Hotel occupancy rates fall in Springs for first time since May

Occupancy rates at Colorado Springs area hotels in October took a dip for the first time since May, dropping 4.3 percentage points compared to October, 2010. The downturn, to 59 percent, was ony the third year-over-year decline in 2011. Average room rates edged up slightly, rising 25 cents to $84.42. Statewide, occupancy rates were also down, falling 1.2 percentage points to 58.3 percent. The average room rate statewide fell slightly to $111.87.