Florida’s most expensive vacation spot this spring? It’s Anna Maria Island, survey says
With lodging costing an average $294 per night for its most affordable double room, Anna Maria Island was Florida’s most expensive spring destination and fifth overall in the United States, according to a survey by cheaphotels.org.
Other Florida areas ranking in the top 20 were Key West at No. 13 with an average room rate of $258 and West Palm Beach at No. 16 with an average $224.
Charleston, S.C., where the average cost for the most affordable room was $358, was rated the priciest in the United States.
The survey showed that hotel room rates were down from spring of 2022. In last year’s survey, Anna Maria Island ranked ninth in the U.S. with an average room rate of $321.
Two Florida cities that ranked among priciest in 2022, Sarasota and St. Pete Beach, fell out of the top 20 in this year’s survey.
Annually, Manatee County attracts 3.7 million visitors. About 900,000 of those stay in short-term rentals, including 400,00 on Anna Maria Island, said Elliott Falcione, executive director of The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
It’s all about the quality of the brand that keeps visitors coming back, he said.
“Many would say that Anna Maria Island is one of a kind,” he said.
About 1,100 visitors a night stay on Anna Maria Island, Falcione said.
Manatee County’s strong spring tourist season follows a record-breaking 2022, which saw an economic impact of $1.5 billion.
The Bradenton area saw 36% more visitors in 2022 than in 2019, the last pre-pandemic year.
In March, the travel website Family Destinations Guide named Anna Maria Island as one of the 150 Best Small Towns in America, calling it a “stunning tropical paradise with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an Old-Florida charm.”
The methodology
The survey considered every destination in the United States with at least 20 hotels and inns. Only well-located hotels in the city center or close to the beach that rated at least three stars and with generally positive guest reviews were considered.
For each destination, the price for the cheapest available double room was established for the following periods: May 3–6, May 12–15, May 18–21 and May 23–26. The average nightly rates were then used to determine the top 20 most expensive destinations. The survey was conducted in mid-April, based on rates shown on hotel comparison website Booking.
For the survey’s full results, go to:https://www.cheaphotels.org/press/spring23.html
