Bangkok has emerged as the best value major city for hotel stays in the new year with New York the most expensive.
Wholesale rates in the Thai capital range between $38 per person per night for a double room in a three-star property, rising to $174 in a five-star hotel, according to B2B wholesaler JacTravel.
These rates are 77% below the three-star rate in New York ($166) and 52% less in the five-star category ($367) in January and February.
Hong Kong was the next most expensive in the five star category, followed by Singapore, London, Rome and Paris.
The company describes its ‘benchmark’ price as the wholesale rate for a standard double room, including breakfast, in a good value, well located, hotel typical of the category.
JacTravel president and chief commercial officer, Mario Bodini said: “We have seen relatively lower hotel rates in Bangkok for many years but this should not be taken as an indication of quality; it’s more likely a reflection of the relative strength of Thailand’s economy.
“Bangkok is a city that really gets tourism and it is famed the world over for its tremendous culture of service and hospitality, with good reason.
“What you’re seeing here are lower rates and outstanding value for money.”
Head of contracting Malcolm Lindop added: “It’s certainly possible to find hotels at lower rates than the benchmark, for example where a hotel is in a less central location, where availability is unlimited, or where we have secured seasonal promotions, but it is a very useful reference point.
“Of course, higher rates may be expected at deluxe, landmark and iconic properties.”
There are few hotels with an official rating of five star in Paris because this attracts increased levels of taxation.
The benchmark rates in Paris refer to hotels of five star quality, although they carry an official four star rating.