $50,000 or (ii) the highest rate of corporate tax imposed (currently 35%) on the net income generated by the assets causing the failure during the period of the failure, and (d) within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which we identify the failure, we either dispose of the assets causing the failure or otherwise satisfy all of the REIT asset tests. These relief provisions apply to any failure of the applicable asset tests, even if the failure first occurred in a prior taxable year, as long as each of the requirements of the relief provision is satisfied after October 22, 2004.

        The IRC also provides, for our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, an excepted securities safe harbor to the 10% value test that includes among other items (a) "straight debt" securities, (b) certain rental agreements in which payment is to be made in subsequent years, (c) any obligation to pay rents from

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real property, (d) securities issued by governmental entities that are not dependent in whole or in part on the profits of or payments from a nongovernmental entity, and (e) any security issued by another REIT.

        We intend to maintain records of the value of our assets to document our compliance with the above asset tests, and to take actions as may be required to cure any failure to satisfy the tests within 30 days after the close of any quarter.

        Our Relationship with TA.    On January 31, 2007, we spun off all the then outstanding TA common shares. Under the transaction agreement that governed the spin off, TA will generally be responsible for the tax filings and liabilities, including federal income tax filings and liabilities, of TravelCenters and its subsidiaries for the periods ending on or before the distribution date. Because TA and its principal subsidiaries were entities which were not regarded as separate from us for tax purposes prior to the spin off, TA and these subsidiaries immediately after the spin off were (and expected thereafter to remain) tenants in whom we have at all times during each taxable year an actual and constructive ownership interest of less than 10% by vote and by value. On August 11, 2008, we entered into a rent deferral agreement with TA under which TA has the option to defer certain monthly rent payments from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. In exchange, TA issued shares to us then equal to 9.6% of its outstanding shares (9.3% as of December 31, 2008), determined after this new issuance. In the event TA chooses not to defer the full permitted amount of its monthly rent payments, the pro rata amount of TA shares issued to us may be repurchased by TA for nominal consideration. Our lease with TA, TA's limited liability company operating agreement, the transaction agreement governing the spin off, and the rent deferral agreement collectively contain restrictions upon the ownership of TA common shares and require TA to refrain from taking any actions that may result in any affiliation with us that would jeopardize our qualification as a REIT under the IRC. Accordingly, subject to the personal property considerations discussed above and commencing with the January 31, 2007 spin off, we expect that the rental income we receive from TA and its subsidiaries will be "rents from real property" under Section 856(d) of the IRC, and therefore qualifying income under the 75% and 95% gross income tests described above.

        Our Relationship with Our Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.    We currently own hotels that we purchased to be leased to our TRSs or which are being leased to our TRSs as a result of modifications to a prior lease that were agreed to among us, the former tenant and the manager. We may from time to time in the future lease additional hotels that we acquire in this manner.

        In connection with lease defaults, we terminated occupancy of some of our hotels by defaulting tenants and immediately leased these hotels to our TRSs and entered into new third party management agreements for these hotels. We may in the future employ similar arrangements if we again face lease or occupancy terminations.

        In transactions involving our TRSs, our intent is that the rents paid to us by the TRS qualify as "rents from real property" under the REIT gross income tests summarized above. In order for this to be the case, the manager engaged by the applicable TRS must be an "eligible independent contractor" within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(A) of the IRC, and the hotels leased to the TRS must be "qualified lodging facilities" within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the IRC. Qualified lodging facilities are defined as hotels, motels, or other establishments where more than half of the dwelling units are used on a transient basis, provided that legally authorized wagering or gambling activities are not conducted at or in connection with such facilities. Also included in the definition are the qualified lodging facility's customary amenities and facilities.

        For these purposes, a contractor qualifies as an "eligible independent contractor" if it is less than 35% affiliated with the REIT and, at the time the contractor enters into the agreement with the TRS to operate the qualified lodging facility, that contractor or any person related to that contractor is actively engaged in the trade or business of operating qualified lodging facilities for persons unrelated

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to the TRS or its affiliated REIT. For these purposes, an otherwise eligible independent contractor is not disqualified from that status on account of the TRS bearing the expenses of the operation of the qualified lodging facility, the TRS receiving the revenues from the operation of the qualified lodging facility, net of expenses for that operation and fees payable to the eligible independent contractor, or the REIT receiving income from the eligible independent contractor pursuant to a preexisting or otherwise grandfathered lease of another property.

        As explained above, we will be subject to a 100% tax if the IRS successfully asserts that the rents paid by our TRS to us exceed an arm's length rental rate. Although there is no clear precedent to distinguish for federal income tax purposes among leases, management contracts, partnerships, financings, and other contractual arrangements, we believe that our leases and our TRSs' management agreements will be respected for purposes of the requirements of the IRC discussed above. Accordingly, we expect that the rental income from our current and future TRSs will qualify as "rents from real property," and that the 100% tax on excessive rents from a TRS will not apply.

        Annual Distribution Requirements.    In order to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the IRC, we are required to make annual distributions other than capital gain dividends to our shareholders in an amount at least equal to the excess of:

(A)

the sum of 90% of our "real estate investment trust taxable income," as defined in Section 857 of the IRC, computed by excluding any net capital gain and before taking into account any dividends paid deduction for which we are eligible, and 90% of our net income after tax, if any, from property received in foreclosure, over



(B)

the sum of our qualifying noncash income, e.g., imputed rental income or income from transactions inadvertently failing to qualify as like-kind exchanges.

The distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for the earlier taxable year and if paid on or before the first regular distribution payment after that declaration. If a dividend is declared in October, November, or December to shareholders of record during one of those months, and is paid during the following January, then for federal income tax purposes the dividend will be treated as having been both paid and received on December 31 of the prior taxable year. A distribution which is not pro rata within a class of our beneficial interests entitled to a distribution, or which is not consistent with the rights to distributions among our classes of beneficial interests, is a preferential distribution that is not taken into consideration for purposes of the distribution requirements, and accordingly the payment of a preferential distribution could affect our ability to meet the distribution requirements. Taking into account our distribution policies, including the dividend reinvestment plan we have adopted, we expect that we will not make any preferential distributions. The distribution requirements may be waived by the IRS if a REIT establishes that it failed to meet them by reason of distributions previously made to meet the requirements of the 4% excise tax discussed below. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain and all of our real estate investment trust taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax on undistributed amounts.

        In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax to the extent we fail within a calendar year to make required distributions to our shareholders of 85% of our ordinary income and 95% of our capital gain net income plus the excess, if any, of the "grossed up required distribution" for the preceding calendar year over the amount treated as distributed for that preceding calendar year. For this purpose, the term "grossed up required distribution" for any calendar year is the sum of our taxable income for the calendar year without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and all amounts from earlier years that are not treated as having been distributed under the provision. We will be treated as having sufficient earnings and profits to treat as a dividend any distribution by us up to the amount required to be distributed in order to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax.

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        If we do not have enough cash or other liquid assets to meet the 90% distribution requirements, we may find it necessary and desirable to arrange for new debt or equity financing to provide funds for required distributions in order to maintain our REIT status. We can provide no assurance that financing would be available for these purposes on favorable terms.

        We may be able to rectify a failure to pay sufficient dividends for any year by paying "deficiency dividends" to shareholders in a later year. These deficiency dividends may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year, but an interest charge would be imposed upon us for the delay in distribution.

        In addition to the other distribution requirements above, to preserve our status as a REIT we are required to timely distribute C corporation earnings and profits that we inherit from acquired corporations.

Acquisition of C Corporations

        In 2005 we purchased a hotel in Puerto Rico. In order to acquire the Puerto Rican hotel, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of a C corporation that owned that hotel as its primary asset. Upon our acquisition, the acquired C corporation became our qualified REIT subsidiary under Section 856(i) of the IRC. Thus, after the acquisition, all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the acquired corporation are treated as ours for purposes of the various REIT qualification tests described above. In our acquisitions of the stock of C corporations, we are generally treated as the successor to the acquired corporation's federal income tax attributes, such as its adjusted tax bases in its assets and its C corporation earnings and profits. However, because we made an election under Section 338(g) of the IRC in respect of this acquired Puerto Rican corporation, we did not succeed to its earnings and profits, nor do we have any built-in gain in this former C corporation's assets.

        On January 31, 2007, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of TravelCenters, a C corporation. At the time of that acquisition, this C corporation directly or indirectly owned all of the outstanding equity interests in various corporate and noncorporate subsidiaries. Upon our acquisition, the acquired entities generally became either our qualified REIT subsidiaries under Section 856(i) of the IRC or disregarded entities under Treasury regulations issued under Section 7701 of the IRC. Thus, after the acquisition, all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of these acquired entities have been treated as ours for purposes of the various REIT qualification tests described above. In addition, we generally were treated as the successor to these acquired subsidiaries' federal income tax attributes, such as these entities' adjusted tax bases in their assets and their depreciation schedules; we were also treated as the successor to these acquired corporate subsidiaries' earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes, if any.

        Upon completing the acquisition, we effected a restructuring of the travel center business so as to divide it between us and TA, and we then spun off TA on January 31, 2007.

