Mark Nolan, the general manager at Dromoland Castle in Co Clare, said: Two things I ve noticed - people have the ability to spend more than ever and they re booking for much longer, sometimes up to eight to 10 nights. They also want a larger room. That s certainly a trend.
With holidaymakers opting for extended getaways as opposed to a weekend break, hotels are preparing to meet their expectations. Because they re staying longer, hotels are planning new activities, Mr Nolan said. We re clearing deer trails and developing watersports and we re broadening horizons with food and beverages.
Asked if hotels will hike their prices, he said: No. People are booking longer stays and we don t want to kill the golden goose, so our rates are staying between €650 and €950 for a suite.