Australian hotel prices were among the fastest rising in the world in 2011, according to a Hotels.com study.
Global rates climbed 4% while the average cost of a room in Australia soared 9%, the third equal highest increase.
Gold Coast properties saw the highest rise of 19%, taking the average rate to $161 with Brisbane prices rising 18% to $174. A room in Perth meanwhile cost an average of $184, 17% more than 2010.
The annual Hotel Price index, which is based on rates booked through Hotels.com, revealed a 2% fall in Asia hotel prices but increases elsewhere. Rates in the Pacific climbed 8%, North America 5%, Latin America 4%, Caribbean 3% and Europe and the Middle East 2%.
The strength of the Australian dollar was responsible for price falls in many Asian countries, the Expedia-owned company said. Rates in Cambodia and Vietnam fell 6% to an average $68 and $89 per night respectively while in the Philippines a hotel cost travellers 12% less. Thailand hotels were 3% cheaper.
Hotels.com Asia Pacific vice president and managing director Johan Svanstrom predicted rates in the region are likely to rise “modestly” in 2012 “given the growing demand in both leisure and corporate travel”.
Elsewhere in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne prices averaged $181 and $158 respectively, up 8% and 9% on 2010.
Decreases were recorded in Launceston (16%), Blue Mountain (8%), Alice Springs (7%) and Canberra (2%).