        Built-in Gains from C Corporations.    As described above, notwithstanding our qualification and taxation as a REIT, we may still be subject to corporate taxation in particular circumstances. Specifically, if we acquire an asset from a corporation in a transaction in which our adjusted tax basis in the asset is determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of that asset in the hands of a present or former C corporation, and if we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of that asset during the ten year period beginning on the date on which the asset ceased to be owned by the C corporation, then we will generally pay tax at the highest regular corporate tax rate, currently 35%, on the lesser of (1) the excess, if any, of the asset's fair market value over its adjusted tax basis, each determined as of the time the asset ceased to be owned by the C corporation, or (2) our gain recognized in the disposition. Accordingly, any taxable disposition of an asset so acquired during the applicable ten-year period could be subject to tax under these rules. However, except as described below, we have not

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disposed, and have no present plan or intent to dispose, of any material assets acquired in such transactions.

        In the case of assets acquired in the January 31, 2007 acquisition, any built-in gain subject to tax may generally be reduced by certain net operating loss carryforwards that we inherited. Other than the assets we distributed in the spin off of TA as described above, we have not disposed of, and have no present plan or intent to dispose of, any other assets acquired in the January 31, 2007 acquisition. Although Sullivan & Worcester LLP is unable to render an opinion on factual determinations such as assets' fair market value, we reported only modest taxable gains from the spin off of TA, and net operating loss carryforwards were available to us so as to eliminate any applicable tax on such recognized gains.

        To the extent of our gains in a taxable year that are subject to the built in gains tax described above, net of any taxes paid on such gains with respect to that taxable year, our taxable dividends paid to you in the following year will be eligible for treatment as qualified dividends that are taxed to our noncorporate shareholders at the maximum capital gain rate of 15% (scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010).

        Earnings and Profits.    A REIT may not have any undistributed C corporation earnings and profits at the end of any taxable year. Upon the closing of the January 31, 2007 transaction, we succeeded to the undistributed earnings and profits, if any, of the acquired corporate entities. Thus, we needed to distribute any such earnings and profits no later than the end of the applicable tax year. If we failed to do so, we would not qualify to be taxed as a REIT for that year and a number of years thereafter, unless we are able to rely on the relief provision described below.

        Although Sullivan & Worcester LLP is unable to render an opinion on factual determinations such as the amount of undistributed earnings and profits, we retained accountants to compute the amount of undistributed earnings and profits that we inherited in the January 31, 2007 transaction. Based on these calculations, we believe that we did not inherit any undistributed earnings and profits that remained undistributed at the end of the applicable tax year. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS would not, upon subsequent examination, propose adjustments to our calculation of the undistributed earnings and profits that we inherited, including adjustments that might be deemed necessary by the IRS as a result of its examination of the companies we acquired. In any such examination, the IRS might consider all taxable years of the acquired subsidiaries as open for review for purposes of its proposed adjustments. If it is subsequently determined that we had undistributed earnings and profits as of the end of the applicable tax year, we may be eligible for a relief provision similar to the "deficiency dividends" procedure described above. To utilize this relief provision, we would have to pay an interest charge for the delay in distributing the undistributed earnings and profits; in addition, we would be required to distribute to our shareholders, in addition to our other REIT distribution requirements, the amount of the undistributed earnings and profits less the interest charge paid.

Acquisition of Partnership

        In 2007, we acquired all of the limited partnership interests and the general partnership interest of a partnership as well as certain of the partnership's noncorporate subsidiary entities. Pursuant to Treasury regulations issued under Section 7701 of the IRC, each of these acquired entities was either a partnership or disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes, and thus upon our acquisition these entities became disregarded entities of ours. Accordingly, after this 2007 acquisition, all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of these acquired entities have been treated as ours for purposes of the various REIT qualification tests described above. Our initial tax basis in the acquired assets is our cost for acquiring them, and we believe that we did not succeed to any C corporation earnings and profits in this acquisition.

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Depreciation and Federal Income Tax Treatment of Leases

        Our initial tax bases in our assets will generally be our acquisition cost. We will generally depreciate our real property on a straight-line basis over 40 years and our personal property over the applicable shorter periods. These depreciation schedules may vary for properties that we acquire through tax-free or carryover basis acquisitions.

        We are entitled to depreciation deductions from our facilities only if we are treated for federal income tax purposes as the owner of the facilities. This means that the leases of the facilities must be classified for federal income tax purposes as true leases, rather than as sales or financing arrangements, and we believe this to be the case. In the case of sale-leaseback arrangements, the IRS could assert that we realized prepaid rental income in the year of purchase to the extent that the value of a leased property, at the time of purchase, exceeded the purchase price for that property. While we believe that the value of leased property at the time of purchase did not exceed purchase prices, because of the lack of clear precedent we cannot provide assurances as to whether the IRS might successfully assert the existence of prepaid rental income in any of our sale-leaseback transactions.

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

        The maximum individual federal income tax rate for long-term capital gains is generally 15% (scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010) and for most corporate dividends is generally also 15% (scheduled to increase to ordinary income rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010). However, because we are not generally subject to federal income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income or capital gains distributed to our shareholders, dividends on our shares generally are not eligible for such 15% tax rate on dividends while that rate is in effect. As a result, our ordinary dividends continue to be taxed at the higher federal income tax rates applicable to ordinary income. However, the favorable federal income tax rates for long-term capital gains, and while in effect, for dividends, generally apply to:

(1)

your long-term capital gains, if any, recognized on the disposition of our shares;



(2)

our distributions designated as long-term capital gain dividends (except to the extent attributable to real estate depreciation recapture, in which case the distributions are subject to a 25% federal income tax rate);



(3)

our dividends attributable to dividends, if any, received by us from non-REIT corporations such as TRSs; and



(4)

our dividends to the extent attributable to income upon which we have paid federal corporate income tax.

        As long as we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, a distribution to our U.S. shareholders (including any constructive distributions on our common shares or on our senior convertible notes) that we do not designate as a capital gain dividend will be treated as an ordinary income dividend to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits that we properly designate as capital gain dividends will be taxed as long-term capital gains, as discussed below, to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year. However, corporate shareholders may be required to treat up to 20% of any capital gain dividend as ordinary income under Section 291 of the IRC.

        In addition, we may elect to retain net capital gain income and treat it as constructively distributed. In that case:

(1)

we will be taxed at regular corporate capital gains tax rates on retained amounts;

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(2)

each U.S. shareholder will be taxed on its designated proportionate share of our retained net capital gains as though that amount were distributed and designated a capital gain dividend;



(3)

each U.S. shareholder will receive a credit for its designated proportionate share of the tax that we pay;



(4)

each U.S. shareholder will increase its adjusted basis in our shares by the excess of the amount of its proportionate share of these retained net capital gains over its proportionate share of the tax that we pay; and



(5)

both we and our corporate shareholders will make commensurate adjustments in our respective earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes.

If we elect to retain our net capital gains in this fashion, we will notify our U.S. shareholders of the relevant tax information within 60 days after the close of the affected taxable year.

        As discussed above, for noncorporate U.S. shareholders, long-term capital gains are generally taxed at maximum rates of 15% (scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010) or 25%, depending upon the type of property disposed of and the previously claimed depreciation with respect to this property. If for any taxable year we designate capital gain dividends for U.S. shareholders, then the portion of the capital gain dividends we designate will be allocated to the holders of a particular class of shares on a percentage basis equal to the ratio of the amount of the total dividends paid or made available for the year to the holders of that class of shares to the total dividends paid or made available for the year to holders of all classes of our shares. We will similarly designate the portion of any capital gain dividend that is to be taxed to noncorporate U.S. shareholders at the maximum rates of 15% (scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010) or 25% so that the designations will be proportionate among all classes of our shares.

        Distributions in excess of current or accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. shareholder to the extent that they do not exceed the shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the shareholder's shares, but will reduce the shareholder's basis in those shares. To the extent that these excess distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a U.S. shareholder's shares, they will be included in income as capital gain, with long-term gain generally taxed to noncorporate U.S. shareholders at a maximum rate of 15% (scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010). No U.S. shareholder may include on his federal income tax return any of our net operating losses or any of our capital losses.

        Dividends that we declare in October, November or December of a taxable year to U.S. shareholders of record on a date in those months will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31 of that taxable year, provided we actually pay these dividends during the following January. Also, items that are treated differently for regular and alternative minimum tax purposes are to be allocated between a REIT and its shareholders under Treasury regulations which are to be prescribed. It is possible that these Treasury regulations will require tax preference items to be allocated to our shareholders with respect to any accelerated depreciation or other tax preference items that we claim.

        A U.S. shareholder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder's adjusted basis in our shares that are sold or exchanged. This gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder's holding period in the shares exceeds one year. In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of our shares held for six months or less will generally be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of our long-term capital gain dividends during the holding period.

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        Effective for federal tax returns with due dates after October 22, 2004, the IRC imposes a penalty for the failure to properly disclose a "reportable transaction." A reportable transaction currently includes, among other things, a sale or exchange of our shares resulting in a tax loss in excess of (i) $10 million in any single year or $20 million in any combination of years in the case of our shares held by a C corporation or by a partnership with only C corporation partners or (ii) $2 million in any single year or $4 million in any combination of years in the case of our shares held by any other partnership or an S corporation, trust or individual, including losses that flow through pass through entities to individuals. A taxpayer discloses a reportable transaction by filing IRS Form 8886 with its federal income tax return and, in the first year of filing, a copy of Form 8886 must be sent to the IRS's Office of Tax Shelter Analysis. The penalty for failing to disclose a reportable transaction is generally $10,000 in the case of a natural person and $50,000 in any other case.

