The upcoming total solar eclipse has sparked a frenzy of excitement across the world – with eager tourists clamoring to find the perfect spot to witness the natural phenomenon unfold in front of their, albeit shielded, eyes.
Such is the fevered excitement surrounding the event that cities and areas positioned along the path of the eclipse have seen a staggering surge in hotel and Airbnb bookings, prompting prices to soar to thousands of dollars a night.
Some cities in Texas, which sits on the ‘path of totality’, where the moon will completely block out the son, have even declared a state of emergency – with as many as one million visitors expected to descend on the central part of the state in anticipation of the solar event.
However, despite the hysteria surrounding the solar eclipse, there are in fact still plenty of spots available for those hoping to book a last minute trip for the event – with one available for as little as $50 a night.
NASA notes that, weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico ‘s Pacific coast at around 11:07am PDT
DailyMail.com has checked out a range of spots to stay for the best views on Monday April 8, when the moon will be positioned directly between the sun and the Earth with the shadow sweeping over North America.
NASA notes that, weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico‘s Pacific coast at around 11:07am PDT.
It will then be visible along a narrow track running from Mexico through to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The experts add that ‘small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, while a partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states.
Take a trip down to see some of the hotels that eclipse all others, with special packages also luring guests.
Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico: $2,864
The slick Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo boasts suites and standalone properties with ‘perfect observation decks’
The slick Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast was voted the best place to see the solar eclipse by Wallpaper.
Experts from the design magazine said that the luxury hotel boasts suites and standalone properties with ‘perfect observation decks.’
They also noted that the design of the resort invites guests ‘to embrace the convergence of light and shadow’ and ‘the Mexican property is located within a private reserve encompassing 1,200 hectares of vibrant jungle and unexplored shorelines and driving distance of the eclipse’s zone of totality.’
A two night stay over the eclipse weekend currently runs from $2,864 with totality set to strike at around 11:07am PDT.
Virgin Hotels Dallas, Texas: $2,081
The Virgin Hotels Dallas is pushing the boat out with an ‘Eclipse Viewing Party’ at The Pool Club
Moving across the U.S., the next spot the totality will strike will be Texas.
NASA says the event will be best seen in Dallas between 1:40-1:44pm CDT.
To inject a little fun into the occasion, the Virgin Hotels Dallas is pushing the boat out with an ‘Eclipse Viewing Party’ at The Pool Club, ‘featuring the best views in Dallas, DJ entertainment and more.’
Two night stays at the hotel over the eclipse weekend start from $2,081 and they include ‘accommodations in the path of totality, access to The Pool Club for a prime view location, plus a total eclipse themed welcome amenity.’
Grand Adventure, Oklahoma: $4,090
The Grand Adventure lodge in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is priced at $4,090 for a two night stay over the eclipse weekend and it is sheltered from light pollution
Nestled in a forest and away from light pollution, the Grand Adventure lodge in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, makes for a top spot to catch glimpse of the eclipse.
The cavernous cabin, which sleeps 30, has everything needed for a comfortable night’s stay and a hot tub serves as a further perk.
It is currently priced at $4,090 for a two night stay over the eclipse weekend and the event is set to strike in the area from 1:45-1:49pm CDT.
The Beavers Bend Cabin Country website advises tourists to check in frequently with the Broken Bow and Idabel Chambers of Commerce as there is going to be ‘loads of eclipse celebrations throughout the weekend.’
Hayward Garden Cottage, Arkansas: $825
Hayward Garden Cottage in Arkansas features a courtyard garden for some eclipse viewing
For a cozy eclipse viewing party, the Hayward Garden Cottage in Arkansas comes complete with a sitting room opening on to a courtyard garden.
Urban Cottages, which markets the vacation rental, says the site makes for the perfect eclipse viewing location.
The website notes: ‘Nestled comfortably in the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse, our restored historic cottages offer an unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends the past with the present.
‘With charming accommodations for groups large and small, the heart of your eclipse experience will lay in the spacious, private backyard.’
It is predicted that the total solar eclipse will visit Arkansas from 1:45pm CDT with the Moon’s shadow exiting from the state at 2:00 pm CDT.
Bricks Camping, Missouri: $46
At Bricks Camping in Missouri, a weekend stay for the eclipse comes in at under $50
One of the best budget options for an eclipse weekend break comes in the form of Bricks Camping in Missouri.
There is an admission fee to the park – where regular off roading events are held – which comes it at just over $20 for Sunday to Tuesday access.
Then for a camping permit with parking included, there is a another $20 fee.
With service fees included the total price comes in at just under $50.
There is also set to be a fireworks show to mark the event, with the light show taking place on the Friday. The eclipse in Missouri will be most clear, according to NASA, at 1:56 -2:00 pm CDT.
Super 8 by Wyndham Metropolis, Illinois: $450
Rates at the Super 8 hotel in Metropolis, Illinois, for a two night stay over the eclipse weekend, start from $450
Hotel rates for the eclipse have certainly skyrocketed and spot which has bumped up prices is a Super 8 in Metropolis, Illinois.
Rates at the budget hotel for a two night stay over the eclipse weekend, start from $450.
This is more than double the usual price, as nightly rates are typically around $70.
While there are no specific eclipse events at the hotel, the city (made famous as the home of Superman) will be hosting various celebrations.
