The Most Expensive Winter Destinations in the United States

Updated: November 24, 2016

Holding allure for winter sports enthusiasts, Vail, CO has been determined to be the most expensive destination in the United States for the upcoming winter travel season. Its famous ski resort in the Colorado Rockies has helped position Vail number one on a recent survey by CheapHotels.org.

In undertaking the survey, all prominent U.S. destinations were compared. The minimum amount a guest will have to spend to stay overnight in each destination’s cheapest available double room served as the basis of comparison. The survey specifically looked at the winter months of December, January and February, and the average cost over that three-month span was chosen for comparative purposes. It bears pointing out that the survey excluded hotels with less than a 3-star rating and those with negative average feedback from previous clientele.

With an average nightly price tag of $243 for its least expensive double room, Vail tops the rankings. Coming in second is Key West, Florida. An average overnight rate of $234 puts it in the runner-up slot. Rounding out the Top three is another Colorado ski resort, Aspen, where guests staying overnight will encounter an average rate of $227 at the check-in desk.

For travelers to the western half of the USA who are seeking sunshine instead of snow, Lahaina ranks as Hawaii’s priciest destination. At $216 nightly, it comes in at number six on the survey. Rounding out the Top 10 is Palo Alto, California. This home to Stanford University in the Silicon Valley is averaging $175 per night this winter season.

Winter travelers who are wanting to save a bit of money will do best if they book their trips for the month of December. The survey uncovered that the last month of the year is still rather affordable for most destinations in the Top 20. Starting in mid-January, hotel rates will rise precipitously, reaching their peak rates over the long President’s Day weekend (February 17–20). Then no rooms will be available for under $300 in some prime winter destinations (Vail, Lahaina, Sanibel Island).

Top 20 Most Expensive Winter Destinations

Destination	Average Price
Vail (CO)	$243
Key West (FL)	$234
Aspen (CO)	$227
Sanibel Island (FL)	$225
Breckenridge (CO)	$221
Lahaina (HI)	$216
Santa Monica (CA)	$197
Downtown Miami (FL)	$194
Park City (UT)	$184
Palo Alto (CA)	$175
Fort Myers Beach (FL)	$174
Deerfield Beach (FL)	$174
Austin (TX)	$167
Islamorada (FL)	$159
Nashville (TN)	$158
Clearwater Beach (FL)	$157
Napa (CA)	$156
Anna Maria Island (FL)	$155
Laguna Beach (CA)	$153
Pompano Beach (FL)	$153

About the Methodology

The survey considered all destinations in the USA boasting a minimum of 20 hotels. Only well-located hotels (in the city center, close to the beach or near ski lifts) rated at least 3 stars and with positive overall average client ratings were considered.

For each destination, the price for the cheapest available double room was established for multiple winter travel periods throughout December, January and February. An average nightly rate was then calculated for the three-month period, resulting in the Top 20 most expensive destinations.

Rates were established in mid-November based on research conducted on the hotel comparison website Kayak.

Press Contact

Barbara Adams
Email: press@cheaphotels.org
Phone: 1-805-308-9660