Hotels raise prices significantly before Cheltenham Festival

Hotels in Cheltenham are facing criticism for raising prices significantly ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. Average costs for a five-night stay have surged by over 200% compared to the previous week, impacting expected attendance. Cheltenham's chief executive, Guy Lavender, acknowledged the high accommodation costs could lead to a decline in visitors. He noted that many hotel rooms remain unsold, indicating potential issues with affordability. In response to last year's attendance drop, organizers are implementing changes to enhance the experience for attendees. Improvements include better parking conditions and increased coach travel options to accommodate racegoers.