Boston hotel rates swing from $166 in January to $458 in October

Hotel prices can vary dramatically by season, according to Engine’s analysis of searches across 50 U.S. markets: Boston and New York had the widest price swings, with rates shaped by events, business travel and holiday demand. Boston averaged $166 a night in January and reached $458 in October, with another peak during college commencement season in May. New York’s rates ranged from $196 in January to $541 in December, while September demand is also boosted by major events. Phoenix showed the opposite seasonal pattern, peaking during spring training and mild weather before falling to $96 in August, as extreme heat depresses demand. The findings suggest travelers can save substantially by choosing dates carefully in some cities, while seasonal timing matters less in others.