WASHINGTON, DC Demand for lodging here is up from past years because of last year s strong economy, according to a National Lodging Forecast released by Ernst & Young s hospitality division. The New York firm said the 2.1 million square-fool convention center under construction and scheduled to open in 2003 is fueling much of the hotel construction plans as developers anticipate larger shows coming to the area. Under construction are several hotels, with brand names that include Homewood Suites, Ritz-Carlton and Marriott.
In 1999, 25 hotels opened in the District, compared with 15 in 1998. Occupancy was up 2% last year and ADR rose 3%, Ernst & Young said. Occupancy is expected to slow this year as more hotels open, and ADR could decrease as well. (2/5/01)
SOURCE:Washington Post Online