The region’s hotel business continued to grow in January as both Los Angeles and Orange counties posted increases in hotel occupancy and average nightly rates. Compared with the previous

year, average room rates rose 3.6% in Los Angeles County to hit $124.77 a night, according to PKF Consulting, and overall hotel occupancy increased in January from roughly 67% to 70%. Orange

County, meanwhile, saw average room rates climb 6.4% to reach $116.27 a night, while occupancy rose from 59% to 64%. Michael Collins, executive vice president with the Los Angeles

Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the numbers indicated healthy business and leisure travel to the region despite concerns over an economic turndown. MORE TO READ