Global hotel rates are forecast to rise in 2027, continuing the trend set in 2026, according to the annual Hotel Monitor 2027 published by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).  Resilient corporate travel and meetings demand across the Americas and Europe – combined with persistent inflation – is pushing prices upward, with more moderate increases in Asia-Pacific. However, the picture is far from uniform as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to impact demand in key Gulf destinations.

Given the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and volatility, this year’s report presents rate forecasts as a range rather than a single figure for the first time.  Amex GBT advises using the lower end of the range if the Middle East conflict does not resolve quickly, or if global inflation tracks the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) July World Economic Outlook forecast of 4.7% for 2026.  If inflation rises beyond that level, the upper end of the range is the more likely outcome.

Forecast summaries for key North American cities include:

• Mexico City – up between 4.7% and 7.1%
• San Francisco – up 3.6% to 5.4%
• Dallas – up 1.9% to 2.9%
• Philadelphia – up 1.8% to 2.9%
• New York – up 1.6% to 2.5%
• Chicago – up 1.5% to 2.7%
• Los Angeles – up 1.3%  to 2.3%
• Washington – up 1.3% to 2%
• Toronto – up 0.5% to 1.9%
• Boston – up 0.5% to 1.5%
• Seattle – flat to 0.8%

Sara Andell, director of consulting strategy, Amex GBT Consulting, said,  “This year’s forecast reveals a nuanced global environment where geopolitical uncertainties and commodity price volatility are shaping hotel rates in different ways across regions.” She added,  “Price is a key indicator, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. We’re encouraging companies to consider what value means to them, and what they are getting from their hotel spend, not just the headline rate.”