The upturn in the U.S. hotel industry is bad news for travel managers

With the domestic hotel industry on the cusp of a widespread recovery, operators are breathing a sigh of relief. But business travelers who have gotten used to low rates, the ability to book at the last minute and perks like free Wi-Fi and parking are less enthusiastic.

Travel managers, too, are finding that negotiating corporate rates for 2013 is much more challenging. “We’re going to be seeing well-above-average increases in average room rate for at least the next three to four years,” said R. Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research.