HOTEL prices across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have soared, with some even charging 50 per cent more than usual, as the council braces itself for another busy weekend.

With a mini-heatwave on the cards and predicted highs of around 25C, the weekend is set to be a scorcher.

Anyone looking to visit the town this weekend who hasn’t already booked a place to stay is looking at paying an increased rate or missing out, with 95 per cent of hotel rooms already booked.

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Tim Seward, chair of BH Area Hospitality Association said: “It will all be down to pre-booking, there are odd rooms available but it’s very limited - it’s like May half-term when the sun comes out.

Bournemouth Echo:

Tim Seward, chair of BH Area Hospitality Association has called Bournemouth 'the new London'.

“It’s brilliant for everyone being fully-booked and it’s what we’ve been wanting for a long long time.

“It’s down to demand and we’re the new London really, when the sun comes out Bournemouth will be full.”

Upon writing, there are 17 hotels with rooms available on Booking.com for a two-night stay between Friday, July 16 to Sunday, July 18.

The cheapest of these is Lynden Court Hotel who are charging £340 - compared to a two night stay in September between the 10 and 11, the hotel would usually cost guests £328.

However, some hotels are charging up to 50 per cent extra for rooms this weekend.

The Charlesworth hotel is charging guests 50 per cent more for their family room with a shower, for a two-night stay this weekend at £600.

In comparison, the same room between September 10 and September 12 would cost guests £300.

Bournemouth Echo:

The Charlesworth Hotel is charging 50 per cent more than weekend than September. Picture: Booking.com

Durley Dean hotel is priced at £946 for a two-night stay this weekend in their superior double or twin room without breakfast.

Compared to a two night stay between September 10 and September 12, a superior double or twin room without breakfast would cost guests £813 - an increase of 16 per cent.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: "We are pleased to see our hospitality industry is busy this weekend with hotels at least at 90 per cent capacity.

"We would encourage visitors to plan ahead for their journeys, park responsibly and drive safely.

"Visitors may not be able to source last minute overnight accommodation, so please remember, that it is an offence to camp on our beaches and our teams will take enforcement action, which might be the issuing of a £1000 fine."