Despite suffering the wettest April in more than 100 years, London hoteliers posted positive results for the month, with a 9.4 per cent increase in group business boosting bookings. The latest UK Chain Hotels Market Review by TRI Hospitality Consulting also shows London achieved year-on-year increases in food and beverage revenue of 4.8 per cent and a slight increase in meeting room hire revenue of 0.4 per cent.

Compared with April 2011, London enjoyed a 7.8 per cent growth in revenue per available room, an average room rate increase of 5.3 per cent (from £122.10 to £128.52) and an average room occupancy of 82.3 per cent, the highest it has been for the month since 2008 - an unexpected increase considering that room occupancy levels in April 2011 fell to as low as 46 per cent, despite the Easter Bank Holiday and Royal Wedding fever.

According to TRI, the only negative indicator was the ongoing decline in net average room rate, with hotel room expenses increasing by 6.9 per cent per room sold, due in large part to an 18.1 per cent increase in the cost associated with travel agent commissions.