Hotels CEOs call for U.S. relief bill
The CEOs of 17 of the largest U.S. hospitality and travel companies, including Hilton’s Christopher Nassetta and Best Western’s David Kong, joined the U.S. Travel Association in a statement urgently asking leaders in Washington, D.C., to advance a subsequent round of legislative relief from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. “In the strongest possible terms,” the letter states, “we urge Congress and the administration to reach agreement before the election on a relief package that will give travel employers — and the millions of livelihoods they support — a fighting chance to survive.”
See who else signed the statement
U.S. occupancy remains flat
U.S. hotel occupancy remained nearly flat from the previous week, according to the latest data from STR through September 26.
September 20-26 (percentage change from comparable week in 2019):
Occupancy: 48.7% (-31.5%)
ADR: US$96.38 (-29.6%)
RevPAR: US$46.96 (-51.7%)
Most of the markets with the highest occupancy levels were those in areas with displaced residents from natural disasters. Affected by Hurricane Sally, Mobile, Alabama, reported the week’s highest occupancy level at 74.9%. Amid continued wildfires, California South/Central was next at 74.3%.
Aggregate data for the top 25 markets showed lower occupancy (42.9%), but higher ADR (US$99.25) than all other markets. Four of those major markets reached or surpassed 50% occupancy: Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia (55.9%); San Diego, California (53.6%); Los Angeles/Long Beach, California (52.7%); and Detroit, Michigan (50.6%). Markets with the lowest occupancy levels for the week included Oahu Island, Hawaii (18.2%), and Orlando, Florida (31.9%).
A Paris hotel is hosting dinners in its pool
A French hotel is hosting guests for dinner in unexpected locations around the property, including its drained swimming pool. Les Bains was closed for six months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It reopened partially for limited visitors on September 17. Though the hotel’s 39 rooms are not open for occupancy, guests can reserve spots for dinner service at its restaurant, Roxo, and have their meal in unconventional locations around the property.