Off-the-Beaten-Path Spring Break Destinations Under $100

DALLAS, March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today is the first day of spring and many people will soon be anxiously leaving behind the bitter memories of winter by taking a much-needed retreat. Using 2013 as an indicator, spring travelers can expect to find a hotel room in several cities across the country for under $100 per night according to the latest Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®), a report of real prices paid by Hotels.com customers last year in major destinations around the world.

In 2013, the HPI® noted that travelers found values in several Florida cities such as Orlando ($98), Panama City ($96) and Pensacola ($96), but for those who are looking to escape the crowds, the experts at Hotels.com have handpicked a few affordable off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Lexington, Kentucky – $100*
Lexington is a vibrant southern city that offers an array of activities for travelers – especially those who love bourbon. Lexington is situated within 35 miles of five bourbon distilleries, including one that's in the heart of downtown. Visitors can tour any of the nearby distilleries for $7 or less, or they can book a Bourbon Trail tour complete with transportation to distilleries that are located further west. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington is also home to the second oldest horse racing track in the nation, the Red Mile Harness Track.

Branson, Missouri – $94*
This self-proclaimed family-friendly destination overflows with a variety of attractions and activities that suit the needs of every family member. In addition to the thrilling and award-winning Silver Dollar City theme park, Branson is known for its live performance theaters and over 100 shows. Branson also features three pristine lakes, championship golf courses, museums and a Historic Downtown district.

Raleigh, North Carolina – $99*
Ranked as the 34^th Most Popular Domestic City for Americans in the latest HPI, Raleigh is home to the 9^th Annual World Beer Festival, which will be held on Saturday, April 5th. Selected as one of the top beer festivals in the U.S., the event lets travelers sample over 250 craft and specialty beers from around the world, while sharpening their beer IQ by participating in the festival's educational seminars. Visitors can also explore the 15 craft breweries along the Greater Raleigh Beer Trail.

Mobile, Alabama – $94*
The birthplace of Mardi Gras in the U.S., Mobile is one of the Gulf Coast's cultural centers, boasting many art museums, a symphony orchestra and an abundance of historic architecture. While Mardi Gras has passed, visitors can still experience Dauphine Street's music, food and nightlife.

Visit Hotels.com to find more affordable spring break destinations and hotel deals. Book your vacation online or by downloading the Hotels.com mobile app for exclusive savings. Follow the conversation on Twitter @hotelsdotcom for travel tips and last-minute deals.

*The price listed beside each city represents the average hotel price paid by U.S. travelers per night in 2013, according to the latest Hotel Price Index.

Press contacts:
Jordanne Hunter – Finn Partners for Hotels.com
Phone: (212) 715-1694
Email: [email protected]
@FinnTravel

Taylor L. Cole, APR
Hotels.com North America
Phone: (469) 335-8442
Email: [email protected]
@TravelwithTLC

About the HPI
The HPI is based on bookings made on Hotels.com sites and prices shown are those actually paid by customers per room per night, rather than advertised rates. More than 150,000 properties around the world make up the sample set of hotels from which prices are taken. To access the full report, including detailed maps, colorful photos and a city-by-city breakdown, please visit: http://www.hotel-price-index.com/2014/spring/.

About Hotels.com (www.hotels.com)
Hotels.com is a leading online accommodation booking website with more than 260,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.

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SOURCE Hotels.com