It’s not your imagination: Hotel prices in some U.S. cities are through the roof.
A new global survey by Cheaphotels.org reveals that Boston tops the list of the world’s most expensive cities for hotel stays this October, with travelers paying an average of $375 per night for the most affordable available double room in a centrally located, three-star-or-higher hotel.
That puts Boston ahead of even New York City, where average nightly rates hit $338, and well beyond major European capitals like Zurich ($274), Milan ($268) and Paris ($257).
The biggest surprise? Detroit, which ranked sixth worldwide with average nightly rates of $240—making it pricier than Washington, D.C. ($227), Rome ($224), Vienna ($205) and Amsterdam ($204). Detroit’s steep rise in hotel costs underscores the city’s ongoing tourism and event-driven renaissance, fueled by downtown redevelopment and a packed sports and concert calendar.
Several other U.S. destinations made the top 30, including Washington, D.C., Austin ($184), Chicago ($176) and San Diego ($175). On the West Coast, rates were relatively more forgiving in Seattle ($164), Los Angeles ($158) and San Francisco ($134), though all remain well above pre-pandemic averages.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, budget-conscious travelers can still find deals in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where an overnight stay averages just $31. Other wallet-friendly options include Doha, Manila, Bangkok and Hanoi, all with rates below $50 per night.
For now, though, travelers heading to Boston, New York—or yes, Detroit—may want to brace themselves for sticker shock.
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