U.S. Operating margins expected to rise in 2012

There was plenty of good news for the U.S. lodging industry to celebrate the end of 2011. Room-supply growth continued to drift downward while room demand reached record levels during the year. Room occupancy moved back above 60% and room rates moved back above US$100. While both of these measures still are short of the levels reached in 2007 and 2008, it was encouraging to see the industry stage a solid rebound during a period of considerable...