There are several high-rise hotels in downtown Hartford and other cities across the state. Many rely largely on business travelers who were hard to find in 2020.
Whether planes, trains or cars, business travelers often found their way into the state before the pandemic. However, when business stopped, the airports became desolate and hotel destinations were hit hard.
“Overall, it has obviously devastated us over the past year,” said Steve Matiatos, president of the Connecticut Lodging Association.
Although specific numbers were not provided, the Connecticut Lodging Association (CLA) stated that there has been a significant loss of revenue, particularly in hotel properties for business travelers. Especially in the state’s larger cities that rely on meeting room rentals for corporate functions.
“The recovery will take a long time. Certainly not this year, ”said Matiatos.
To make up for the losses, many properties had to lay off many employees or take leave of absence. According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, 8,799 direct hotel workers lost their jobs in 2020.
As large as that number is, it does not include people who have worked in hotel restaurants or retail stores that have also closed.
However, there is reason to be hopeful. With the easing of many restrictions, including the state’s travel advice, hotels are seeing signs of recovery.
Business travel is slowly returning as restrictions ease, according to CLA. The hotels are therefore expecting an upward trend.
“We can have some of our meetings at our hotels again,” added Matiatos. “People feel a little more secure when they do that.”
The Delamar Hotel in West Hartford estimates that 75% of its business relies on business travelers. They say some of them are returning.
“We have groups and meetings that are starting to plan and putting their dates back in the books. Which is wonderful to see after the year we’ve had, ”said Jackie Kosiba, Director of Sales and Marketing at Delamar.
Last winter, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina said it did something it hadn’t done in 30 years – they closed for a few days a week. However, as they head into the summer, they say they are receiving a large number of inquiries, including from outside the state.
“We’re all excited to welcome everyone back and take it up a little more and make it feel a little more normal this year,” said Candace Engdall, the resort’s Marketing Director.
With the encouraging news, hotels are returning to growth mode.
“We hire for almost every position. The reception, the bellhop, housekeeping, the restaurant and the banquet halls, said Kosiba. The Delamar isn’t the only hotel in setting mode. Saybrook Point Resort and Marina is holding a job fair this Saturday at 11am.