        Noncorporate U.S. shareholders who borrow funds to finance their acquisition of our shares could be limited in the amount of deductions allowed for the interest paid on the indebtedness incurred. Under Section 163(d) of the IRC, interest paid or accrued on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry property held for investment is generally deductible only to the extent of the investor's net investment income. A U.S. shareholder's net investment income will include ordinary income dividend distributions received from us and, if an appropriate election is made by the shareholder, capital gain dividend distributions received from us; however, distributions treated as a nontaxable return of the shareholder's basis will not enter into the computation of net investment income.

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Shareholders

        In Revenue Ruling 66-106, the IRS ruled that amounts distributed by a REIT to a tax-exempt employees' pension trust did not constitute "unrelated business taxable income," even though the REIT may have financed some of its activities with acquisition indebtedness. Although revenue rulings are interpretive in nature and subject to revocation or modification by the IRS, based upon the analysis and conclusion of Revenue Ruling 66-106, our distributions made to shareholders that are tax-exempt pension plans, individual retirement accounts, or other qualifying tax-exempt entities should not constitute unrelated business taxable income, provided that the shareholder has not financed its acquisition of our shares with "acquisition indebtedness" within the meaning of the IRC, and provided further that, consistent with our present intent, we do not hold a residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit.

        Tax-exempt pension trusts that own more than 10% by value of a "pension-held REIT" at any time during a taxable year may be required to treat a percentage of all dividends received from the pension-held REIT during the year as unrelated business taxable income. This percentage is equal to the ratio of:

(1)

the pension-held REIT's gross income derived from the conduct of unrelated trades or businesses, determined as if the pension-held REIT were a tax-exempt pension fund, less direct expenses related to that income, to



(2)

the pension-held REIT's gross income from all sources, less direct expenses related to that income,

except that this percentage shall be deemed to be zero unless it would otherwise equal or exceed 5%. A REIT is a pension-held REIT if:

•

the REIT is "predominantly held" by tax-exempt pension trusts; and



•

the REIT would fail to satisfy the "closely held" ownership requirement discussed above if the stock or beneficial interests in the REIT held by tax-exempt pension trusts were viewed as held by tax-exempt pension trusts rather than by their respective beneficiaries.

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A REIT is predominantly held by tax-exempt pension trusts if at least one tax-exempt pension trust owns more than 25% by value of the REIT's stock or beneficial interests, or if one or more tax-exempt pension trusts, each owning more than 10% by value of the REIT's stock or beneficial interests, own in the aggregate more than 50% by value of the REIT's stock or beneficial interests. Because of the share ownership concentration restrictions in our declaration of trust and bylaws, we believe that we are not and will not be a pension-held REIT. However, because our shares are publicly traded, we cannot completely control whether or not we are or will become a pension-held REIT.

        Social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts and qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the IRC, respectively, are subject to different unrelated business taxable income rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions from a REIT as unrelated business taxable income. In addition, these prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning any "set aside" or reserve requirements applicable to them.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders

        The rules governing the United States federal income taxation of non-U.S. shareholders are complex, and the following discussion is intended only as a summary of these rules. If you are a non-U.S. shareholder, we urge you to consult with your own tax advisor to determine the impact of United States federal, state, local, and foreign tax laws, including any tax return filing and other reporting requirements, with respect to your investment in our shares.

        In general, a non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to regular United States federal income tax in the same manner as a U.S. shareholder with respect to its investment in our shares if that investment is effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if provided by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base the non-U.S. shareholder maintains in the United States). In addition, a corporate non-U.S. shareholder that receives income that is or is deemed effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax under Section 884 of the IRC, which is payable in addition to regular United States federal corporate income tax. The balance of this discussion of the United States federal income taxation of non-U.S. shareholders addresses only those non-U.S. shareholders whose investment in our shares is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.

        A distribution by us to a non-U.S. shareholder that is not attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest and that is not designated as a capital gain dividend will be treated as an ordinary income dividend to the extent that it is made out of current or accumulated earnings and profits. A distribution of this type will generally be subject to United States federal income tax and withholding at the rate of 30%, or at a lower rate if the non-U.S. shareholder has in the manner prescribed by the IRS demonstrated its entitlement to benefits under a tax treaty. In the case of any in kind distributions of property, we or other applicable withholding agents will collect the amount required to be withheld by reducing to cash for remittance to the IRS a sufficient portion of the property that the non-U.S. shareholder would otherwise receive, and the non-U.S. shareholder may bear brokerage or other costs for this withholding procedure. Because we cannot determine our current and accumulated earnings and profits until the end of the taxable year, withholding at the rate of 30% or applicable lower treaty rate will generally be imposed on the gross amount of any distribution to a non-U.S. shareholder that we make and do not designate a capital gain dividend. Notwithstanding this withholding on distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, these distributions are a nontaxable return of capital to the extent that they do not exceed the non-U.S. shareholder's adjusted basis in our shares, and the nontaxable return of capital will reduce the adjusted basis in these shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits exceed the non-U.S. shareholder's adjusted basis in our shares, the distributions

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will give rise to tax liability if the non-U.S. shareholder would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or exchange of these shares, as discussed below. A non-U.S. shareholder may seek a refund from the IRS of amounts withheld on distributions to him in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

        From time to time, some of our distributions may be attributable to the sale or exchange of United States real property interests. However, capital gain dividends that are received by a non-U.S. shareholder, including dividends attributable to our sales of United States real property interests, and that are deductible by us in respect of our 2005 taxable year and thereafter will be subject to the taxation and withholding regime applicable to ordinary income dividends and the branch profits tax will not apply, provided that (1) the capital gain dividends are received with respect to a class of shares that is "regularly traded" on a domestic "established securities market" such as the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, both as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, and (2) the non-U.S. shareholder does not own more than 5% of that class of shares at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of distribution of the capital gain dividends. If both of these provisions are satisfied, qualifying non-U.S. shareholders will not be subject to withholding on capital gain dividends as though those amounts were effectively connected with a United States trade or business, and qualifying non-U.S. shareholders will not be required to file United States federal income tax returns or pay branch profits tax in respect of these capital gain dividends. Instead, these dividends will be subject to United States federal income tax and withholding as ordinary dividends, currently at a 30% tax rate unless reduced by applicable treaty, as discussed below. Although there can be no assurance in this regard, we believe that our common shares and each class of our preferred shares have been and will remain "regularly traded" on a domestic "established securities market" within the meaning of applicable Treasury regulations; however, we can provide no assurance that our shares will continue to be "regularly traded" on a domestic "established securities market" in future taxable years.

        Except as discussed above, for any year in which we qualify as a REIT, distributions that are attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest are taxed to a non-U.S. shareholder as if these distributions were gains effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States conducted by the non-U.S. shareholder. Accordingly, a non-U.S. shareholder that does not qualify for the special rule above will be taxed on these amounts at the normal capital gain rates applicable to a U.S. shareholder, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and to a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals; such a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to file a United States federal income tax return reporting these amounts, even if applicable withholding is imposed as described below; and such a non-U.S. shareholder that is also a corporation may owe the 30% branch profits tax under Section 884 of the IRC in respect of these amounts. We or other applicable withholding agents will be required to withhold from distributions to such non-U.S. shareholders, and remit to the IRS, 35% of the maximum amount of any distribution that could be designated as a capital gain dividend. In addition, for purposes of this withholding rule, if we designate prior distributions as capital gain dividends, then subsequent distributions up to the amount of the designated prior distributions will be treated as capital gain dividends. The amount of any tax withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. shareholder's United States federal income tax liability, and the non-U.S. shareholder may file for a refund from the IRS of any amount of withheld tax in excess of that tax liability.

        Effective generally from and after 2006, a special "wash sale" rule applies to a non-U.S. shareholder who owns any class of our shares if (1) the shareholder owns more than 5% of that class of shares at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution described below, or (2) that class of our shares is not, within the meaning of applicable Treasury regulations, "regularly traded" on a domestic "established securities market" such as the NYSE. Although there can be no assurance in this regard, we believe that our common shares and each class of our preferred shares have been and will remain "regularly traded" on a domestic "established securities market"

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within the meaning of applicable Treasury regulations, all as discussed above; however, we can provide no assurance that our shares will continue to be "regularly traded" on a domestic "established securities market" in future taxable years. We thus anticipate this wash sale rule to apply, if at all, only to a non-U.S. shareholder that owns more than 5% of either our common shares or any class of our preferred shares. Such a non-U.S. shareholder will be treated as having made a "wash sale" of our shares if it (1) disposes of an interest in our shares during the 30 days preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution by us that, but for such disposition, would have been treated by the non-U.S. shareholder in whole or in part as gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest, and then (2) acquires or enters into a contract to acquire a substantially identical interest in our shares, either actually or constructively through a related party, during the 61-day period beginning 30 days prior to the ex-dividend date. In the event of such a wash sale, the non-U.S. shareholder will have gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest in an amount equal to the portion of the distribution that, but for the wash sale, would have been a gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest. As discussed above, a non-U.S. shareholder's gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest can trigger increased United States taxes, such as the branch profits tax applicable to non-U.S. corporations, and increased United States tax filing requirements.

