TEXARKANA -- Hotel rates have been trending up since mid-summer in many parts of the country due, in part, to pent-up demand related to the pandemic, travelers' willingness to spend more and inflationary pressures.
But the uptick doesn't seem to be as pronounced here, several Texarkana innkeepers say,
Local hotels seem to be for the most part holding steady on their room rates, with variances reflective of local conditions, seasonal trends and even their own unique circumstances.
An associate at Country Inn & Suites at Raddison and the Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center noted that inflation has affected certain items in their services, most notably their restaurant menu.
"Our suppliers have been experiencing a range of issues, caused by staff shortages, supply chain issues and more, so this has been showing up in menu prices as well as our not being able to get hold of certain labels at all, having to switch to other brands," she said. "Shipping times have in some cases doubled. But despite all that, that has not directly affected our room rates.
"Now, our prices are up compared to this time last year, as occupancy and reservations were greatly affected by COVID. (That's) not the case this year. Things are doing great, far better than this time last year."
She also noted staffing issues that many businesses are dealing with at this time.
On the Texas-side, Candlewood Suites of Texarkana, Texas, prices have been holding steady in room rates, for the most part, though there are exceptions.
"We have the same prices we have had for awhile," said Javon Keaton, front desk associate. "However, we have experienced an uptick in our extended stays, from $72 to $75 dollars per day for a 7-day stay. That just took effect today (Tuesday). I don't know why that is. But our day to day prices are holding steady. Other than that, any changes you may see just reflect seasonal situation more than anything else."
At the Hilton Garden Inn, staffers noted mostly seasonal fluctuation as well.
"We are experiencing our slow season at this time," said Lakesha Brown, front desk agent. "Prices have actually gone down, not up. We have had to bring our prices down a bit to encourage visitors and travelers, as is usual for us this time of year. Around the holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas, they likely will come up a bit as we get busier, but no inflationary pressure, not on our room rates."
Some national sources, like online price monitor, MarketWatch, have been tracking some national trends in price inflation in hotel room rates. However, MarketWatch experts says some of that is misleading, as some of the price increases reflect floor level rates at the height of COVID, then reacting as people began traveling again.