A biannual Hotel Price Index (HPI) from Hotels.com, a travel company and a part of Expedia group, has showed a 4 percent increase in hotel prices in 2011, compared to 2010.
The latest Hotel Price Index shows that per room, per night prices in Europe in 2011 have steadily increased since the last economic downturn, to regain the prices paid in 2004.
Hotel prices in France have increased by 7 percent while the Mediterranean coastal towns of Valencia, in Spain, and Viareggio, in Italy, have seen price falls.
Eastern European destinations are steadily gaining more visits from travellers, and remain more affordable than western European destinations. Hotel prices in Slovakia have increased by 12 percent to an average of £80, compared to those in 2010, and still remain cheaper than average room rate of £103 in Vienna, Austria; or £87 per night in Prague, in Czech Republic.
As a convergence point of Europe and Asia, hotel prices in Turkey increased by 7 percent to £99, compared to £151 in London, UK; £143 in Paris, France; and £128 per night in Rome, Italy.
Victor Owens, vice president and general manager, North America, for the company, said, ‘Europe remains a popular destination with London, Paris, Rome and Madrid ranking as top international destinations for American travellers. The Index also highlights Eastern European destinations that are growing in demand, which is reflected in rising hotel rates across the region, though prices remain lower than most Western European cities.’
