Key facts
- Families are booking air-conditioned hotel rooms to escape the UK heatwave.
- Searches for 'air-conditioning' on Booking.com have tripled across Great Britain.
- UK hotel revenue saw a 34% increase between June 22-25 compared to the same period in 2025.
- One pub group reported that a third of callers inquired about air conditioning before booking.
- Hotels noted an increase in last-minute bookings and guests specifically asking about air-conditioned rooms.
Families, including those with newborn babies, are booking air-conditioned hotel rooms to escape the UK's record-breaking heatwave, with accommodation providers reporting a significant surge in demand and inquiries specifically about cooling facilities.
Data from Booking.com indicates that searches using the 'air-conditioning' filter have tripled across Great Britain since June 1, coinciding with the heatwave. Payment company Adyen reported a 34% increase in UK hotel industry revenue between June 22 and 25 compared to the same period in 2025, based on transactions.
The UK experienced one of its hottest weeks on record, with temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 30s Celsius. The Met Office issued extreme heat warnings, and a provisional June temperature record of 36.9C was recorded on Friday.
Heartwood Inns, which operates pubs with rooms, saw occupancy reach 86%, with about a third of callers asking about air conditioning. The chain noted an increase in inquiries from parents with newborn babies struggling to keep their homes cool.
Dean Culpan, general manager at London's Templeton Garden hotel, stated the hotel is operating at capacity, with guests seeking cool spaces. He also observed a rise in terrace dining and drinks as shaded areas became sought-after.
Gemma Jones, operations manager at The Feathers in Woodstock, reported an increase in last-minute bookings from guests seeking a comfortable, air-conditioned environment. Occupancy at her hotel rose from 74% to 81% this week, with air-conditioned bedrooms proving to be a key selling point. She added that some guests are choosing hotel stays over remaining at home due to the heat, with some extending their stays.