HOTELS across the region continue to suffer in the downturn, according to monthly figures released by Liverpool’s PKF Hotel Consultancy Services.

Liverpool, Manchester, Chester and Blackpool all recorded declines compared with October, 2009.

Average daily room rates in Liverpool fell 3.7% to £63.79; average daily room occupancy dipped 5.2% to 77.4% last month; and the average daily room yield slumped by 8.7% to £49.37.

After a brief respite, thanks to the Labour Party conference, Manchester recorded equally depressing figures of -3.4% to £77.18; -1.4%to 78.8%; and -4.7% to £60.82, respectively.

In Chester, the average daily room rate fell by 2.7% to £64.46; average daily room occupancy of 74.5% was 5.2% lower; and average daily rooms yield was 7.8% worse, at £48.02.

PKF partner Jane Jackson said: “The results posted by the region’s hotels are evidence of the tough economic conditions we are facing at the moment.

“Hotels are having to discount their room rates in order to keep occupancy levels up – unfortunately, this is not enough to stop the slide in rooms yield.

“Having said this, 78.8% occupancy for Liverpool and 81% for Manchester are solid numbers, despite the falls.”

PKF’s hotel trends surveys cover a broad range of hotels throughout the country, although mainly in the 3-4 star categories and featuring more chain-operated hotels than those operated independently.

While taking into account country and rural hotels, most of those featured in the survey are situated in towns and cities.