Marriott International Inc., which owns properties throughout Hawaii, returned to a fourth-quarter profit as the hotel operator continued to combat the waning recession, with occupancy rising but room rates lagging.

The lodging company, known for brands such as Ritz-Carlton and its namesake, saw business travel improve during the quarter while budget-conscious leisure travelers took advantage of promotions.

Marriott earned $106 million, or 28 cents a share, for the period ended Jan. 1. That compares with a loss of $10 million, or 3 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue fell to $3.38 billion from $3.78 billion.

Revenue per available room for Marriott's worldwide company-run hotels open at least a year fell 13.1 percent in the quarter.