The bad weather over the past few days has disrupted the travel plans of thousands of people. Over the weekend Dublin Airport would have welcomed at least 600 flights and 70,000 passengers per day. The cost to the economy will run to hundreds of millions. Usual visitor spend for weekends is around €550 per person.
Despite the lack of hotel rooms there has been no evidence of price gouging. In many cases hotels have been reducing their prices and looking after regular guests. There were some messages about hotels at Dublin Airport putting up prices, but there is no evidence of that. In fact, most hotels have reduced their prices by 10 - 15 per cent.
General manager of the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Nicky Logue, said "as rooms are being cancelled we are getting more bookings. We are keeping our prices 10-15 per cent below usual. We are only able to stay open with the co-operation of staff, many of whom are staying in to help with guests."
In the Dean Hotel in Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, general manager Brian Davern said "the hotel is full with many regular guests whose plans have changed. The restaurant Sophies, is doing a roaring trade with guests and walk-ins," he said. Other premises of the Pressup Group which include Captain America, the Liquor Rooms and the Vintage Cocktail Club have had to close, apart from Elephant and Castle and Kennedys of Mount Merrion. The Stella in Rathmines had to close and people are being refunded for today's shows.
Discounts around the city include Buswells Hotel reduced by 30 per cent to €150 per night with breakfast for tonight and tomorrow. The Gresham Riu Palace has reduced from €256 to €152. The Clayton Cardiff Lane has dropped prices to €119 from €232. Jurys Inn Christchurch is down from €174 to €157.
Around Dublin Airport most hotels have reduced their prices. The Clayton is selling at €129 from €208 and the Crowne Plaza is down to €129 from €183.
Restaurants have been badly hit by the weather and many will be closed for at least three days. Most in-hotel restaurants will continue to provide service, but it is just a case of ringing around to see who is open. Family pubs are more likely to be open today and tomorrow.
Areas with high concentrations of restaurants are likely to have places open, ie Ranelagh, Temple Bar Camden Street, and Parnell Street.