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THE STATE OF the U.S. hotel industry is strong going into 2024, according to American Hotel & Lodging Association's 2024 State of the Hotel Industry report. Average hotel occupancy is expected to reach nearly 63.6 percent in 2024, a slight increase from the 62.9 percent in 2023 but below the 65.8 percent rate recorded in 2019. Nominal RevPAR is also anticipated to rise to $101.82 in 2024, up by 4 percent from 2023 and over 17 percent from 2019. AHLA projects hotels will pay employees a record sum of over $123 billion in wages, salaries, and compensation in 2024, surpassing $118 billion in 2023 and $102 billion in 2019. Hotels are expected to add approximately 45,000 employees this year, while the industry's workforce remains nearly 225,000 below the almost 2.37 million employed in 2019, the AHLA report said. The report, projecting persistent challenges for hoteliers in the face of nationwide labor shortages as they approach 2019 occupancy levels, draws on data and analysis from Oxford Economics. It was developed in collaboration with AHLA Premier Partners: STR, Avendra, Ecolab, Encore, JLL, Oracle, and Towne Park.

U.S. EXTENDED-STAY HOTELS posted record-high demand, ADR and RevPAR despite reporting a third consecutive occupancy decline during the third quarter of 2024, according to The Highland Group. Occupancy declines have been minimal and average occupancy remains more than 11 percentage points above the overall hotel industry year-to-date through the third quarter. The overall hotel industry saw a slightly smaller occupancy decline year-to-date through the third quarter than extended-stay hotels, according to STR/CoStar. The broader industry also posted stronger ADR growth, yielding a full percentage RevPAR gain, surpassing the 0.4 percent increase for extended-stay hotels. The 2024 Third Quarter US Extended-Stay Hotels Report found that the upper-upscale and luxury segments are helping lift overall hotel industry performance. With minimal extended-stay rooms in these categories, STR/CoStar data shows a 0.3 percent year-to-date RevPAR gain when they are excluded-closely aligning with extended-stay hotel performance.

THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL segment outperformed many comparable U.S. hotel classes in 2024, driven by strong market appeal and pricing power, according to The Highland Group. With demand growth tracking closely with supply over the past seven years, the segment shows long-term stability. Based on data from the Boutique Hotel Report 2025, boutique hotels-including lifestyle properties, soft brand collections and indie boutiques-have emerged as strong alternatives to traditional hotels. "With an intent to heighten the travel experience, boutique hotels intrigue through design, storyline, food and beverage, and unique amenities," said Kim Bardoul, The Highland Group's partner. "The segment consistently performs well with solid occupancies and, in many cases, a premium in rate over traditional hotel types."

U.S. HOTEL REVPAR is expected to grow steadily in 2024, driven by improving group business, inbound international travel, and traditional transient business demand, according to CBRE. This follows a strong performance in 2023 that muted the new forecast in some areas. The research firm forecasted a 3 percent increase in RevPAR growth in 2024, with occupancy improving by 45 basis points and ADR increasing by 2.3 percent. It indicates ongoing recovery of the lodging industry, with RevPAR in 2024 expected to surpass 2019 levels by 13.2 percent, CBRE Hotels said in a statement. CBRE's baseline forecast expects 1.6 percent GDP growth and 2.5 percent average inflation in 2024. Given the strong correlation between GDP and RevPAR growth, the economy's strength will directly impact the lodging industry's performance, the statement said. "We expect RevPAR growth to be slower in the first quarter due to last year's strong performance, but to reach its peak in the third quarter driven by the influx of inbound international travelers during the busy summer season," said Rachael Rothman, CBRE's head of hotel research and data analytics. "Urban and airport locations should particularly benefit from group and inbound international travel, as well as the normalization of leisure travel."

ECONOMIC HEADWINDS AND geopolitical concerns are expected to affect U.S. hotel performance in 2024, according to PwC. The issues include continuing high interest rates and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Occupancy levels have consistently decreased over the past seven months compared to the same period in 2022. This downward trend is anticipated to persist for the remainder of this year and extend into at least the first quarter of 2024. However, PwC forecasts a 63 percent annual occupancy rate for US hotels this year. Hotels in the U.S. experienced a weakening in leisure demand during the latter part of this year, as global vacation destinations reopened, and leisure travelers regained confidence in traveling abroad, PwC said in its latest report titled U.S. Hospitality Directions: November 2023. Moreover, gains in individual and group business travel haven't completely counteracted this softening.

