July Sees U.S. Hotel Rates Increase, Though Occupancy Declines Persist, Reports STR

Average daily rates and revenue per available room for U.S. hotels in July increased slightly year over year while occupancy slipped again, according to hospitality analytics firm STR.

In July, U.S. hotel ADR was $160.31, up 1.3 percent year over year and also above June’s average of $158.40. July U.S. hotel RevPAR was $110.80, up 0.8 percent year over year and slightly above the $110.33 reported last month.

U.S. hotel occupancy decreased 0.5 percent year over year to 69.1 percent, and down from 69.7 percent the month prior.

Among STR’s top 25 markets in the U.S., San Diego reported the highest occupancy in July at 86.5 percent, up 2.6 percent year over year. Among the markets with the lowest occupancy in July was New Orleans at 54.3 percent and Phoenix at 58.9 percent.

For another consecutive month, July reflected “continued improvement in business and group travel,” as the “top 25 markets showed higher occupancy and ADR than all other markets,” according to STR.

Angelique Platas www.businesstravelnews.com