Hotels.com Unveils 2013 Spring Travel Affordable Destinations

As winter struggles to hold on, travelers are furiously trying to find an affordable spring destination with a wide range of hotels and plenty to do. Hotels.com, a leading online booking website, has hand selected a list of four reasonably priced U.S. destinations for spring travelers. According to the latest Hotel Price Index (HPI), which tracks real prices paid per room by Hotels.com customers during 2012, San Diego, San Antonio, Portland, Maine and Charleston are not only popular destinations but also offer hotel prices under $140 per night on average.

"Spring is an ideal season for travelers seeking affordable travel and vacation options," said Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert for Hotels.com. "Late March through early June is considered shoulder season for many destinations meaning travelers can find greater hotel availability, added deals and more value than during high season."

San Diego, California $135

Home of the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and the trendy Gaslamp Quarter, Southern California's laid back city continues to rise in popularity. Based on the HPI, San Diego was the sixth most popular city for American travelers and eighth most popular destination for international visitors in 2012. Stay on Coronado Island at the Loews Coronado Resort & Spa where one Hotels.com guest raved, "An old world hotel with all the comforts of a modern hotel. Great location by the ocean with 5 star restaurants." Venture north of the city to hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and explore the beach towns including Encinitas and Solana Beach where travelers can try water sports such as surfing, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and kite surfing.

San Antonio, Texas $116

Breaking into the top 10 most popular domestic destinations for American travelers according to the HPI, San Antonio, famous for its vibrant history, the River Walk and the Alamo, continues to rise in popularity. The city hosts an assortment of attractions and a flourishing culinary scene including Biga on the Banks, selected by Gourmet Magazine as a "top five restaurant in Texas" and Boudro's Texas Bistro, cited by Esquire Magazine as one of the 50 best U.S. restaurants. Head a short distance north to explore Texas Hill Country. The region boasts 22 wineries and a variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing and boating.

Portland, Maine $135

The quaint city along Maine's southern coast is a growing travel destination. The city houses a range of outdoor activities including a ferry to Peaks Island, the Portland Head Light, home of the most photographed lighthouse in America and an extensive walking and biking path system. Foodies can enjoy the burgeoning craft beer scene at Novare Res Bier Cafe and Bier Cellar or sample several up-and-coming restaurants and food trucks including the Bite Into Maine lobster food truck.

Charleston, South Carolina $138

Retaining much of its pre-Civil War ambiance and historical landmarks, Charleston is well known for its unique culture, art, music, local cuisine and fashion. Each spring the city hosts an array of events such as the annual Charleston Fashion Week and Spoleto Festival USA, one of the world's major performing arts festivals. Not in town during those events? Find tickets at one of several other theaters including Dock Street Theatre, American Theatre, Footlight Theatre and Charleston Stage 30. As Charleston continues to win over visitors and increase in popularity, hotel room rates are making a steady climb, rising 15 percent in 2012, so there's no better time than the present to visit.

All of these destinations and more feature great deals in the Spring Sale. For more information on the North American Hotel Price Index results, please visit www.hotel-price-index.com.

To book your next vacation, visit www.hotels.com, call 1-800-2-hotels, use our mobile apps. Wish list your favorite destinations and view deals on our Facebook Deals App.