Travel nightmare? Survey reveals priciest US cities for hotel stays

With all the additional inflation costs seemingly appearing in every price tag and bill, budget planning your vacation is a must, and so does avoiding the most expensive cities for hotel accommodations in the United States this 2023.

In the latest survey by Cheap Hotels, Boston is flexing (though not in a good way) its high hotel rates. Based on the survey, Beantown has been clinging to the title as the most expensive city for hotel stays in the US for three years now. With an average price of $303 for a double room, it’s not surprising.

New York City and Austin round out the top three on the list, coming in at second and third, respectively, with NYC stays costing $288 per room and Austin at $257 per room.

The Cheap Hotels survey compared hotel rates in 50 destinations across the US, only including three-star hotels and higher. It was conducted in October 2023 given that this time of the year is when hotel rates are at their peak.

The US Cities With the Most Expensive Hotel Room Rates Might Surprise You via @TheBulkheadSeat https://t.co/q90ohCgOmv pic.twitter.com/gjDcoaZAB9

— BoardingArea (@BoardingArea) October 6, 2023

US hotels price surge

Compared to the 2022 survey, Boston rates are now 15 percent higher, while NYC’s are up by 20 percent. Cleveland and Las Vegas rates have also increased to 25 percent.

While Las Vegas might be hitting it high with the recent opening of The Sphere, a glitzy digital $2 billion entertainment dome, accommodation is still fairly affordable at $137 per night.

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Cleveland, Ohio’s second largest city, lands in fourth this year, pricing at an average of $234 for the least expensive room. Columbus might be your savings savior if you prefer to holiday in Ohio, with comfy rooms rating at $142 per night.

Below is the list of the top 15 cities with the priciest hotel stays this year—for reference.

The most expensive hotels in USA this 2023 (by city):

1. Boston $303
2. New York City $288
3. Austin $257
4. Cleveland $234
5. Albuquerque $233
6. Nashville $216
7. Sacramento $212
8. Detroit $205
9. Raleigh $205
10. Denver $198
11. Pittsburgh $197
12. Cincinnati $194
13. Dallas $186
14. Los Angeles $185
15. Kansas City $184