Accommodation prices on the rise

Accommodation providers and private contractors are experimenting at the beginning of the year. They are trying to estimate how much they can ask for an accommodation in the Hungarian market over the coming year.

"In 2022, there will be a price increase of about 70 per cent compared to the first quarter of last year."

While at the beginning of 2021, the national average was HUF 7,100 (€20) /person/night, this year, the same condition is already HUF 12,000 (€34), writes portfolio.hu. The reason behind the increase is complex. Overhead costs have risen due to energy prices, and labour costs have risen due to labour shortages. There is less revenue due to inflation, as well as the pandemic. In addition, the tax breaks introduced due to the epidemic have come to an end.

"Several accommodation providers have started renovating during the pandemic and are raising prices for better service."

“All this is crowned by the fact that the desire to travel increases from time to time. The desire to escape due to the pandemic and the growing demand can also raise prices. We suggest that instead of popular periods, such as long weekends, it is worth booking accommodation for the days preceding or following the holiday. Or, if you have days off, it is better to choose weekdays because, in such cases, we can typically provide accommodation at a much better price,” said Lili Kelemen, the spokesperson of szallas.hu.

The season of domestic tourism could be strong this year

"The number of pre-bookings is already higher than last year."

Based on the data so far, the most popular tourist destinations, besides the capital, are Eger, Gyula, Hajdúszoboszló, Hévíz, Pécs, Szeged, and Zalakaros, writes haszon.hu.

Andrea Rádóczy, the regional president of the Association of Hungarian Hotels and Restaurants in Lake Balaton, said that many accommodation providers had switched to dynamic pricing. This method is also used when buying airline tickets.

“It means that demand determines the price. So, when you look at prices, an important factor to consider is what period you are thinking about and how many weeks or months before the date you start looking for accommodation."

It is hard to catch a discount price at the last minute. However, with conscious planning, you can book a number of special hotel stays, even with discounts and extra services,” suggested Rádóczy.