Hotels Prepare for New Year 2026 with Higher Prices
Hotels are getting ready for New Year's Eve 2026 by offering many exciting activities to attract guests. These include morning yoga, places where you can make your own cocktails, and special brunches after the party. However, these fun celebrations mean that room prices will be higher at the end of the year.
Room Prices Go Up by 10-20%
Hotel owners told reporters that prices for New Year 2026 are generally 10-20% higher than last year. This shows that many people want to travel to popular holiday places and big cities.
- Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts: Prices for some holiday packages have increased by about 20%.
- Radisson Hotel Group: Expects prices to grow by 15-18% in places like Jawai and Jodhpur.
- Mamallapuram resort (South India): Seeing nearly a 20% rise in prices for New Year.
- Hotel Association of India: Says average daily room rates are up 10-12% compared to last year.
Why Are Prices Higher?
There is strong demand from people traveling within the country, international visitors, and special holiday events. Even though there was a small dip in business in some areas during the middle of the year, the hotel industry has bounced back well and is ending 2025 strongly.
Travel booking websites are also seeing a lot more activity. Cleartrip reported that hotel bookings for the end-of-year season are two and a half times higher than last year. People are spending more money, not just because of higher prices, but also because they want to stay longer and have special, deeper experiences.
Special Packages and Activities
To stand out, hotels are creating more detailed holiday packages:
- Leela Palaces: Offering "Picante-themed" parties, baking classes, and guided yoga.
- Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre: Has a 'recovery brunch' to help guests relax after the New Year's celebrations, plus longer happy hours.
- ITC Grand Chola (Chennai): Providing a New Year buffet inspired by global night markets and a special 13-course South Indian dining experience.
- Ronil Goa–JdV by Hyatt: Guests can enjoy make-your-own drink bars and special alcoholic beverages.
- Six Senses Bhutan: Offers special prices for Indian citizens for a 'mindful' celebration. This package includes making traditional items, lamp prayers, water meditation, and cocktail classes.
Mid-Scale Hotels and City Hotels Also Benefit
Smaller, holiday-focused hotels are also doing well:
- Sarovar Hotels: Increased rates by 10%. Popular spots include Jim Corbett, Puducherry, Agra, and Jaipur.
- Leisure Hotels Group: Raised New Year rates by 10-12% due to high demand for resort stays.
City hotels explain their higher holiday prices by pointing to recent improvements. For example, the Taj Mahal, New Delhi, has upgraded its rooms and suites, installed advanced air cleaning systems, and offers special food experiences.
