Image: April was a 'stellar' month for operators

Economic concerns and poor weather conditions failed to prevent UK hotel operators from reporting "exceptionally strong" trading during April, according to new research.

The latest preliminary figures from PKF Hotel Consultancy Services showed a 9.7 per cent growth in rooms yield for London properties, when compared with April 2011.

Room rate in the capital was up 5.6 per cent and occupancy increased 3.9 per cent to nearly 84 per cent as the Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Games draw closer.

Meanwhile, regional hoteliers saw rooms yield grow 3.7 per cent and room rate increase by 3.5 per cent, although occupancy remained broadly flat at around 70 per cent.

PKF Hotel Consultancy Services partner Robert Barnard said: "This is a stellar set of results, particularly at a time when most of the economy remains in the doldrums."

Details: www.pkf.co.uk