MWB says its hotels have staying power

MWB said occupancy rates had been maintained at 79% and average room rates at £115 despite the tougher trading conditions, which the company admitted had had an effect with food and drink revenues being marginally down.

It said new hotel openings in Poole, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen have all traded well.
MWB admitted its separate serviced-office offshoot had seen falling rates in the second half of 2008 as it sought to keep occupancy levels above 90%.