Approximately 6 percent of the hotel construction projects scheduled for completion in 2002 and 2003 have been canceled or delayed since the September 11 events. This affects 33,000 hotel rooms. For instance, Starwood Hotels and Resorts is freezing most capital expenses over $3 million, including the 40-story St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco. At the other end of the market, 15 Red Roof Inn and Motel 6 projects have been frozen. Omni Hotels is also postponing renovations to its meeting rooms in six hotels in order to save a quarter of its capital-spending budget.

The intent is to slash spending amidst the travel slowdown. It is estimated that, through the end of the year, guest room occupancy will fall an average 8 percent a month and revenue per room by 10 percent compared to last year.

Other expenses are being trimmed also. There are plans to reduce employment by 115,000. Services are being cut back, restaurants are open for shorter periods, business centers are becoming self-service, and front-desk employees are doubling as concierges. Nevertheless, hotel industry profits are expected to fall to $17-20 billion compared with $23.5 billion in 2000.

(Updated November 1, 2001)