Top 10 Cities with the Best Hotel Savings

March 22, 2018

Travel shouldn’t empty your bank account. Whether you’re going for business or adventure, traveling on a budget is easier than ever — especially with Engine’s exclusive low rates. In fact, last year alone we saved our members $7.5 million on their hotel stays.

We dug through our data to find the top U.S. destinations packing the most value. Experience these cities while getting the most bang for your buck:

Las Vegas, Nevada

Best Value Neighborhood: The Strip – In the heart of it all, the Strip offered the most and best hotel deals in the city.

Best Value Restaurant: Marilyn’s Cafe – This 24/7 restaurant serves up all-day breakfast and late-night food. Dine between midnight and 5 a.m. and you can fill up on delicious steak and eggs for only $5.99.

Best Value Attraction: Explore the Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains – With its vibrant display of seasonal flowers, the Conservatory is impressive. Step outside to revel in the Bellagio Fountains, which perform water shows regularly. Both are free!

Cheapest Time to Visit: July-August, November-February

Need more ideas for your next trip to Vegas? Read our city guide.

New York City, New York

Best Value Neighborhood: Murray Hill – This tree-lined neighborhood in midtown Manhattan is known for its safety and convenient access to Grand Central Station.

Best Value Restaurant: Café Argentino – We’re talking $10 Latin-inspired brunch in the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood.

Best Value Attraction: The High Line – Rising high above Manhattan’s West Side, this 1.45-mile stretch of green space has delicious food vendors and great views of the Hudson River.

Cheapest Time to Visit: March-April, October-February

There’s so much more to check out in NYC. Read up on our recommendations.

San Francisco, California

Best Value Neighborhood: The Marina – Gorgeous views of the bay, reasonably-priced motels, and 1950’s-inspired lodges make this a hidden gem in San Francisco.

Best Value Restaurant: The Mill – This bakery and coffee shop offers incredibly filling breakfast options of toast and spreads, all under $7.

Best Value Attraction: Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge – This 2-3 trek has all the free, breathtaking sights you could ask for. Plus, a ferry will take you back to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Cheapest Time to Visit: October-December

Further reading: The 7 Best Hotels in San Francisco for Business Travelers

Houston, Texas

Best Value Neighborhood: Eastwood – This industrial, young neighborhood is close to downtown but does without the outrageous hotel prices.

Best Value Restaurant: Molina’s Cantina – The oldest, locally-owned cantina in Houston serves up signature Tex Mex platters in enormous portions and low prices.

Best Value Attraction: Pick up a Houston CityPass – A CityPass provides access to five must-sees, including Space Center Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, Houston Zoo, and more.

Cheapest Time to Visit: November-January

Chicago, Illinois

Best Value Neighborhood: River North or Lincoln Park – While these might not be the most affordable neighborhoods for homeowners, these two areas host a range of hotels that dip into budget-friendly options.

Best Value Restaurant: J.P. Graziano Grocery – Famous for its mouth-watering Italian sub, this deli will leave you satisfied for only $7.95.

Best Value Attraction: Explore Millennium Park – This 24.5-acre park has been termed “Chicago’s front yard.” Take pictures at the Bean and enjoy free cultural performances nearby.

Cheapest Time to Visit: January-March

Don’t stop there. Start planning with our top picks.

Maui, Hawaii

Best Value Neighborhood: South Maui – With multiple beaches nearby and budget-friendly hotel/rental options, this is an ideal vacation spot.

Best Value Restaurant: Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop – Most ingredients are fresh from the restaurant’s farm.

Best Value Attraction: Hidden beaches – Many of the main beaches are flooded with tourists. Venture off the beaten path and find something more private like Secret Cove or Mokule’ia Bay.

Cheapest Time to Visit: April-May, September-December

Boston, Massachusetts

Best Value Neighborhood: The South End – This culturally-rich neighborhood has prime access to excellent restaurants.

Best Value Restaurant: Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe – This small shop serves authentic, hand-pulled noodles — garlicky, filling, and only $6.

Best Value Attraction: Wander the Freedom Trail – Stretching 2.5 miles in the heart of the city, you’ll pass Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.

Cheapest Time to Visit: January-March

Austin, Texas

Best Value Neighborhood: South Austin (Intersection of I-35 and Hwy 71) – Budget-friendly hotels, a close proximity to downtown, and amazing dining options make this a great area to stay in Austin.

Best Value Restaurant: Juan in a Million – Savor mountains of breakfast ingredients loaded into pillowy flour tortillas for under $5.

Best Value Attraction: Barton Springs Pool – A favorite among locals and a perfect spot to cool off, this pool stays at an average temperature of 68-70 degrees year-round.

Cheapest Time to Visit: July-August, November-February

San Diego, California

Best Value Neighborhood: Mission Valley and Old Town – Stay close to main attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. This area is also a major transportation hub.

Best Value Restaurant: Blue Water Seafood – This popular shop serves up fresh-from-the-sea fish tacos for $5 and lets you specify the fish preparation.

Best Value Attraction: Balboa Park – Visit the nation’s largest cultural park with surrounding museums, lush gardens, and recreational activities.

Cheapest Time to Visit: November-January

San Diego can be a wonderful family destination. Check out our must-see sights here.

Orlando, Florida

Best Value Neighborhood: Lake Buena Vista – It’s far enough away from Disney so you can enjoy some peace and quiet, but close enough that you can easily access the theme park.

Best Value Restaurant: Black Bean Deli – Cuban comfort food is the specialty here, with traditional Cubano sandwiches priced at $8. Load up on appetizers and sides, too, all under $5.

Best Value Attraction: Enjoy the Freshwater Hot Springs – Take a river cruise, kayak, or snorkel with manatees in the freshwater springs. Rentals are cheap, even for an all-day outing.

Cheapest Time to Visit: January-February, September-November

For some travel inspiration, check out our Orlando city guide.

How could you resist these great savings? Explore available rates on Engine today

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Article written by

Audrey Fairbrother

Audrey Fairbrother is the Content and SEO Manager at Engine. She spends her days writing about all things business travel, researching topics that are important to Engine's audience and cultivating the company's brand voice.