After a decent summer.. local hotels and motels say they're now starting to get worried about slumping business. And 23 News Economic Reporter Kristin Burke says there could be even more sleepless nights for operators before they can get their 'no vacancy' signs out again.

If the hotel industry is a measure of the local economy.... area hotels and motels are *bedding down for a long winter.

" Everyone is still very concerned about the economy even though all the indicators are pointing in an upward direction."

An unsettling feeling considering occupancy has held up relatively well ...Until recently... And then... the lights went out.

"Our optimism for where we want to be has waned after we got past Halloween. It looks pretty flat."

Business bookings are starting to pick up.. but demand for rooms has softened in the last few months at the Holiday Inn and many other local hotels.
" I travel less and am more selective on where and how much i spend.

"About 80 guests turn out the lights each night...But Ryan hopes the hotel will get back to no vacancies soon."

We usually average around 70 percent.. that's a good night."
For now Ryan is rolling out stay cations and other promotions hoping to wake up demand.

"We're trying to market people in the area for just a local get away.. bring the kids and swim in the pool were going to do a dine and stay package through the holidays."

Perhaps the only beneficiary will be travelers, who will be welcomed with plenty of available rooms and lower rates.

In Rockford Kristin Burke 23 News Right Now.