By Jorge Casuso

July 27, 2012 -- Santa Monica is only second to Newport, R.I. when it comes to cities with the most expensive lodgings in America this summer, according to a survey by cheaphotels.org.

The survey compared all U.S. destinations with at least ten hotels or motels for the period spanning June through August 2012 based on the cost of the cheapest available double room at hotels rated two stars or higher within a mile of downtown or the beach.  

Based on that criteria, Santa Monica's cheapest lodgings -- at the Bayside Hotel and Hotel California -- averaged $287 during that time period.

"Summer vacationers who are headed to California are in for some sticker shock at the hotel desk if they decide to stay in Santa Monica," the web site announced Thursday. "Hotel rates in this beachfront city are making it the second most expensive destination in the United States this summer."

The city's ranking, Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau officials said, reflects the high demand for rooms in the beachside city, where the occupancy rate is running at 82 percent this year.

"Understanding the California brand experience, it is no surprise that Santa Monica is in high demand," said Kim Baker, the CBV's vice president of marketing. "As with any business, creating demand is a strategic process.

"Beach destinations continue to be the number one choice for visitors, and Santa Monica delivers a very unique experience that customers are interested in purchasing," said Baker. "As with rents, it is all about what the market will bare and 'location location location.'" 

Baker noted that Downtown Santa Monica was recognized as one of America's Best Downtowns and Santa Monica was named one of the "Top Ten Beach Cities in the World" by National Geographic.

Baker cautioned that the survey does not include five hotels that are less expensive but are more than a mile from the city center. The rates at those hotels range from $128 for a single room to $245 for a double queen.

Santa Monica was one of four California cities that made the top-ten list. The others are Napa Valley’s Calistgo, which ranked third at an average of $285; Avalon, on Santa Catalina Island, which ranked seventh at $210, and Laguna Beach, which ranked ninth at $200.

Three of te other cities on the list are in Massachusetts -- Martha's Vineyard, at $275; Cambridge at $250 and Provincetown at $217. Wailea, Hawaii ranked tenth at $197.

For the full rankings of the survey, visit http://www.cheaphotels.org/press/summer-2012.html