Corporate room nights booked in the second quarter by Host Hotels & Resorts properties rose 11 percent, corporate rates grew 6 percent and corporate revenue increased 18 percent

, the company announced. "Special" corporate room nights rose 33 percent. Association and corporate group booking rates in lower-tier segments grew 121 percent, while overall corporate group business climbed 16 percent. For 2011, Host is "sending the message" that higher rates are to come and although "that message is being accepted corporate customers," that "doesn't mean it will ultimately be negotiated," according to CEO W. Edward Walter. The company reported second-quarter net income of $20 million compared with a loss of $69 million a year earlier. Overall average daily rate decreased to $175.47 from $177 whereas occupancy climbed to 74 percent from 68 percent.