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Hotwire.com, a leading discount travel site, announced the results of the May 2012 Hotwire Canadian Hotel Rate Report, which features the top five cities in Canada where hotel rates have dropped the most. When combined with Hotwire’s already discounted prices, the Hotel Rate Report helps guide customers to the destinations that can maximize their travel dollars.
Topping the list for the second consecutive month, Kingston came in with a seven percent price drop. Renowned as the fresh-water capital of North America, Kingston is a gateway for cruising the famous Thousand Islands, and is home to Canada’s largest continually running farmer’s market in Springer Market Square.
Winnipeg jumps from fifth on the list to second this month with a four percent price drop, followed by Banff, Edmonton and Toronto. Both Banff and Edmonton maintain their holds on the fourth and fifth ranked spots, however prices in Banff will likely rise as summer and peak season approach. Toronto rounds out the top five with a one percent price drop. Typically in its peak season, Toronto hasn’t received as much group business travel as usual, forcing hoteliers to drop prices to lure more leisure travellers, particularly on the weekends.
When compared to the same time last year, the top five hotel price reductions for May 2012 include:
| Rank | Hotel Market | Price Drop | Example of a Current Hotwire Deal, CAD$/Night | |
| 1 | Kingston, ON | -7% | 3-star | $99 |
| 2 | Winnipeg, MN | -4% | 3.5-star | $97 |
| 3 | Banff, AL | -2% | 3-star | $85 |
| 4 | Edmonton, AL | -1% | 3.5-star | $103 |
| 5 | Toronto, ON | -1% | 4-star | $99 |
"Most of the cities on this month’s list are suffering from weaker demand than last year – particularly from the U.S. – and as a result, hotels still have many rooms they need to fill," said Pierre-Etienne Chartier, vice president, operations, of the Hotwire Group. "This combination of factors is leading hotels to drop their prices, which means travellers can score great rooms for under $100 a night in popular cities like Toronto, Banff and Kingston."
Hotwire is able to find great deals because it works with hotels, airlines and car rental companies to fill unsold inventory. This means customers can find incredibly low deals on Hotwire, especially in cities like those on the Hotel Rate Report where prices are unseasonably low.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