EXTENDED-STAY ROOM revenue rose 3.4 percent in the first half of 2024 and 5.1 percent in the second quarter, while occupancy decreased 0.2 percent in the first half but increased 1 percent during the second quarter, according to The Highland Group. The second quarter also saw the highest quarterly RevPAR increase in a year, an 11-point occupancy premium over all hotels and the most rooms under construction in four years. The 2024 mid-year U.S. extended-stay Lodging Market report found that all three extended-stay hotel segments reported record-high room revenues in the first half and for the second quarter. Revenue growth in extended-stay hotels is accelerating in 2024, with the second quarter's increase more than three times that of the first quarter, the report said. The 5.1 percent revenue increase in the second quarter significantly outpaces the 3 percent gain reported for the overall hotel industry by STR/CoStar. "Despite headline grabbing large increases in extended-stay rooms under construction, the annualized increase in room nights available over the next year should be well below the long-term average and the near-term risk of over supply nationally is very low," said Mark Skinner, The Highland Group's partner.

THE U.S. HOTEL industry showed improved performance in May compared to the same month last year, according to CoStar. All three performance metrics-occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR-increased year-over-year. The top 25 markets reported higher occupancy and ADR than all other markets. Occupancy increased to 65.7 percent in May, up from 65.2 percent in April, and increased by 1.5 percent compared to May 2023. ADR climbed to $160.40 from $157.31 the previous month, a 2.4 percent rise from 2023. RevPAR reached $105.46, up from $102.51 the preceding month, reflecting a 4 percent increase from May of the previous year. Among the top 25 markets, New York City led in all three key performance metrics: occupancy rose 5.8 percent to 88.9 percent, ADR increased 6.3 percent to $339.25, and RevPAR climbed 12.5 percent to $301.57. Markets with the lowest occupancy for the month included Detroit at 46.1 percent and Chicago at 49.4 percent.

U.S. EXTENDED-STAY HOTEL occupancy declined across 59 MSAs in 2023 compared to 2019, primarily due to significant ADR growth over the past three years, according to The Highland Group. Additionally, extended-stay hotel RevPAR surged in more than 80 percent of MSAs, with ten of them, including four major hotel markets, experiencing gains exceeding 10 percent. Despite an 8 percent increase in the number of extended-stay hotel rooms under construction in the 100 largest MSAs over the past year, the figures remain below pre-pandemic levels, the report said. The resurgence in occupancy was notably led by smaller markets, where strong ADR increases and supply expansion played pivotal roles in driving the lowest occupancy recovery indices for MSAs in 2023.

STR AND TOURISM Economics made significant downward adjustments to the 2024-25 U.S. hotel forecast, reflecting lower-than-expected performance and reduced growth projections for the remainder of the year. Projected gains in ADR and RevPAR were downgraded by 1 and 2.1 percentage points, respectively. Occupancy is also expected to decline, contrasting with the previous forecast's projection of year-over-year growth in this metric. While an occupancy growth projection was maintained for 2025, ADR and RevPAR were adjusted downward by 0.8 and 0.9 percentage points, respectively, STR and TE said in a joint statement. "We have seen a bifurcation in hotel performance over the first four months of the year, which we don't believe will abate soon," said Amanda Hite, STR's president. "The increased cost of living is affecting lower-to-middle income households and their ability to travel, thus lessening demand for hotels in the lower price tier. The upscale through luxury tier is seeing healthy demand, but pricing power has waned given changes in mix and travel patterns and to a lesser extent, economic conditions. Travel remains a priority for most Americans, but the volume has lessened as prices on goods and services continue to rise."

