Birmingham hotels slash prices in a bid to fill rooms

Dec 13 2008 by Harriet Alexander, Birmingham Mail

BARGAIN-hunters are snapping up some of the country’s cheapest overnight stays as Birmingham hoteliers slash prices to attract guests.

A new survey put the average price of a hotel room in the city at just £66, down from £75 at the same time last year.

The 13 per cent slide in the city’s average room rate was the biggest drop of 22 locations polled by bookings website hotels.com.

Website spokesman David Roche said: “Recent price falls across the United Kingdom means there are currently great deals to be had, as more affordable accommodation is on offer.

“In cities such as Birmingham, steep falls in the prices being paid for hotel rooms reflects the need for hoteliers to keep occupancy levels at a maximum and consequently, luxury accommodation is now more affordable.”

Fred Dumont, manager of the Etap Hotel on Great Colmore Street, said business has been slowing since May.

“We have noticed a fall in demand,” he said. “We haven’t cut our prices yet, as they are standardised but things will probably get worse as business travel drops further.”