STR: U.S. hotel profit reaches 84% of 2019 levels

Gross operating profit for U.S. hotels improved to 84 percent of the comparable 2019 level, according to STR's June 2021 profit and loss data release. Labor costs also rose from the previous month and in comparison with 2019.         

Each of the key profitability metrics, on a per-available-room basis, came in higher than any month since February 2020, while labor was at its highest level since March 2020. GOPPAR reached $50.67 while total revenue per available room was $131.81. Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortization per available room reached $33.10, and labor costs per available room were $37.39.

“After the industry recorded its highest top-line metrics since October 2019, it is no surprise that profitability followed suit,” said Joseph Rael, STR’s senior director, financial performance. “Market leisure demand is driving profitability, as [food-and-beverage] revenues remain weak due to the continued lack of group travel. While profits have improved immensely, levels still remain well below 2019 comparables. We can expect to see profits return at accelerated levels as demand and revenues rebound. While improvement in each of the key metrics can be seen as a win, we must remember many hotels are still being hit hard financially, and labor costs remain depressed when compared with pre-pandemic levels, meaning hotel staffs are doing a lot more with a lot less help."

One monthly trend that is  ongoing is that properties in the major metros are still struggling, according to Rael. "New York City, San Francisco and Oahu Island [Hawaii] are still realizing negative GOP, and most top markets are reporting less than 50 percent of 2019 revenues," he said. "Beach destinations such as Miami, Norfolk/Virginia Beach [Va.] and Tampa, [Fla.,] on the other hand, are experiencing better overall performance.”