The coast is dear as costs rise at seaside
Seaside accommodation prices have risen by an average of 35% this summer compared with last year, according to analysis.
A study by consumer group Which? indicated that prices have been hiked in 10 of the UK’s most visited beach destinations, including St Ives, Whitby, Llandudno and Brighton.
People in England could be permitted to stay in selfcontained accommodation such as holiday lets from April 12 under Boris Johnson’s roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions.
Foreign holidays – which may be allowed from May 17 – are likely to involve several restrictions and requirements such as coronavirus testing and self-isolation periods.
This has led to many people booking staycations, resulting in them becoming more expensive.
Researchers looked at prices on accommodation booking platforms Airbnb and Vrbo.
A one-bedroom maisonette in Brighton has the largest markup, increasing in price from £53 per night in May and June 2020 to £127.
The cost of a one-week stay at a property in Llandudno has risen from £427 to £596, while seven nights in a property in St Ives has gone from £860 to £1,263.
Some price rises were more modest, with a one-bedroom cottage in Scarborough just 7% more expensive this summer.
Airbnb said the analysis was “misleading” and added that research has shown guests feel they are more affordable than other accommodation options.
Vrbo said it “does not set, change or influence the property prices a host chooses”, adding that holidaymakers agree to prices before they book.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “If people are prepared to pay more it’s essential they know their money will be protected or returned. “Make sure you choose a provider that offers fair and flexible booking terms, so you won’t be left chasing a refund if something goes wrong.”