Tuesday, March 19, 2024
NewsEdinburgh Airbnb room hikes Hogmanay price by 1,100%

Edinburgh Airbnb room hikes Hogmanay price by 1,100%

AN Edinburgh Airbnb room that sleeps four has hiked its price for Hogmanay by an astonishing 1,104%.

The room is normally let out for £96 but will soar to £1,137 on December 31 when hundreds of thousands of revellers descend on the city.

Average Airbnb prices in Edinburgh will increase by an average of 282% on December 31, putting it second only to Prague for New Year party price hikes.

Airbnbs in Edinburgh will cost an average of £245 on Hogmanay compared with just £64 a week later.

The price hike is bigger than Sydney, where costs will increase by 243% from £108 to £371, New York – 26% at £113 to £142 – and Berlin – 54% at £57 to £88.

In London, New Year’s Eve prices increase by a puny 3% from £76 to £78.

But the capital of the Czech Republic is miles ahead with a whopping 457%, from £54 to £301.

AN Edinburgh Airbnb room that sleeps four has hiked its price for Hogmanay
AN Edinburgh Airbnb room that sleeps four has hiked its price for Hogmanay

The owner of the Edinburgh room being let for £1137 describes the room as a “Beautiful large room in central Edinburgh flat with original floorboards and traditional cornicing.”

They add: “The flat also has a spacious kitchen, bright bathroom and is in a great location, only 15 minutes from Princes Street.”

But local bed and breakfast businesses not on Airbnb have slammed the property’s price hike.

A spokeswoman for Ramsay’s Bed and Breakfast, located just half a mile from the city centre said: “I think it’s completely ridiculous.

The average price in Edinburgh hikes by over 200% on December 31.
The average price in Edinburgh hikes by over 200% on December 31.

“There are certain times of the year when you charge higher, but this is ripping people off.

“It ultimately comes down to Edinburgh being a very popular city. People are cashing in on that.”

She added that a large room in Ramsay’s would usually be sold for around £160 on New Year’s Eve.

A spokesman for Luxury Central B&B said: “Generally most B&Bs charge between £100 and £200 a night at Hogmanay.

“But I’d sleep in a park for that money, it’s ludicrous.”

For the same price as the Edinburgh room, Airbnb users wanting to bring in the new year with a bang could rent out a luxury three bedroom penthouse in Glasgow.

The penthouse, located just 10 minutes walk away from the central Glasgow celebrations, is typically rented out for £571 a night, but will be rising to £1129 for Hogmanay.

Alternatively, they could also rent a double-room in Leven, less than a hour’s drive from Edinburgh City Centre, for just £14.

Related Stories