Resource CenterWhere is the growth coming from, and where are the costs showing up in the US?
That was the thread running through Michael Grove’s Speed Stats session at The Lodging Conference 2026. In three minutes, he used HotStats P&L data to show where US hotels are gaining ground and where costs are pushing back.
On revenue, RevPAR growth is strong, though it's coming off a low base from last year. Guests are spending more at the properties, including wellness and golf. Conference and events revenue, a highly profitable and large segment of US performance, has grown year on year across the US, helping contribute to margin growth. TRevPAR growth of 6.2% has helped offset high labor cost growth.
The cost side tells a different story. Utility costs are feeding through to linen and supplies. Booking fees and credit card commissions are rising as guests book online and pay by card more often. US hotel insurance costs have slowed their climb, but they now run at roughly double those of the average European hotel. IT is also growing fast, and it doesn't only come from more tech and AI. It comes from subscriptions, which aren't capitalized, so every increase lands directly on the P&L.
Key takeaways
- Ancillary spend is the biggest lever. Capturing more of what guests spend in house is still the best way to navigate cost headwinds.
- Conference and events is doing double duty. It is a growing revenue line and a highly profitable one, which makes it a clear driver of margin growth.
- RevPAR alone hides the pressure. Strong top-line growth can mask cost lines that are rising just as quickly.
- Some costs are now structural. Booking fees, card commissions and IT subscriptions track guest behavior and technology choices, so they are unlikely to ease on their own.
- Insurance deserves a second look. The surge has slowed, but US hotels still pay about double the European average.
Presented at The Lodging Conference 2026, Speed Stats (Part II)