SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The results of the September 2012 Canadian Hotel Rate Report, which features the top five cities in Canada where hotel rates have dropped the most, have been announced today. The Hotel Rate Report helps guide customers to the destinations that can maximize their travel dollars.
Winnipeg tops the list for the second consecutive month with a 12 percent drop on hotel rates. As we head into autumn, Manitoba’s capital remains a deal destination for travelers eager to take in the foodie scene and experience its fall festivities. The city’s East Exchange has become a popular dining district with new restaurants including Corrientes Argentine Pizzeria and Boon Burger Cafe, while the more adventurous should be sure to check out historical Muddy Water Tours, which hosts the upcoming Haunted Winnipeg Series for Halloween, among other activities.
Whistler, Vancouver and Charlottetown also reappear on this month’s list, albeit in different positions. Home to a variety of outdoor markets, festivals and adventure options, Whistler moves from fourth to second this month with a four percent price drop. Due to its unusually slow summer and new hotels opening in the area, prices are being heavily discounted to help fill empty rooms, creating excellent deals in this leisure locale.
Meanwhile, the seaside city of Charlottetown moves from fifth to third with a three percent drop, and world heritage destination Kingston reappears after a three month absence with a three percent drop.
Vancouver – on the list for its third consecutive month – drops from second to fifth with a two percent drop. Like Whistler, Vancouver’s drop off in visitors has led hoteliers there to discount to attract travelers. During the early autumn months, the city hosts an array of outdoor markets throughout the week with a fresh produce, fruit and veggie selection straight from the farm. The most established is the Granville Island Farmer’s Market across from the public market in Triangle Square.
When compared to the same time last year, the top five hotel price reductions for August 2012 include:
Rank Hotel Market Price Drop Example of a Current Hotwire Deal, CAD$/Night
1 Winnipeg, MN -12% 3.5-star $99
2 Whistler, BC -4% 3.5-star $128
3 Charlottetown, PEI -3% 3-star $140
4 Kingston, ON -3% 3-star $130
5 Vancouver, BC -2% 4-star $137
“Many of these cities are reappearing on the list because they experienced a drop-off in visitors during the summer months that has trickled over into September. As a result, there are still great deals to be had,” said Pierre-Etienne Chartier, vice president of the Hotwire Group. “Prices drop as a matter of course in shoulder season, but folks should take advantage of these additional savings now, while there’s good weather and fewer crowds, because many of these cities will start to see their prices rise with the onset of winter and ski season in the coming months.”
