The economic slowdown is taking its toll on Bristol's hotels with the number of guests declining despite price cuts.
Room occupancy rates fell by 6.8% to 73% during November even though the average room rate declined by 1.2% to £69.73 against a year earlier. This meant that year-to-year room yields fell 7.9% from £55.26 to £50.90.
But, on average, Bristol hoteliers are still doing better than the rest of the country. Nationally, even though occupancy levels were up 1% to 70.4%, the average room rate fell 2.7% to £61.77 while room yields dropped 1.9% to £43.48.
The figures were compiled by PKF Hotel Consultancy Services. Partner in charge of the its regional office Neil Dimes said: “When viewed against a backdrop of plunging business and consumer confidence, lacklustre retail sales and the ongoing concerns about the future of the euro, these results suggest that Bristol hoteliers are having a tough time battling against the economic storms that are effecting all parts of the UK economy.
“Let’s be honest, the sector is facing a challenging operating environment that is unlikely to improve significantly anytime in the near future. However, hotel managers appear to have learnt the lessons from 2008-09 and are much better equipped to respond effectively this time around."
