Hotel rebound in the U.S. is strong but operators are still a little worried

Hoteliers and industry analysts at this week’s New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference here expressed a combination of optimism and concern over a travel-spending rebound.

Smith Travel Research Chairman Randy Smith, speaking to an audience of about 2,000 attendees, alluded to an industry “sweet spot” in which rising demand and little-changed supply is pushing hotel room rates toward levels they reached just prior to the Great Recession.