Austin: Hotel Rates Skyrocket for SXSW

AUSTIN, Texas, March 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Hotel rates in Austin, Texas are skyrocketing for the South by Southwest festival. In 2016, this annual interactive media and music conference will run from March 11 to March 20. According to a survey from CheapHotels.org, hotels are increasing their rates by over 200%, on average, during the festival's run.

During the first five days of the festival, Downtown Austin is virtually sold out. Indeed, only a few spare rooms are still available, and they are currently going for $700 per night or more. In Austin South or around the city's airport, overnight visitors can still find a room (rated at least 3 stars) for around $300. Meanwhile, in North Central or Northwest Austin, they may be fortunate to find rooms from $250 and $200, respectively.

The survey found that, on average, available rooms in the Texan capital are 212% more expensive than usual. But some hotels are hiking up their rates a lot more. The JW Marriott in the heart of downtown Austin is one case in point, with a rate of $899 for a King Room during SXSW compared to its usual price tag of $229. Another example is the Hampton Inn, located next to the University of Texas. This establishment is asking $609 for a King Room during South by Southwest, which is almost 400% more than it typically charges.

From March 16 on, when the interactive branch of the festival has ended, rates are more affordable. An overnight visitor will find rooms in downtown or central Austin for around $300, and even for as little as $150 in Northwest Austin or around the airport.

To see the survey's full rankings, visit:  http://www.cheaphotels.org/press/sxsw16.html

Press Contact: 
Barbara Adams
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Phone: +1-805-308-9660

SOURCE Cheaphotels.org