Hotel rates on the rise as more people begin to travel

DENVER - Hotel prices are up 3.5 percent compared to last year, according to Travelocity.com.

"Last year was bad. I think it really became a matter of everyone losing," said Ed Blair, General Manager of the Oxford Hotel. "The fight was who could lose less. We saw our rates decline almost 20 percent."

It was a great price for the consumer. The Oxford is one of Denver's most luxurious hotels.

However, it appears bargain deals are over. Whether it's for business or pleasure, people are traveling again.

"Yes, there is a slight increase," said Linda Wilson, a visitor from North Carolina.

"We're a long ways away from recovery, but we're definitely seeing some improvement and we're seeing that in our rates and occupancy," said Blair.

In the Denver metro area, rates have gone up just under one percent.

"The industry typically just doesn't recover in just a couple of years, but we absolutely have seen an increase," said Blair.

Good for the economy, bad for bargain-hunters, but there is hope.

"You have to remember, the average consumer is a very smart person. So if you hunt, you will still find those great deals," said Jayne Buck, Vice President of Tourism for Visit Denver."

Published by:  KDVR