Hotel rates fell dramatically last year, with the latest report from Hotels.com showing that the average hotel room price fell by 12% across the globe with drops in every continent.
Hotels.com’s Hotel Price Index found that room rates were only 1% higher in December 2008 than prices in January 2004.
“Room rates dropped significantly in the final three months of last year as hoteliers around the world cut prices to try to fill their rooms,” said David Roche, Hotels.com President.
“While last autumn, North America was the only continent to see the average room price fall, the latest Hotel Price Index shows the economic downturn is now affecting hotel prices on all continents.”
By region, European hotels dropped by 10%, North American hotels fell 12%, while Asia dropped by 2% for the fourth quarter of 2008.
“Price falls were most dramatic in North America, but Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America were not far behind,” continues Mr Roche.
“The good news is that there is some great value to be had for travellers. This year really will be the year of the deal.”
There were still spots of price increases, with the top five cities still experiencing high price index growth being Rio De Janeiro (63%), Geneva (34%), Shanghai (32%), Cologne (22%) and Zurich (20%).
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