Accommodation prices in Cheltenham are skyrocketing ahead of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, with hotel and Airbnb rates reaching unprecedented levels. Analyses by IrishRacing.com reveal that staying in Cheltenham during the festival is significantly more expensive than in surrounding weeks. Meanwhile, thousands of racing enthusiasts are choosing to soak up the festival’s excitement in Benidorm, Spain, where costs are substantially lower.
A detailed study of over 1,300 listings on Booking.com and Airbnb shows that a five-night stay in Cheltenham from March 9 to 14, 2026, averages £3,772 on Booking.com—an astonishing 288.9% hike compared to the week before. Airbnb stays average £1,450 for the same period, which is 133.1% higher than rates the previous week.
In contrast, Benidorm has become a popular alternative for festival-goers seeking value and sunshine. The Spanish resort town, located about 1,300 miles from Prestbury Park, hosts thousands of British and Irish visitors who enjoy watching the races live on large screens in the open air, often by the pool. Benidorm boasts between 800 and 1,000 bars, predominantly British-themed, creating a strong sporting atmosphere with bookmakers lining the famous strip.
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Richard Jobling of the Benidorm And Beyond website describes the scene: “People arrive by 11 am to reserve tables, and venues like the Marina Resort Hotel attract around 1,000 people watching the Cheltenham Festival poolside.”
Combining Booking.com and Airbnb data, the average accommodation cost in Cheltenham during the festival is £2,611, a massive 228% increase compared to the preceding week. Meanwhile, a comparable five-night stay in Benidorm averages just £462. Even after including transport, flights to Alicante (nearest airport to Benidorm) cost an average of £646, while traveling to Cheltenham costs approximately £2,635—over 300% more expensive.
At the time of analysis, the cheapest Airbnb option near Cheltenham Racecourse is a one-bedroom cottage located 15 km away for £579, whereas the priciest is a one-bedroom apartment 3 km from the racecourse, priced at £2,500. On Booking.com, the least expensive option is a double room guesthouse 6.5 km from the racecourse for £1,033, while the most costly is a three-bedroom townhouse 2 km away, reaching an eye-watering £8,812.
For festival fans looking to enjoy the races without breaking the bank, Benidorm offers a sunny, lively alternative to Cheltenham’s soaring prices—proving that sometimes, a holiday in the sun is the smartest ticket.