Hotels in London must shape up for 2012 Olympics

London is the most expensive place to stay in Europe,Hodge is concerned that many people attending the
according to a recent survey, and that news has2012 Olympics will be coming to London for the first
emerged at the same time as tourism ministertime and therefore wants their experience of the city
Margaret Hodge has warned that hotels in the capitalto be a positive one. She added:
must shape up in order to be ready for the 2012"Hosting the 2012 Olympics is a huge opportunity for
Olympics.London and the UK tourism industry. In five years
The average cost of staying in a London hotel hasLondon will welcome millions of first-time visitors and
leapt by a staggering 12% since April, and nowwe will want them to come back time and again -
averages £119 per night across the capital.hopefully bringing their family and friends. It's all about
Although not as expensive as New York or thecreating a lasting and positive legacy for the capital."
world's most expensive place for a one-night stay,But, the government doesn't expect the capital's hotels
Moscow, the rates are remarkably high consideringto do it all by themselves. A recently unveiled
that two-thirds of all London hotels are unrated. Themulti-agency strategy entitled: "Winning - A Tourism
figures show that even relatively meagre two-starStrategy for 2012 and Beyond" has been drawn up by
accommodation in London averages £88 perthe Department for Culture, Media and Sport aided by
night and guests have to typically stump up £109Visit Britain, Visit London, and an assortment of
to stay in three-star rated hotels.Regional Development Agencies, aiming to give
Tourism minister Hodge is worried that the combinationpositive advice and limited financial assistance to the
of highly priced accommodation and the largehotel industry throughout London and the UK.
percentage of non-rated hotels will damage theNow that the gauntlet has been thrown down for
reputation of the city, and is keen for the hotel industryhotels in London to make significant improvements, it is
to get itself in order. She said: "If the tourist industry isimportant that they respond positively if they are to
to reap the potential £2.1 billion from the 2012fulfil the government's aim of making the 2012 Olympic
Olympic Games, then 85% of London's hotels must beGames the start of a lasting legacy.
accredited before then."