Survey

Most Expensive Labor Day Weekend Destinations Revealed

by Kathy Kehrly  |  Published August 27, 2014

A new survey from TravelMag.com has found that Seattle is North America’s most expensive destination in which to stay overnight this upcoming Labor Day weekend. In devising the rankings, the survey used cost of lodging as the basis of comparison. Thirty popular destinations throughout the United States and Canada were compared.

Seattle, a view from the waterfront along Alaskan Way (Photo via Flickr)

Travelers heading to Seattle this long Labor Day weekend can expect to pay $319 nightly to stay in the least expensive double room. That figure represents an increase of more than 80% over regular rates. 

Trailing Seattle in the number two spot is the gambling mecca of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Attractively situated along the Atlantic Ocean, this beachside city ranks second most expensive on the survey. An average nightly rate of $253 puts it just behind Seattle. Rounding out the top three is Atlanta, Georgia. Averaging $239 per night for the most affordable double room, this state capital is experiencing a rate increase of more than double its usual cost.

The most expensive destination in Canada over the Labor Day weekend is Niagara-on-the-Lake. With an average price tag of $232 nightly, this southern Ontario town ranks fifth most expensive in North America. Coming in two places behind in the number seven spot is Toronto. There, the least expensive double room will cost Labor Day guests $201 per night.

The following table compares 30 destinations in the United States and Canada during this year’s Labor Day weekend. The prices shown reflect the daily overnight rate for each destination’s cheapest available double room over the holiday time period of August 29 through September 1, 2014. A comparison with Regular Rates is added. Regular Rates reflect the average nightly cost for each respective destination during the four weekends in September.

All hotel rates were established on August 25th based on research conducted on a hotel comparison website. Only such hotels rated at least three stars and located close to the city center have been considered.

Destination Labor Day Regular Change
Seattle $319 $174 +83%
Atlantic City $253 $142 +78%
Atlanta $239 $116 +106%
Charleston $236 $256 -8%
Niagara-on-the-Lake $232 $213 +9%
Virginia Beach $224 $126 +78%
Toronto $201 $117 +72%
Portland $195 $187 +4%
Boston $186 $285 -35%
Chicago $185 $192 -4%
Vancouver $175 $136 +29%
New York City $174 $226 -23%
Savannah $170 $152 +12%
Detroit $169 $136 +24%
San Diego $162 $113 +43%
St. Louis $153 $127 +20%
Philadelphia $152 $139 +9%
Denver $151 $162 -7%
Los Angeles $149 $156 -4%
Houston $143 $119 +20%
San Francisco $133 $164 -19%
New Orleans $127 $111 +14%
Montreal $121 $84 +44%
Miami Beach $110 $78 +41%
Washington DC $98 $132 -26%
Dallas $95 $109 -13%
Las Vegas $91 $84 -8%
Milwaukee $90 $92 -2%
Phoenix $64 $82 -22%
Orlando $57 $46 +24%