Northstar

www.travelweeklyweb.com www.travelweeklyweb.com JULY 2014 | TRAVELWeekly AsiA ■ | 11 luxury TravEl The star rating that could be purchased with S$250 a night or lesson average in the world's top cities in 2013. Top 10 most expensive cities for 5-star hotels in 2013 in SGD. SINGAPORE – They want the best of everything – 5-star hotel stays, top-of- the-line product, a differentiated travel experience and most importantly, are willing to pay for it. The high-end luxury travel segment has always been niche, exclusive and primarily targeted at baby boomers who have the time and means to afford such luxury travel. Nevertheless, the proliferation of online travel agencies has since leveled the playing field for luxury travel and accommodation and as a result, spurred demand amongst the mid-upper consumer segment to seek luxury travel at more affordable rates. The rise of the "luxury for less" traveller i s e s p e c i a l l y p r o m i n e n t a m o n g s t n e x t - generation travellers who are mobile and Internet savvy. In fact, the recent dip in hotel prices across the region has actually resulted in the increased affordability of luxury stays, thereby allowing a large number of travellers are to take advantage of better rates of otherwise expensive accommodations. With hotel prices all over the world posting robust growth, Asia remains a key destination for travellers looking to get the best value for money. According to the latest Hotel Price Index by Hotels.com, Asia continues to dominate t h e l i s t o f d e s t i n a t i o n s w i t h t h e b e s t - value 5-star hotels in 2013, with Bangkok, Guangzhou, Mumbai and Delhi offering 5-star accommodations for less than S$250 per night. When it comes to 4-star hotels, Bali, Beijing, Jakarta, Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei offer the best value for money. Outside of Asia, travellers can enjoy an average rate of less than S$250 per night for high-end accommodations in Budapest and Berlin, while Amsterdam, Barcelona, Edinburgh and Frankfurt top the list for four- star hotel options. In contrast, the same rate would cover two-star lodgings in the US, particularly New York, Chicago and San Francisco. The report also lists the most expensive cities for five-star accommodations, with The Rise of the "Luxury for Less" Traveller Guest contribution by Zoe Chan, Head of PR, Hotels.com Asia Pacific. New York at the top spot at S$761 per night, followed by Paris (S$669) and Milan (S$664). Closer to home, Tokyo tops the list of most expensive cities in Asia and ranks fourth globally at S$644, while Singapore ranks sixth worldwide, with average hotel prices at S$483 per night. T h e g r o w t h o f t h e l u x u r y t r a v e l sector is set to soar as Asian economies strengthen. Without a doubt, travellers will continue to look out for the best available offers, including the most generous loyalty programmes. Hotels.com, for example, offers one free night for every 10 nights booked with its unique Welcome Rewards loyalty programme. Members also get access to early-bird deals and promotions, as well as mobile-only last minute sales. Ultimately, with the rise of spending p o w e r c o m e s t h e e m e r g e n c e o f t h e increasingly discerning traveller as well. Hotel prices will continue to influence t r a v e l d e c i s i o n s , w i t h h o l i d a y m a k e r s increasingly looking to reap the best-value accommodations to achieve luxury for less. Top 10 destinations with the best-value 5-star hotels in 2013 in SGD.

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