Hotel rates in many European cities are at their highest since January, but overall value remains better than 12 months ago, a survey by online booking agency Trivago has concluded.
Trivago found that prices in 32 of 50 European cities had risen since the start of the year, emphasising the recovery in business travel but also a blip in the recovery of Sterling against the Euro exchange rate.
The survey found average nightly rates in Europe in October were £103, an 8% rise since September's average of £95. However, the increase equates to only a 4% rise for those paying in Euros.
"Over the last few months, the exchange rate was more favourable for the UK traveller. This month that has changed and the same hotel is a lot more expensive," said a Trivago spokesman.
The survey also compared this month's prices with last month's.
"Data was gathered for the most part at the end of September, we look at 160,000 search requests a day and from that we can average out what prices will be in October," said the spokesman.
The research found that rates in Madrid are up 29% this month compared with September, with rooms averaging £101. Brussels rose 19% to £95, although this is still 22% cheaper than a year ago. Paris rates were £153, up 13% compared with last month.
Prices in London have rebounded after the traditional summer lull, rising 11% this month, after two months of decline, to an average £142 a night.
www.trivago.co.uk/hotelprices