U.S. Hotel Sector Performs Well in March, Hawaii Enjoys Top Revenue Increase

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According to STR, the U.S. hotel industry in March reported increases in all three key performance metrics.

Overall, the U.S. hotel industry's occupancy rose 4.0 percent to 63.6 percent, its average daily rate was up 3.9 percent to US$105.91 and its revenue per available room increased 8.0 percent to US$67.38.

"A very strong March contributed to a solid first quarter showing for the industry", said Amanda Hite, STR's president. "Spring breaks, unseasonable warm weather across the country, and the fact that March included 10 Fridays and Saturdays compared to only eight in 2011 helped boost monthly and first quarter performance. The extra weekend days had a positive impact on leisure-oriented hotels, particularly in the Upper Midscale, Midscale and Economy segments."

Among the Top 25 Markets, Nashville, Tennessee, experienced the largest occupancy increase, rising 17.2 percent to 73.4 percent, followed by Houston, Texas, with a 10.4-percent increase to 73.2 percent. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-New Jersey, posted the largest decrease, falling 3.1 percent in occupancy to 66.7 percent, followed by Anaheim-Santa Ana, California, with a 1.1-percent decrease to 75.9 percent.

Oahu Island, Hawaii, achieved the only double-digit ADR increase, rising 11.2 percent to US$173.78. Washington, D.C., fell 1.9-percent in ADR to US$156.26, reporting the only decrease in that metric.

Nashville ended the month with the largest RevPAR increase, rising 25.5 percent to US$71.69, followed by Oahu Island (+18.4 percent to US$146.22) and San Diego, California (+14.9 percent to US$99.09). None of the top markets reported RevPAR decreases for the month.