Regulating the price of hotels is “not going to work”, a hotelier has claimed. 

The cost of staying in hotels across Ireland surged last year and anyone booking last minute for this bank holiday weekend can expect to pay up to €1,000 for a room. 

On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Park Hotel Kenmare owner John Brennan rejected calls for hotel price regulation – insisting it would have a ‘negative impact’.

“What’s relevant, at the end of the day, is the market - that’s what keeps us open,” he said. 

“If people don’t come to us, we close - so, you have to price your product according to what the market is. 

“The market demands, they go up and they go down - and likewise, prices have to go up and go down. 

“It’s not rocket science. 

“Regulating hotel rooms is not going to work; there is no reason for it because the market is free -it’s an open economy. 

“We’re not a dictatorship as a country.” 

BNK8M1 Hilton Hotel room with twin beds

Mr Brennan said hotels are “100% at the service of the consumer” and customers should try and book times of the year. 

“You don’t have to go away this weekend,” he said. 

“If the hotel that you want to stay in is too expensive, wait until next weekend - it might be cheaper - or go on Monday. 

“The hotel doesn’t dictate to you when you have to go away - the customer decides - and the customer decides on what to pay.” 

Consumer prices in Ireland rose by 8.2% in 2022 and Mr Brennan said the cost of business has increased as a consequence. 

“The market has changed dramatically,” he said. 

“The cost of doing business is horrendous - particularly this year. 

“The cost of everything has just gone through the roof.” 

Ahead of last year's budget, then-Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said he was concerned the prices of hotels had “undermined the competitiveness of our country”. 

Main image: Hotel room.