The average U.S. hotel rate in June increased year over year
by 3.5 percent, and rates were up in each of the top 25 markets in the country,
according to hospitality research firm STR.
Occupancy reached 67.6 percent in June, up 4.2 percent
compared with the prior year, and revenue per available room increased by 7.8
percent to its highest level since August 2008. STR president Amanda Hite
projected a "profitable, busy" summer for hoteliers with rate growth
picking up momentum, considering that demand is at peak levels, supply growth
is minimal and fuel prices have begun to stabilize.
San Francisco experienced the largest rate increase, up 15
percent, and rates in Nashville were up 10.9 percent, STR reported.