Valentine's Day Hotel Prices Vary by More Than 3x Across U.S. Cities, OysterLink Finds

Reno, Arlington, and Little Rock rank among the most affordable, while Boston, Jersey City, and New York City sit at the high end in terms of Valentine's Day hotel rates

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Estimated Valentine's weekend hotel rates across 100 U.S. cities show wide price differences, from about $114 per night in Reno to more than $400 in Boston, according to new analysis from OysterLink. While major Northeast metros dominate the high-price tier, several Southern and Midwestern cities remain comparatively affordable for couples planning a holiday getaway.

Why it matters

Seasonal demand spikes like Valentine's Day don't affect every city equally, and travelers who look beyond the most obvious romantic destinations can still plan meaningful getaways without overspending, even during peak weekends.

The details

OysterLink estimated Valentine's weekend hotel prices using baseline nightly rates from a Cheaphotels.org survey of the cheapest available double room in centrally located three-star hotels across 100 U.S. cities. Figures were further adjusted by applying a 1% projected increase in U.S. hotel average daily rates for 2026 based on industry outlook reporting and a 30% Valentine's weekend premium.

  • OysterLink's analysis was published on February 12, 2026.

The players

OysterLink

A job platform for restaurant and hospitality professionals, reaching over 400,000 monthly visitors and publishing data-driven trend reports, industry insights and interviews with hospitality leaders.

Milos Eric

The co-founder and general manager of OysterLink.

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What they’re saying

“Seasonal demand spikes like Valentine's Day don't affect every city equally. Travelers who look beyond the most obvious romantic destinations can still plan meaningful getaways without overspending, even during peak weekends.”

— Milos Eric, Co-founder and general manager of OysterLink (OysterLink)

The takeaway

This analysis highlights the significant price variation in Valentine's Day hotel rates across the U.S., with major Northeast cities like Boston, Jersey City, and New York City at the high end, while more affordable options can still be found in cities like Reno, Arlington, and Little Rock. Travelers looking to save on their holiday getaway can explore less crowded destinations to find meaningful experiences without overspending.