Transient occupancy tax increase

The San Francisco Peninsula CEO thanked the Council for involving the hotel industry and warned against going above 14% to keep Burlingame hotels competitive for airline crew contracts.

Discussed hotels' average daily rate as key to restoring revenues, and asked that any new TOT funds go toward improving the Bayfront area.

Said Burlingame hotels compete with San Francisco on quality and environmental experience, and asked for city support to enhance hotel surroundings.

The Convention Visitors Bureau CEO warned against getting too close to Palo Alto's 15.5% rate given competition with San Francisco hotels for airline crews, and noted 11 licensed short-term rentals versus 131 units listed on Airbnb — a possible collection gap.

The Marriott representative said tax increases had little impact on travelers when she helped raise them in Oakland and San Francisco, but asked the city to help beautify the Bay Trail/Airport Boulevard corridor to lift occupancy and rates.

The Embassy Suites general manager said the city lost an airline contract to a San Francisco hotel on daily rate, and asked for continued support maintaining the Bay Trail area near his hotel.