Attention spring breakers: For an affordable getaway, @Hotel CEO Konrad Waliszewski advises exploring unconventional destinations. “Personally, I’ve chosen Belize over popular places like Cancun or Florida for my family’s spring break getaway this year—more affordable and equally beautiful,” he states. Read on for eight destinations and boutique hotels, all with starting rates under $250/night.
San José del Cabo, Mexico
San José del Cabo lies beyond the untamed beach bars in neighboring Cabo San Lucas (think: El Squid Roe and Mango Deck). While in Baja’s most famous city, dine at acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants, including Acre and Flora Farms.
Where to Stay: Drift San José del Cabo is a minimalist-style boutique hotel with 29 reimagined suites adorned with sleek concrete walls and a chic courtyard lido that beckons guests to relax poolside.
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 29 • Airport: San José del Cabo International Airport | Amenities: • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Beach nearby • Bar • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Starting nightly rate of $172 per night in March and April.
Jackson Hole, WY
For those who aren’t ready to bid farewell to winter, consider a trip to the mountain town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Excellent spring skiing conditions can be found on the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain, followed by après-ski at two timeless local spots: The Handle Bar and Mangy Moose, where you can indulge in brews and partake in a “shot-ski” if you’re feeling adventurous.
Where to Stay: The Virginian Lodge offers a retro-inspired Wild West base camp with 165 upscale cabin-style rooms and a lively saloon near Wyoming’s abundant natural playgrounds, such as Grand Teton National Park and Granite Hot Springs.
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 165 • Airport: Jackson Hole Airport | Amenities: • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Free WiFi • Bar • 3 Bars & Restaurants |
Starting nightly rate of $135 per night in March and April.
Nashville, TN
Nashville’s neon-lit Broadway attracts country music enthusiasts who gather at honky tonks such as Acme Feed & Seed. Yet, the trendsetting crowd recognizes the emerging East Nashville neighborhood is the go-to hangout spot. Browse Backslide Vintage for authentic vintage apparel. Then, indulge in bar bites at Waymore’s, savor drinks at Lakeside Lounge, and cap off the night with live music at The Underdog.
Where to Stay: Drift Nashville is a newly debuted 87-key design-forward oasis with a cabana-fringed ground-level pool bringing a fashionable flair to Music City’s East Bank hamlet.
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 87 • Airport: Nashville International Airport | Amenities: • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Free WiFi • Bar • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Starting nightly rate of $183 per night in March and April.
Bacalar, Mexico
Contrary to the bustling Riviera Maya, the lesser-known village of Bacalar near Mexico’s border with Belize offers a secluded and underrated destination. Set on the idyllic Lagoon of Seven Colors, known for its crystal clear blue and turquoise-hued waters, first-time visitors gasp at its raw beauty. While Tulum receives hype for its top-notch eateries, Bacalar offers an oasis of decadent cuisine—La Playita serves seaside fish tacos accompanied by live music, while Nixtamal offers a Michelin-level culinary experience.
Where to Stay: An authentic, contemporary beach style, Casa Hormiga’s 18-key accommodations boast exposed concrete walls and balconies with stylish thatched-roof verandas that create an indoor-outdoor oasis.
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 18 • Airport: Chetumal International Airport | Amenities: • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Room Service • Spa • 2 Bars & Restaurants |
Starting nightly rate of $209 per night in March and April.
Pensacola, FL
With Miami calling it quits with spring break tourism (expect curfews, heavy traffic, and increased security), Pensacola is a worthy alternative. By day, enjoy strolling along the 8.5-mile Sand Eco Trail, followed by sunbathing on Pensacola Beach. By night, dine at Brother Fox, then head to Sister Hen for nightcaps in Old East Hill.
Where to Stay: Set within the historic 1928 Old Mount Olive Baptist Church, Lily Hall is a coastal retreat featuring 15 uniquely designed guestrooms swathed in punchy-patterned furnishings, all bathed in Florida’s radiant sunshine.
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 15 • Airport: Pensacola International Airport | Amenities: • Free Parking • Free WiFi • Restaurant • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Starting nightly rate of $189 per night in March and April.
Hope Valley, CA
Spring breakers seeking true rest and rejuvenation should embark on an outdoorsy vacation in Hope Valley amidst the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks frame hiking trails, including the Indian Head Hope Valley Overlook Trailhead. Renowned destinations like Lake Tahoe are just a 30-minute drive away, too.
Where to Stay: Desolation Hotel Hope Valley, a modern wilderness retreat offering 28 refurbished cabins dressed in rustic mountain aesthetics for outdoorsy travelers seeking a tranquil atmosphere.
| Key Points: • Website • 3 Stars • Rooms: 28 • Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport | Amenities: • Outdoor Access • Room Service • Free WiFi • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Starting nightly rate of $200 per night in March and April.
Petén, Guatemala
For an uber-cool tropical getaway, travelers should consider Petén, Guatemala, to live out their jungle book dreams. Enveloped in lush rainforest terrain and ancient Mayan ruins, you’ll want to get off your hotel grounds to explore Tikal National Park and seek abundant opportunities for wildlife watching.
Where to Stay: La Lancha, a quaint 10-room lodge helmed by Francis Ford Coppola, is perched along the pristine shorefront of Lago Petén Itzá with an enchanting rainforest framework.
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 10 • Airport: Mundo Maya International Airport | Amenities: • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Lakefront • Room Service • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Starting nightly rate of $223 per night in March and April.
San Diego, CA
San Diego balances beach life with trendy urbanism. When here, spend sunny days in chic La Jolla’s cozy Marine Street Beach, walk around museum-abundant Balboa Park, and grab dinner at one of the many cafés that make up buzzy Little Italy (You’ll love Born & Raised).
Where to Stay: The Lafayette Hotel & Club, a historic boutique hotel that transformed into a maximalist masterpiece in the hipster North Park enclave.
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 139 • Airport: San Diego International Airport | Amenities: • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Pet-friendly • Free WiFi • 6 Bars & Restaurants |
Starting nightly rate of $248 per night in March & April.
