So we weren’t just imagining it! Gulf resorts are indeed among the world’s most expensive places to stay, according to a new report by Hotel.com.

In the latest Hotel Price Index, Muscat in Oman was ranked the most expensive city in the world with average room prices reaching $302 while Doha was third with average prices of $276.

At $277, Monte Carlo came in second out of some 110,000 properties where hotel prices were taken.

According to the report:

The oil-rich Middle East had two cities (Muscat and Doha) in the top three most expensive destinations, reflecting both the small number of hotel rooms and the strength of demand for premium accommodation from both business and leisure travellers.

Despite economic problems, Dubai was also in the top 20 at £120 ($195) a night on average, finishing the year with just a 1% fall in prices year on year. This was largely fuelled by hotels at the top end of the market. Another Emirate, Abu Dhabi, also featured in the most expensive list despite prices falling a huge 27% to average £116 ($189) a night.

The World Cup effect is something for fans to be aware of – not least for the 2022 competition in Qatar, with Doha already one of the most expensive cities at £169 ($276) after a 5% rise.

In my experience, some of these resorts are just not worth the amount of money they charge. What do you guys think?