As the much-anticipated India-Pakistan World Cup 2023 showdown in Ahmedabad on October 14 approaches, hotel prices in the city have shot through the roof.
It has been reported that the hotel prices have skyrocketed over 20 times their normal rates.
For instance, the cost of a base category room at a five-star hotel in the city has surged to a whopping Rs50,000 (Indian rupees) per night in some cases.
Yes, you read that right! On any regular day, such a luxurious stay would set you back anywhere from Rs 6,500 to 10,500.
Even opulent hotels in Ahmedabad have not been spared from the cricket fever.
The prices of these hotels have leaped from their usual range of Rs 5,000-8,000 per room to an eye-popping Rs 40,000-100,000 in some exclusive spots.
Fans find alternates
However, for those who are on a tight budget, there are a few clever ways to save money. Some cricket fans have resorted to booking hospital rooms.
Several doctors told local media that the surge in bookings for check-up packages was a clever way for cricket fans to find affordable accommodation as hotel prices had skyrocketed up to 20 times ahead of the match.
Ahmedabad Medical Association President Tushar Patel told Reuters, "We have come across some cases of people coming to watch the India-Pakistan match also taking an appointment for health check-ups and staying in hospitals."
The Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association has also asked its members not to accommodate cricket fans who are booking hospital rooms just to have a place to stay.
The association president, Bharat Gadhavi, told Reuters that hospitals are not meant for non-patients.
On Airbnb, there are currently abundant room options available for the upcoming match day while others are looking into Uber Luxury Campers.
