London hotels hit record RevPAR in October 2026
London hotel RevPAR hit a record high in October 2026, with the peak day on 13 October. The figures, released in November 2026, affect anyone planning a stay in the city as occupancy and rates have risen sharply.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- London hotel RevPAR reached a record high in October 2026
- Timing
- Data released November 2026 covering October 2026 performance
- Who is affected
- Travellers booking London hotels and hotel operators
The details
- Announced by
- CoStar
- Takes effect
- November 2026
Record performance overview
Preliminary data from CoStar shows London hotels achieved their highest RevPAR ever in October 2026. The overall RevPAR for the month was GBP 178.81, a 5.5 % increase year‑on‑year.
Key metrics breakdown
Occupancy averaged 86.0 % in October, up 0.8 % from the previous year, and reached a single‑day high of 94.7 % on 13 October. The average daily rate (ADR) rose to GBP 207.91, a 4.6 % increase, with the same day’s ADR peaking at GBP 256.19.
- RevPAR peaked at GBP 242.65 on 13 October, the highest daily figure for the month
- Occupancy stayed above 80 % on all but five nights throughout October
Drivers behind the surge
The BFI Film Festival was identified as a major catalyst, drawing international visitors and boosting demand. Higher ADRs were the primary contributor to the RevPAR record, while occupancy improvements added further strength.
London’s hotel market showed growth across all three core performance indicators year over year, indicating a broadly robust tourism environment.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers may find fewer rooms available on peak dates such as 13 October due to high occupancy levels
- Higher average daily rates mean budgeting for London accommodation should account for increased costs
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced; only existing booking costs are affected
- The rise in ADR reflects market pricing, not additional charges or taxes
What you need to do
- Book accommodation as early as possible to secure preferred dates and rates
- Monitor hotel availability regularly, especially around major events like the BFI Film Festival
- Consider flexible cancellation policies in case of further price fluctuations
Who this affects
-
Leisure travellers to London
Overall occupancy and ADR have risen, making rooms scarcer and pricier
What to do Plan bookings early and budget for higher nightly rates
-
Business travellers attending meetings in London
High occupancy days may limit last‑minute hotel options
What to do Secure accommodations well in advance of travel dates
-
Attendees of the BFI Film Festival
The festival drove a significant portion of the October demand surge
What to do Book festival‑related stays promptly to avoid sold‑out situations
Frequently asked questions
What was London hotel RevPAR in October 2026?
London hotel RevPAR reached GBP 178.81 in October 2026, marking a 5.5 % year‑on‑year increase and setting a new record for the city.
Which day had the highest RevPAR in October 2026?
The highest daily RevPAR was GBP 242.65 on 13 October 2026, when occupancy hit 94.7 % and ADR peaked at GBP 256.19.
How did the BFI Film Festival affect hotel performance?
The BFI Film Festival attracted international visitors, boosting demand and contributing to higher occupancy and ADR, which together drove the RevPAR record.
Will hotel prices stay high after October 2026?
The data shows a strong October performance, but future pricing will depend on ongoing demand, events, and market conditions; no specific forecast is provided.
Should I book a London hotel now for a future trip?
Given the record occupancy and rising rates in October 2026, booking early is advisable to secure availability and avoid higher costs.
