Montauk, New York, an upscale village in Town of East Hampton, is the most expensive summer destination in the United States, according to the latest survey conducted by CheapHotels.org.
The survey compared U.S. destinations based on the cost of lodging during August 2020. Only hotels or inns rated at least 3 stars and located close to the beach or in the city center were considered.
Montauk topped the rankings at an average rate of $348 per night for the least expensive double room. Nantucket, a tiny island 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts that is famous for lighthouses and dune-backed beaches, ranks second; and Long Beach Island, a barrier island off the coast of New Jersey, round out the top three with a average overnight rates of $314 and $295, respectively.
California’s most expensive summer destination is Huntington Beach, which ranks 7th most expensive overall at a nightly rate of $235. Provincetown, Chatham and Martha’s Vineyard—another 3 destinations from Massachussests—made it into the Top 10.
Hotel rates are down by about 10% on average compared to the same time last year, possibly due to restrictions and concerns surrounding COVID-19. While certain destinations such as Saratoga Springs ($152) and Santa Monica ($163) are significantly more affordable this year, others like Long Beach Island and Nantucket are more expensive.
The following table shows the 20 most expensive summer destinations in the United States. The prices shown reflect the average rate for each destination’s cheapest available double room for the time period spanning August 1–31, 2020.
- Montauk (NY) $348
- Nantucket (MA) $314
- Long Beach Island (NJ) $295
- Martha’s Vineyard (MA) $294
- Cape May (NJ) $253
- Chatham (MA) $238
- Huntington Beach (CA) $235
- Provincetown (MA) $230
- Rehoboth Beach (DE) $223
- Pismo Beach (CA) $210
- Kennebunkport (ME) $210
- Cannon Beach (OR) $206
- Newport (RI) $197
- Saugatuck (MI) $195
- Boothbay Harbor (ME) $186
- Poipu (HI) $185
- Cambria (CA) $179
- Burlington (VT) $176
- Hampton Beach (NH) $175
- York Beach (ME) $175
About the Methodology
The survey considered all destinations in the USA boasting a minimum of 10 hotels/inns. Only well-located hotels and inns (in the city center, within walking distance to the beach) rated at least 3 stars and with positive average client ratings were considered. For each destination, the average price for the cheapest available double room was established for the time period spanning August 1–31, 2020. Rates were established in mid-July based on research conducted on the hotel comparison website Kayak.
