Average UK room rates fall by 20%, says HRS

Average hotel room rates in major UK cities have fallen by up to 20% in the third quarter of 2016, according to data from hotel solutions provider HRS.

The figures showed all major cities across the UK have seen a drop in average room rates, with Cardiff experiencing the largest fall by 20% (£95). This was followed by a 17% fall in Edinburgh (£124) and a 16% drop in Bristol (£103).

Manchester saw room rates fall by 10% to an average of £102 and Liverpool was the city that offered the cheapest room rate in the UK at £84 a night, falling by 15% in the last quarter.

London retained its reputation as the most expensive place to stay in the UK with an average night’s stay at £153, but even the capital was hit by a rate drop of 14% in during the quarter compared with the same period last year.

Andy Besent, managing director, said: “It’s too early to say whether or not this [the fall in room rates] is due to the outcome of the Brexit vote, but we are watching to see if this pattern continues.  

“Whilst it’s no doubt concerning for the hotel industry, the fall in prices should at least make the UK a more attractive and cost-effective destination for foreign business and leisure travellers in the months to come.”