The U.S. hotel industry reported mixed results in the three key performance metrics for the first half of 2010 in year-over-year measurements, according to data from STR. The industry’s occupancy was up 4.4 percent to 56.4 percent, average daily rate fell 2.0 percent to $97.18, and revenue per available room increased 2.3 percent to $54.80. In second-quarter 2010, occupancy increased 6.2 percent to 60.7 percent, ADR ended the quarter flat at $97.87, and revPAR increased 6.2 percent to $59.44.

“First-half and second-quarter U.S. hotel industry performance demonstrated marked improvement from 2009—particularly on the demand (rooms sold) front,” said Bobby Bowers, senior vice president at STR. “Second-quarter room demand increased 8.7 percent -- the industry’s largest quarterly demand increase since STR began tracking performance in 1987. ADR growth is slowly improving, primarily at the upper-end, and we expect continued gradual improvement through the second half. We’re forecasting full-year 2010 revPAR growth of just over 5 percent, driven almost exclusively by occupancy gains.”

In the first half of 2010, 23 of the Top 25 Markets experienced occupancy increases. Boston led the increases, rising 14.8 percent to 65.4 percent, followed by Detroit (up 11.2 percent to 51.4 percent) and New Orleans (up 10.7 percent to 66.7 percent). Houston reported the largest occupancy decrease, falling 4.6 percent to 56.7 percent, followed by Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Va., with a 2.9 percent decrease to 49.6 percent.
New York City posted the largest ADR increase, rising 5.4 percent to $209.42. Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida, reported the largest ADR decrease, falling 10.7 percent to $97.98, followed by Detroit with an 8.5 percent decrease to $75.29.

Four markets achieved a revPAR increase of more than 10 percent: New York (up 15.2 percent to $165.56); Boston (up 13.7 percent to $89.39); New Orleans (up 12.4 percent to $81.66); and Miami-Hialeah, Florida (up 11.0 percent to $117.33). Houston dropped 10 percent in revPAR to $51.60, reporting the only double-digit decrease in that metric. For more information, visit www.str.com.  
 

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Naman Hotels announced the opening of Hyatt Place North Charleston, the fourth Hyatt Place hotel in South Carolina and second in North Charleston. Hyatt Place North Charleston offers 113 guestrooms, all of which feature a 42-inch HDTV, the Hyatt Grand Bed and an eight-foot sectional sofa-sleeper; complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel; complimentary continental breakfast featuring a variety of fresh fruits, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, breads, premium coffee and an assortment of juices; more than 1,000 square feet of flexible, high tech, meeting space; 24/7 Guest Kitchen serving made-to-order snacks and entrees; intimate Bakery Café featuring Starbucks specialty coffees, premium beers and wines.

Hyatt Place North Charleston is located in the North Charleston Corridor, close to Northwoods Mall, which is home to over 130 stores, services and eateries. The hotel is also closely situated to Boeing Headquarters, Charleston Southern University, Charleston Air Force Base and other companies and businesses. Hyatt Place North Charleston is under the leadership of General Manager Marsha Ellsworth and Director of Sales Paul Voell. For more information or to make a reservation, call 888-HYATT-HP (888-492-8847) or visit www.HyattPlace.com.  
 

Hyatt Regency Miami announced the launch of “Meet and Be Green,” a new program that encourages guests and planners to make green choices for their meetings. In order to “Meet and Be Green” at Hyatt Regency Miami, planners and meeting attendees will pledge to take these ten steps to “go green” during their meeting: Recycle during the meeting; use products with 100 percent recycled content; print materials locally; minimize shipping; rather than setting materials at every seat, place meeting materials, such as handouts, notepads, pens, etc., in a central location so attendees can take as needed; maintain room temperatures at an appropriate level; eliminate disposable water bottles; minimize use of other disposable products such as plates, cups, napkins, and utensils; select locally grown seasonal foods when planning the menu.

Dedicated meeting planners at Hyatt Regency Miami will help source products with 100 percent recycled content, find local suppliers and maximize efforts to reduce waste to create a meeting experience that exceeds expectations and helps the environment at the same time. To discuss “Meet and Be Green” options, meeting planners should contact the Hyatt Regency Miami sales team at 305-358-1234 or email salesmiarm@hyatt.com.  
For new meetings booked by December 30, 2010, and held by March 31, 2011, groups participating in the “Meet and Be Green” program at Hyatt Regency Miami will be eligible for a 3 percent rebate on qualifying charges on the master bill. “Meet and Be Green” is one of the latest additions to Great Happens, Hyatt’s ongoing campaign to emphasize the power and importance of in-person meetings. “Meet and Be Green” is one part of Hyatt’s larger pledge to conserve energy, minimize waste and create responsible, sustainable corporate practices to care for the earth and guests. By empowering guests to do the same, Hyatt and its planners can help minimize the environmental impact of meetings. Full details of the program and promotion are available at www.HyattMeetings.com.  For more information, call 305-358-1234 or visit www.MiamiRegency.Hyatt.com .
 