        If for any taxable year we designate capital gain dividends for our shareholders, then the portion of the capital gain dividends we designate will be allocated to the holders of a particular class of shares on a percentage basis equal to the ratio of the amount of the total dividends paid or made available for the year to the holders of that class of shares to the total dividends paid or made available for the year to holders of all classes of our shares.

        Tax treaties may reduce the withholding obligations on our distributions. Under some treaties, however, rates below 30% that are applicable to ordinary income dividends from United States corporations may not apply to ordinary income dividends from a REIT or may apply only if the REIT meets certain additional conditions. You must generally use an applicable IRS Form W-8, or substantially similar form, to claim tax treaty benefits. If the amount of tax withheld with respect to a distribution to a non-U.S. shareholder exceeds the shareholder's United States federal income tax liability with respect to the distribution, the non-U.S. shareholder may file for a refund of the excess from the IRS. The 35% withholding tax rate discussed above on some capital gain dividends corresponds to the maximum income tax rate applicable to corporate non-U.S. shareholders but is higher than the current 15% and 25% maximum rates on capital gains generally applicable to noncorporate non-U.S. shareholders. Treasury regulations also provide special rules to determine whether, for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax treaty, our distributions to a non-U.S. shareholder that is an entity should be treated as paid to the entity or to those owning an interest in that entity, and whether the entity or its owners are entitled to benefits under the tax treaty. In the case of any in kind distributions of property, we or other applicable withholding agents will have to collect the amount required to be withheld by reducing to cash for remittance to the IRS a sufficient portion of the property that the non-U.S. shareholder would otherwise receive, and the non-U.S. shareholder may bear brokerage or other costs for this withholding procedure.

        If our shares are not "United States real property interests" within the meaning of Section 897 of the IRC, then a non-U.S. shareholder's gain on sale of these shares (including for this purpose a conversion of our senior convertible notes into common shares) generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxation, except that a nonresident alien individual who was in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year may be subject to a 30% tax on this gain. Our shares will not constitute a United States real property interest if we are a "domestically controlled REIT." A domestically controlled REIT is a REIT in which at all times during the preceding five-year period less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or indirectly by foreign persons. We believe that we have been and will remain a domestically controlled REIT and thus a non-U.S. shareholder's gain on sale of

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our shares will not be subject to United States federal income taxation. However, because our shares are publicly traded, we can provide no assurance that we have been or will remain a domestically controlled REIT. If we are not a domestically controlled REIT, a non-U.S. shareholder's gain on sale of our shares will not be subject to United States federal income taxation as a sale of a United States real property interest, if that class of shares is "regularly traded," as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an established securities market like the NYSE, and the non-U.S. shareholder has at all times during the preceding five years owned 5% or less by value of that class of shares. In this regard, because the shares of others may be redeemed, a non-U.S. shareholder's percentage interest in a class of our shares may increase even if it acquires no additional shares in that class. If the gain on the sale of our shares were subject to United States federal income taxation, the non-U.S. shareholder will generally be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder with respect to its gain, will be required to file a United States federal income tax return reporting that gain, and a corporate non-U.S. shareholder might owe branch profits tax under Section 884 of the IRC. A purchaser of our shares from a non-U.S. shareholder will not be required to withhold on the purchase price if the purchased shares are regularly traded on an established securities market or if we are a domestically controlled REIT. Otherwise, a purchaser of our shares from a non-U.S. shareholder may be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price paid to the non-U.S. shareholder and to remit the withheld amount to the IRS.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

        Information reporting and backup withholding may apply to distributions or proceeds paid to our shareholders under the circumstances discussed below. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% after 2010. Amounts withheld under backup withholding are generally not an additional tax and may be refunded by the IRS or credited against the REIT shareholder's federal income tax liability. In the case of any in kind distributions of property by us to a shareholder, we or other applicable withholding agents will have to collect any applicable backup withholding by reducing to cash for remittance to the IRS a sufficient portion of the property that our shareholder would otherwise receive, and the shareholder may bear brokerage or other costs for this withholding procedure.

        A U.S. shareholder will be subject to backup withholding when it receives distributions on our shares or proceeds upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares, unless the U.S. shareholder properly executes, or has previously properly executed, under penalties of perjury an IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form that:

•

provides the U.S. shareholder's correct taxpayer identification number; and



•

certifies that the U.S. shareholder is exempt from backup withholding because it is a corporation or comes within another exempt category, it has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding, or it has been notified by the IRS that it is no longer subject to backup withholding.

If the U.S. shareholder has not provided and does not provide its correct taxpayer identification number on the IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form, it may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS, and the REIT or other withholding agent may have to withhold a portion of any distributions or proceeds paid to it. Unless the U.S. shareholder has established on a properly executed IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form that it is a corporation or comes within another exempt category, distributions or proceeds on our shares paid to it during the calendar year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any, will be reported to it and to the IRS.

        Distributions on our shares to a non-U.S. shareholder during each calendar year and the amount of tax withheld, if any, will generally be reported to the non-U.S. shareholder and to the IRS. This information reporting requirement applies regardless of whether the non-U.S. shareholder is subject to

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withholding on distributions on our shares or whether the withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Also, distributions paid to a non-U.S. shareholder on our shares may be subject to backup withholding, unless the non-U.S. shareholder properly certifies its non-U.S. shareholder status on an IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form in the manner described above. Similarly, information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to proceeds a non-U.S. shareholder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares, if the non-U.S. shareholder properly certifies its non-U.S. shareholder status on an IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form. Even without having executed an IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form, however, in some cases information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to proceeds that a non-U.S. shareholder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares if the non-U.S. shareholder receives those proceeds through a broker's foreign office.

Other Tax Consequences

        Our tax treatment and that of our shareholders may be modified by legislative, judicial, or administrative actions at any time, which actions may be retroactive in effect. The rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by the Congress, the IRS and the Treasury Department, and statutory changes, new regulations, revisions to existing regulations, and revised interpretations of established concepts are issued frequently. Likewise, the rules regarding taxes other than federal income taxes may also be modified. No prediction can be made as to the likelihood of passage of new tax legislation or other provisions, or the direct or indirect effect on us and our shareholders. Revisions to tax laws and interpretations of these laws could adversely affect the tax or other consequences of an investment in our shares. We and our shareholders may also be subject to taxation by state, local or other jurisdictions, including those in which we or our shareholders transact business or reside. These tax consequences may not be comparable to the federal income tax consequences discussed above.

ERISA PLANS, KEOGH PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

General Fiduciary Obligations

        Fiduciaries of a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, must consider whether:

•

their investment in our shares satisfies the diversification requirements of ERISA;



•

the investment is prudent in light of possible limitations on the marketability of our shares;



•

they have authority to acquire our shares under the applicable governing instrument and Title I of ERISA; and



•

the investment is otherwise consistent with their fiduciary responsibilities.

        Trustees and other fiduciaries of an ERISA plan may incur personal liability for any loss suffered by the plan on account of a violation of their fiduciary responsibilities. In addition, these fiduciaries may be subject to a civil penalty of up to 20% of any amount recovered by the plan on account of a violation. Fiduciaries of any IRA, Roth IRA, Keogh Plan or other qualified retirement plan not subject to Title I of ERISA, referred to as "non-ERISA plans," should consider that a plan may only make investments that are authorized by the appropriate governing instrument.

        Fiduciaries considering an investment in our securities should consult their own legal advisors if they have any concern as to whether the investment is consistent with the foregoing criteria or is otherwise appropriate. The sale of our securities to a plan is in no respect a representation by us or any underwriter of the securities that the investment meets all relevant legal requirements with respect

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to investments by plans generally or any particular plan, or that the investment is appropriate for plans generally or any particular plan.

Prohibited Transactions

        Fiduciaries of ERISA plans and persons making the investment decision for an IRA or other non-ERISA plan should consider the application of the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the IRC in making their investment decision. Sales and other transactions between an ERISA or non-ERISA plan, and persons related to it, are prohibited transactions. The particular facts concerning the sponsorship, operations and other investments of an ERISA plan or non-ERISA plan may cause a wide range of other persons to be treated as disqualified persons or parties in interest with respect to it. A prohibited transaction, in addition to imposing potential personal liability upon fiduciaries of ERISA plans, may also result in the imposition of an excise tax under the IRC or a penalty under ERISA upon the disqualified person or party in interest with respect to the plan. If the disqualified person who engages in the transaction is the individual on behalf of whom an IRA or Roth IRA is maintained or his beneficiary, the IRA or Roth IRA may lose its tax-exempt status and its assets may be deemed to have been distributed to the individual in a taxable distribution on account of the prohibited transaction, but no excise tax will be imposed. Fiduciaries considering an investment in our securities should consult their own legal advisors as to whether the ownership of our securities involves a prohibited transaction.

"Plan Assets" Considerations

        The Department of Labor, which has administrative responsibility over ERISA plans as well as non-ERISA plans, has issued a regulation defining "plan assets." The regulation generally provides that when an ERISA or non-ERISA plan acquires a security that is an equity interest in an entity and that security is neither a "publicly offered security" nor a security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the ERISA plan's or non-ERISA plan's assets include both the equity interest and an undivided interest in each of the underlying assets of the entity, unless it is established either that the entity is an operating company or that equity participation in the entity by benefit plan investors is not significant.

