Holiday Hotel Deals To Score Right Now

It's not too late to plan a Christmas getaway

While it's true the holidays are the most expensive time of year to travel, the tourism industry is hiding a dirty little secret: The days leading up to Christmas are actually the best time for excellent hotel deals. Pesky tourists are fleeing major cities to spend the holidays with their families, meaning certain hotels are left with an unusual surplus of rooms available before December 25.

So if you're looking for a last-minute Christmas trip (or just need a place to host your in-laws that isn't your living room), here are some of the best deals we've found in our favorite cities across the country. Combine these with sales on flights happening every week, and there's never been a better time for a Christmas getaway.

A word to the wise: Hotels don't like to hold onto deals for too long, so book these discounted rooms as soon as possible.

New York: Dream Hotel Downtown for $525 $235

Formerly the headquarters of the National Maritime Union, the Dream includes amenities like a glass-bottomed swimming pool looking down onto the hotel lobby. The real kicker is its excellent concierge team who will personally connect guests with exclusive access to New York's best nightlife.

Miami: EAST Miami for $509 $269

Cold-weather escapees can score solid deals at this luxury hotel. EAST sits in a convenient location that puts it in the middle of a number of entertainment and shopping districts, including South Beach.

Boston: The Verb Hotel for $179 $99

Steps away from Fenway Park, this iconic 94-room boutique hotel has been meticulously restored to its 1959 glory, from the 60s hits playing in the lobby to the retro furniture found in the uniquely decorated suites.

Austin: Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin starting from $269 $149

Solid deals can be found for this luxury hotel located just a few minutes from Downtown Austin. Wander down Sixth Street for countless entertaining and dining options, or check out some of the restaurants open on Christmas Eve.

Denver: Halcyon in Cherry Creek for $249 $187

If you'd rather hit the ski slopes than clean up wrapping paper on Christmas morning, this stunning boutique hotel in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, entertainment and outdoor winter activities.

Chicago: Hotel Blake for $117 $87

In the heart of Downtown Chicago, Hotel Blake sits in the upscale Magnificent Mile shopping and dining district, in addition to being a short trip from Midway International Airport. If the close proximity to the Windy City's countless tourist attractions doesn't entice you, try making a Christmas reservation at some of our favorite restaurants.

San Francisco: Argonaut Hotel for $314 $178

A charming boutique hotel with playful nautical decor, the Argonaut Hotel's location on Fisherman's Wharf puts you steps away from clam chowder-filled sourdough bread bowls.

Los Angeles: Omni Hotel for $239 $172

Use Groupon's Getaway deal to score this hotel atop the historic Bunker Hill in Downtown Los Angeles, minutes away from the City Center.

Honolulu: Waikiki Resort Hotel for $275 $200

Give yourself the best Christmas present ever this year. The Waikiki Resort Hotel is moments away from Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head monument and countless other sites that will make you forget the front door to your actual house is blocked by three feet of snow.