No rip-off rates for stranded travellers, promises hotel industry

THE hotel industry here has said it will not be ripping off customers marooned here because of flying restrictions caused by the volcanic gas cloud.

Some hotels in other European countries have been criticised for raising their rates as people are forced to await clearance to fly to their intended destination.

Hotels in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Munich in Germany are reported to have doubled or even tripled their rates, but some hotels closest to Dublin Airport said there had been no price change.

The Clarion Hotel at Dublin Airport said it had maintained its set rate, adding that hotels serving that area typically base their prices on availability.

The Carlton Hotel at Dublin Airport said it had rooms available last night from €89, room only, or €99 bed and breakfast.

A member of staff said that hotels in the area had been busy, but that rooms were still available.

The Irish Hotels Federation said it was not aware of any of its members dramatically increasing its prices but said it could not comment on the individual prices set by hotels.

Any short-term surge in hotel bookings is unlikely to fully compensate for the lack of tourists entering the country were the flight restrictions to continue.

Some are using the flight ban to their advantage, however.

One Dublin hotel has “volcanic value” rates.

The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Newlands Cross said it was offering the low rates to those stranded at the airport as a result of the Icelandic volcanic ash taking over Irish air space.

Accommodation with breakfast was offered to stranded passengers for €60 in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel and €69 at sister hotels The Arlington Temple Bar and O’Connell Street.

Westport-based holiday firm FitnessWest.ie offered a 50% discounts on their usual prices for anyone who cannot fly overseas for their holidays.

Those running the boot camp said they would honour the offer for the next six weeks, with Owner Sean McCaughey claiming: “We all know what it’s like to be delayed for a few hours, or maybe even a day, but to lose your holiday completely is a real sickener.”