Average Hotel Room Rates Rose 5 Percent In 2011 In North America

　　The HPI is a regular survey of hotel prices in major city destinations across the world, based on hotels.com bookings. Prices reported are those actually paid by customers (rather than advertised rates) during the calendar year of 2011. On a global scale, hotel prices increased by 4 percent on average in 2011 over 2010, while average prices in North America increased 5 percent year-over-year, continuing the process of steady recovery from the lows of 2008. Entering the third consecutive year of moderate price rises for guests, the global average price is still lower than it was in 2005, such was the depth of the financial crash-inspired trough.

　　Where Do Americans Travel?

　　According to the HPI, Americans repeatedly visit their top three favorite domestic cities: New York City, Las Vegas and Orlando. But, when U.S. citizens present their passports for international travel, where are they going?

　　Multiple Asian cities saw an increase of American travelers in 2011 despite the region"s overall 2 percent decrease in hotel prices. Hong Kong became the seventh most visited city by Americans in 2011, right after the perennial top international cities including, London (first), Paris (second), Toronto (fourth) and Montreal (sixth). Chinese cities like Shanghai (18th), with hotel prices down 8 percent to $130; Beijing, China"s capitol where room rates increased 6 percent to $120; and Bangkok (up to 17th from 24th) are seeing increased popularity. Singapore, Seoul and Taipei also all saw a rise in American visitors. For the first time, Taipei, Taiwan entered the list at number 49. Below is the list of the top 10 international cities U.S. travelers enjoy frequenting.

　　"The HPI is a thermometer measuring the global temperature of the travel industry," said Victor Owens, vice president and general manager, Hotels.com North America. "As destinations wax and wane in popularity; as anticipated events occur and pass; as seasons come and go, hotels.com data measures and reports the general trends these annual occurrences leave in their wake. The HPI tells us what is popular, what is trending, and what is on an upswing or decline."

　　Where Do International Travelers Stay When in the U.S.?

　　By welcoming more than 50.5 million tourists in 2011, New York City again ranks as the number one destination for foreign travelers to visit in the U.S. The "underdog" city to push its way back into the top 10 most popular U.S. destinations for international visitors is Washington D.C. Other noteworthy American destinations that moved up the list include: Key West (18th from 21st), Brooklyn (31st from 45th), Detroit (29th from 40th), Santa Barbara (34th from 38th) and the Atlantic City (30th from 35th).

　　Hotels.com Knows Hotels and Luxury

　　Where are the most affordable international cities travelers can enjoy lavish accommodations while soaking in the scenery? Based on the HPI data, hotels.com identified the 10 international cities where a five-star hotel would cost the least. In 2011, Warsaw, Poland, Marrakech, Morocco and Cairo, Egypt offered the highest rated hotels for the lowest prices, with five-star properties in these cities selling at an average daily rate of less than $190.

　　As always, price changes year-over-year were influenced by global events. Average five-star room rates in Cairo dropped 6 percent between 2010 and 2011, undoubtedly a result of the Arab Spring revolution and its effect on tourism. Another significant price change occurred in Cape Town, South Africa, site of the 2010 World Cup. Between 2010 and 2011, hotel prices deflated in Cape Town after World Cup tourism had ended, and five-star room rates dropped 24 percent year-over-year. New cities rounding out the top 10 include Pisa, Italy and Brussels, Belgium, indicating a possible new trend of affordability for European destinations.

　　Most and Least Expensive Destinations in the United States

　　The demand for travel to New York City, Honolulu, Boston and Miami would naturally drive prices a little higher hence marking them as the most expensive U.S. cities to visit. Travelers will continue to flock to these cities in droves, yet there are still deals to be found. For travelers seeking a low budget, but charming experience, the south is home to the four most affordable (and sweet as Pecan pie) destinations.