Hotels savor a strong summer

Newport Beach’s August rates up 22% from year ago; Costa Mesa reports good season too.Area hotel operators enjoyed a strong summer season, recently released figures show. Factors including good weather and the area’s more prominent image helped bring travelers to town, locals in the industry say.

Compared to last year, hotel rates in Newport-Mesa increased by double-digit percentages in June, July and August, according to figures compiled by Atlanta-based PKF Hospitality Research.

Rates reached their highest point in August. The average daily hotel rate in Newport Beach for the month was $183.79, more than 22% higher than August 2004 figures. In the John Wayne Airport area, average daily hotel rates were $111.11, more than 13% higher than in August of last year.