In terms of the occupancy rate, 2009 was the worst year since the Great Depression (close to 55%). And last week was no exception with Smith Travel Research reporting the occupancy rate fell to 33.8 percent - the lowest weekly occupancy rate on record.



From HotelNewsNow.com: STR reports US performance for week ending 26 December

In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy fell 5.4 percent to end the week at 33.8 percent. Average daily rate dropped 8.0 percent to finish the week at US$85.78. Revenue per available room for the week decreased 13.0 percent to finish at US$29.02.

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This graph shows the occupancy rate by week for each of the last four years (2006 through 2009 labeled by start of month).Note: Some of the holidays don't line up - especially at the end of the year.Data Source: Smith Travel Research, Courtesy of HotelNewsNow.com (Note: They have a free daily email too for hotel news)The end of the year can be a little confusing because of the holidays, and the next key weeks will be mid-to-late January to see if business travel is picking up in 2010.