Kay

The luxury hotels are higher than in 2000. I went to Italy for the holy year when the prices were considerably higher, especially in Rome, than my '98 trip, but I have been surprised to find them even higher this trip. The Leading Hotels... is having a special: stay 3 nights, get the 4th night free. Funny thing, not one of the 5 hotels I tried is participating in the "special." I am not fed up with Europe, but am also not finding any deals in the 5* market, quite the opposite. On the other hand, I see lots of great deals in Texas - no sign of recovery here!

clairobscur

May I point that the mere fact a hotel is mentionned in a guidebook, will ensure that it will receive many reservations, hence it will probably be strongly tempted to raise its prices..

Dayle

People! People! I've worked in the hotel industry twice in two very different, but both high tourist demand areas. I really can't think of anything more subject to supply/demand (maybe stock prices?) than hotel rates.
The rate your are quoted depends entirely on the availability for the days you are requesting - nothing else.

You can only use rates in guide books as an indication and a comparision between properties. Shop around & don't pitch a fit just because the first few hotels you contact don't match the almightly guide book.