j_999_9

Re 'debauched currency'

A currency that has excessive sensual pleasure? Uh, OK, if you say so. You folks must do some interesting things with currency.

Christina

Aside from comments on influence of American tourists versus all tourists, there is also the basic flaw in the assumption that only tourists affect hotel prices. A lot of people dont understand that cities exist for other reasons than tourists and tourists may not be the major influence on hotel rates at all. Sure they are in some spots where tourism may be the majority of local economy, but in major European capitals, business has as much or greater influence on the rates of many things as tourists.

That's true in the US, also, but many people just can't think of cities as anything but tourist attractions. Paris' hotel rate seasons is reflective of business use, not tourism (which is why so many people can't comprehend that July-August are low hotel rate season, not the highest, and why people are so shocked when they find out Paris hotels are very busy in Sept-Octber). I live in Wash DC and they have the same phenomenon where hotel rates are pegged to business, not tourists, and summer rates are lower because there aren't as many business travelers.

kerouac

Diavolo, you mean the fact that most Europeans prefer to buy fresh foods regularly instead of stuffing a refrigerator and freezer full of processed food full of chemicals and leftover pizza gives Americans a higher standard of living? Bravo!

Fra_Diavolo

"Diavolo, you mean the fact that most Europeans prefer to buy fresh foods regularly instead of stuffing a refrigerator and freezer full of processed food full of chemicals and leftover pizza gives Americans a higher standard of living? Bravo!"

I don't think your premise is true, based on the large amount of frozen, canned and prepared foods I see for sale in every European region I visit, including the most rural. I think we have a higher standard of living because we have the space for, and can afford to purchase and run, the larger and more varied appliances.

This may not be admirable -- it may even be ecologically unsound -- but that is not the issue before us. At issue is Flanner's use of the phrase "standard of living." This usually refers to the distribution of material or consumer goods. It is not to be confused with "quality of life" which may have little to do with such matters.

I personally don't really care whether I have all of the latest and greatest gadgets, and I certainly don't think they determine the quality of my or anyone else's life. But material abundance is what the phrase "standard of living" usually refers to, and I have always been under the impression that America enjoys a higher standard of living than Europe.

MaureenB

"Americans, with their low standard of living, loopily small holiday entitlement and debauched currency, can't even spend much any more."

Really, Flanner, that's a bit rude, don't you think? I get really sick of the anti-American sentiment that crops up at every opportunity. Keep it civil, can't you?
>-

NThea

Christina - excellent point re: the influence of business on hotel rates. Trade shows and conferences have tremendous impact on hotel availability. We independent travellers (of limited means) can't compete with the ol' expense account nor can we "wish" a hotel room into existence. Just try and get a hotel in Chicago during RSNA!

Your comment leads to another cost-saving tip: before getting your heart set on visiting a certain city, check ahead for the schedule of trade shows/conferences.

Padraig

My main beef with flanneruk (if you will forgive the mixed metaphor) is that it is considered unsporting to shoot a sitting duck.

Fra_Diavolo

Do tell, Padraig.

Anyway, that's not what he's doing. He's making gratuitous, unsubstantiated statements calculated to annoy even the least jingoistic among us. He's rude, and, since he refuses to explain his iconoclastic views, I'd say cowardly, too.

gforaker

Back to the original question - There are quite a few hotels who market themselves to the tour groups, and some are popular with American groups. These prices are always negotiated, never public, and I would expect some of these negotiated prices to soften.

The price quoted to the individual traveler will not change.

gr8life

Interesting topic! and I am very thankful that our debauched currency still affords me the opportunity to travel tomorrow to Paris. Oh, I am also so happy "me" my boss will also let me go on another holiday/vacation. Though, I must be back in 36 hours or else! I guess in addition, I am also very grateful and Thank God for my "low standard of living" I'm not so sure exactly what someone's interpretation is of that, but my wealthy European friends and European business associates are in awe when they visit me and my business. They can't comprehend the fact of people living in a 6,000 square foot home, a four car garage and yes a real yard not a park 4 blocks away. Really sometimes the simplicity can really be a better "standard of life" but I guess you really must explain it! Here, in Scottsdale Arizona where I live I can't tell you how many Europeans and yes! "English/Londoners" have moved here for our terrible "standard of living" Who would have thought!!

calico1

Looks like flanneruk has some superiority complex.

tomassocroccante

<<another cost-saving tip: before getting your heart set on visiting a certain city, check ahead for the schedule of trade shows/conferences.
>>

Spot on. Not only will conventions and shows eat up a vast % of hotel rooms, but such mass invasions can tax restaurants, entertainment - and the patience of locals, both those who must cater to them and those who try to avoid them.

Any location that does big business with business should be scouted carefully before making plans (including weddings, etc - terrible disappointment to discover you've set the date and the nearest hotel rooms for your guests are in the next town.)

Knowing when the lulls occur in the trade shows can be a great way to score a deal - or just have a better time.

W9London

NThea,

At least in several European cities I'm familiar with--London, Frankfurt, Geneve, etc--the room rates seem to be driven mainly by supply-side tightness.

Esp in London, the land usage is pretty much restricted, and it is similarly difficult to demolish historical buildings to make way for high-rises.

Occupancy rates for city-central hotels in Europe is in general quite high. So, why would the owners consider lowering the rates?

W9London

Another reason why the hotel rates have been static--their (mainly fixed) cost base does not go down with weaker $.

wren

In regard to and an FYI to flanneruk--anytime someone is consistently bashing others to make himself look superior, it indicates shortcomings / weaknesses in other areas of his life...how 'bout we won't bash your country if you lay off of ours???