Where to Stay in United States
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of United States
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
America's most densely populated region features premium-priced urban accommodation in major cities with excellent public transit connectivity. Historic bed-and-breakfasts dot smaller New England towns, while coastal areas offer classic seaside inns and resorts. Expect the highest accommodation costs outside California, particularly in New York City and Boston.
Charming region known for historic inns, colonial-era bed-and-breakfasts, and coastal resorts. Fall foliage season and summer coastal periods command premium rates, while ski season drives winter accommodation in Vermont and New Hampshire mountain towns. Quintessentially American lodging experience with strong emphasis on independent properties.
Year-round warm weather creates strong accommodation infrastructure centered on beach resorts, theme park hotels, and golf destinations. Florida dominates with massive resort complexes, while historic cities like Charleston and Savannah offer boutique properties in restored buildings. Winter snowbird season and spring break drive peak pricing.
More affordable accommodation than coastal neighbors, featuring antebellum mansions converted to inns, modern chain hotels in cities, and unique properties in music cities like Nashville and Memphis. Generally excellent value with Southern hospitality as a hallmark. Music tourism and college football create seasonal demand spikes.
America's heartland offers exceptional value with reliable chain hotels, lakefront resorts, and urban properties in Chicago and Minneapolis. Summer lake season and autumn in college towns see highest demand, while winter brings budget-friendly rates except during holidays. Practical, comfortable accommodation without frills.
Sprawling region with diverse accommodation from urban business hotels in Dallas and Houston to beach resorts along the Gulf, Hill Country dude ranches, and Austin's quirky boutique scene. Generally affordable with car-dependent layouts. Business travel and spring break drive seasonal peaks.
Premium ski resort accommodation dominates winter months with astronomical prices in Aspen, Vail, and Jackson Hole, while summer brings national park visitors to gateway towns. Denver and Salt Lake City offer urban bases with better value. Mountain lodges, condos, and rustic cabins define the accommodation character.
Unique accommodation landscape featuring Native American-owned casinos with hotels, Southwestern adobe-style resorts, and desert spa retreats. Phoenix and Las Vegas offer everything from budget motels to mega-resorts. Winter snowbird season brings premium pricing, while summer heat creates bargain opportunities.
America's most expensive and diverse accommodation market spans San Francisco's boutique hotels, Los Angeles's sprawling options, San Diego's beach resorts, and wine country inns. Coastal properties command premiums year-round, while inland areas offer better value. Strong vacation rental culture and tech-influenced hospitality innovation.
Eco-conscious accommodation scene with boutique hotels, historic properties, and outdoor-focused lodges. Seattle and Portland anchor urban options while coastal towns and mountain gateways offer unique stays. Summer dry season sees peak demand, with winter bringing bargains except at ski resorts.
Seasonal accommodation market operating primarily May through September with limited winter options outside Anchorage. Wilderness lodges, cruise ship base hotels, and national park gateway properties define the landscape. Book far in advance for summer as capacity is limited and prices reflect remoteness.
Premium island accommodation dominated by large beachfront resorts, vacation rental condos, and boutique properties. Each island offers distinct character from Oahu's Waikiki hotel strip to Maui's luxury resorts and Big Island's diverse options. Year-round destination with winter peak season commanding highest rates.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across United States
The United States is the global headquarters for major hotel chains, offering unparalleled coverage across all price points. Marriott International (including Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, W, Ritz-Carlton) and Hilton Worldwide (Hilton, DoubleTree, Hampton Inn, Waldorf Astoria) dominate the market with properties in virtually every city. Hyatt, IHG (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton), and Wyndham (Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8) provide extensive options. Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn) and Best Western serve mid-market travelers, while Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn anchor the budget segment. Loyalty programs offer significant value for frequent travelers with free nights, upgrades, and consistent standards nationwide.
