STR (Smith Travel Research)

Among hotel owners and workers, Smith Travel Research (STR) is synonymous with in-depth market analysis, industry professionals a wealth of data on occupancy rates, average daily rates (ADR), RevPAR, and other critical performance metrics. STR's reports and insights are invaluable tools for benchmarking and strategic decision-making, providing a clear view of market trends, performance comparisons, and opportunities for growth.

What is the STR (Smith Travel Research)?

Smith Travel Research, known as STR, is a leading source of data benchmarking, analytics, and marketplace insights in the hospitality industry. STR's comprehensive reports cover various performance metrics, including occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR, offering a granular view of the competitive landscape and market dynamics.

How Do You Utilize STR Data?

Utilizing STR data effectively involves:

  • Benchmarking Performance: Compare your hotel's performance against industry averages or specific competitive sets to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Market Trend Analysis: Analyze market trends and forecasts provided by STR to anticipate shifts in demand and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Strategic Planning: Leverage STR data in strategic planning to inform decisions on pricing, marketing, and expansion based on reliable market intelligence.

Why is STR Data Critical for Hoteliers?

STR data is critical for several reasons:

  • Competitive Insight: It provides a benchmark for comparing a hotel's performance against competitors and the broader market.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Access to comprehensive market data supports more informed decision-making regarding pricing, marketing, and operational strategies.
  • Trend Forecasting: STR's analysis of historical data and market trends helps predict future market movements, enabling proactive strategy adjustments.

FAQs About STR (Smith Travel Research)

Q: How Can Hotels Access STR Reports?

A: Hotels can subscribe to STR's services directly through their website, gaining access to a range of reports and analytics tools tailored to the hospitality industry.

Q: Are STR Reports Useful for Small Hotels and Independent Properties?

A: Yes, STR provides valuable insights for properties of all sizes, offering customizable data sets to suit diverse market positioning and competitive landscapes.

Q: How Can STR Data Influence Revenue Management?

A: STR data can inform dynamic pricing strategies, optimize distribution channels, and enhance promotional activities by providing a detailed understanding of market demand and competitor pricing.

Key Industry Statistics

  • 90,000+ — Hotels tracked in STR's global database, representing 11.8 million guest rooms across 190+ countries (CoStar/STR, 2025)
  • 63.0% — U.S. hotel occupancy in 2024 as reported in STR's year-end benchmarking data (STR/CoStar)
  • $158.67 — U.S. hotel ADR in 2024, a 1.7% increase from 2023, tracked and reported via STR STAR reports (STR/CoStar)

Expert Insight

STR data is the gold standard for competitive benchmarking, but many independent hotels don't fully leverage their reports. We've seen properties improve their MPI by 5-10 points simply by reviewing their STR STAR report monthly and adjusting pricing based on comp set performance. The most actionable metric is RGI - if it's below 1.0, you're leaving revenue on the table relative to your competitors.

— HelloShift Team

How Operational Data Complements STR Benchmarking

STR tells you how you compare on rate and occupancy - but operational metrics explain why. Hotels that pair STR data with real-time housekeeping productivity, guest satisfaction scores, and response-time tracking can pinpoint exactly where they're losing ground to the comp set and fix it.

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