Further strong figures for London hoteliers in November while regions begin to stabilise
November was another strong month for hoteliers in London with increases, compared to the same time last year, in room rate, room occupancy and rooms yield. The regions also had a steady month, according to final monthly figures released today by PKF Hotel Consultancy Services.
In London, room rate increased 10.5% from £133.54 in 2009 to £147.54 this year. Occupancy was up 0.3% from 85.8% in 2009 to 86.0% in 2010. Overall, rooms yield was up from £114.51 last year to £126.88 this year, an increase of 10.8%.
Regionally, hoteliers posted a mixed, but mostly positive bag of results. Overall this meant the figures were positive with increases in room rate, room occupancy and rooms yield. Occupancy increased 4.0% from 66.8% to 69.6%; room rate decreased by 0.9% from £63.16 to £63.74; rooms yield increased 5.0% from £42.24 to £44.34.
Of the main UK regional cities, there were no real differences with most posting small overall increases. Edinburgh did not fare quite so well however. Occupancy was down 1.6% to 74.1%, room rate was down 1.9% to 81.73% and rooms yield fell 3.4% to £60.56.
The Northern cities had good months. Manchester’s room occupancy was up 4.7% to 81.3%, room rate was up 2.8% to £81.58 and rooms yield was up 7.6% £66.32. In Leeds, occupancy was up 4.3% to 78.5%, room rate was down slightly by 1.0% to £65.26, but overall rooms yield was up 3.2% to £51.23.
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Robert Barnard, partner for Hotel Consultancy Services at PKF, commented, “November appeared to be a generally steady month across the board which is great for the industry. The December figures could be more interesting as the majority of the snow disruption fell into this month. This can be both good and bad for hoteliers, with some losing out on bookings because travellers cannot get to their destination, while others benefit from stranded passengers looking for a bed for the night.
“Looking into 2011, I have mentioned previously that the government’s spending cuts are likely to impact regional hotels, but on the flip side, for London, the royal wedding could provide a welcome boost.”