LODGING Staff

🏨 In the week of November 17-23, 2024, the U.S. hotel industry witnessed an occupancy increase of 20.7% to 59.7%, ADR rose by 8.6% to $150.49, and RevPAR grew by 31.1% to $89.80, year-over-year, partly due to a calendar shift of Thanksgiving. Seattle led with a 62.9% occupancy increase, while Chicago saw the largest ADR and RevPAR increases, 43.8% ($181.36) and 113.7% ($127.91) respectively. Only Oahu experienced a RevPAR decline of 22.7% to $176.10.

🏨 Loyalty program members at five major hotel companies grew by 11.3% in 2023, contributing to nearly 51% of occupancy, up from 48% in 2022. Average room nights booked by a loyalty member returned to 1.1 in 2023, matching 2019 levels, but below the 1.8 nights in 2016. Liability per member was 87% of pre-pandemic levels. Loyalty redemption revenues increased by 11%, reaching $1.1 billion in 2023. CBRE's sample of 4,454 U.S. hotels showed a 17% growth in guest loyalty program fees, outpacing the 8.8% increase in total operating revenue. Upper-midscale, upscale, and upper-upscale hotels had the highest loyalty fees as a percent of total operating revenue.

🌱 AAA projects nearly 80 million travelers for the Thanksgiving holiday, up from last year by 1.7 million and 2019 by 2 million. A record 71.7 million will travel by car, surpassing 2019's 70.6 million. Gas prices could drop below $3 a gallon. Air travel will see 5.84 million people, a 2% increase from last year and 11% over 2019, with international flight bookings up 23%. Other modes like buses, cruises, and trains will see nearly 2.3 million travelers, an 18% rise from 2019. Peak congestion is expected in metro areas, with the worst times to drive on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

🏡 Aloft Tallahassee Downtown completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of its 162 guestrooms and communal spaces. The pet-friendly hotel, situated on North Monroe Street, is close to Florida's Capitol, Florida A&M University, and Florida State University. Renovations include new flooring, vinyl tiles, paint, LED lighting, art from local artists, a refreshed lobby, updated 2,100 square feet of meeting space with 75” smart TVs, and a revamped 24-hour gym. The W XYZ bar, Re:Mix lounge, and 24/7 Re:Fuel market offer food and drinks, while the outdoor pool area boasts new lounge furniture and poolside firepits. The project was overseen by McKibbon Places and carried out by First Finish.

🌏 Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. converted the 226-room Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans to a Tribute Portfolio property. The hotel, built in 1907 and part of Historic Hotels of America, underwent a $19 million renovation. Upgrades included the hotel lobby bar, now Bar 1803, inspired by the city's French roots. Located near the French Quarter, it's positioned for Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras in 2025 to boost its profile.