Solo travellersSingle supplements
Paying more
Many hotels charge supplements for single travellers
We believe that single travellers should not have to pay more than 50% of the price paid for 2 people on the same holiday.
While other service industries such as retailing have made strides to cater for singles, for example supermarkets providing a range of individual meals, the holiday industry penalises solo travellers.
By and large, hotels justify the single supplement rate by claiming that if there is only 1 person staying in a room they lose out, as it costs hotels the same to heat, light and clean the room, regardless of how many people stay.
A further reason given is that single people spend less money in the bar and restaurant.
Price comparison
We looked at 2 hotels in Spain (which are shared by a number of tour operators) to see how much a single traveller would pay for a room compared to 2 people sharing. In both cases, the price for the single room was more than half that for 2 people, and in 1 case, a single person would be charged exactly the same as 2 people.
Be aware when searching for a holiday on many of the larger tour operators’ websites and accommodation-only websites – the only room option available to a person travelling alone is a single room. Moreover, 2 people are often given various room types and upgrades to choose from.
Paying too much for your energy?
Take advantage of the recent energy price decreases by switching to a cheaper tariff today.
Which? Switch