UK hotel market settles into short-stay, local-led rhythm
New data from SiteMinder’s 2026 Hotel Booking Trends report indicates that the UK hotel sector has moved into a more stable phase, led by short visits and domestic travellers. Average daily rates in the country edged higher between 2024 and 2025, while cancellation levels remained slightly below the global benchmark, signalling firmer revenue per confirmed room.
Short stays now account for more than four in five hotel nights, with UK residents making up the majority of check-ins. While August continues as the busiest month, demand is spreading into autumn, and pricing varies sharply by season and day of the week, with July and Fridays commanding the highest rates.
Changing booking and distribution patterns
The report also highlights a more layered booking landscape. Booking.com and Expedia remain the leading revenue contributors, but direct reservations hold third place and specialist business-to-business partners are gaining ground. Stronger outbound travel from Asia has lifted platforms such as Agoda and reinforced the need for hoteliers to manage channels as a portfolio, supported by dynamic pricing and tailored short-stay products.
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Photos Source: AI
