UK chain hotels recorded an overall increase in room sales and profit during the four months to April, according to the latest HotStats survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting.

In London, average occupancy at chain hotels increased by 0.9 per cent to 78.5 per cent, while figures for the provinces illustrate a much more challenging environment with average occupancy remaining a stagnant 67 per cent.

“From the hotelier’s point of view the first sign of an economic slowdown is a drop in occupancy – and there is clearly no such sign in the London hotel market, said Jonathan Langston, managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting.

“While demand continues to rise London’s hoteliers will keep pushing up rates, resulting in growth in room sales and profit.”