Though the industry is still in the early stages of 2015, data from STR are showing positive results for hotel performance metrics in the U.S.
In year-over-year measurements for the week of Jan. 4-10, 2015, STR found that the industry's occupancy rose 1.0 percent to 49.9 percent. Meanwhile, average daily rate (ADR) increased to 4.0 percent, finishing the week at $110.40. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) was up 5.1 percent, settling at $55.07.
Among the country's top 25 markets, New Orleans, reported the only double-digit occupancy increase (up 12.5 percent to 53.8 percent). Philadelphia, saw the only double-digit occupancy decrease as it fell 12.8 percent to 46.9 percent. The largest ADR increase (9.8 percent to $87.49) was found in San Francisco/San Mateo, which was followed by a 7.3-percent ADR increase to $166.73. Nearby Los Angeles/Long Beach, was host to the largest ADR decrease (down 4.4 percent to $145.20.
Additionally, four of the top 25 markets reported double-digit RevPAR gains: New Orleans (up 19.6 percent to $67.32); Orlando, Fla. (up 17.2 percent to $79.49); Phoenix, (up 14.2 percent to $72.95); and Seattle, Wash. (up 12.6 percent to $63.07). Philadelphia reported the largest RevPAR decrease, dropping 14.3 percent to $50.55.
STR has been reporting occupancy and ADR increases in the U.S. since October, and reported in late August, alongside PwC, that occupancy is building to reach a 20-year high in 2015.