Amex GBT: Global hotel rates steady through 2026

Geopolitical uncertainty and shifting traveler priorities limit sharp increases, but luxury demand drives exceptions

Hotel pricing worldwide is expected to remain mostly stable through 2026, according to Amex GBT’s latest Hotel Monitor. While geopolitical risks and trade concerns temper broad rate growth, luxury and high-demand markets stand out as exceptions, and evolving meeting and event preferences are reshaping sourcing strategies.

Key takeaways

• Overall stability: Hotel rates will see only modest increases globally, held back by economic uncertainty and tariff concerns.
• Luxury demand: Premium accommodations are projected to outpace the market, with strong growth driven by continued appetite for high-end stays.
• Regional variations: Moderate increases in New York (+4%), London (+4.2%) and Madrid (+4.8%), sharper gains in Bengaluru (+6.4%) and Buenos Aires (+5.6%), but declines in Hong Kong (-1.2%).
• New supply impact: Development pipelines, especially in London (15,000 rooms) and Riyadh (17,000 rooms), will temper pricing pressure in some markets.
• Meetings priorities: Venue sourcing is shifting toward wellness, inclusivity, accessibility and social-media-friendly “wow factor” locations, with rising demand for plant-based and culturally sensitive catering.
• Industry caution: Amex GBT notes that volatility and news cycles can cause hotel prices to swing unpredictably, requiring careful local market monitoring.

Get the full report at Amex GBT