U.S. Hotel & Lodging Market Report 2023-2027
At a glance
- U.S. hotel sector achieved record-breaking revenue in 2023, driven by high demand and elevated average daily rates.
- Industry expects moderated growth in 2024 amid economic headwinds and shifting consumer demand towards value and digital experiences.
- Short-term rentals pose ongoing competitive pressure, prompting major chains to develop new brands and improve online offerings.
- Labour shortages remain a persistent challenge alongside post-pandemic sector adaptation and evolving traveller preferences.
What the report covers
Published April 2024, this Phocuswright report provides market sizing and forecasts for the U.S. hotel and lodging sector through 2027. It covers traditional hotels, alternative lodging, and competitive dynamics with short-term rentals across the post-pandemic landscape. The analysis draws on comprehensive travel consumer data and addresses key operational and strategic challenges facing the industry.
Key findings
The U.S. hotel and lodging sector recorded record revenue in 2023, propelled by robust demand and strong average daily rates. However, the report notes a shift in outlook for 2024, with expectations of moderated growth as economic conditions tighten and consumer behaviour adjusts toward seeking better value and enhanced digital engagement.
Short-term rentals continue to exert competitive pressure on traditional hotel operators. In response, major hotel chains are moving beyond conventional accommodation by developing new brand concepts and significantly investing in digital and online experiences to capture and retain guests seeking both competitive pricing and authentic, differentiated stays.
Labour challenges persist in the sector despite post-pandemic recovery. The report indicates that while labour issues have subsided from their peak intensity, they remain a material operational concern for hoteliers, affecting service delivery and operational efficiency across the industry.
Consumer preferences are evolving toward value-consciousness and digital-first interactions. The report identifies a generation of travellers increasingly motivated by cost efficiency and seamless online booking and engagement, requiring operators to balance pricing strategies with elevated digital service standards.
Key numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| U.S. hotel and lodging sector revenue in 2023 | Record-breaking levels |
| Growth outlook for U.S. hotel sector in 2024 | Moderated |
Figures as published in the source; forecasts and survey results are labelled as such in the note.
Why it matters
DMOs & destinations
Record 2023 revenues signal strong domestic travel demand, but moderated 2024 growth suggests need for sharper destination marketing. DMOs should emphasise value propositions and digital accessibility to compete effectively against short-term rentals and capture price-sensitive travellers seeking authentic local experiences.
Hotels & hospitality
Operators must navigate elevated rate environments against moderating demand and persistent labour constraints. Strategic priorities include developing differentiated brand concepts, investing heavily in digital customer experiences, and addressing operational efficiency to maintain competitiveness with short-term rentals and sustain margin recovery.
Travel tech & distribution
Growing emphasis on digital engagement and value-seeking behaviour creates opportunities for platforms enhancing online booking experience and enabling dynamic pricing. Short-term rental competition necessitates tech innovation in personalisation, transparency, and seamless mobile-first interfaces to retain hotel operator clients and traveller loyalty.
Methodology and limits
The report is based on comprehensive survey research of U.S. leisure travellers. It employs market sizing and forecasting methodology covering the 2023-2027 period. The analysis is part of Phocuswright's broader U.S. Travel Market Report series and incorporates data on five key segments. This brief is derived from the publicly available summary only; detailed methodology, sample size, and statistical confidence levels are not disclosed in the accessible source material.
Official source
The report is © Phocuswright. This brief is an original editorial summary by TourismIntel — it quotes only figures published in the source and never reproduces the document.
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