LONDON hotels are charging up to 400% extra for rooms booked over the Olympics, according to a new survey from consumer-watchdog Which?.


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The Stratford Express Holiday Inn, for example, prices a double room on 11 August at £410, while a week later, after the 2012 Games are over, the same room would set you back just £79.

“There was always going to be an increase in hotel prices during the Olympics – London will have thousands of extra visitors during this time, so it’s a basic case of supply and demand,” said Lorna Cowan, Which? Travel editor.

“But seeing increases of over 400% is ridiculous. With less than a month to go, the majority of people will have booked their accommodation, and will have paid over the odds.”

Despite Which?’s survey, there is evidence that many hoteliers have had to cut prices in recent weeks as take-up was below expectations.

The Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf in Docklands, which once wanted £594 for its lowest priced room in Olympic month, is now after only £150.

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London Hotels Accused of Price Gouging for 2012 Olympics (LondonNet)
UKinbound’s Business Barometer Highlights Concerns (UKinbound)
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