Fans excited for the upcoming FIFA World Cup next year should brace themselves for shockingly high costs. Hotel prices in 16 host cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico have reportedly spiked over 300%, with rates in certain areas soaring past $3,000 per night, according to a new report.
Following the announcement of the 104-game schedule last Saturday, room rates at 96 Marriott and Hilton hotels surged dramatically. The average nightly cost, just 21 days prior, was $293, but now it’s climbed to an astonishing $1,013.
The steepest hike is related to the opening match featuring Mexico and South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City, where rates at Le Méridien Mexico City Reforma surged 2,372% to reach $3,882 nightly.
In May, a stay at that hotel cost approximately $157.
For the same opening game, the average nightly rate across six hotels in Mexico City stands at $1,572, which is a staggering 961% increase compared to just three weeks ago.
In the United States, among the 78 games being held, Houston saw the most significant price jump in hotel rates (457%). Kansas City (364%), Atlanta (344%), and the San Francisco Bay Area (342%) follow closely behind.
New York City and New Jersey saw average room costs increase by 228% for the nights surrounding the June 13 game between Brazil and Morocco at MetLife Stadium. For example, the Fairfield Inn East Rutherford Meadowlands, located just 2.4 miles from the stadium, raised its rates from $289 to $1,552 from June 12 to 14.
Looking ahead, that same hotel is expected to charge a staggering $3,066 per night for the World Cup finals on July 19. Nearby, the Hampton Inn Karlstad could rise to $3,518, with rooms at Moxy Times Square in Midtown exceeding $1,000.
In Canada, Toronto recorded the smallest increase among World Cup host cities, with hotel rates climbing 78% for the opening game on June 12. Two nights there now average around $487, a slight uptick from $267 three weeks earlier.
In Vancouver, the Hampton Inn & Suites is charging $1,759 for the June 13 clash between Australia and the European playoff winner.
Interestingly, Marriott and Hilton have not disclosed how they determine their pricing strategies.
The World Cup, renowned as the most-watched sporting event globally, is set to take place in cities like Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toronto, and Vancouver.