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Naman Hotels announced the opening of Hyatt Place North Charleston, the fourth Hyatt Place hotel in South Carolina and second in North Charleston. Hyatt Place North Charleston offers 113 guestrooms, all of which feature a 42-inch HDTV, the Hyatt Grand Bed and an eight-foot sectional sofa-sleeper; complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel; complimentary continental breakfast featuring a variety of fresh fruits, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, breads, premium coffee and an assortment of juices; more than 1,000 square feet of flexible, high tech, meeting space; 24/7 Guest Kitchen serving made-to-order snacks and entrees; intimate Bakery Café featuring Starbucks specialty coffees, premium beers and wines.

Hyatt Place North Charleston is located in the North Charleston Corridor, close to Northwoods Mall, which is home to over 130 stores, services and eateries. The hotel is also closely situated to Boeing Headquarters, Charleston Southern University, Charleston Air Force Base and other companies and businesses. Hyatt Place North Charleston is under the leadership of General Manager Marsha Ellsworth and Director of Sales Paul Voell. For more information or to make a reservation, call 888-HYATT-HP (888-492-8847) or visit www.HyattPlace.com.  
 

The U.S. hotel industry reported mixed results in the three key performance metrics for the first half of 2010 in year-over-year measurements, according to data from STR. The industry’s occupancy was up 4.4 percent to 56.4 percent, average daily rate fell 2.0 percent to $97.18, and revenue per available room increased 2.3 percent to $54.80. In second-quarter 2010, occupancy increased 6.2 percent to 60.7 percent, ADR ended the quarter flat at $97.87, and revPAR increased 6.2 percent to $59.44.

“First-half and second-quarter U.S. hotel industry performance demonstrated marked improvement from 2009—particularly on the demand (rooms sold) front,” said Bobby Bowers, senior vice president at STR. “Second-quarter room demand increased 8.7 percent -- the industry’s largest quarterly demand increase since STR began tracking performance in 1987. ADR growth is slowly improving, primarily at the upper-end, and we expect continued gradual improvement through the second half. We’re forecasting full-year 2010 revPAR growth of just over 5 percent, driven almost exclusively by occupancy gains.”

In the first half of 2010, 23 of the Top 25 Markets experienced occupancy increases. Boston led the increases, rising 14.8 percent to 65.4 percent, followed by Detroit (up 11.2 percent to 51.4 percent) and New Orleans (up 10.7 percent to 66.7 percent). Houston reported the largest occupancy decrease, falling 4.6 percent to 56.7 percent, followed by Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Va., with a 2.9 percent decrease to 49.6 percent.
New York City posted the largest ADR increase, rising 5.4 percent to $209.42. Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida, reported the largest ADR decrease, falling 10.7 percent to $97.98, followed by Detroit with an 8.5 percent decrease to $75.29.

Four markets achieved a revPAR increase of more than 10 percent: New York (up 15.2 percent to $165.56); Boston (up 13.7 percent to $89.39); New Orleans (up 12.4 percent to $81.66); and Miami-Hialeah, Florida (up 11.0 percent to $117.33). Houston dropped 10 percent in revPAR to $51.60, reporting the only double-digit decrease in that metric. For more information, visit www.str.com.  
 

Over the past 30 years, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has welcomed many special guests to its properties. As part of Rosewood’s 30th Anniversary celebration this year, Rosewood is seeking nominations for 30 Under 30, a unique recognition program designed to reward 30 men and women under the age of 30 who have demonstrated qualities that Rosewood holds dear as part of the company’s own core values: mindful of the community, leadership with integrity, passion of conviction, respect and dedication to preserving our natural environment, creativity and strong sense of life balance.

This December Rosewood will debut a website of 30 Under 30, featuring the 30 people who most lead lives of consequence, and Rosewood will make a $100 donation on behalf of each finalist to the non-profit organization of their choice. In addition, they will each enjoy a complimentary dinner for two at the Rosewood hotel or resort of their choice. Rosewood also will select one nominee whose life is truly exemplary to receive a $1,000 donation to the non-profit of their choice and a complimentary three-night stay at any Rosewood hotel or resort.
Helping to select the best 30 Under 30 will be a panel of judges including Caroline Rose Hunt, honorary chairman of Rosewood Hotels; John Scott, president and CEO of Rosewood Hotels; Stephen Hunt Sands, chairman of Rosewood Hotels; Peter Greenberg, CBS News travel editor; Jason Binn, CEO and founder of Niche Media; and Pamela Fiori, editor-at-large of Town & Country. To nominate yourself, a friend or colleague, visit www.rosewoodhotels.com/30under30  and submit a brief 250 word statement detailing the nominee’s qualifications. Please include a resume, if possible. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 1, 2010. Winners will be announced on Dec. 1, 2010 on the 30 Under 30 website. For more information on Rosewood Hotels, call 888-ROSEWOOD or visit www.rosewoodhotels.com.