The Eclipse2024 website notes that Metropolis is in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse and ‘observers there will see (approximately) 2m 33.1s of totality’ from 14:00pm CDT.
Moxy Louisville Downtown: Kentucky – $550
The Moxy Louisville Downtown says a stay there will make for ‘an out of this world experience’
Snag partial views of the solar eclipse at the Moxy Louisville Downtown.
The funky hotel is offering guests a Solar Eclipse Viewing Experience, with stays including an array of goodies including Moon Pies, two bottles of beer upon arrival solar eclipse viewing glasses and bags of Sun Chips.
Two nights at the hotel over the eclipse weekend start from $550.
The hotel says the weekend will make for ‘an out of this world experience.’
The National Eclipse website notes that Kentucky ‘is sort of an oddball of the 2024 eclipse and on April 8, only the eastern line of the eclipse path makes it into the Bluegrass State.’
Louisville will experience partial views of the eclipse but for the best views, it is advisable to drive to the nearby cities of Paducah and Henderson where the event is set to occur from 2pm and 2:02pm respectively.
Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel, Indiana: $871
The Renaissance Indianapolis North Carmel in Indiana is running a ‘Here Comes the Sun’ package for the occasion
Guests are invited to watch the ‘once in a lifetime’ total solar eclipse at the Renaissance Indianapolis North Carmel in Indiana.
The hotel is running a ‘Here Comes the Sun’ package for the occasion, with a two night stay costing $768.
Perks of the package include four bags of Sun Chips, beers upon arrival, four pouches of Capri Sun and protective eyewear to view the eclipse.
The Visit Indy tourism website highlights that Indianapolis is located in the center of the path of totality.
As a result, the city is set to witness a total solar eclipse for 3 minutes and 46 seconds on at 3:06pm CDT.
Hancock Hotel, Ohio: $1,155
The Hancock Hotel in Findlay, Ohio, is opening the roof of its parking garage so guests can get prime views of the eclipse
So that guests can snag prime views of the total eclipse, the Hancock Hotel in Findlay, Ohio, is opening the roof of its parking garage.
Stays at the hotel – which sits in the line of totality – will include four pairs of eclipse glasses per guest room and entry to an eclipse party on April 7.
Themed bites at the party will include ‘meteorites’ (chicken chunks), ‘Martian dip’ (beet hummus), and ‘rockets’ (pretzel wrapped hot dogs).
Rates at the hotel for a two-night stay start from $1,155 over the eclipse weekend.
Non-hotel guests can also purchase tickets for the eclipse party, for $20 per person.
Candlewood Suites, Pennsylvania: $1,822
A two night stay at the Candlewood Suites for the eclipse weekend is priced from $1,822
The tourism website for Erie in Pennsylvania highlights that it is the only city in the state that is in the path of totality.
It adds that the metropolis which sits on Lake Erie makes for ‘a prime location to witness every stage of this awe-inspiring celestial event.’
One of the accommodation suggestions is the Candlewood Suites, where a two night stay for the eclipse weekend is priced from $1,822.
According to NASA, the eclipse will strike in Erie between 3:16-3:20pm EDT and there will be various events taking place in the city to mark the occasion.
If you are planning to stay overnight, it’s best to secure your lodging as soon as possible.
Buffalo Marriott, New York: $2,409
The Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter has a Solar Eclipse Indulgence Package
More than one million tourists are set to descend on the Buffalo region of New York for the 2024 eclipse as it is positioned in the line of totality.
One spot offering a special hotel package for the occasion is the Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter.
Its Solar Eclipse Indulgence Package comes with an array of complimentary perks, including ‘a delectable breakfast for two… and a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival.’
The hotel states: ‘Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the solar eclipse while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Book now and indulge in a celestial escape like no other.’
A two night stay at the hotel over the eclipse weekend comes in at $2,409.
Eagle Mountain House, New Hampshire: $ 692
Two night stays at the Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club in Jackson Village, New Hampshire, start from $692 with a special eclipse package on offer
Getting into the spirit of things, the Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club in Jackson Village, New Hampshire, is offering a Solar Eclipse Package with ‘front-row seats’ to the event.
Stays from from April 6 to April 10, include a $100 hotel credit, two pairs of eclipse glasses, and a guaranteed 4pm late check-out.
The hotel notes: ‘Don’t miss out on one of nature’s most awe-inspiring shows across New Hampshire’s skies – it won’t happen again for decades!’
Two night stays at the hotel for the occasion start from $692.
For even better views of the eclipse, the town of Lancaster is an hour’s drive from the hotel and it is positioned in the line of totality.
Spacious Eagle Lake Home, Maine: $778
The Spacious Eagle Lake Home comes in at $778 for two nights over the eclipse period
Most properties in Maine have sold out for the eclipse, but there are still some accommodation options on Airbnb with the line of totality just a short drive away.
One of the standout options is the Spacious Eagle Lake Home, which comes in at $778 for two nights over the eclipse period.
It is described as an ‘idyllic family home on a hill’ with five bedrooms and a ‘sprawling acreage’ to explore.
NASA advises heading to the city of Caribou in Maine for the best eclipse views, as it is in the line of totality. It is around an hour’s drive from the Airbnb
The full eclipse is set to start there at 3:32pm EDT and end two minutes later.
This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk
