Travel planners who book business trips should pay close attention to the month they travel, especially in high‑demand markets. Engine, a platform used by companies to arrange work travel, examined 128.5 million hotel searches across 50 U.S. markets from May 2024 through April 2026. The study shows that in some cities the calendar month influences the nightly rate more than the choice of hotel.
Big swings in the Northeast
Boston experiences the widest price swing of any major market. Rates climb to $458 per night in October, up from a low of $166 in January – a 176 % increase. The October peak aligns with leaf‑changing season and a busy conference calendar, while May also spikes to $390 as many college commencements take place.
New York’s rates never dip low. The cheapest month, January, averages $196 per night, still higher than the most expensive month in 30 other markets. December reaches $541, nearly double the $352 seen in November, making it the priciest city‑month in the data set.
Sun‑belt cities with summer savings
In contrast, several Sun‑belt markets are cheapest during the summer. Phoenix’s rates fall to $96 in August after a peak of $246 in February and March, when Cactus League spring training fills local ballparks. Palm Springs drops from $369 in March to $158 in August, reflecting the lack of year‑round business demand.
Seattle’s rates vary from $139 in January to $297 in July, driven largely by weather rather than specific events. Norfolk, Virginia, sees its summer rates double those of winter, moving from $96 to $216.
Event‑driven spikes
Some cities see sharp increases tied to major events. Omaha, Nebraska, typically ranges between $95 and $126, but June jumps to $182 for the College World Series, a tradition since 1950. Milwaukee’s June and July rates climb to $163 and $194, respectively, aligning with the city’s famous Summerfest music festival.
Chicago’s rates illustrate a reverse pattern: January is the cheapest month at $127, while June peaks at $319 when good weather and conventions at McCormick Place overlap.
Flat markets
Los Angeles, Dallas, and El Paso show relatively flat pricing throughout the year, with variations of only 13 %, 19 % and 10 % respectively. Steady business demand and consistent weather keep rates level.
Honolulu’s rates swing just 23 %, but its low point of $169 remains the third‑highest minimum in the data set, reflecting limited room supply on the island.
Takeaway for travelers
For the 40 markets where the cheapest months fall between November and February, planning a trip in the winter can save up to 64 % compared with the peak season. Conversely, the ten Sun‑belt markets on the list are most affordable in the summer.
The study’s methodology used median nightly rates from searches made 10 to 180 days before check‑in on business accounts. Prices reflect publicly listed shelf rates, not negotiated corporate discounts, which are typically lower.
Travelers who can be flexible with their travel dates stand to save significantly without needing promo codes or special negotiations. By checking the month‑to‑month price spread for a destination, business travelers can make more economical choices while still meeting their work obligations.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
