London tops list for most expensive hotel room rates in Europe

London is the most expensive capital city in Europe for hotels, according to new research by online travel agent HRS.

Average room rates in London during the third quarter of 2014 were £134, an increase of more than 17% year-on-year. This places it ahead of the next most expensive capitals in Europe, Zurich and Copenhagen, which have average room rates of £120 and £112 respectively.

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh is not included on the list of European capital cities, but is ranked as the second most expensive city in the UK with an average room rate of £119, up 17% compared to Q3 2013; while Cardiff, the Welsh capital, has seen an 18% year-on-year increase to £80.

The largest growth in regional UK average room rates has been recorded by Leeds, with a 27% increase to £84. It is believed the city has benefitted from the legacy of the Tour de France, which set off from Yorkshire during the summer.

Jon West, managing director of HRS for the UK and Ireland, said: "The UK is on track to be the fasting growing G7 economy this year and this could be reflected in the price increase of hotel rooms across the nation. Thanks to the economic recovery, tourism is picking up again and it appears businesses are also starting to feel more confident in sending employees back out on travel.

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