Hotel rates have risen strongly in the Phoenix-Scottsdale metropolitan area as the NCAA Final Four quickly approaches. The last phases of the college basketball tournament are propelling this increase, according to a recent survey conducted by CheapHotels.org.
As the championship fast approaches, roughly 50 percent of hotels in metro Phoenix are still offering available rooms for the Final Four period of March 31 to April 4, according to the study. On average, they are raising their rates by 97 percent compared to their regular pricing, the survey found.
Not surprisingly, rate hikes are the most significant around the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, where the sports action will unfold, CheapHotels.org said. There, some hotels are charging over 300 percent more than usual. For the least expensive double room close to the stadium, a college basketball fan will have to spend more than $400 per night.
Hotel increases are a bit more moderate in downtown/midtown Phoenix or Old Town Scottsdale, the study found. There, a Final Four ticketholder will have to spend roughly $300 for a double room (3 stars) nightly. For more affordable rooms of around $200 per night, fans will have to stay in Phoenix Nord or in the environs of the Phoenix International Airport.
According to Barbara Adams from CheapHotels.org, "Average hotel rates in metro Phoenix have reached the second highest level in their history. Only for Super Bowl 2015 have rates been substantially higher. And back then, the area was virtually sold out."
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