The Most Expensive Destinations in the USA for New Year’s Eve

Nowhere in the United States will it be more expensive to stay overnight this New Year’s Eve than in New Orleans. The latest survey from TravelMag.com came to this conclusion after comparing 30 major destinations in the USA. The cost of lodging on December 31, 2014 served as the basis of comparison.

New Orleans – French Quarter: Jackson Square, Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral and Presbytère. (Photo: W. Gobaetz via Flcikr)

In coming up with the rankings, the survey established for each destination the minimum amount overnight guests will have to spend on December 31 to stay in the most affordable double room. Hotels rated less than 3 stars and those not centrally located were excluded by the survey.

Topping the list was New Orleans. A New Year’s Eve rate of $359 for the most affordable room on New Year’s Eve secured the Big Easy the survey’s number one position. That price tag represents a 300+% increase when compared to the amount the least expensive room would cost on a regular day. TravelMag.com’s spokesperson, Barbara Adams explains, “With most New Orleans hotels being close to sold out for New Year’s Eve, those that still have vacancies are attaching stipulations to them. More specifically, most such hotels are requiring that guests commit to staying at least two, or in some cases even three, nights.”

Only slightly less expensive is Atlantic City, where a room on New Year’s Eve will cost $350. The New Jersey resort city boasts the biggest rate increase among all destinations, because in general visitors can find a room there for less than $100 per night.

The following table compares New Year’s Eve hotel rates for 30 major destinations in the USA and conducts a comparison with regular rates. The prices shown reflect the rates on December 31, 2014 for the cheapest available double room in a centrally hotel that is rated at least 3 stars. Regular rates reflect the price for the least expensive double room the week that follows (January 7–8, 2015).

The rates were established on December 19, 2014 based on research conducted on the various leading hotel-booking sites.