Boston Ranks as America's Most Expensive Spring Destination

May 29, 2013

For the spring travel season that has just come to a close, Boston has taken the top spot as the most expensive U.S. destination. A new survey from CheapHotels.org made this determination based on the price of the city's lodging. In coming up with the rankings, all the major U.S. destinations were compared. The travel industry's main springtime period of March through May 2013 served as the basis of comparison.

To stay overnight in Boston this past spring, travelers had to spend an average of $245 per night. Even then, that money got them only the cheapest available double room. To be considered, hotels had to carry a minimum 3-star rating. Trailing Boston just slightly in the number two slot was Santa Monica. Located on the opposite coast, this California city came in second most expensive with an average nightly price tag of $239 nightly.

Rounding out the top six were four Florida destinations: Key West, Sanibel Island, Marathon and Islamorada. Their overnight rates for the spring timeframe were $234, $224, $214 and $209 respectively. New York City came in number eight on the list with an average per-night rate of $206.

The following table shows the USA's 20 most expensive destinations for Spring 2013. The rankings are based on the average rate for the cheapest available double room (minimum: 3-star hotel or resort). The time period spanning March–May 2013 served as the basis of comparison.

1. Boston $245
2. Santa Monica $239
3. Key West $234
4. Sanibel Island $224
5. Marathon $214
6. Islamorada $209
7. Austin $207
8. New York City $206
9. Napa $201
10. Koloa (Poipu) $196

11. Washington DC $183
12. Waikoloa $182
13. Fort Myers Beach $179
14. Los Angeles $172
15. Beverly Hills $171
16. Lahaina $169
17. Marina del Rey $164
18. Philadelphia $163
19. Newport $162
20. New Orleans $157

About the Methodology

For all main U.S. destinations, the price for the cheapest available double room (minimum: 3-star hotel) was established for the following timeframes: March 14¬–17, March 28–31, April 11–14, April 24–24, May 9–13 and May 23–26. Rates were established about 2–3 weeks in advance of the respective timeframes following a search of various leading hotel-booking sites. Only such hotels that are located in or within one mile of the city center or the beach were considered.