Berlin implements hotel tax this summer

If you’re planning a holiday to Berlin this summer, note that your hotel bill will be slightly higher after the city voted to add a five percent tourist tax.

If you’re planning a holiday to Berlin this summer, note that your hotel bill will be slightly higher after the city voted to add a five percent tourist tax.

Beginning July 1, a city tax will be added to overnight stays for hotels, youth hostels and camping sites. The revenue generated will go towards city coffers and is hoped to raise €25 million a year to help balance the books.

According to the latest statistics, the city received 10.8 million visitors in 2012, and 24.9 million overnight stays.

The average length of stay is 2.3 days.

Berlin joins cities like New York, Paris and Venice in imposing a tourist or hotel tax to visitors.