GUEST BLOG: LONDON AMONG TOP THREE PLACES IN THE WORLD TO STAY

Global hotel solutions provider HRS has compared average hotel room rates worldwide over the last four years (2011 – 2015) and revealed that despite economic uncertainties during this period, the outlook for the UK hotel industry is largely positive with an overall increase in room rates by 26 per cent.

In fact, London is one of the top three most expensive cities for an overnight stay in the world, costing £141 on average per night, according to the latest figures from 2015. Data revealed rates in the city had increased by 31 per cent during the four years, benefitting from the legacy of hosting major events such as the Royal Wedding and 2012 Olympic Games, making it an even more desirable destination for both business and leisure travellers.

In the UK, London, Leeds and Manchester recorded the biggest increases in average room rates per night between 2011 and 2015. During this period, Leeds almost doubled its cost per overnight stay with a 41 per cent rise and 30 per cent for Manchester.

Top Destinations UK & Ireland	∅ Room rate 1*-5*****      per night 2011 (£)	∅ Room rate 1*-5*****      per night 2015 (£)	Rate development comparison %
London	£108	£141	31%
Edinburgh	£93	£102	10%
Bristol	£81	£97	20%
Manchester	£73	£95	30%
Leeds	£66	£93	41%
Birmingham	£68	£85	25%
Liverpool	£68	£85	25%

New York, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney were the most expensive destinations worldwide on average for overnight stays in 2011. Unsurprisingly, New York has maintained this top position, enjoying a 32 per cent price increase in rates from 2011 (£149) to £197 per night in 2015.

Cities that could be ones to watch over the next couple of years, recording the biggest increase in hotel rates from 2011 to 2015, include Miami at 62 per cent, Mexico City at 52 per cent and Beijing at 43 per cent.

Top Destinations International 1-5***** Hotels

Average room rate for hotel stays in international cities.
Comparison of average rates, based on non-cancelled bookings. Public and corporate bookings.
Period: 01.01.2011-31.12.2015

Top Destinations international	∅ Room rate 1*-5*****      per night 2011 (£)	∅ Room rate 1*-5*****      per night 2015 (£)	Rate development 2015 compared to 2011 in %
New York	£149	£197	32%
Washington	-	£154	-
Tokyo	£115	£129	12%
Sydney	£127	£127	-
Singapore	£109	£125	13%
Miami	£71	£115	62%
Rio de Janeiro	£145	£113	-22%
Dubai	£82	£110	34%
Seoul	£95	£94	-1%
Toronto	£80	£93	16%
Mexico City	£60	£91	52%
Mumbai	£89	£81	-9%
Cape Town	£102	£81	-20%
Buenos Aires	£77	£78	1%
Shanghai	£55	£67	-22%
Beijing	£46	£66	43%
Bangkok	£42	£57	36%
Kuala Lumpur	£43	£50	16%

Jon West, Managing Director of HRS UK & Ireland, commented:  “London has clearly continued to hold its own as a major international destination for travellers. UK hoteliers should find it reassuring that other cities are also benefitting from the uplift in demand.”

“Globally the hotel market has fluctuated massively over the past four years especially with recent global events and ongoing economic uncertainties.  In addition to this, technological advancements are giving business travellers more control over their bookings than ever before so we really would urge travel and procurement managers to review the effectiveness of their travel programmes on a regular basis to ensure they’re getting the best rates possible to make substantial savings for the long-term.”

Written by Jon West, Managing Director, UK and Ireland, HRS. Global hotel solutions provider HRS will be exhibiting at the Business Travel Show on stand B755.