The Most Expensive US Cities for Hotel Stays

Hotel stays are getting pricier as travel and tourism continue to rebound post-COVID-19 pandemic. However, some destinations will set travelers back a bit more compared to others. Cheaphotels.org recently compared hotel rates across 50 U.S. destinations during October 2022 when hotel prices in most American cities tend to be at their highest. The survey considered only centrally-located hotels with a three-star rating or more for the period October 1-31, 2022. Average nightly rates range from $107 in San Antonio, Texas to $262 in the most expensive U.S. city this autumn. Here's a look at the 10 destinations with the priciest hotel stays right now.

One of two Texas cities in the top 10 this October, the average three-star or higher hotel in Dallas comes in just under $200 per night at a respectable $198. That's still nearly double that of San Antonio and far more expensive compared to destinations like Omaha ($109) and Las Vegas ($110).

Further out west, Albuquerque is down six spots from 2021 to ninth in 2022 with an average nightly rate of $205, which is $21 more compared to last year. The lofty prices are due in part to the fact that autumn is the best time to visit as travelers are met by ideal weather conditions and exciting fall festivals.

In the Midwest, Kansas City climbed four spots in 2022, reaching eighth with an average nightly rate of $208. That rate is significantly more compared to 2021's average cost of just $145 per night for a three-star or higher-rated property.

With an average nightly rate of $217, the California capital is the priciest destination in the Golden State for an overnight stay this October. Still, it managed to fall three spots from last year when its average nightly rate of $182 was the fourth-highest in the nation.

Back on the East Coast, Pittsburgh has seen its average nightly rate for a three-star or higher-rated hotel climb by an eye-popping $70 this fall, up to $220 from just $150 in October 2021, according to Cheaphotels.org.

The Music City has plenty to offer autumn visitors, from iconic attractions to a lively nightlife scene and no shortage of charming neighborhoods. Travelers can expect to pay a premium for those experiences, however, as Nashville ranks fifth nationwide with an average nightly hotel rate of $225 this October.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, New York ranks inside the top five of the most expensive U.S. cities for hotel stays this October with an average nightly rate of $240. However, the city is experiencing a dramatic rise as it ranked a shocking 40th last year with an average nightly rate of just $112.

Detroit is arguably the most interesting city to make the top 10 this year. Hotel prices in the Motor City have risen by more than 90 percent this year compared to COVID-impacted 2021. "Even when contrasted with pre-COVID levels, rates in Detroit are about 30 percent higher," Cheaphotels.org states.

The Live Music Capital of the World continues to attract travelers from all over and its allure is reflected in its hotel rates this fall, with the average room setting guests back about $255 per night. That figure is up considerably from just $174 this time last year.

Boston is the most expensive U.S. city for an October hotel stay for the second year in a row, based on Cheaphotels.org's latest research. This year's average nightly rate comes in at $262, which is $26 steeper compared to the city's nation-leading 2021 rate.