U.S. Hotel Sector Starts 2015 on Positive Note

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According to STR, the U.S. hotel industry recorded positive results in the three key performance measurements during the week of 28 December 2014 through 3 January 2015.

In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy rose 10.4 percent to 51.7 percent. Average daily rate increased 5.6 percent to finish the week at US$125.11. Revenue per available room for the week was up 16.5 percent to finish at US$64.71.

Among the Top 25 Markets, Nashville, Tennessee, reported the largest occupancy increase for the week (+19.6 percent to 63.4 percent). Atlanta, Georgia, followed with a 19.3-percent occupancy increase to 53.6 percent. Detroit, Michigan, experienced the largest occupancy decrease, falling 12.9 percent to 40.2 percent.

Five of the Top 25 Markets recorded a double-digit ADR increase: Orlando, Florida (+16.6 percent to US$142.96); Atlanta (+14.6 percent to US$84.73); New Orleans, Louisiana (+13.9 percent to US$187.38); Miami/Hialeah, Florida (+12.5 percent to US$330.43); and Oahu Island, Hawaii (+10.3 percent to US$341.59). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-New Jersey reported the largest ADR decrease, falling 7.4 percent to US$102.78.

Three markets experienced a RevPAR increase of more than 25.0 percent: Atlanta (+36.7 percent to US$45.41); Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia (+28.6 percent to US$25.52); and Nashville (+27.3 percent to US$73.17). Detroit experienced the largest RevPAR decrease during the week, falling 19.1 percent to US$32.58.