        Debt instruments that we issue with any "substantial equity feature" will be treated as an equity interest. However, an example in the applicable regulations concludes that a convertible debt instrument issued by a corporation, apparently on conventional terms, would not be treated as an equity interest because the conversion feature was deemed "incidental" to the issuer's obligation to pay principal and interest. Based on the foregoing, our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, has opined that, while the matter is not free from doubt, our 3.80% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 will not be treated as equity interests under ERISA's plan assets rules.

        Each class of our shares (that is, our common shares and any class of preferred shares that we have issued or may issue) must be analyzed separately to ascertain whether it is a publicly offered security. The regulation defines a publicly offered security as a security that is "widely held," "freely transferable" and either part of a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act, or sold under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or Securities Act, provided the securities are registered under the Exchange Act within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which the offering occurred. Each class of our outstanding shares has been registered under the Exchange Act.

        The regulation provides that a security is "widely held" only if it is part of a class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and of one another. However, a security will not fail to be "widely held" because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the initial public offering as a result of events beyond the issuer's control. Our common

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shares and our preferred shares have been widely held and we expect our common shares and our preferred shares to continue to be widely held. We expect the same to be true of any additional class of preferred stock that we may issue, but we can give no assurance in that regard.

        The regulation provides that whether a security is "freely transferable" is a factual question to be determined on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances. The regulation further provides that, where a security is part of an offering in which the minimum investment is $10,000 or less, some restrictions on transfer ordinarily will not, alone or in combination, affect a finding that these securities are freely transferable. The restrictions on transfer enumerated in the regulation as not affecting that finding include:

•

any restriction on or prohibition against any transfer or assignment which would result in a termination or reclassification for federal or state tax purposes, or would otherwise violate any state or federal law or court order;



•

any requirement that advance notice of a transfer or assignment be given to the issuer and any requirement that either the transferor or transferee, or both, execute documentation setting forth representations as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer which are among those enumerated in the regulation as not affecting free transferability, including those described in the preceding clause of this sentence;



•

any administrative procedure which establishes an effective date, or an event prior to which a transfer or assignment will not be effective; and



•

any limitation or restriction on transfer or assignment that is not imposed by the issuer or a person acting on behalf of the issuer.

        We believe that the restrictions imposed under our declaration of trust and bylaws on the transfer of shares do not result in the failure of our shares to be "freely transferable." Furthermore, we believe that there exist no other facts or circumstances limiting the transferability of our shares which are not included among those enumerated as not affecting their free transferability under the regulation, and we do not expect or intend to impose in the future, or to permit any person to impose on our behalf, any limitations or restrictions on transfer which would not be among the enumerated permissible limitations or restrictions.

        Assuming that each class of our shares will be "widely held" and that no other facts and circumstances exist which restrict transferability of these shares, we have received an opinion of our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, that our shares will not fail to be "freely transferable" for purposes of the regulation due to the restrictions on transfer of the shares under our declaration of trust and bylaws and that under the regulation each class of our currently outstanding shares is publicly offered and our assets will not be deemed to be "plan assets" of any ERISA plan or non-ERISA plan that invests in our shares.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

        Our business faces many risks. The risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks that we do not yet know of, or that we currently think are immaterial, may also impair our business operations or financial results. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risks occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer and the trading price of our debt or equity securities could decline. Investors and prospective investors should consider the following risks and the information contained under the heading "Warning Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" before deciding whether to invest in our securities.

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The current recession is adversely impacting our tenants and operators and may jeopardize their abilities to pay our rents and returns.

        The U.S. economy is currently in a deep and long recession. Economic conditions may get worse before they get better. We do not know when the present economic circumstances may improve. Our properties are operated in two segments of the economy which are being severely impacted by these economic circumstances. Most hotels rent rooms on a daily basis and hotels are among the first businesses to be impacted by general economic weakness. Our travel centers primarily provide goods and services to the trucking industry; the current economic recession, particularly the slowdown in the construction industry and in consumer spending, is materially and adversely impacting the trucking industry which provides customers to our travel centers. The steady increase in global trade has historically mitigated the adverse impact of economic slowdowns upon the travel center business, but world trade is being seriously and negatively impacted during the current recession and its slowing is adversely affecting business at our travel centers. If the present general economic conditions continue for an extended time or if the present conditions worsen, our tenants and operators may be unable to meet their financial obligations to us. If we do not receive our rents and returns from our tenants and operators, our income and cash flows will decline, we may be unable to pay distributions to shareholders and the market value of our shares will likely decline.

We may be unable to access the capital necessary to repay our debts or otherwise conduct business.

        The worldwide capital markets are currently experiencing severe limitations in the availability of capital. Several banks have failed or required governmental assistance. We have large amounts of debts which will need to be refinanced within the next three years; for example, our $750 million revolving credit facility will expire in 2011 (assuming we are able to exercise our one year extension option when this facility is currently scheduled to expire in 2010) and our $575 million of convertible bonds may be presented to us for redemption in 2012. At this time, it is unclear whether we will be able to refinance these debt maturities or the cost and other terms which we may incur to affect such refinancings. Moreover, if any of the financial institutions which participate in our revolving credit facility fail, we may be unable to find replacement lenders and our access to borrowing under this facility could be reduced. A default on any of our significant credit facilities will likely cause a cross default of all our outstanding debt. If we are unable to access capital to refinance our debt maturities, we may be unable to pay distributions and the market value of our shares will likely decline.

A majority of our rents and returns are guaranteed by the parent companies of our tenants and operators, but these guarantees may not ensure that payments due to us will be made.

        A large majority of our rents and returns are guaranteed by the parent entities of our tenants and operators. However, several of these guarantees are limited by dollar amounts; for example, our guarantee from InterContinental is limited to $125 million (of which $116 million remains available), our guaranty from Hyatt is limited to $50 million (of which $38 million remains available) and our guarantee from Carlson is limited to $40 million (of which all $40 million remains available). If our properties produce less operating income than the guaranteed amounts of our minimum rents or returns for extended periods, these guarantees may be exhausted. Also, because the large majority of TA's business consists of operating properties leased from us, in the event TA does not earn sufficient income from our travel centers it may not have sufficient resources independent of these leaseholds to pay its guarantee obligations to us. The existence of parent companies guarantees for our tenants' and operators' obligations to us does not assure that these obligations will be paid.

Our security deposits will not provide cash flow to us.

        We hold security deposits from certain of our tenants and operators. However, these security deposits are not escrowed and they will not provide us with cash flow to pay distributions or for other

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purposes. For example: Marriott has notified us that the operating performance of our hotels in the operating agreements we call Marriott nos. 3 and 4 (see page 70 for a summary description of these hotel operating agreements) were projected to not meet our minimum return/rent requirements for the first quarter of 2009. The notices we received with respect to our operating agreement known as Marriott no. 3 were followed by payments to us of amounts which were less than the minimum monthly returns required in this agreement for the first three periods in 2009. In each of the first two instances we sent Marriott a notice that there was deficiency in the minimum monthly payment and, in each case, Marriott paid the deficiency amount within the ten day cure period established in this operating agreement. We sent Marriott a notice regarding the deficiency for the third period payment on March 2, 2009. If Marriott does not pay the third period deficiency we will reduce the amount of the security deposit we hold for the Marriott no. 3 operating agreement by the amount of the deficiency as well as possibly take other action permitted under the operating agreement. With respect to our operating agreement known as Marriott no. 4, we received payment of the full minimum rent required in this agreement for the first two periods in 2009. The payment we received for the third period of 2009 was less than the full minimum rent required under this agreement. On March 2, 2009, we sent Crestline, our tenant under the Marriott no. 4 operating agreement, and Marriott, the manager of the hotels included in the Marriott no. 4 agreement, a notice of default. Pursuant to the terms of the operating agreement, Crestline and/or Marriott has ten days to cure this default. If we do not receive the deficiency amount within the applicable cure period we will reduce the amount of the security deposit we hold for the Marriott no. 4 agreement by the amount of the deficiency and pursue other remedies available to us under the operating agreement, including possible termination of this lease. If we apply security deposits which we hold to satisfy the minimum rents or returns due for our Marriott properties or for any other of our properties, the application of these deposits will be recognized by us as income, but this accounting treatment will not provide us with cash flow to pay distributions or for any other purpose. To maintain our REIT status under the IRC, we are required to pay substantially all of our income as distributions to shareholders; however, our board of trustees historically has considered our cash flows as an important determinant of our distributions. Accordingly, if we use security deposits to satisfy our tenants and operators payment obligations to us we may not have sufficient cash flow to pay distributions or for other purposes.

        We are currently in negotiations with Marriott concerning its payment of minimum returns to us during the present economic recession, and we do not know if Marriott will pay minimum returns to us which exceed the amount of cash flow from our hotels with respect to the Marriott no. 3 agreement or if Marriott or Crestline will pay the full rent due to us with respect to our Marriott no. 4 agreement.

Inherent risks in the hotel industry could affect our business.

