Average hotel room rates in major UK cities dropped by up to 20 per cent in the last quarter, according to research from hotel booking specialist HRS.
The figures, which are released quarterly, showed that all major cities across the UK have seen a fall in average room rates for this period.
Comparing Q3 2016 with the same period last year, the study showed that Cardiff experienced the largest fall by 20 per cent (£95), with Edinburgh dipping by 17 per cent (£124) and Bristol prices dropping 16 per cent (£103).
Falling by 15 per cent in the last quarter, Liverpool offered the cheapest average room rate in the UK at £84 a night.
The HRS study found that London retained its reputation as the most expensive place to stay in the UK with an average night’s stay at £153 – the capital seeing a rate drop of 14 per cent in Q3 2016 compared to Q3 2015.
HRS managing director, UK and Ireland, Andy Besent, said: “Last quarter’s findings showed that Q2 rates had fallen on average by 7 per cent, but for Q3 rates have fallen even further by an average of nearly 14 per cent.
“It’s too early to say whether or not this is due to the outcome of the Brexit vote, but we are watching to see if this pattern continues.
“While 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,” said Besent.
Across Europe, the majority of key cities saw a “steady” rate rise in Q3 2016 compared to the same period last year. Zurich is now the most expensive city in Europe with average room rates at £160 a night.
Sign up to BBT’s twice-weekly newsletter