Hotel price drops bring bargains for travellers

People planning a stag weekend away in the coming months might find the cost of accommodation provides a welcome surprise.

According to the latest Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com, the average price of a room around the globe fell by 12 per cent in 2008, with drops across every continent.

The average price of a hotel room in Europe fell by 10 per cent during the final three months of last year, meaning there are a number of bargain rates to be found.

Although the weakness of the pound means Brits travelling to Europe will not feel the full benefit of the price drops, room rates are still significantly lower in some parts of the continent than they have been in recent years.

President of Hotels.com David Roche said: "UK travellers will have to work a bit harder to find the bargains, but there are still plenty to be had."

Last week, the website revealed that the British guests rack up minibar tabs totalling more than £525 million a year, making them the third-biggest spenders in Europe.