Hotel Prices in London Drop Slightly Ahead of Olympic Games

With just over a month to go until the world's top athletes descend upon London to compete for gold, the latest figures from Hotels.com show that travellers planning to visit London to watch the games, but who have yet to book accommodation, are better placed to find value for money, than they were two months ago.

 Hotels.com has reported that the average price of a London hotel room during the Olympics has risen by approximately 93% year-on-year to HK$2,525 per night. However, historical data from Hotels.com shows that the average price has actually decreased by about HK$138 a night, when May is compared to March this year.

Jessica Chuang, Senior Marketing Manager, Hotels.com Greater China, said, It's inevitable that prices rise in host cities during major sporting events. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Hotels.com saw hotel prices in Cape Town rise 71% compared to the corresponding period in 2009 ... In London, hotel prices have come down as there are still good deals and availability during the Olympic period. That's not to say prices will continue to drop further so travellers are advised to book now if they see a good deal and not to wait for bargains at such a busy time of year.

The online hotel booking website found that rates on accommodation vary greatly depending on how close the hotel is to the Olympic action.

The most popular nights for hotel bookings are for the Opening Ceremony on 27 July, and the first day of the athletics on 3 August.

On the night of the Opening Ceremony, travellers can get a four-star hotel in Central London for around HK$1,813. In West London, travellers can stay in a three-star hotel for around HK$1,288 per night and there still seems to be plenty of budget accommodation available.

Interestingly, search figures from Hotels.com shows demand for hotel rooms reflects the top of the medal table from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Searches are up a whopping 300% in China and 206% in Russia, first and third on the 2008 podium of best-performing countries. Searches are up 92% in the US, which ranked second on the 2008 medal table. Searches among Hong Kong travellers are up by 54% too.

What Makes London Such A Great City To Visit?

London is a massive city, it is at the forefront of modern culture. It leads the way in fashion, art and entertainment. The city also has charming traditional elements from double deck red buses to old, beautifully designed buildings. It is a city for everyone: children marvel at their favorite pop stars in Madam Tussauds. Young adults enjoy the bright lights and cutting edge nightlife of Picadilly Circus and the West End. More mature visitors love to take in the rich culture by visiting the likes of Buckingham Palace.

You can get around the city in one of the iconic black cabs which provide a very spacious and comfortable ride, or take a city tour on a double deck bus. The London Underground subway system is a very convenient mode of transport too, there are day passes which make long tours very inexpensive. The weather is milder than much of the UK, so it is often pleasant enough for a stroll around the streets too. The charming architecture of the old buildings combines with lively street performers in Covent Gardens for a perfect afternoon stroll.

Although a busy city, London has an excellent tourist infrastructure. A fantastic way to start the day is by riding on the London Eye. Located just south of the river Thames, it gives an amazing view of the whole city. It is centrally located and close to many more tourist attractions, in the summer why not continue by taking a walk over London Bridge towards the Houses Of Parliament. In winter you could take refuge in a traditional English pub.

A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards. Nearby Hyde Park is an excellent place for a stroll and an escape from the crowds elsewhere. There are literally hundreds of attractions which make London one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.