L.A. County Hotels Boost Rates Nearly 10%

Hot on the heels of a 15% price hike in overnight stays during August’s Democratic National Convention, Los Angeles County’s hotel industry was able to raise rates nearly 10% in September because of increased convention demand during the month, according to an industry survey. A national gathering of Baptists along with a convention of audio engineers drew about 80,000 to the downtown Los Angeles Convention Center in September and resulted in more than 30,000 overnight stays at area hotels, the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau said. Occupancy at hotels throughout Los Angeles County grew to 78% from 73% in September 1999 and hoteliers were able to raise rates to $120.87 from $110.64. Year-to-date, county hotels have been filled to about 78% capacity and have been charging on average 7% more, or an average of $122.36 a night, compared with the same period a year ago. Meantime, Orange County’s hotel industry posted a September occupancy rate of 75%, compared with 68% a year ago, and a 6% increase in average nightly rates--$109.43 versus $103.75. Tourism to Orange County continues to rebound after dropping off last year because of widespread construction projects in Anaheim.