Hotel room prices in Dublin have risen 7.8 per cent over the last year, according to figures from business advisory and accountancy firm Deloitte, as occupancy levels rose across the city.

The average rate for a hotel room was €86.91 in the first half of the year, compared to €81.32 in the same period in 2011. Meanwhile occupancy levels rose by 2.1 per cent to 70 per cent for the first half of 2012 against the same period in 2011.

“The increases observed over the first half of the year are not as significant as those achieved in the same period in 2011″ said Kevin Sheehan, partner in charge of travel, hospitality and lesiure services at Deloitte. “However, we must remember that the gains made last year were on the back of significant drops in activity in the previous years. This trend was also demonstrated in the first quarter of 2012 findings.”

…hoteliers will need to be cognisant of the fact that one of Dublin’s key selling points is that it is now considered a good value city break destination. A challenge for the market is not only communicating that message to the consumer, but also maintaining this favourable price proposition.

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