        Approximately 60% of our investments are in hotel properties. A number of factors affect the hotel industry generally and therefore impact our operating results, such as:

•

increased competition from new supply or existing hotel properties in our markets, which may adversely affect our occupancy rates and revenues;



•

the attractiveness of our hotel properties and the level of services provided to guests;



•

dependence on business, commercial and leisure travel and tourism;



•

dependence on group and meeting/conference business;



•

inflation, increases interest rates and borrowing expenses, higher energy costs, salaries and union labor costs, legal expenses, real estate taxes and other operating expenses at our hotel properties may reduce our revenues; and



•

changing travel patterns in the U.S., for instance as a reaction to higher airfares and ground travel costs arising from higher fuel prices or taxes or from shifting consumer preferences for

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travel destinations, which could affect the number of visitors seeking lodging at our hotel properties.

        These and other factors could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, which may affect our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.

Events beyond our control, including wars and terrorism, have reduced the financial results experienced in the hotel industry generally and the financial performance of our hotels. If these or similar problems persist or recur, our operating and financial results may be harmed by declines in average daily room rates and/or occupancy.

        The threat of terrorism has a negative impact on the hotel industry due to concerns about travel safety, which may result in the reduction of both business and leisure travel. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had a dramatic adverse effect on business and leisure travel and on our hotels' occupancy and average daily rate, or ADR. Future terrorist activities or the U.S. involvement in wars could have a similarly harmful effect on both the hotel industry and us. Future acts of terrorism in the U.S. may adversely impact business and leisure travel patterns and, accordingly, our business. Moreover, hotels have themselves been targets of terrorist attacks, and if any of our properties were to be attacked, we could incur significant damages and liabilities, some of which may be beyond the extent of our insurance coverage and contractual protections. We cannot predict the extent to which additional terrorist attacks, acts of war or similar events may occur in the future or the impact that such events would have on the hotel industry or on our properties in particular, or their impact on our operating results and financial condition.

Financial difficulties at TA could continue or worsen.

        We lease all of our travel center properties, which constitute approximately 40% of our investments, to TA. TA's total revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 were $7.7 billion and its net loss from operations was $40.2 million. TA's fuel sales generate low margins; in the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, TA generated a gross profit from fuel sales of $275 million on sales of $6.5 billion. TA's revenues depend largely on the retail sale of refined petroleum products to drivers who patronize TA's highway travel center facilities. The petroleum marketing industry has been, and continues to be, volatile and highly competitive. During the past few years the price of fuel has materially increased, including the record high diesel prices seen during 2008, fuel prices have become materially more volatile and fuel supplies have been occasionally disrupted and made more expensive by natural disasters, wars and acts of terrorism and instability in the economy in general. We cannot accurately predict how these factors may affect petroleum product prices or supplies in the future, or how, in particular, they may affect TA. A large, rapid increase in wholesale petroleum price could adversely affect TA's profitability and cash flow if TA were unable to pass along price increases to its customers. Fuel price increases and price and supply volatility have also increased TA's working capital requirements. Additionally, increased fuel costs may cause TA's customers to conserve fuel, resulting in less demand for products sold by TA. The current economic recession has had an adverse impact upon the U.S. trucking industry from which TA draws customers because fewer goods tend to be shipped during slower economic periods. In August 2008, we entered into a rent deferral agreement with TA, permitting TA to defer up to $5 million of rent per month beginning July 1, 2008 until December 31, 2010. In 2008, TA deferred $30 million of rent under this agreement. Despite the fact that this is a deferral agreement (and not a rent forgiveness agreement), we have determined that, due to the uncertainties regarding TA's ability to perform its obligations under its leases, generally accepted accounting principles require us to reserve previously accrued straight line and deferred rents until circumstances change or these amounts are collected. Price increases and volatility in fuel prices and continued weakness in the U.S. trucking industry may result in future losses at TA, including losses in excess of those previously experienced, which could

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jeopardize TA's ability to pay rent, including deferred amounts due to us and to satisfy TA's other obligations to us.

We depend on a limited number of operators for our properties and we have a high concentration of our properties with a limited number of operators and their brands.

        TA leases all of our travel center properties, which constitute approximately 40% of our investments. In addition, two of our hotel operators, InterContinental and Marriott, operate approximately 28% and 24%, respectively, of our total investments. If we were to have a dispute with any of these operators, or if any of these operators were to fail to provide quality services and amenities or to maintain quality brands, our income from these properties may be adversely affected. Further if we were required to replace any of our operators, this could result in significant disruptions at the affected properties and declines in our income and cash flows.

We are not permitted to operate our properties and we are dependent on the managers and tenants of our properties.

        Because federal income tax laws restrict REITs and their subsidiaries from operating hotels or travel centers, we do not manage our hotels or our travel centers. Instead, we or our subsidiaries that qualify as TRSs under applicable REIT laws, either retain third party managers to manage our properties pursuant to management agreements or lease our properties to operating companies. Our income from our properties may be adversely affected if our managers or tenants fail to provide quality services and amenities to customers or if they fail to maintain a quality brand. While we monitor our managers' and tenants' performances, we have limited recourse under our management agreements and leases if we believe that the managers or tenants are not performing adequately. Failure by our managers or tenants to fully perform the duties agreed to in our management agreements and leases could adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, our managers or tenants manage, and in some cases own or have invested in, properties that compete with our properties, which may result in conflicts of interest. As a result, our managers or tenants have in the past made and may in the future make decisions regarding competing properties that are not or would not be in our best interests.

We are subject to risks arising from litigation.

        From time to time, we are involved in litigation. Litigation can be costly, and the results of litigation are often difficult to predict. We may not have adequate insurance coverage or contractual protection to cover costs and liability in the event we are sued, and to the extent we resort to litigation to enforce our rights, we may incur significant costs and ultimately be unsuccessful or unable to recover amounts we believe are owed to us.

        We often have no control of the timing of litigation, which presents challenges to our strategic planning. For example, we are aware of a complaint originally filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on February 1, 2008 which purports to be a derivative action against TA's directors, us and RMR. This complaint appears to allege that our lease of Petro Stopping Centers® branded travel centers to TA is unfair to TA. The plaintiff has conceded that he was unable to effect service of process on us. We have demanded that TA arbitrate the claims pertaining to our lease as our lease provides. Although we do not currently expect this litigation or the arbitration to have a material adverse effect on us, we understand that rulings made in litigation can sometimes produce unexpected results and litigation can be expensive to conduct. Accordingly, we can not predict the final impact of this litigation or arbitration on us at this time.

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The loss of our tax status as a REIT or tax authority challenges could have significant adverse consequences to us and reduce the market price of our securities.

        As a REIT, we generally do not pay federal and state income taxes. However, our continued qualification as a REIT is dependent upon our compliance with complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, for which only limited judicial or administrative interpretations are available. We believe we have operated, and are operating, as a REIT in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code. However, we cannot be certain that, upon review or audit, the IRS will agree with this conclusion. If we cease to be a REIT, we would violate a covenant in our bank credit facilities, our ability to raise capital could be adversely affected, we may be subject to material amounts of federal and state income taxes and the value of our securities would likely decline.

There is no assurance that we will make distributions in the future.

        We intend to continue to pay quarterly distributions to our shareholders. However, our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected by the risks described herein, including the current U.S. recession and constraints in the U.S. capital markets and their impact on our business. Our payment of distributions is subject to compliance with restrictions contained in our revolving credit facility and our debt indenture. All our distributions are made at the discretion of our board of trustees and the timing and amount of our future distributions will depend upon our earnings, our cash flows, our anticipated cash flows, our financial condition, maintenance of our REIT tax status, our ability to access capital and such other factors as our board of trustees may deem relevant from time to time. Recent IRS rulings have expanded the ability of REITs to pay distributions in shares. There are no assurances of our ability to pay distributions or regarding the form of distributions in the future. In addition, our distributions in the past have included, and may in the future include, a return of capital.

We may be unable to provide the funding required for the refurbishment of our properties.

        Some of our management agreements and lease arrangements require us to invest money for refurbishments and capital improvements to our properties. We may have to invest more than expected in order to achieve and maintain the competitive position and future financial performance of our properties. We may not have the necessary funds to invest, and such expenditures, if made, may not be sufficient to maintain the successful financial performance of our properties. Our management agreements and lease arrangements require us to maintain the properties in a certain required condition. If we fail to maintain these required standards, then the manager or tenant may terminate the management or lease agreement and hold us liable for damages.

Our business dealings with our managing trustees and related persons may create conflicts of interest.

        We have no employees. Personnel and services which we require are provided to us under contract by RMR. RMR is authorized to follow broad operating and investment guidelines and, therefore, has great latitude in determining the types of properties that are proper investments for us, as well as the individual investment decisions. Our board of trustees periodically reviews our operating and investment guidelines and our properties but it does not review or approve each decision made by RMR on our behalf. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, our board of trustees relies primarily on information provided to it by RMR. RMR is beneficially owned by our managing trustees, Barry Portnoy and Adam Portnoy. Barry Portnoy is Chairman and Adam Portnoy is President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of RMR. Our President and Chief Operating Officer, John G. Murray, is an Executive Vice President of RMR, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Mark L. Kleifges, is an Executive Vice President of RMR, and our Senior Vice President, Ethan S. Bornstein, is a Senior Vice President of RMR. All of the members of our board of trustees, including our independent trustees, are members of one or more boards of trustees or directors of various companies to which RMR provides management services. The foregoing individuals may hold equity in or positions with

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other companies to which RMR provides management services. Such equity ownership and positions by our trustees and officers could create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving us, RMR and its affiliates. We cannot assure you that the provisions in our declaration of trust or bylaws will adequately address potential conflicts of interest or that such actual or potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor.

