Three-star hotel room rates rose to an astonishing €700 in Frankfurt this week as pressure on accommodation supply drove up prices.

A combination of the event industry trade show IMEX, organised by Brigton-based Regent Exhibitions, and a 20,000 delegate textile show in the next hall at Frankfurt Messe sent rates soaring. Demand for rooms filled even outlying cities and towns like Bad Homburg.

Frankfurt's three-star Senator Hotel on the HRS web site was quoting €700 when late rooms were being sought for IMEX visitors on Monday. This was despite earlier fears that the Iceland dust cloud might have a negative effect on attendance.

Recognition of the supply issue has created an early demand for rooms for next year's IMEX. The Maritim hotel next door to the Messe has already rebooked 100 rooms for IMEX next year from exhibitors keen to avoid disappointment.