Consumer champ hits out at hotel room rates

HOTELS and hostels in Dublin are charging up to €1,664 for a double room on St Patrick's Day.

- EMMA MCMENAMY

Most accommodation in the capital is booked up for March 17 and the remaining rooms on offer are going for hugely inflated prices.

One city centre hostel is offering a 'king room' with two single beds and three bunk beds for double occupancy for €1,664 for the night.

According to its listing on booking.com the "ground floor snug" has a view of a lake though it is situated 350 yards from the city centre.

The same accommodation is priced at an average of €304 for any other Friday night.

Earlier this week the Government extended the 9% VAT rate - cut from 13% for the hospitality sector for a further six months slammed the accommodation Consumer champ Dermot Jewell prices in the capital as an "absolute disgrace".

He said: "The level of profiteering, it beggars belief.

"Something has got to be considered to put an end to this.