by Calculated Risk on 1/28/2010 01:16:00 PM

The good news for hotels is it appears the occupancy rate might be near the bottom. This week Smith Travel Research reported the occupancy rate was "virtually flat with an 0.9-percent decrease" compared to the same week in 2009.

The bad news for hotels is the average daily rate (ADR) is still falling because the occupancy rate is so low. Therefore RevPAR (revenue per available room) is still falling.

From HotelNewsNow.com: Boston leads occ., RevPAR increases in STR weekly numbers

Overall, in year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy ended the week virtually flat with an 0.9-percent decrease to 46.8 percent, average daily rate dropped 9.4 percent to US$93.87, and RevPAR for the week fell 10.3 percent to finish at US$43.89.

Click on graph for larger image in new window.

This graph shows the occupancy rate by week since 2000, and the rolling 52 week average occupancy rate.

Notes: the scale doesn't start at zero to better show the change.

The graph shows the distinct seasonal pattern for the occupancy rate; higher in the summer because of leisure/vacation travel, and lower on certain holidays. Business travel is the key over the next few months.

Data Source: Smith Travel Research, Courtesy of HotelNewsNow.com