Delray’s reputation as a destination is growing nationally and internationally
TravelMag.com has come out with the 20 most expensive destinations in Florida, based on their lodging cost.
Guess who topped the list?
Palm Beach? Nope.
South Beach? Guess again.
Our very own Delray Beach, described by Travel magazine as the “small coastal town of Delray Beach, situated on the Atlantic Ocean between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach”, led the rankings.
Specifically, for each destination the amount visitors will have to spend, on average, for the most affordable double room during the February and March 2014 timeframe was determined.
Collectively, these two months are considered the high season for most Florida beach destinations. The survey considered only hotels that are well located (i.e. close to the beach), that are rated at least 3 stars, and that have been well evaluated, on average, by former guests.
Delray Tops Sanibel
At an average price tag of $298 for the least expensive double room, Delray Beach revealed itself as the most expensive destination in Florida.
Only a couple of dollars cheaper in the number two spot is Sanibel Island, known for its shell beaches and wildlife refuges. Siesta Key follows as the third most expensive Floridian destination with an average nightly rate of $284 for the most affordable double room.
It must be pointed out that compared to South and Central Florida, Northern Florida’s high season tends to fall during the summer months. As such, destinations like St. Augustine and Pensacola Beach didn’t make it onto the list of most expensive destinations.
The following table shows the 20 most expensive destinations in Florida based on their average rate for the cheapest available double room (minimum: 3-star hotel) during February and March 2014. All rates were established via the comparison website Kayak from January 27 to January 31, 2014.
Source: TravelMag.Com
2. Sanibel Island $296
3. Siesta Key $284
4. Key West $276
5. Longboat Key $269
6. Marathon $262
7. Palm Beach $246
8. Fort Myers Beach $245
9. Marco Island $237
10. Sunny Isles Beach $235
11. Downtown Miami $219
12. Islamorada $213
13. Pompano Beach $213
14. Anna Maria Island $193
15. Miami Beach $187
16. Key Largo $186
17. Deerfield Beach $182
18. St Pete Beach $182
19. Clearwater Beach $176
20. Treasure Island $175
So what does this all mean?
Well, we spoke to a couple of local hoteliers, who shared with us their take on the list.
First, these rates are being achieved, so if you believe in the free market, a lot of tourists are finding a lot of value in Delray Beach.
Second, the city must be doing something right to attract these rates during the height of the season.
Third, the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau might want to start pushing Delray a tad bit more, with apologies to our neighbors Boca Raton, Wellington and Palm Beach.
Fourth, attracting some moderate priced hotel options might not be a bad idea. (The Fairfield Inn, which is underway at I-95 and West Atlantic Avenue might be just what the doctor ordered).