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US: Accommodation search engine AllTheRooms has released data for the US upscale lodging sector for 2014.
US: Accommodation search engine AllTheRooms has released data for the US upscale lodging sector for 2014.
The data shows that rates grew over 15 per cent year-over-year, performing better than the overall US economy during the last four quarters.
It also showed major seasonal variations which depended significantly on location. Joe DiTomaso, CEO and co-founder of AllTheRooms, said: “If you look at cities like Boston or Seattle where the weather plays a higher factor the average rate of stay almost doubles during the summer seasons. When people plan on indulging in a luxury hotel the pricing index proves it’s wisest to book during the early season.”
Overall, summer was the peak time for luxury hotel rates, which stayed consistently high (c.$550) from mid-June through September. From October through December rates stayed firm at above $500. The busy holiday season didn’t affect rates, as properties generally stayed consistent through Christmas, even while lower-tier hotels witnessed a spike.
“More family travel would warrant such a disparity,” DiTomaso said. “Couples with children would likely stay at a more family-focused type of lodging. If stays are more than a couple days price eventually becomes a factor in making a reservation. Perhaps these properties are trying to keep consistent rates to entice those debating on whether to spend $250 on a stay at a 4-star hotel or spend the extra $50 and stay at a Ritz-Carlton.”
AllTheRooms describes itself as the world’s first and only complete room metasearch engine, combining hotels (Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia ) with home stays (like Airbnb, HouseTrip, 9Flats), secret deals (like Hotwire and Priceline Express), and all other types of accommodations (Couchsurfing, Hallst, Jetsetter).
alltherooms.com
