The first-quarter U.S. domestic average daily hotel rate booked by corporate travelers was $180, down from $203 a year earlier

, according to American Express Business Travel. The company tracked double-digit percentage declines in most segments, including upscale (12 percent), midprice (14 percent), economy (15 percent) and budget (18 percent). "For the first time, we are seeing buyers renegotiate greater reduced rates for a longer period of time, in some cases two years," according to Amex. "Aggressive hoteliers are taking advantage of these rates by proactively reaching out to potential new clients to compete for business."