A Winton man is frustrated after finding his accommodation reservation for the coming All Blacks' test can proceed only if he accepts a second night's booking.
Stewart Bryan said he reserved a room with a Dunedin accommodation provider last year for the coming June 25 test match between the All Blacks and Wales.
However, when he checked on the booking he was told his room had been double-booked. He and his family could be accommodated, but only if they accepted a second night's accommodation in line with the provider's policy during high-volume periods.
"It tends to only be put in place when there's an event on,'' he said.
"I think it's unfair and it's short-sighted. It's profiteering.''
The family of five would instead travel to Dunedin and return home on the same day as a result of the policy, costing the city in the process, he said.
"We have tried to stay at other times for similar events and we have been told in the past by some of the places we have contacted that the minimum stay is two nights,'' he said.
"It's frustrating. From our point of view, we recognise the stadium is an absolute asset to Dunedin and the surrounding area but it's a lot to ask to come up and when we are booking a night to then book for two nights.''
Otago Motel Association president Gavin Tucker said most accommodation providers had a similar policy during peak times, such as test matches and concerts.
"It's just straight business,'' he said.
"It's supply and demand.''
While the majority would use such a policy others would offer single-night stays and it was a matter of shopping around, he said.
"It's just the way business operates,'' he said.
"Every single individual property have their own policy but most find it easier and just do it.''
The coming test had already put pressure on the sector and many were already booked, he said.
"People are finding it really hard to find accommodation,'' he said.
"Many in the know booked when they found out the dates of the games.''