        We will pay RMR fees based in part upon the historical cost of our investments, the gross rents we collect from tenants and the costs of construction we incur at our properties which are supervised by RMR, plus an incentive fee based upon certain increases in our cash available for distribution per share (as defined in our business management agreement). See "Item 1. Business—Manager." Our fee arrangements with RMR could encourage RMR to advocate acquisitions of properties and discourage sales of properties by us or to undertake unnecessary construction activities.

        RMR also acts as the manager for two other publicly traded REITs: HRP, which primarily owns and operates office and industrial buildings and leased industrial land; and SNH, which owns senior living and healthcare properties and medical office buildings. RMR also provides management services to other public and private companies, including: Five Star Quality Care, Inc., or Five Star, which operates senior living communities, including independent living and congregate care communities, assisted living communities, nursing homes and hospitals; and TA, our largest tenant. These multiple responsibilities to public companies and other businesses could create competition for the time and effort of RMR and Messrs. Barry Portnoy and Adam Portnoy. Also, RMR's multiple responsibilities to us and TA create actual and potential conflicts of interest, and these conflicts can be especially severe in periods of financial stress such as the present.

        A termination of our business management agreement with RMR is a default under our revolving credit facility unless approved by a majority of our lenders. The quality and depth of management available to us by contracting with RMR may not be able to be duplicated by our being a self managed company or by our contracting with unrelated third parties, without considerable cost increases. For these reasons, our management agreements with RMR may discourage a change of control of us, including a change of control which might result in payment of a premium for your securities.

        In the past, in particular following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a company's securities, shareholder litigation, dissident trustee nominations and dissident proposals have often been instituted against companies alleging conflicts of interest in business dealings with trustees, related persons and entities. Our relationship with RMR, with Messrs. Barry Portnoy and Adam Portnoy and with RMR affiliates may precipitate such activities. These activities, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources.

We depend upon RMR to manage our business and implement our growth strategy.

        Our ability to achieve our business objectives depends on RMR and its ability to manage our properties, source and complete new acquisitions for us on favorable terms and to execute our financing strategy on favorable terms. Because we are externally managed, our business is dependent upon RMR's business contacts, its ability to successfully hire, train, supervise and manage its personnel and its ability to maintain its operating systems. If we lose the services provided by RMR or its key personnel, our business and growth prospects may decline. We may be unable to duplicate the quality and depth of management available to us by becoming a self managed company or by hiring another manager. Also, in the event RMR is unwilling or unable to continue to provide management services to us, our cost of obtaining substitute services may be greater than the management fees we pay RMR, and as a result our earnings and cash flows may decline.

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Ownership limitations and anti-takeover provisions in our declaration of trust, bylaws and rights agreement, as well as certain provisions of Maryland law, may prevent shareholders from implementing beneficial changes or prevent shareholders from receiving a takeover premium for their shares.

        Our declaration of trust or bylaws prohibit any shareholder, other than RMR and its affiliates, from owning more than 9.8% of any class or series of our outstanding shares. These provisions may assist with our REIT compliance under the IRC and otherwise promote our orderly governance. However, this provision may also inhibit acquisitions of a significant stake in us and may prevent a change in our control. Additionally, many provisions contained in our declaration of trust and bylaws and under Maryland law may further deter persons from attempting to acquire control of us and implement changes that may be beneficial to shareholders, including, for example, provisions relating to:

•

the division of our trustees into three classes, with the term of one class expiring each year, which could delay a change in our control;



•

required qualifications for an individual to serve as a trustee and a requirement that certain of our trustees be "Managing Trustees" and other trustees be "Independent Trustees"



•

limitations on the ability of shareholders to propose nominees for election of trustees and propose other business before a meeting of our shareholders;



•

the two-thirds shareholder vote required for removal of trustees;



•

the authority of our board of trustees, and not our shareholders, to adopt, amend or repeal our bylaws;



•

the fact that only the board of trustees may call shareholder meetings and that shareholders are not entitled to act without a meeting; and



•

the authority of our board of trustees to adopt certain amendments or supplements to our declaration of trust without shareholder approval, including the authority to increase or decrease the number of our shares, to create new classes or series of shares (including a class or series of shares that could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in our control that might involve a premium for our shares or otherwise be in the best interests of our shareholders), to increase or decrease the number of shares of any class, and to classify or reclassify any unissued preferred shares from time to time by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of our preferred shares or any new class of preferred shares created by our board of trustees.

        We maintain a rights agreement whereby, in the event a person or group of persons acquires 10% or more of our outstanding common shares, our shareholders, other than such person or group, will be entitled to purchase additional shares or other securities or property at a discount. In addition, certain provisions of Maryland law may have an anti-takeover effect. For all of these reasons, our shareholders may be unable to realize a change of control premium for securities they own.

Our rights and the rights of our shareholders to take action against our trustees and officers are limited.

        Our declaration of trust limits the liability of our trustees and officers to us and our shareholders for money damages to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law. Under current Maryland

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law, our trustees and officers will not have any liability to us and our shareholders for money damages other than liability resulting from:

•

actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or



•

active and deliberate dishonesty by the trustee or officer that was established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action adjudicated.

        Our declaration of trust requires us to indemnify our trustees and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities to the maximum extent required or permitted by Maryland law. We have similar obligations under individual indemnification agreements with each of our trustees and executive officers. In addition, we may be obligated to pay or reimburse the expenses incurred by our trustees and officers without requiring a preliminary determination of their ultimate entitlement to indemnification. As a result, we and our shareholders may have more limited rights against our trustees and officers than might otherwise exist absent the current provisions in our declaration of trust or that might exist with other companies, which could limit your recourse in the event of actions not in your best interest.

Some of our management agreements and leases limit our ability to sell or finance some of our properties.

        Under the terms of some of our hotel management agreements and leases, we generally may not sell, lease or otherwise transfer the properties unless the transferee is not a competitor of the manager and the transferee assumes the related management agreements and meets other specified conditions. Our ability to finance or sell our properties, depending upon the structure of such transactions, may require the manager's consent or the tenant's consent under our management agreements and leases. If, in these circumstances, the manager or the tenant does not consent, we may be prevented from taking actions which might be beneficial to our shareholders.

Acquisitions that we make may not be successful.

        Our business strategy contemplates additional acquisitions. We cannot assure our investors that we will be able to consummate further acquisitions or that acquisitions we make will prove to be successful. We might encounter unanticipated difficulties and expenditures relating to any acquired properties. Newly acquired properties might require significant management attention that would otherwise be devoted to our ongoing business. Also, acquisitions of properties may not yield the returns we expect and, if financed using debt or new equity issuances, may result in shareholder dilution.

We face competition for the acquisition of properties.

        We compete with pension funds, private equity investors, other REITs, owner operators and other businesses which are engaged in the acquisition of hospitality properties. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources and more experienced personnel than we have. These competitors may affect the supply/demand dynamics and, accordingly, increase the price we must pay for properties we seek to acquire. Furthermore, owners of hospitality properties who offer them for sale may find our competitors to be more attractive buyers because they may have greater financial resources, may be willing to pay more, or may have a more compatible operating philosophy. In addition, recent constraints in the U.S. capital markets may affect our ability to raise capital for acquisitions.

We may change our operational and investment policies without shareholder approval.

        Our board of trustees determines our operational and investment policies and may amend or revise our policies, including our policies with respect to our intention to qualify for taxation as a REIT, acquisitions, dispositions, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions, or approve

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transactions that deviate from these policies, without a vote of, or notice to, our shareholders. Policy changes could adversely affect the market value of our shares and our ability to make distributions to you.

Real estate ownership creates risks and liabilities.

        Our business is subject to risks associated with real estate acquisitions and ownership, including:

•

increased supply of similar properties in our markets;



•

catastrophic property and casualty losses, such as losses due to wars, terrorist attacks or natural disasters, some of which may be uninsured;



•

defaults and bankruptcies by our managers or tenants;



•

the illiquid nature of real estate markets which impairs our ability to purchase or sell our assets rapidly to respond to changing economic conditions;



•

management agreements or leases which are not renewed at expiration and may be replaced with management agreements with less favorable terms or relet at lower rents; and



•

costs that may be incurred relating to maintenance and repair, and the need to make capital expenditures to maintain our properties' values or due to contractual obligations or changes in governmental regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compliance with environmental laws may be costly.

        Acquisition and ownership of real estate is subject to risks associated with environmental hazards. We may be liable for environmental hazards at our properties, including those created by prior owners or occupants, existing tenants, abutters or other persons. Our hotel properties may be subject to environmental laws for certain hazardous substances used to maintain these properties, such as chemicals used to clean swimming pools, pesticides and lawn maintenance materials, and for other conditions, such as the presence of harmful mold. In particular, however, the travel centers we own and that TA leases from us include fueling areas, truck repair and maintenance facilities and tanks for the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous substances, all of which create the potential for environmental damages. As a result, TA is expected to regularly incur environmental clean up costs. In the leases that we entered with TA, TA agreed to indemnify us from all environmental liabilities arising at any travel center property during the term of the lease. Despite this indemnity, various federal and state laws impose environmental liabilities upon property owners, such as us, for any environmental damages arising on properties they own or occupy, and we are not assured that we will not be held liable for environmental clean up at our properties, including environmental damages at sites we own and lease to TA. As an owner or previous owner of properties which contain environmental hazards, we also may be liable to pay damages to governmental agencies or third parties for costs and damages they incur arising from environmental hazards at the properties. Moreover, the costs and damages which may arise from environmental hazards are often difficult to project and TA may not have sufficient resources to pay its environmental liabilities and environmental indemnity to us. The negative impact on TA of the recent economic downturn and volatility in the petroleum markets and other factors may make it more likely that TA will be unable to fulfill its indemnification obligations to us in the event that environmental claims arise at our travel center properties.

