Hotel occupancy rose in August for Utah, Salt Lake

Average hotel room occupancy rates rose statewide in August, according to the Rocky Mountain Lodging Report.

The report, compiled in cooperation with the Utah Hotel & Lodging Association, said the average occupancy rate statewide was 79.6 percent last month, compared to 75.8 percent in August 2005. In Salt Lake City, the occupancy rate was 84.2 percent in August 2006, compared to 78.9 percent in the same month last year.

Average daily room rates also rose year-over-year, from $77.17 to $86.69 for the state and from $80.50 to $90.22 for Salt Lake City.

The highest average room rate in August was at Utah's mountain resorts, at $117.80. The lowest was St. George, at $70.08.