#Wimbledon2014: Hotel prices rise 114%

Hotel prices in Wimbledon have increased by as much as 114 per cent while the tennis championships are on, according to hotel search website trivago.co.uk, and hospitality businesses are laying on events and offers to make the most of the tournament. 

According to Trivago’s monthly Hotel Price Index, the average price of a night’s stay in a hotel in Wimbledon while the tennis tournament is on will cost £205. This is compared to an average of £125 during the week before and the week after the tennis championship.

The most expensive day to book a room is 30 June, the second Monday of the tournament, when the average price of a night’s stay will be £249, a price increase of 114 per cent in comparison to the average price of a night’s stay either the Monday before, or the Monday after the tennis. Prices on 23 June, the first Monday of the tournament, have risen 103 per cent compared to normal, with a night’s stay costing £236.

Public Relations UK for Trivago Denise Bartlett said: “Last month, hotel prices in Lisbon peaked at an average of £1,171 for the Champions League. Compared to the price hikes in Lisbon last month, Wimbledon hotel prices are fairly reasonable. One night during the tournament will cost an average of £205 and prices have only doubled on two days of the tournament. The two most expensive days are the first and second Mondays, suggesting Monday is a popular day to watch the championships.”

Getting involved

Hospitality businesses in Wimbledon and around the capital are getting involved with the competition, a number of them using the marketing opportunity and hosting events or offers to attract customers with an interest in the tournament.

Barts speakeasy bar in Chelsea is celebrating the event by showing the matches live in their beer garden on a big screen and have a special serving of Pimms, while the bar is open six hours earlier than usual on the day of the final. Shake Shack in Covent Garden has created a new milkshakes to celebrate the tournament, the Strawberry Marshmallow Matchpoint Shake.

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One Canada Square's Strawberry and Lemon Balm Tennis Ball dessert

The ETM Group of London pubs and restaurants are also taking part, having introduced two limited edition menu items to a few of its venues while the tournament is on; the Strawberry and Lemon Balm Tennis Ball dessert available at One Canada Square, and the Grand Slam Summer Cup cocktail which is also available there as well as at The Botanist on Sloane Square and Chiswell Street Dining Rooms.

New Wimbledon hotel the Dog & Fox is making the most of the tournament, showing all the matches live in its bars and hosting live bands as extra entertainment. Hotel guests will also be getting different complimentary gifts every day throughout the tournament including strawberries and cream, a glass of Pimms, and a half pint of Estrella.