According to a January 2026 report on the best romantic destinations, Key West, Florida, is the best city in America for a couple’s getaway. The study by Hidden explored where couples get the most romantic experience for the best price.
Key West, Florida, is the best place for a lovely getaway, where you can find 50 romantic hotels spread throughout the city.
Hotels in Sedona, Arizona, are the highest-rated, almost every romantic hotel here has an 8+ score.
New Orleans, Louisiana, offers the most budget-friendly romantic stays, averaging $123 per night.
The study examined 30 major American cities to find the best destinations for romantic hotel stays. The research calculated the total number of these accommodations in each region, how many earned the highest ratings among visitors, and the average price per night. The analysis also included the density of romantic hotels to assess the variety and availability of the options. These factors were combined into a Romantic Stay Index that ranks cities based on how easy it is for couples to find great options.
Romantic Stay City List
1. Key West, Florida
Romantic Stay Index: 99.13
Number of Romantic Hotels: 50
Top-Rated Hotels: 92%
Average Price: $216 per night
Hotel Density: 333.3 per 100 km²
Key West is the best place for a romantic getaway, as couples can find intimate suites almost anywhere on the island. The city has 50 hotels, and nearly all of these properties (92%) earn ratings of 8 or higher. A night here costs $216, making Key West a mid-range tropical destination.
2. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona ranks second with the best reviews on the list. About 96% of the romantic hotels here have earned high ratings from guests, making it a solid choice for a passionate getaway. Sedona is a smaller town with only 24 romantic hotels, but prices at around $195 a night make it one of the most affordable destinations in the study.
3. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs claims third place as the most affordable California destination for a romantic hotel stay. With 41 thematic hotels to choose from, the city offers a large variety of accommodations, and 83% are rated very highly by visitors. With rooms averaging $187 a night, the city offers lower rates than hotels in Sedona, attracting couples with affordability.
4. Orlando, Florida
Orlando ranks fourth as the city with the largest selection of romantic hotels on the list, offering 81 different properties for couples. The city maintains high quality, even with so many options, and 9 in 10 of its romantic stays earned top ratings. At an average price of $205 per night, hotels in Orlando are cheaper than those in Key West, providing a more affordable Florida alternative.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is fifth among the most affordable romantic destinations, with hotels averaging just $123 per night. That’s nearly half what couples pay in Key West and $64 less than in Palm Springs. The city hosts 75 romantic hotels, with 83% earning ratings of 8 or higher.