Although it's hit hotel revenues, the struggling economy hasn't hurt hotel service, according to the latest Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI), released quarterly by hospitality consultancy and research firm Market Metrix. According to the index, customer satisfaction with hotels reached near-record levels in the second quarter of 2008.Up one point to 82.7 out of a possible 100, the hospitality industry's MMHI score is the highest it's received in nearly five years, according to Market Metrix. The record score is 83, achieved in 2001 just prior to Sept. 11."The increase in customer satisfaction with hotels is certainly good news and surprising given the current economic pressures to reduce staff and services," Jonathan Barsky, Ph.D., Market Metrix's vice president of research, said in a statement. "In this economy, hotels are focusing more on their current customers. And with occupancy rates down 2.6 percent in the first half of 2008, guest staffing ratios have remained stable. Other factors helping to maintain or improve customer satisfaction include recent investments in customer technology, facilities and new services, expanded satisfaction measurement programs and pay-for-performance compensation."Among hotels ranked by Market Metrix, Drury Inns received the highest customer satisfaction score, at 91.8. Other high scorers were Kimpton Hotels, Staybridge, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn SunSpree amd Jameson Inns, all of which scored well above the industry average.