DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – As Daytona Beach dips into the second weekend of Bike Week, some hotels are reporting numbers exceeding their expectations.
What you need to know
- Daytona Beach Hotels get a boost from Bike Week
- Some hotels are reporting numbers that have exceeded their expectations
- Many companies have struggled with the pandemic in the past year
At the Shores Resort and Spa there are motorbikes at the entrance. It’s a welcome sight for General Manager Robert Burnetti.
“The 10 days between the start of Bike Week and the end of Bike Week were our busiest 10 days since the pandemic began,” said Burnetti. “It was great.”
Burnetti said the hotel was sold out for this weekend and it was last weekend as well, with constant occupancy throughout the week. After spending the last 12 months battling his way through the pandemic, he believes things are finally changing.
“You know our numbers are actually a little better this year than last year. I don’t remember a period of time I could really say this since we were in those COVID times,” said Burnetti.
He said the introduction of vaccines and good news about infection rates play a role, but so does cabin fever. While they advise guests to comply with applicable safety protocols, it is ultimately up to the individual.
“Let’s face it, the tattoos and the inscription on people’s bikes don’t say it’s a rule and we’re going to obey them, you know? They are much more about the freedom to do what they want, ”said Burnetti.
When he looks at his bookings and believes things are going well here and the numbers are staying low, he believes that more people will travel to Daytona.
“As it got closer, things filled in a rush and the good thing is that the booking dynamic started a little later in February and really continues into April so the booking window we’re talking about definitely extends a little bit more people beyond bike week seem to be traveling, ”said Burnetti.
The challenge now is to keep up with this new demand.
“You know, we’re hiring, we’re preparing for what’s to come,” said Burnetti.
He said it’s something all Daytona hotels have been waiting for.
“I mean, that’s what we’ve always wanted and it just goes to show how important these special events are to the Daytona Beach market,” said Burnetti.
