Russia cracks down on hotels jacking up prices for World Cup

Russian authorities have said prices at 41 hotels in six regions where World Cup matches will be played in June and July this year have in many cases significantly increased on their websites or through online travel booking for the period covering the tournament, according to a Reuters report.

The World Cup opens in Moscow on 14 June when Russia play Saudi Arabia, and closes with the final in the capital on 15 July and visa-on-arrival for tourists is available for supporters with a valid id and Fan ID. 

Hotels in areas where group stage matches are being held are trying to take advantage of a spike in demand.

One hotel has been caught at the centre of the price hike scandal. The Agora in Kaliningrad normally charges just 2,400 roubles ($46) per night. But during the World Cup, prices on online travel agent Booking.com have been listed as 129,200 roubles ($2,296) - a more than 5,000% increase on regular prices.

Some on the list include members of large hotel chains, including Hampton by Hilton and Kempinski.

All the hotels identified have since promised to adjust their prices.