Independent hotels and motels remain significant, particularly along historic routes like Route 66 and in small towns where chains haven't penetrated. Bed-and-breakfasts thrive in tourist areas, wine regions, and historic districts, offering personalized service and local character. Boutique hotels have exploded in urban markets and trendy neighborhoods, emphasizing design, local art, and unique experiences. Family-owned motor lodges persist along highways, offering no-frills accommodation at budget prices. Historic hotels like The Plaza (NYC), The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs), and Hotel del Coronado (San Diego) provide landmark experiences. Regional chains like Kimpton (West Coast boutique) and Ace Hotels (hipster-focused) offer alternatives to mega-brands.
America's unique accommodation options reflect its diverse landscape and culture. Dude ranches in Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona offer all-inclusive Western experiences with horseback riding and cowboy culture. Historic park lodges in national parks like Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone) and Ahwahnee (Yosemite) provide rustic luxury in spectacular settings. Lighthouses converted to inns dot coastal New England and the Great Lakes. Airstream trailer parks and glamping sites have emerged as trendy alternatives. Houseboat rentals on lakes and rivers, fire lookout towers in forests, and restored cabooses offer quirky stays. Plantation houses in the South, adobe casitas in the Southwest, and treehouses in the Pacific Northwest showcase regional architecture. Casino resorts on tribal lands combine gaming with full-service hotels. Working farm stays and vineyard cottages allow immersion in agricultural life.
Booking Tips for United States
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
American hotel chains offer the world's most generous loyalty programs with free nights, room upgrades, and elite status benefits. Sign up for free programs before booking, as even basic membership often provides better rates and perks. Credit card partnerships can accelerate point earning and provide automatic elite status worth hundreds in annual benefits.
While sites like Booking.com and Expedia can offer competitive rates, booking directly with hotel chains often provides better cancellation policies, loyalty points, and guaranteed room preferences. Many chains now offer 'best rate guarantees' matching third-party prices if you find lower rates elsewhere. However, opaque booking sites (Hotwire, Priceline) can yield deep discounts if you're flexible on exact property.
Vacation rentals through Airbnb and VRBO dominate in many tourist areas, often providing better value for families and groups. However, regulations vary dramatically by city—some like New York City heavily restrict short-term rentals while others embrace them. Read reviews carefully, understand cleaning fees and minimum stays, and verify the property's legal status to avoid last-minute cancellations.
Many hotels, particularly in resort destinations and Las Vegas, add mandatory daily 'resort fees' ($20-50+) covering amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, and gym use. These fees aren't always included in initial price quotes, inflating final costs by 20-30%. Always check the total price including fees before booking, and know that these fees are often unavoidable regardless of amenity usage.
Cheaper accommodation outside city centers may cost more overall when factoring in car rental, parking fees ($30-70/night in major cities), or rideshare expenses. Urban hotels near public transit often provide better total value despite higher nightly rates. Conversely, in car-dependent regions, budget motels near highways offer convenience without downtown parking costs.
Accommodation inside or near popular national parks (Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion) books 6-12 months in advance for summer season. These properties offer unmatched location but limited availability. Gateway towns outside parks provide alternatives but can be 30-60 minutes away. Reserve as early as possible or be prepared for long drives or premium last-minute rates.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across United States
Book 2-4 months ahead for summer travel (June-August) to national parks, beach destinations, and northern cities. Winter travel to ski resorts, Florida, and Arizona requires 3-6 months advance booking for best rates and availability. Major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) need 4-6 months lead time. Special events (Super Bowl, major festivals, conventions) often require 6-12 months advance planning as nearby accommodation sells out.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer more booking flexibility with 1-2 months advance notice usually sufficient except during fall foliage peak in New England or spring break in warm destinations. Prices moderate compared to peak season while weather remains favorable in most regions.
Last-minute bookings often yield excellent deals during low season—winter in northern cities, summer in desert regions. Many hotels drop rates significantly to fill rooms, and same-week booking can save 30-50%. However, some seasonal destinations have limited accommodation open during off-peak months.
For chain hotels in business-focused cities, booking 1-2 weeks ahead typically suffices except during major conventions. Vacation destinations and unique properties (boutique hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals) require longer lead times of 1-3 months. Flexibility with dates, even by a day or two, can yield significant savings as hotels adjust pricing based on occupancy forecasts. Tuesday-Thursday bookings for weekend stays often capture lower rates than Friday bookings.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for United States