Hoteliers accused of profiteering during Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot race organisers have accused hoteliers in York of profiteering.

Organisers are angry that some hotels in York have hiked their prices up, putting off race-goers.

"Most hotels have put their prices up for the week, that is standard practice," said Nick Smith, an Ascot spokesman. "But one or two high-profile hotels in the city have over-inflated their room rates."

Hotel consultant Melvin Gold was not surprised that local accommodation-providers had put their prices up for the week describing it as normal practice.

"My bet is that if the meet was in Ascot, hotels there would be more expensive than in York. If some race-goers are put-off, others will take their place," he said.

About 260,000 people are expected to attend this year's meet, which has been transferred to York while Ascot undergoes an £185m development.

The five-day meet ends Saturday 18 June and is hoped the event will return to Ascot next year.

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