Airport hotels outperform downtown hotels post-covid
Comparing occupancy rates of hotels in Downtown Edmonton and Calgary to International Airports
A comparison of pre-COVID occupancy rates demonstrated relative consistency between downtown and hotels adjacent to the International Airports. However, post-COVID, airport hotels have steadily outperformed downtown hotels, indicating a shift in traveler preferences towards staying near the airport and commuting to downtown if necessary.
One contributing factor to this trend is competitive room rates for airport hotels attracting both budget-conscious and business travelers. Additional factors include location and supply.
Edmonton
- Average daily rates for downtown hotels are currently sitting at $198, compared to $122 for airport hotels.
- Location is another contributing factor. Edmonton International Airport is conveniently located nearby oil field service providers and supply companies, providing a base for related travel.
Calgary
- Average daily rates for downtown hotels are currently sitting at $228, compared to $151 for airport hotels.
- Supply dynamics contribute to this as well. Between 2015 and 2025 downtown Calgary added 950 hotel rooms, while the airport added 1,352. The influx of new hotel supply adjacent to the airport, coupled with limited hotel development downtown, has offered an increasing amount of choice to travelers.