We have substantial debt obligations and may incur additional debt.

        At December 31, 2008, we had $2.7 billion in debt outstanding, which was 51% of our total book capitalization. Our note indenture and revolving credit facility permit us and our subsidiaries to incur additional debt, including secured debt. If we default in paying any of our debts or honoring our debt

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covenants, it may create one or more cross-defaults, these debts may be accelerated and we could be forced to liquidate our assets for less than the values we would receive in a more orderly process.

If we issue secured debt or subsidiary debt, such debt will have priority claims on certain of our assets which are senior to our existing debts.

        We conduct substantially all of our business through, and substantially all of our properties are owned by, subsidiaries. Consequently, our ability to pay debt service on our outstanding notes and any notes we issue in the future will be dependent upon the cash flow of our subsidiaries and payments by those subsidiaries to us as dividends or otherwise. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities and have their own liabilities. Payments due on our outstanding notes, and any notes we may issue, are, or will be, effectively subordinated to liabilities of our subsidiaries, including guaranty liabilities. Substantially all of our subsidiaries have guaranteed our revolving credit facility; none of our subsidiaries guaranty our outstanding notes. In addition, at December 31, 2008, one of our subsidiaries has $3.6 million of secured debt. Our outstanding notes are, and any notes we may issue will be, also effectively subordinated to any secured debt with regard to our assets pledged to secure those debts.

Our notes may permit redemption before maturity, and our noteholders may be unable to reinvest proceeds at the same or a higher rate.

        The terms of our notes may permit us to redeem all or a portion of our outstanding notes after a certain amount of time, or up to a certain percentage of the notes prior to certain dates. Generally, the redemption price will equal the principal amount being redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption date, plus any applicable premium. If a redemption occurs, our noteholders may be unable to reinvest the money they receive in the redemption at a rate that is equal to or higher than the rate of return on the applicable notes.

There may be no public market for notes we may issue and one may not develop.

        Generally, any notes we may issue will be a new issue for which no trading market currently exists. We may not list our notes on any securities exchange or seek approval for price quotations to be made available through any automated quotation system. There is no assurance that an active trading market for any of our notes will exist in the future. Even if a market does develop, the liquidity of the trading market for any of our notes and the market price quoted for any such notes may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for fixed income securities, by changes in our financial performance or prospects, or by changes in the prospects for REITs or for the hospitality industries generally.

We may not have the cash necessary to pay the principal return and any net amount upon the conversion of our convertible notes or to repurchase the convertible notes or other debt on specified dates or following certain change in control transactions.

        At December 31, 2008, we had $575 million of convertible notes outstanding. Upon a conversion of notes in accordance with their terms, we will be required to pay the principal return of these notes in cash. Furthermore, there may be circumstances that prevent the issuance of our common shares for all or any portion of any net amount deliverable upon the conversion of notes, thereby requiring us to satisfy our net amount obligation in cash. Holders of notes also have the right to require us to repurchase the notes for cash on March 20, 2012, March 15, 2017 and March 15, 2022 or upon the occurrence of certain change in control transactions prior to March 20, 2012. Some of our future debt agreements or securities may contain similar provisions. We may not have sufficient funds to pay the principal return and any such net cash amount or make the required repurchase of notes, as the case may be, in cash at the applicable time; and, in such circumstances, we may not be able to arrange the necessary financing on favorable terms. In addition, our ability to pay the principal return and any such net cash amount or make the required repurchase, as the case may be, may be limited by law or the

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terms of other debt agreements or securities. Moreover, our failure to pay the principal return and any such net cash amount or make the required repurchase, as the case may be, would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the notes which, in turn, would constitute an event of default under other debt agreements or securities, thereby resulting in their acceleration and required prepayment and further restricting our ability to make such payments and repurchases. In certain change of control circumstances, our future noteholders and some of our other lenders may have the right to require us to purchase our notes which they own at their principal amount plus accrued interest and a premium.

Increasing interest rates may adversely affect us and the value of your investment in our shares.

        Our revolving credit facility requires interest at variable rates and matures in October 2010. At December 31, 2008, we had an outstanding balance of $396 million and $354 million available for drawing under our revolving credit facility. If interest rates increase (which is likely, given the unusually low interest rate of 1.03% on our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2008), so will our interest costs, which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt, our cost to refinance existing debt when it becomes due and our ability to pay distributions to you. In addition, an increase in interest rates could decrease the amount buyers may be willing to pay for our properties, thereby limiting our ability to sell properties to raise capital or realize gains or obtain mortgage financing secured by our properties. We pay regular distributions to our common and preferred shareholders; when interest rates available to investors rise, the market prices of dividend paying securities often decline. Accordingly, if interest rates rise, the market price of your ownership of our shares may decline.

Rating agency downgrades may increase our cost of capital.

        Both our senior notes and our preferred stock are rated by Moody's Investors' Service and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. The outlook for our ratings was revised to "negative" by both of these agencies during 2008. These rating agencies may elect to downgrade their ratings on our senior notes and our preferred stock at any time. Such downgrades may negatively affect our access to the capital markets and increase our cost of capital.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        None.

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Item 2.    Properties

        At December 31, 2008, we owned 289 hotels and 185 travel centers. The following table summarizes certain information about our properties as of December 31, 2008.

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        At December 31, 2008, 14 of our hotels were on leased land. The average remaining term of the ground leases (including renewal options) is in excess of 50 years; the ground lessors are unrelated to us. Ground rent payable under nine of the ground leases is generally calculated as a percentage of hotel revenues. Twelve of the 14 ground leases require minimum annual rents ranging from approximately $102,406 to $556,400 per year; future rents under two ground leases have been pre-paid. Generally payments of ground lease obligations are made by our hotel managers or tenants. However, if a manager or tenant did not perform obligations under a ground lease or elected not to renew any ground lease, we might have to perform obligations under the ground lease or renew the ground lease in order to protect our investment in the affected property. Any pledge of our interests in a ground lease may require the consent of the applicable ground lessor and its lenders.

        At December 31, 2008, 22 of our travel centers were on land leased partially or in its entirety. The average remaining term of the ground leases (including renewal options) is approximately 20 years, and the ground lessors are unrelated to us. Ground rent payable under the ground leases is generally a fixed amount, averaging $432,132. Payments of these travel centers ground lease obligations are made by our tenants. However, if our tenants did not perform obligations under a ground lease or elected not to renew any ground lease, we might have to perform obligations under the ground lease or renew the ground lease in order to protect our investment in the affected property. Any pledge of our interests in a ground lease may require the consent of the applicable ground lessor and its lenders.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

        We are aware of a complaint originally filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on February 1, 2008 which purports to be a derivative action against TA's directors, us and RMR. This complaint appears to allege that our lease of Petro Stopping Centers® branded travel centers to TA is unfair to TA. On October 30, 2008, the plaintiff's claims against RMR were dismissed. On December 11, 2008, the Court denied TA's motion to dismiss the complaint; however, in the plaintiff's brief of September 11, 2008 filed in opposition to TA's motion to dismiss, the plaintiff conceded he was unable to effect service of process on us. We understand that TA, its directors and the plaintiff are now proceeding with discovery. On January 21, 2009, we demanded that TA arbitrate the claims pertaining to our lease as our lease provides. We do not expect this litigation or the arbitration to have a material adverse effect on us.

        In the ordinary course of business we are involved in litigation incidental to our business; however we are not aware of any material pending or threatened legal proceeding affecting us or any of our properties for which we might become liable or the outcome of which we expect to have a material impact on us.

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        None.

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PART II

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

        Our common shares are traded on the NYSE (symbol: HPT). The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sale prices for our common shares as reported in the NYSE Composite Transactions reports:

        The closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on February 27, 2009, was $11.40 per share.

        As of February 27, 2009, there were 968 shareholders of record, and we estimate that as of such date there were in excess of 66,000 beneficial owners of our common shares.

        Information about cash distributions paid to common shareholders is summarized in the table below. Common share distributions are generally paid in the quarter following the quarter to which they relate.

        All common share distributions shown in the table above have been paid. We currently intend to continue to declare and pay common share distributions on a quarterly basis. However, distributions are made at the discretion of our board of trustees and depend on our earnings, funds from operations, cash available for distribution, financial condition, capital market conditions, growth prospects and other factors which our board of trustees deems relevant. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will continue to pay distributions in the future or that the amount of any distributions we do pay will not decrease.

        On December 11, 2008, pursuant to our Incentive Share Award Plans we granted our officers and certain key employees of RMR, our manager, an aggregate of 9,250 common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, valued at $11.43 per share, the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on that day. We made these grants pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

        The following table sets forth selected financial data for the periods and dates indicated. Comparative results are affected by property acquisitions and dispositions during the periods shown. This data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.