UK Hotel Prices Highest in Europe

Hotels in the UK are on average more expensive than those in Europe, according to a report put out by accommodation website Hotels.com.

Prices could also be set to rise, according to the Hotel Price Index report, which shows a 12 percent growth during 2007 against 2006.

The most expensive area in the UK for overnight accommodation is Bath – the same as 2006 – with an average room rate of £117 a night, although London and Oxford are fast catching up.

London’s average is £115 – up 15 percent on 2006 figures – while Oxford comes in at £113 a night – nine percent higher than last year’s average.

Aberdeen, in Scotland, recorded the highest growth – up 34 percent to £109 – a figure largely attributed to the region’s growth as a key business centre.

Inverness rates also skyrocketed to £98 (up 21 percent), reaping the benefits of an increase in Scottish tourism.

Hotels.com senior vice president David Roche says the new figures show a continuation in the trend for London hotel rates seen over the last four years, and can be linked to rising visitor numbers and property prices in the capital.

He says there are a number of combining factors propping up figures for the rest of the UK.

“Whilst Bath’s combination of high visitor levels and luxury hotels means it retains its place as the most expensive city in the UK, our data shows that Oxford and London are catching up fast,” Roche says.

“In the past, limited supply has made for an expensive night’s stay in the university city, and although a number of new hotels have been developed, these higher-star rating properties have kept the average price growing along with interest from visitors.”

By Penny Jones