As we gear up for New Year’s Eve, the world’s hotels luxury hotels, bars and rooftops are set to come alive with midnight toasts. New data from global chauffeur service Blacklane reveals exactly where - and how much - we will be paying for our celebratory glass of champagne.

Researched by Henry Jeffreys, drinks expert and writer, Blacklane’s Champagne Index draws on data from luxury hotels and airport bars across ten international cities. Prices range from €18 (£15) in Madrid to AED 230 (£47) in Dubai, with dramatic differences not only between cities but even between the same champagne brand from one city to another.

Classic brand favourites such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Louis Roederer remain staples of luxury hospitality in five-star hotels around the world, while cities like Paris, Tokyo, and London also offer smaller, critically-acclaimed boutique champagnes, catering to the tastebuds of a highly refined international palate. 

Beyond the numbers, the findings capture how champagne remains a symbol of sophistication for today’s global traveller, especially during the festive season. 

Brand dominance and diversity
World renowned LVMH brands account for over a third of all champagne listings in the research. Yet Paris, London and Tokyo were the most eclectic, with grower houses like Ayala, Billecart-Salmon, Fleury and Philipponnat making regular appearances and adding character to classic hotel bar menus. Brands such as Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot are available in five-star hotels such as the Four Seasons and Conrad Tokyo in the Japanese capital. In Paris, champagne lovers can enjoy Philipponnat at Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal in the heart of the city and London’s champagne connoisseurs can indulge in a glass of Laurent Perrier at The Savoy. 
Champagne pricing hotspots
Dubai ranks as the world’s most expensive destination, averaging £36 per glass, around 21% more than New York. The Waldorf Astoria Dubai recorded the most extravagant pour at £47 for a 125ml glass of Veuve Clicquot. Coming in as the second next most expensive location, averaging £27 per glass, New York boasts an equally luxurious selection with The Langham costing £30 per 125ml glass.  
Surprising price parallels
London and Paris were unexpectedly equal purveyors of champagne, costing £24 per glass on average. Paris showcases the widest range of prices, from £16 up to £30, while Tokyo surprised with both affordability (£22 average) and adventurous choices. 
Airports feature well-priced luxury
Those travelling globally during the festive season have even more reason to celebrate as airport pricing is surprisingly reasonable, averaging £16 per glass. Nice Airport offered the lowest airport price at just £14, and Tokyo Narita delivered one of the most charming surprises with Boizel for £15. The Fortnum and Mason bar at London’s Heathrow Terminal 5 carries its highly regarded own brand, Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru for £18.50. 

Where best to toast at midnight around the world:
Madrid: Hotel Santo Mauro - €18 (£15) per glass - Laurent-Perrier
Miami: The Setai - $28 (£22) per glass - Louis Roederer
Los Angeles: The Beverly Hills Hotel - $30 (£24) per glass - Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial
London: The Dorchester - £26 per glass - Ruinart
Paris: Le Bristol - €35 (£30) per glass - Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial
New York: The St. Regis New York - $38 (£30) per glass - Perrier-Jouët
Rome: Palazzo Manfredi - €40 (£34) per glass - Veuve Clicquot
Dubai: Waldorf Astoria - AED 230 (£47) per glass - Veuve Clicquot

Henry Jeffreys, researcher and author of the Champagne Index, explains:
“Champagne remains the world’s greatest celebratory drinks, but what surprised me was just how dramatically the price of a glass varies from city to city. Tokyo’s diversity, Madrid’s value and Dubai’s prestige pricing all tell their own story about local tastes and global luxury culture.”

James Dow, Blacklane's UK and Ireland general manager, comments:
"Our Champagne Index research reflects how today’s luxury traveler is curious and experience-driven, while also looking for the trusted global brands they recognise and enjoy. For those of us who love to travel, there are special destinations where experiences are worth paying more for, alongside incredible gems and surprises to uncover along the way. This research carries interesting insights for those who plan their nights as carefully as their flights, and ensures that New Year toasts will certainly be bubbling with opportunity.”

Blacklane operates in over 60 countries worldwide, providing seamless airport transfers to connect terminal bars with city-centre five-star favourites, and chauffeurs by-the-hour for those planning to savour more than one glass of champagne during their festive celebrations.

The full Champagne Index report is available to view here. 

Luxury Link: www.blacklane.com