Orlando hotels’ numbers rise slightly, lag nationally

Although Orlando hotels performed better this September than last, their rates significantly underperformed when compared to the rest of the country’s hotel industry.

In year-over-year figures, the U.S. hotel industry increased in three key metrics used to measure performance: occupancy, average daily room rates and RevPAR, revenue made per room. The figures are tracked by STR, Inc., which measures supply and demand for the hotel industry internationally.

Room rates nationally increased 4.6 percent to $122.02; in Orlando they increased 1.3 percent to $92.59. RevPAR nationally was up 8 percent to $82.82; in Orlando it was up 7.2 percent to $58.22.

Orlando outpaced the national average on occupancy, which rose 3.3 percent to 67.9 percent nationally and 5.5 percent to 62.8 percent in Orlando.

So far, Orlando hotels are consistently besting themselves from their performance in 2014. According to STR records, occupancy, average room rates and RevPAR have increased yearover-year statistics each month this year.

Historically, September has been the worst month of the year for Orlando hotels, which are coming off the busy summer season.

The best month for growth this year, when compared to 2014 metrics, was July when occupancy had an 8.5 percent increase over 2014. July also marked double-digit increases in room rates and RevPAR, reflecting a 10.1 and 19.4 percent increase, respectively.

March, however, has been the strongest month this year. Occupancy was 88.1 percent; average room rates were $127.59; and RevPAR was $112.44, according to STR. It has been Orlando’s strongest month since 2013.

“Strong results in the key performance metrics were very much welcomed as the industry moved past calendar comparability issues,” said Brad Garner, STR’s senior vice president for client relationships. “Occupancy for the month was the highest for any September since 1995.”

cdineen@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414