Independent hotels in South Africa have won the year, according to Roomraccoon, the leading hotel management software used by independent properties across the country.
By analyzing the booking performance of over 4,500 rooms in hotels, guesthouses, B&BS and other independent properties in South Africa, Roomraccoon has announced that revenue per room (RevPar) available in January 2025 has been announced. It has revealed that it rose 8% compared to R1,477. R1,593 from 2024 to 2025.
This growth was driven by a surge in average average daily rate (ADR), which spiked to an average R2,864. This is an impressive 16% jump from the previous year. Peak ADR reached R3,480 on January 2, 2025.
Guests book a longer stay
Roomraccoon also observed a shift towards longer stays in South Africa. 57% of guests booked a one-night stay (-3% since the previous year), but the long-term stays rose. 20% booked for 2 nights, 10% (+1%) for 3 nights, and 5% booked for 4 nights. (+1%), 7% chose 5 nights or more (+1%).
“The revenge travel boom is boring as it drops slightly from 60% in January 2024 to 56% in January 2025. However, our data shows that guests stay longer and stay longer. It shows that hotels are increasing opportunities to increase revenue, from other parts of their property,” says Neils Verspi, market head of Roomraccoon, South Africa.
Supplementary revenues are increasing
Roomraccoon data shows that Hotels generated an additional R99.5m in January 2025, including airport shuttles from R73.7m in January 2025, guided tours, game drives, special packages, and more .
“By selling add-ons through the website's booking engine and online check-in, hotels are unlocking new ways to increase revenue beyond room bookings,” says Neals. “The key hospitality trend we'll see in 2025 is monetization of all aspects of the property. Roomraccoon's greyroom feature allows users to extend alternative spaces such as additional parking and expanded pool access as add-ons. .”
Using unenergized spaces and services allows independent hoteliers to provide more convenience and flexibility for their guests during their stay, while creating new revenue streams.
About Roomraccoon
Roomraccoon is an award-winning hotel management system trusted by thousands of independent properties around the world. Roomraccoon's cloud-based platform enhances hoteliers with a category of reads, a comprehensive range of products and solutions to increase revenue, streamline operations and improve guest experiences. And with over 400 integrations, Roomraccoon is one of the most connected solutions on the market. Founded in 2017 by hotel owners and high-tech entrepreneurs, Roomraccoon was finalized in 2025 by Hotel Tech Report as the best hotel management system.
For more information, please visit roomraccoon.co.za
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