Lighthouse Quick Takes - Which US markets saw the biggest July 4th premiums

In this Lighthouse Quick Take, Blake Reiter explores which United States hotel markets captured the largest pricing premiums over July 4th weekend, comparing 2026 results to 2025 ahead of America's 250th Independence Day. Ocean City, Maryland led at 286% of its annual average pricing, followed by Traverse City, Michigan, boosted by its 100th National Cherry Festival, and South Padre Island, Texas.

Rapid City, South Dakota also surged on America 250 tourism to Mount Rushmore, while Boulder, Colorado's premium fell after the city ended its fireworks display over wildfire risk. Blake breaks down what separates markets with strong holiday pricing power from those that lose it, and why understanding a market's demand drivers matters for commercial strategy.