STR AND TOURISM Economics downgraded their growth rate forecast for the U.S. hotel business with their final revision of 2024. The forecast for next year remains uncertain as the impact of the presidential election becomes clear. For 2024, projected gains in ADR and RevPAR were each downgraded, down 0.5 percentage points to 1.5 percent growth for ADR and with RevPAR's projected growth dropping 0.6 ppts to 1.4 percent, respectively. Occupancy for the year was lowered 0.1 ppts to 62.9 percent, after the previous forecast projected the metric to remain steady from 2023. For 2025, the occupancy growth projection was downgraded 0.4 ppts, and the forecast for ADR and RevPAR increases were lowered to 1.6 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively. "The outlook for 2025 remains somewhat in flux, with positive sentiment potentially offset by the higher cost of living," said Amanda Hite, STR president. "Based on current economic conditions, higher-end hotels will continue to drive industry performance. The change in the presidential administration is anticipated to yield stronger economic conditions at first, which is not yet reflected in the data."

MORE THAN SEVEN in 10 Americans would be deterred from booking a hotel room in Los Angeles if hotels there are forced to house homeless people next to paying guests, according to a recent poll by American Hotel & Lodging Association. The survey was released as the city of Los Angel considers a proposed ordinance that would require hotels to house homeless individuals alongside paying guests, a change opposed by AHLA and AAHOA. Los Angeles residents will vote in March 2024 on the ballot initiative proposed by Unite Here, a labor union representing L.A.-area hotel workers. The AHLA study highlighted the significant impact such a policy would have on tourism and hotel occupancy in the city. However, if Unite Here's ballot initiative passes, Los Angeles would be the first city in American history to require hotels to house homeless people alongside paying guests.

U.S. EXTENDED-STAY HOTELS saw strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, with RevPAR and room revenue reaching six-quarter highs, according to The Highland Group. Supply growth exceeded 3 percent for the fourth consecutive quarter, the first time in nearly three years, while demand rose 4.6 percent, the highest since the first quarter of 2021. The Highland Group's 2024 fourth quarter U.S. Extended-Stay Hotels Report found occupancy at a three-year high. "Extended-stay demand growth in the fourth quarter of 2024 was the largest quarterly increase in three years and well ahead of the accelerating gain in supply," said Mark Skinner, partner at The Highland Group.

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE is expected to rebound in the fourth quarter and continue into 2025 despite subdued summer demand and a sluggish third quarter, according to CBRE. RevPAR growth for 2024 is now projected at 0.5 percent, down from 1.2 percent in August, due to a 40 bps drop in expected occupancy. Occupancy is forecast to decline 30 bps year-over-year while ADR is projected to rise 0.7 percent, 40 bps below earlier forecasts, the report said. RevPAR growth is expected to rebound in the four quarter of 2024, driven by rate cuts, easing inflation and stock market gains. "U.S. hotels performance was softer-than-expected during the summer months, partly due to Americans traveling overseas in record numbers," said Rachael Rothman, CBRE's head of hotel research and data analytics. "At the same time, the slow recovery in inbound international travel has created an imbalance in U.S. leisure demand. Despite this, continued improvements in group and business travel served as relative bright spots in the third quarter."

ADR is projected to rise by 0.1 percentage points in 2024, with occupancy and RevPAR remaining unchanged from the previous forecast, according to STR and Tourism Economics' initial U.S. hotel forecast for 2024 at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit. Yet, 2025 projections for key performance metrics were revised downward due to stabilized long-term average trends: occupancy down 0.1 percentage points, ADR down 0.3 points and RevPAR down 0.5 ppts. "U.S. ADR and RevPAR reached record highs in 2023 with solid travel fundamentals and a big year for group business underpinning performance," said Amanda Hite, STR president. "We expect to see continued growth as fundamentals remain more favorable for the travel economy. The indicator that is especially important is the low unemployment rate among college-educated individuals, those most likely to travel for business and leisure." The STR and Tourism Economics forecast a rise in GOPPAR growth due to increased TRevPAR levels and stable labor costs. Among chain scales, luxury and upper upscale hotels are expected to see substantial cost increases, driven by growing group demand.

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE improved in the first week of June compared to the previous week, with mixed year-over-year results, according to CoStar. All key metrics, including occupancy, RevPAR, and ADR, rose compared to the prior week. Occupancy rose to 69.1 percent for the week ending June 8, up from 62 percent the previous week, with a slight 0.1 percent year-over-year decrease. ADR increased to $160.90 from $150.87, showing a 1.8 percent rise compared to last year. RevPAR increased to $111.26 from the previous week's $93.50, marking a 1.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Among the top 25 markets, Houston saw the highest year-over-year increases in occupancy, rising 14.8 percent to 71.1 percent, and in RevPAR, increasing 19.3 percent to $85.20. New York City recorded the largest increase in ADR, rising 9.1 percent to $358.25.

