Homestay and Hotel Rates in Ahmedabad Skyrocket Ahead of T20 World Cup Final
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated India-New Zealand T20 World Cup final on Sunday, homestay rates in and around Ahmedabad have experienced a dramatic surge, leaving travelers facing prices that are several times higher than usual. Hosts and booking aggregators have been quoting exorbitant rates, with many properties fully booked as cricket fans flock to the city.
Exorbitant Prices in Motera and Nearby Areas
In the Motera area, close to the stadium, rooms that typically rent for around Rs 2,000 per night were being listed at over Rs 20,000. On one popular booking platform, a three-room villa near the venue was priced at Rs 21,942 per room, requiring a 50% advance payment at booking and offering no cancellation options.
A caretaker at this property confirmed that all three rooms were completely booked, and the hall was also being offered to guests. He noted that the property usually caters to students at rates between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 per night, with discounts available for longer stays. Interestingly, only token cash payments were being accepted, and no receipts were issued, raising concerns about transparency.
Across Motera and nearby localities, homestay prices ranged from Rs 15,000 to Rs 21,000 per night. While rates dipped slightly with distance from the stadium, they remained steep, hovering around Rs 11,000 per night for double-occupancy rooms.
Price Hikes Extend Beyond City Limits
The surge in accommodation costs was not confined to Ahmedabad city. In Nadiad, approximately 65 kilometers from the stadium, homestays were quoting Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,000 per night. Similarly, in Gandhinagar and Chiloda, rates ranged from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 per night. Regular visitors reported that these prices are normally between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,500 per couple per night, highlighting the significant markup.
Hotels Follow Suit with Increased Tariffs
Hotels in Ahmedabad also followed this trend, with industry sources indicating that single-night tariffs rose by about 20% due to intensified demand. One hotel on Sindhu Bhavan Road, which had not been listing rooms on Friday, reportedly opened bookings and quoted an astonishing Rs 1.21 lakh for a night's stay. Another property on Judges Bungalow Road increased its rate from Rs 18,000 on Friday to Rs 22,000 by Saturday.
Local Businesses Capitalize on Increased Footfall
Local residents and businesses found innovative ways to benefit from the influx of visitors. Satish Patel, who runs a medical store near the stadium, mentioned that residential societies in the vicinity were offering parking at Rs 50 to Rs 100 for two-wheelers and Rs 300 to Rs 400 for cars, as vehicle entry was restricted beyond certain points. Shop owners in the area reported brisk business selling snacks, tea, beverages, and water bottles to the crowds.
This price surge reflects the high demand for accommodation during major sporting events, with the T20 World Cup final drawing significant attention and travel to Ahmedabad. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and be cautious of fluctuating rates and payment practices in such scenarios.
