Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that at the fourth quarter close of 2021, the total U.S. hotel construction pipeline stands at 4,814 projects/581,953 rooms, down 8% by projects and 10% by rooms year-over-year (YOY). While project totals have dipped slightly YOY, the number of projects in the early planning stage continues to rise. In the final quarter of 2021, projects in the early planning stage experienced an 18% increase by projects and 11% by rooms YOY, for a total of 2,021 projects/239,816 rooms.
Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months stand at 1,821 projects/210,890 rooms at the end of the fourth quarter. Projects under construction finished the year at 972 projects/131,247 rooms. New project announcements are down in the fourth quarter; however, developers are eager to accelerate projects long-delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, they face some development roadblocks, including escalating inflation and supply chain shortages, that are causing higher prices versus “pre-pandemic” costs for labor and materials. These factors continue to prolong hotel development timelines. We anticipate these challenges to abate throughout the year and see construction starts to moderately improve.
Nevertheless, the hotel industry has found some assurance in the recent resurgence of travel demand and the steady increase in hotel booking numbers over recent months. Pandemic exhaustion and pent-up demand for “get-aways” have led to a growing number of Americans becoming more open to travel. In addition to leisure travel, the business sector has a strong desire to travel and meet in person. LE analysts are expecting higher attendance at industry conferences and events after Q1‘22. This will help to raise hotel business demand and positively impact the industry as a whole.
Through year-end 2021, the U.S. opened 823 projects accounting for 105,705 rooms, for a growth rate of 1.9%. For 2022, LE is forecasting 783 projects/90,074 rooms to open at a supply growth rate of 1.6%. In 2023, continuing at a supply growth rate of 1.6%, another 820 projects/93,112 rooms are anticipated to open by year-end.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Jan 23, 2017
Growth spurt: A record-breaking 128 buildings of 200 meters or taller were completed in 2016
This marks the third consecutive record-breaking year for building completions over 200 meters.
Market Data | Jan 18, 2017
Fraud and risk incidents on the rise for construction, engineering, and infrastructure businesses
Seven of the 10 executives in the sector surveyed in the report said their company fell victim to fraud in the past year.
Market Data | Jan 18, 2017
Architecture Billings Index ends year on positive note
Architecture firms close 2016 with the strongest performance of the year.
Market Data | Jan 12, 2017
73% of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2017
However, many firms remain worried about the availability of qualified workers.
Market Data | Jan 9, 2017
Trump market impact prompts surge in optimism for U.S. engineering firm leaders
The boost in firm leader optimism extends across almost the entire engineering marketplace.
Market Data | Jan 5, 2017
Nonresidential spending thrives in strong November spending report
Many construction firms have reported that they remain busy but have become concerned that work could dry up in certain markets in 2017 or 2018, says Anirban Basu, ABC Chief Economist.
Market Data | Dec 21, 2016
Architecture Billings Index up slightly in November
New design contracts also return to positive levels, signifying future growth in construction activity.
Market Data | Dec 21, 2016
Will housing adjust to an aging population?
New Joint Center report projects 66% increase in senior heads of households by 2035.
Market Data | Dec 13, 2016
ABC predicts modest growth for 2017 nonresidential construction sector; warns of vulnerability for contractor
“The U.S. economy continues to expand amid a weak global economy and, despite risks to the construction industry, nonresidential spending should expand 3.5 percent in 2017,” says ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
Market Data | Dec 2, 2016
Nonresidential construction spending gains momentum
Nonresidential spending is now 2.6 percent higher than at the same time one year ago.
