Signs of recovery in London occupancies
Occupancy in London hotels fell to 71% last month, down by just 1% compared with April 2001. It was the smallest fall since January last year and an indication that the darkest days of foot-and-mouth and 11 September have passed, according to consultant PKF.
There was no change in occupancy outside London, which stood at 69%.
Hotels in the capital performed slightly better after February and March saw downturns of more than 10%. Average daily room rate was down by 5%, to £103.31, and combined with the drop in occupancy to create a fall in average daily revenue per available room (revpar) of 6% to £73.64.
Outside London, average daily room rate increased by 3% to £63.53, as did revpar, up 3% to £43.75.
Melvin Gold, managing director of hotel consultancy services at PKF, said: "Whilst this isn't news to shout from the rooftops, hoteliers will be relieved to see some upturn after a disappointing few months.
"April was always expected to be a stronger business month, after most of Easter falling in March. Nevertheless, it provides some cheer and something to build on.
"The Jubilee and the Commonwealth Games give hoteliers a marketing focus."
PKF surveyed 559 three- and four-star hotels outside London and 109 three- to five-star hotels in the capital.
by Ben Walker
