Hotel prices elevated for U2 gigs and races

RISING RATES:FESTIVALS AND concerts allow hotels to rack up their rates to heights that could make ticket touts envious. The Clarence in Temple Bar, owned by members of U2, is full for all three nights of the band's concerts this weekend, at the Elevation rate of €289 per room, though if you had wanted to stay there next weekend you would have had to pay only €179.

That mark-up is conservative compared to the Croke Park Hotel’s rates. Ranked number two on Tripadvisor’s list of 202 Dublin hotels, it is charging €307.50 for a room with breakfast during the U2 concerts, compared to €87.50 if you’d booked in for Thursday night – an increase of €220 or two-and-a-half times the usual price.

For the Galway Races, some hotels and BBs are doubling and tripling their rates. The three-star Inishmore Guesthouse is asking much as €270 per room for two people – three times its usual midweek price.

Westwood House in Galway is willing to let a room go for €89 this Monday, without breakfast, but if you are willing to pay €119 for a room on Monday night, with breakfast, you can have BB for €179 on Tuesday night and for €259 per night on the following nights.

The award-winning G Hotel’s mark-ups are bashful in comparison. On Thursday night, you could have stayed for €150. This Tuesday night you will pay €220 for the same room.

Doubling its prices, the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa would have charged you €125 on Thursday last, but this Tuesday night it will be €250. Forget Wednesday night and onwards – it’s booked out. Days Hotel has raised its rates during the races from €158 BB to €238 BB for a double room, while even the Best Western has raised its rates from €99 to €139 per room.