Wet weather hits hotel occupany across region

HOTELS across Yorkshire struggled to match their 2011 results during an unseasonably wet July, according to new figures.

PKF Hotel Consultancy Services found that average occupancy rates were down across the region, with Sheffield reporting 11.3% fewer customers compared with this time last year.

There was a 5.8% improvement in room rate but rooms yield decreased overall by 6.1% to £37.91.

Hotels in Leeds reported a stable set of results. Occupancy rates in the city dropped by 2.5% whilst room rates increased by 2.2%, combining to produce a 0.4% decrease overall in rooms yield to £43.01.

Harrogate’s hotels were less fortunate when compared to the same period last year, recording a 10.5% drop in occupancy rates across the town.

A slight improvement in room rates saw hotels charging an average of £61.21 but rooms yield fell overall by 10.1% to £45.48.

York’s hotels fared the best in the region with room rate improving by 8% to reach £67.36. However, combined with a 7.7% reduction in occupancy rate, the rooms yield fell marginally by 0.3% to £57.46.

Paul Clarke, partner at PKF, said: “Hotels have had a lot to contend with this summer with the continuing economic gloom and unfavourable weather conditions.

“However, it’s not all bad news – whilst the occupancy rate remains under pressure, operators are able to manage room rates to soften the impact on yields.”