After a stable fiscal-year 2026, the recently published fiscal-year 2027 per-diem rates indicate a return to measured growth, with the standard continental United States (CONUS) lodging allowance increasing by $3 per night. This article explores how long-term trends continue to reveal significant differences among U.S. lodging markets, particularly in major gateway cities and resort destinations.

This summer has been strong for the U.S. hotel sector, with weekly RevPAR gains averaging near 8.0% in June and early July, cooling slightly into 6.0% to 7.0% in August. Our RevPAR growth forecast reflects 4.5% for 2026 given the expectation that recent growth, partly fueled by World Cup matches and heightened vacation travel, will wane somewhat in the final months of the year.

The summer is off to a roaring start for the U.S. hotel sector, with weekly RevPAR gains averaging roughly 8.0% in June and early July. Our RevPAR growth forecast reflects 4.5% for 2026, which takes into consideration that this recent growth, partly fueled by the World Cup matches, will wane somewhat in the second half of the year.

The U.S. hotel sector continues to show strength, with weekly RevPAR gains averaging 4.0% YTD through May and exceeding 5.0% in recent weeks. Our latest RevPAR growth forecast reflects 3.0% for 2026, which may be on the conservative side if elevated travel trends continue through the summer vacation and fall convention seasons.

The U.S. hotel sector continues to show strength, with weekly RevPAR gains averaging 4.0% YTD through April and exceeding 4.0% in recent weeks. We have updated our RevPAR growth forecast for 2026 from 2.2% to 3.0%, and this may be on the conservative side if elevated travel trends continue through the summer vacation and fall convention seasons.

U.S. hotel performance is posting notable gains compared with 2025 levels, as travel continues to be a priority for many despite persistent inflation, the Middle Eastern conflict, and lackluster job growth. While luxury hotels are posting the greatest RevPAR gains, even economy and midscale hotels are showing occupancy improvement and ADR gains.

U.S. hotel performance is posting notable gains compared with 2025 levels, as travel continues to be a priority for many despite persistent inflation, the Middle Eastern conflict, and longer security lines at airports. While luxury hotels are posting the greatest RevPAR gains, even economy and midscale hotels are showing occupancy improvement (as we expected).

U.S. hotels began 2026 steadily, with flat occupancy and slightly higher ADR for January. As of February, HVS expects modest RevPAR growth in 2026 and stronger gains in 2027 and 2028. Cap rates are trending downward as more distressed assets sell, while transaction activity is slowly gaining momentum, supported by lower interest rates.

The per-diem lodging rates set the maximum amount a federal traveler can reimburse and are based on the average rates for mid-priced hotels. For the overall continental United States, the recently published per-diem rates for the 2026 fiscal year have remained stable when compared to the 2025 rates.

The per-diem lodging rates, which set the maximum amount a federal traveler can reimburse, are based on the average rates for mid-priced hotels. The recently published per-diem rates for the 2025 fiscal year show increases for the overall continental United States.