2w ago

Why are hotels in Australia so inexpensive compared to hotels in the USA and Canada?

Sorry if I sound like a typical Murican Yank here. I am deciding to visit Australia sometime in January or February of next year, but I am planning to be in Sydney and maybe the Gold Coast. I am surprised at the amount of nice hotels in the CBD costing less than 150 USD to 225 AUD a night. I cannot find this in Chicago or Toronto unless I go in the middle of winter and have to endure -15°C weather.

15 comments

People travel domestically to the Gold Coast in winter, same as people traditionally go to Florida in the US, to escape the cold weather. No one goes to Queensland in Summer when it's bloody hot 😂
- Unless it's schoolies!
  
  True, but I feel like November is a lot cooler than Jan-Feb.
  
  Is there any word that aussies will not add -ies to?

12 years ago, give or take, the AUD exchange rate was at about parity with the USD. Now it's around 0.66
Enjoy Australia while it's nice and low - and tariff free!

It helps that the seasons and school holidays are six months out of phase compared to the US and Canada. In essence, you're comparing Australian winter prices with American summer prices.

You mean they're more expensive in the US/CA?
You're right that they tend to work out at AUD150, although obviously area factors into it a lot (an AUD150 hotel in bush Queensland will get you two beds, an ensuite, laundry and aircon. AUD150 in a capital city will have you in someone's basement with questionable hygiene). Forget any hotel at major tourist attractions at that price.
- Accommodation in US capital cities is pretty expensive. Inflation has hit the US harder than Australia over the past few years.
  
  Yeah I was paying 300-400 usd for a hotel in San Francisco a couple of years ago! Crazy!

Do not go to Tasmania then, A$150 gets you a shit box room.
As an Australian I'd recommend not going to Australia, i have no idea why anyone visits.
- I'm with you. Keep the yanks out lest they bring their shitty government ideas with them

15 comments