Hotel prices in Rome explode after Pope Francis after the death!

Hotel prices in Rome explode after Pope Francis after the death!

On Saturday at 10 a.m., Pope Francis will be adopted in Rome, an event that brings people together worldwide and drastically increases hotel and flight prices. After his death was announced, the costs for accommodation and travel to the Italian capital rapidly increase. Travelers should hurry so as not to miss these climbs. Booking platforms such as Booking.com already show the new prices for the funeral weekend, which are terrifying for many.

Three star hotels in the city center cost from 300 euros per night, while four-star hotels require around 400 euros. Five star hotels have practically no price limits. Favorable accommodations such as hostels are available, but require compromises in comfort and location. Direct flights with Austrian Airlines (AUA) cost up to 1,000 euros from Friday to Sunday; alternative routes with changes in Munich or other cities can be cheaper. Cheap airlines such as Ryanair also offer last-minute places from Vienna, but also at increased prices.

massive price increases in Rome

Hotel prices near the Vatican do not end; The arrival of pilgrims worldwide leads many providers to increase prices. The situation is reminiscent of the funeral of Pope John Paul II 20 years ago, in which four million pilgrims came to Rome. Similar crowds from home and abroad are also expected for the year 2025, which is considered a holy year in the Roman Catholic Church. Estimates assume 30 million additional tourists who will visit Rome.

The funeral of Pope Francis is expected to take place between the fourth and sixth day after his death, followed by the choice of his successor within 15 to 20 days. For the period from April 24th to 27th, in particular for the funeral, 89% of the hotel rooms are already booked on Booking.com. Sample prices for overnight stays are exorbitant: an economy room costs 1,736 euros during this period, while a Junior Suite costs 2,597 euros. For comparison: In May, similar rooms are available for around CHF 1,011, i.e. a good CHF 600.

context and outlook

The opening of the Holy Year 2025 by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve initially brought an optimistic outlook on tourism in Rome. The expected number of visitors of 32 million announced almost 50 % more arrivals compared to the previous year. However, the “Federalberghi” hotel association warned of unused capacities, and the bookings were also declining in January 2023. Despite empty accommodations, which are offered sometimes to greatly reduced prices, the forecasts for a significant revitalization of tourism remain uncertain in the first half of the year.

The not only focuses on the Pope's funeral, but also on how the events affect the upcoming holidays and the further tourist situation. Rome's tourism officer Alessandro Onorato is optimistic about investing the city government, which will certainly have a positive effect on the image of Rome.