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE dropped in the first week of July compared to the previous week due to Independence Day on July 4, according to CoStar. Key metrics, including occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR, saw declines over the prior week. Occupancy was 61.3 percent for the week ending July 6, down from 71.9 percent the previous week, showing a 0.9 percent year-over-year decrease. ADR dropped to $157.27 from $162.81, marking a 0.5 percent increase compared to last year. RevPAR fell to $96.35 from $117.13 the previous week, reflecting a 0.4 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2023. Among the top 25 markets, New Orleans saw the highest year-over-year increases in each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy rose 15.5 percent to 56.6 percent, ADR increased 35.1 percent to $197.23 and RevPAR grew 56.1 percent to $111.72.

THE U.S. HOTEL industry reported higher performance in the second week of July compared to the previous week, but lower year-over-year results, according to CoStar. The first hurricane of the season impacted one top 25 market. Occupancy climbed to 69.2 percent for the week ending July 13, up from 61.3 percent the previous week, but down 3.7 percent year-over-year. ADR increased to $158.21 from $157.27, marking a 1.5 percent decline compared to last year. RevPAR increased to $109.51 from $96.35 the previous week, reflecting a 5.2 percent decrease from the same period in 2023. Among the top 25 markets, Houston recorded the highest year-over-year increases in key performance metrics: occupancy rose 13.4 percent to 72.2 percent, ADR increased 22.4 percent to $137.17, and RevPAR grew 38.8 percent to $98.97. The market's performance was impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

U.S. EXTENDED-STAY HOTELS closed the year strong in December, particularly at lower price points, outpacing the overall industry in supply, demand, occupancy and revenue growth, according to The Highland Group. However, slower ADR gains led to a smaller RevPAR increase than in the broader industry. The Highland Group's U.S. Extended-Stay Hotels Bulletin: December 2024 reported economy extended-stay hotels saw their third consecutive monthly RevPAR increase, with December's 5.5 percent growth, the highest since June 2022. "December was another very good month for extended-stay hotels with positive change in RevPAR in eight of the last nine months despite accelerating supply growth," said Mark Skinner, The Highland Group's partner.

THE 2020 COVID-influenced lodging industry recession resulted in some noticeable changes to the way hotels provide F&B service. Social distancing regulations forced operators to be creative in the way they served food and beverages to guests. Rising wage rates and sharp increases in the cost of food and beverage products compelled hotel managers to find ways to control costs. The inability of hotels to attract employees to fill the positions eliminated during the recession required creative solutions to improve productivity and offer more with less. These factors resulted in the following hotel food and beverage trends during the subsequent recovery period: The increased offering of kiosks and grab-and-go venues The closing of traditional three-meal-a-day restaurants A reduction in the menus, number of seats, and hours of remaining F&B venues Reductions in in-room dining and mini-bar service The conversion of food and beverage space to other revenue generating purposes To learn how these recent changes in hotel food and beverage operations have impacted revenues and expenses, we have analyzed the operating statements of 2,500 U.S. full-service, resort, and convention hotels that participated in CBRE's annual Trends in the Hotel Industry in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, these 2,500 properties averaged 285 rooms in size, and achieved an occupancy of 64.7 percent, along with an ADR of $225.60. To provide more current information, we also relied on the monthly operating statements of 1,200 properties during the period January through June of 2023.

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE exhibited mixed results in the first week of May compared to the prior week, according to CoStar. Among key metrics, occupancy declined, whereas both RevPAR and ADR saw an uptick. Occupancy dropped to 64.4 percent for the week ending May 4, down from the previous week's 65.7 percent, marking a 0.8 percent year-over-year decrease. ADR rose to $159.97 from $154.44, reflecting a 1.3 percent increase compared to last year. RevPAR climbed to $103.09, up from $101.42 the prior week, indicating a 0.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Among the top 25 markets, Seattle reported the highest year-over-year increase in occupancy, rising by 8.1 percent to 69.4 percent. Dallas recorded the largest increase in ADR, up 5.8 percent to $134.33.