SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  Hotel search engine, HotelsCombined.com.au, announced that hotels in Melbourne, host city to the “race that stops the nation,” have decreased prices for the Melbourne Cup 2010 YOY.

Site statistics indicate the average night rate for Melbourne Cup in 2010 is AUD $185, down from AUD $194 in 2009.

Spokesperson Yury Glikin, Director of Business Development for HotelsCombined.com.au, said, “The HotelsCombined ‘Hotel Price Index (HPI)’ shows hotel prices are relatively lower for the Melbourne Cup this year. As a result many luxurious hotels close to the Flemington Racecourse have become more affordable for the average traveler.”

While the average night rate for the Melbourne Cup decreased, it has had no effect on travelers extending their trip — the average length of stay remains at 5 nights in comparison to 2009.

Although HPI revealed a 4.6% annual decrease in Melbourne Cup hotel room rates, the price is still higher than that of a relatively uneventful month, for example so far in October, the average nightly rate is AUD $160.

“For travelers wanting to take advantage of these lower prices, there are currently 197 hotels out of a total of 378 which still have availability leading up to and during the race,” added Glikin.

Request Data and Commentary

The HotelsCombined Hotel Price Index was derived from hotels listed on http://www.hotelscombined.com.au/city/Melbourne.htm for the purpose of this news release.

HotelsCombined.com.au spokespeople are available as a media resource for expert quotes and hotel industry trend watching. In addition, customized statistical reports about worldwide booking and rate trends can be prepared quickly upon request.

About HotelsCombined.com.au

HotelsCombined.com.au is the world’s leading hotel price comparison search engine. The site streamlines more than 2,500,000 real-time domestic and international hotel deals simultaneously, aggregating prices from online travel agents and hotel chains, including Expedia.com.au, HotelClub.com.au, RateToGo.com.au, NeedItNow.com.au, RoamFree.com.au, Agoda.com, Booking.com, Travelocity.com, Hotels.com, Accor Hotels, Hilton, Choice Hotels, Best Western and Intercontinental Hotel Group. With no mark-up fees or additional booking fees, HotelsCombined.com.au offers travelers a completely free and invaluable tool for finding unbeatable hotel deals.

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