London riots cause occupancy drop at capital's hotels

The latest figures show occupancy in the capital fell for the first time since January. However, room yield actually increased by 6 per cent to £101.66 from £96.02 compared to the same month the previous year due to room rates rising 9.5 per cent.

“The riots appear to have had a negative impact on London hotels as visitors decided to stay away or shorten their breaks in the capital,” said PKF hotel consultancy services partner Robert Barnard.

“Although occupancy remained above the important 80 per cent benchmark, the decline in guest numbers bucks the trend seen earlier in the year and only skilful revenue management enabled hoteliers to avoid a drop in yields during their peak season

“With London now projecting a much more positive image again, we are optimistic that the challenges have been short term in nature and that normal service will be resumed in September."

Regions​

Hotels located outside the capital, particularly those in Manchester and Edinburgh, fared much better with a 2.4 per cent increase in occupancy and a 2.5 per cent rise in room rate pushing up room yield to £51.82 from £49.41.​
Barnard said: “August is an enormously important month for the hospitality sector, so it is encouraging to note that hotels in the rest of the country posted some of their best results to date last month. The data suggest that, despite the dismal weather, families decided to spend the summer season in the UK as they continue to grapple with an uncertain economic outlook and unfavourable exchange rates.”