For those in the hospitality industry, understanding the true cost of ocean-view vacations is essential in providing tailored experiences and maximizing guest satisfaction.
Upgraded Points, a leading provider of travel insights, recently conducted an extensive study that sheds light on the cost variations across various coastal destinations in the United States.
In this blog, we explore the key insights from the study and how they can help hospitality professionals enhance their offerings.
To compile the data, Upgraded Points selected 75 of the most popular beach towns in the U.S. The researchers then gathered information from Airbnb listings on the average nightly prices for both entire houses and hotels in each town.
The study focused on accommodations with an ocean view, applying the “beachfront” filter on Airbnb. By averaging the nightly prices of houses and hotels in each town, the researchers determined the average cost of beachfront accommodations per night and estimated the average cost of a one-week stay.
Key Insights:
- Ocean-View vs Non-Beachfront Accommodations: The study revealed that, on average, travelers pay approximately 27 per cent more for a beachfront vacation home with an ocean view compared to a non-beachfront vacation home. This difference translates to significant cost savings for those who opt for non-beachfront rentals, with an average weekly savings of $909.
- Airbnb vs. Hotel: Booking an ocean-view Airbnb is, on average, 25 per cent more expensive than renting an ocean-view hotel room. The typical nightly price for an entire beachfront home on Airbnb is $538.69, while it is $419.39 for a beachfront hotel. These figures show that guests looking for ocean views may find more cost-effective options in hotels.
- Cost Savings in Specific Destinations: While overall savings are significant for non-beachfront rentals, there are intriguing outliers. In Malibu, California, the weekly price difference between beachfront and non-beachfront stays is a staggering $5,383. Conversely, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the margin narrows to just $35.
- Most and Least Expensive Destinations: The study also identified the most and least expensive beach towns for beachfront stays. Montauk, NY, tops the list as the most expensive, followed by Southampton, NY; East Hampton, NY; Malibu, CA; and Folly Beach, SC. On the other hand, Cedar Key, FL, emerges as the least expensive beach town for a 1-week beachfront stay.
The Upgraded Points study offers valuable insights for those in the hospitality industry, allowing them to tailor their offerings to cater to travelers seeking ocean-view vacations.
Understanding the cost variations between beachfront and non-beachfront accommodations, as well as the differences between Airbnb and hotels, can help hospitality professionals create attractive packages and promotions.
By providing guests with a transparent understanding of their vacation options, the industry can continue to excel in delivering memorable and fulfilling experiences. To explore the full study findings and gain access to the interactive table and complete list of destinations, visit Upgraded Points’ website.
Read the full study here: Upgraded Points
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