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New Zealand-based tourism expert Michael Hall hit out at "rip-off" Dublin when he went to book a hotel for two nights this weekend.
It was €400 for one night when two nights in the same hotel chain in Helsinki, Finland, would have cost less, he said, not naming the hotel group.
A check on bookings.com website for Dublin hotel prices for two nights from tonight compared to similar accommodation in London, Paris and Auckland New Zealand showed marked differences.
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Dublin is certainly not top value when compared to other cities but it is not the worst in some categories.
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In the four-star Hilton category Paris was more expensive than Dublin but London was cheaper.
And the five-star Auckland Hilton hotel with a harbour view was still cheaper than the Dublin four-star Hilton in Dublin 2.
On budget hotels Dublin was most expensive but the hotel was most central.
The Irish Hotels Federation defended Dublin prices, claiming Dublin room rates were highly competitive compared to other European city destinations. Its big recommendation to visitors is book early for best value and shop around. Do not rely on just one source and check the hotels' own websites "where prices are often better and promotional rates may be available".
Hilton Hotel group
Hilton Charlemont Place, Dublin 2 (four star): €458 for two people for two nights. Breakfast optional €19 extra
Hilton London Kensington (four star): €318 for two people for two nights. Breakfast optional €23 extra
Hilton Paris Opera (four star): €838 for two for two nights. Breakfast optional €29 extra
Hilton Auckland (five star): €399 for two adults for two nights. Breakfast optional €25
Intercontinental Hotel group
Intercontinental Hotel Ballsbridge, Dublin (five star): The only availability this weekend was a two-room suite for €1,180. Breakfast optional €29.50
The nearest weekend available was for Friday, June 30th with a room for two for two nights priced at €549. Breakfast optional €29.50
Intercontinental Hotel Park Lane London (five star): €684 for room for two for two nights. Breakfast optional €32 extra
Intercontinental Paris Le Grand (9th Arrondissement): €780 for two nights for two. Breakfast optional €45
Auckland has no Intercontinental, but Stamford Plaza (five star): €549 for two nights for two. Breakfast optional €29.50
Budget hotels
Kildare Street Hotel, Dublin (two star): €328.70 room for two for two nights. Breakfast optional €12
Euro Hotel Clapham, London (two star): €238 for two for two nights. Breakfast optional €8
Ibis Budget Port de Montmartre, Paris (two star): €136 for two nights for two. Breakfast optional €6.15
Kiwi International Hotel Central Business District Auckland (two star): €103 for two for two nights. Breakfast included