LONDON - If you need a hotel room in London for New Year's Eve, expect to spend almost 200% more than usual, according to a survey conducted by TravelMag.com.
The survey compared accommodation costs in 30 major European destinations for 31 December 2015. With a rate of £187 for the least expensive double room (in a hotel rated at least three stars), the English capital ranks as the 5th priciest city overall in Europe.
Compared to what London visitors would have to spend for the most affordable room on a regular Thursday in January, that's an increase of 192%.
"While some hotels increase their rates by 300% or more on 31 December, you can still find three star hotels for less than £200, and 4 stars for around £250," says Paul Joseph from TravelMag.com. "Given that around 20% of hotels in Central London are still offering available rooms, rates may even start to drop a little at the last minute," he continues.
The most expensive city in Europe according to the survey is the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, where visitors will have to spend more than £300 for a room – an increase of almost 600% on regular rates. Also more expensive than London are Reykjavik (£296), Amsterdam (£236) and Hamburg (£204).
The following table shows the 10 most expensive European destinations for New Year's Eve 2015. The rates shown reflect the price for the cheapest available double room. Only centrally located hotels rated at least three stars and with positive average guest reviews were considered. A comparison with regular rates is also shown in brackets, reflecting the price for the most affordable double room on 7 January.
1. Edinburgh £302 (+597%)
2. Reykjavik £296 (+469%)
3. Amsterdam £236 (+537%)
4. Hamburg £204 (+466%)
5. London £187 (+192%)
6. Vienna £179 (+525%)
7. Venice £164 (+412%)
8. Dublin £159 (+383%)
9. Prague £156 (+642%)
10. Copenhagen £142 (+125%)
