BIG BILLS: Low supply keeps Moscow rates high. © Igor Sokalski

With an average room rate of GBP 259 Moscow had the most expensive hotel rates in the world in 2010 according to the latest annual hotel survey from Hogg Robinson Group, a global corporate travel services company based in the United Kingdom. The Russian capital’s room rate actually dropped 3 percent in 2010, but Moscow remains the city with the highest average room rates for the sixth consecutive year.

The strongest increase in hotel rates across 2010 took place in Africa and Asia Pacific, while European hotel prices fell for the second consecutive year. Only one Asian city, Hong Kong, is in the top 10 of expensive hotel rates in a list of 75 cities worldwide.

HRG's annual survey is based on a combination of industry intelligence, actual room nights booked and rates paid by its United Kingdom clients during January to December 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.

Destinations in Asia Pacific with the highest 2010 average daily room year-on-year rate increases for HRG's corporate clients included Brisbane (32 percent), Sydney (21 percent), Seoul (15 percent), Singapore (14 percent), Kuala Lumpur (13 percent) and Hong Kong (12 percent). Some increases, such as Australia's can be attributed in part to the strength of local currency.

Douglas McWilliams, chief executive of the Centre for Economics and Business Research, a leading economic think tank that analysed the HRG survey, said the results showed how economic recovery varies across the globe. "The recovery is being powered by growth in emerging markets, with the advanced economies in Europe and North America playing a more subdued role," said McWilliams. "In Africa, Asia and the Pacific, average hotel prices are now above pre-recession levels again as many economies have recorded a robust return to growth."

Top 10 Most Expensive Hotel Rates In British Pounds

1. Moscow GBP 259
2. New York City GBP 212
3. Geneva GBP 203
4. Paris GBP 201
5. Zurich GBP 199
6. Washington, D.C. GBP 193
7. Hong Kong  GBP 191
8.  Stockholm GBP 189
9. Doha GBP 183
10. Riyadh GBP 176.

Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) has four new international routes linking it to London Heathrow (LHR), New York (JFK), Detroit (DTW) and Los Angeles (LAX). In the last week, American Airlines started operating a daily service to New York. British Airways is flying five times to London Heathrow, while Delta launched services to Detroit and Los Angeles. Following the opening of Narita International Airport (NRT) in 1978, Haneda, which is closer to central Tokyo, was mainly used for domestic flights. Last October, Haneda opened a new runway and passenger terminal designed to accommodate international flights.

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel has launched a new service that gives guests the flexibility of check-in and check-out time through a 24-hour period while paying for only one night. Located at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Novotel Suvarnabhumi is a 10-minute air-conditioned walk through the airport terminal from arrivals. The new service is counted from the time of check-in. For example, if the guest checks in at 18:00, they can check out the next day at 18:00 automatically without additional charge. The 24 Hours Flexi service is applicable to all bookings from individuals and groups.

Fifteen Anantara luxury resorts are giving guests the opportunity to stay an extra day on the house. From a rejuvenating spa treatment on the misty hilltops, to camel trekking through the desert dunes or simply relaxing on the pristine shores, enjoy an extra night compliments of Anantara. The Extra Night on Us campaign is valid for all bookings and stays of more than three nights through April 15. For more information about the promotion and participating properties, visit Anantara Extra Night.

As the official 5-star hotel partner of Sydney's Mardi Gras 2011, Swissôtel Sydney's Tickled Pink Mardi Gras accommodation package presents a winning combination of the festival parade, parties and excitement with the convenience and comfort of the hotel's sophisticated guestrooms, restaurants and spa facilities. Guests will enjoy 20 percent off the best available rate when they book a minimum of three days in advance. The Swissôtel Sydney package includes buffet breakfast for two and a surprise Mardi Gras gift on arrival.

The Eskaya Beach Resort on Panglao Island in The Philippines is a secluded tropical resort with its own private white beach. Located a short distance from Tagbilaran Airport (TAG) or a convenient 20-minute helicopter ride from Cebu (CEB), Eskaya Beach Resort comprises 15 private villas built in the traditional Filipino style with modern amenities. The resort is offering special package deals for groups or families seeking an island escape starting from USD 3,800 (plus taxes) for a three-night stay for up to six people. For full details, visit Eskaya Beach Resort.