The Most Expensive Spring Destinations in the United States

April 6, 2017

Charleston’s hotel rates are making the city the most expensive spring destination in the United States. That is the conclusion of the latest survey from CheapHotels.org, which compared all destinations in the USA based on their lodging cost. The months of April and May 2017 served as the timeframe of comparison.

In devising the rankings, the survey established for each destination a minimum dollar figure. This price reflects the lowest amount a guest can expect to pay to lodge overnight in each destination’s cheapest available double room. It must be pointed out that the survey considered only centrally located hotels and inns whose overall rating was 3 stars or higher.

In Charleston, a popular old port town in South Carolina, a traveler can anticipate paying an average of $241 per night for the least expensive double room. Coming in second on the survey at just a few dollars cheaper is the Tennessee capital of Nashville. An average overnight rate of $237 puts it in the survey’s number two spot. Rounding out the Top 3 is Napa, CA. This wine country destination is averaging $234 nightly this spring for its most affordable double room.

Key West ranks as Florida’s most expensive destination, taking the number four slot on the survey. With Austin and Boston in addition to Nashville, a total of three capital cities landed in the Top 10. This spring, these two locales are charging average overnight prices of $224 and $216, respectively, for their least expensive double room.

Most Expensive U.S. Destinations This Spring

• Charleston (SC) — $241
• Nashville (TN) — $237
• Napa (CA) — $234
• Key West (FL) — $231
• Calistoga (CA) — $226
• Austin (TX) — $224
• Islamorada (FL) — $224
• Santa Monica (CA) — $214
• Poipu (HI) — $214
• Boston (MA) — $212
• Savannah (GA) — $187
• Sanibel Island (FL) — $186
• Saratoga Springs (NY) — $184
• Tybee Island (GA) — $178
• Santa Barbara (CA) — $178
• Madison (WI) — $174
• St Pete Beach (FL) — $167
• Los Angeles (CA) — $166
• Palo Alto (CA) — $165
• Sedona (AZ) — $162

About the Methodology

The survey considered all destinations in the USA boasting a minimum of 20 hotels and inns. Only well-located hotels (in the city center or close to the beach) 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 the following periods: April 6–9, April 11–14, April 19–22, April 21–30, May 2–5, May 13–16, May 18–21 & May 23–26. An average nightly rate was then established for the two-month period, resulting in the Top 20 most expensive destinations. Rates were established in mid-March based on research conducted on hotel comparison platforms.