The study by Backyard Oasis evaluated cities across the US using factors such as the number of high-rated hotels, recreation scores, food and entertainment scores, safety, and overall affordability, providing travelers with insights into the best cities to visit for a warm and welcoming holiday experience.
| City Name | Population | Number Of Hotels | Number of Hotels with 4* and above rating | Percentage of High-Rated Hotels | Average Hotel Price | Happiness Score | Recreation Score | Food & Entertainment Score | Traffic Index | Crime Index | Safety Index | Highest Temperature C | Lowest Temperature C | Composite Score |
| Gilbert, AZ | 247,542 | 139 | 69 | 49.64% | $191.88 | 62.99 | 152 | 144 | 115 | 14 | 86 | 26 | 15 | 99 |
| Fremont, CA | 232,206 | 185 | 113 | 61.08% | $168.54 | 74.16 | 145 | 176 | 113 | 42 | 58 | 22 | 11 | 90 |
| Irving, TX | 236,607 | 129 | 66 | 51.16% | $300.78 | 51.93 | 167 | 140 | 107 | 37 | 63 | 26 | 15 | 81 |
| Garland, TX | 236,897 | 121 | 49 | 40.50% | $127.05 | 50.87 | 134 | 154 | 106 | 36 | 64 | 26 | 15 | 79 |
| Chula Vista, CA | 277,096 | 49 | 20 | 40.82% | $75.19 | 61.75 | 159 | 179 | 170 | 56 | 44 | 22 | 15 | 78 |
| Chandler, AZ | 280,663 | 168 | 94 | 55.95% | $225.58 | 60.9 | 128 | 93 | 135 | 23 | 77 | 26 | 15 | 77 |
| Laredo, TX | 264,473 | 73 | 37 | 50.68% | $134.83 | 45.52 | 117 | 170 | 158 | 36 | 64 | 29 | 18 | 76 |
| Hialeah, FL | 237,069 | 145 | 82 | 56.55% | $197.06 | 52.91 | 107 | 165 | 151 | 45 | 55 | 29 | 22 | 75 |
| Irvine, CA | 330,521 | 120 | 71 | 59.17% | $222.99 | 68.22 | 57 | 131 | 73 | 26 | 74 | 24 | 12 | 74 |
| Riverside, CA | 319,504 | 153 | 72 | 47.06% | $570.44 | 56.69 | 124 | 141 | 99 | 40 | 60 | 26 | 12 | 73 |
Gilbert, AZ leads as the most hospitable city in the US, earning the top composite score of 99. This ranking comes from its high safety index of 86, the highest among all cities, and nearly half of its hotels having 4-star ratings or above. The city’s recreation score of 152 also adds to its appeal, offering a wide range of activities that make Gilbert an ideal choice for holiday travelers.
Fremont, CA takes 2nd place with a composite score of 90. It has the highest percentage of 4-star and above hotels at 61.08% among the top ten, ensuring high-quality accommodations. Along with a happiness score of 74 and a food & entertainment score of 176, Fremont offers visitors a comfortable and enjoyable stay during the holidays.
Irving, TX comes in 3rd as one of the most hospitable cities with a composite score of 81. Over half of its hotels are 4 stars or higher, and the city provides a solid recreation score of 167, giving travelers plenty of options for leisure. Its safety index of 63 further supports its ranking as a great place for a secure holiday visit.
Garland, TX ranks 4th among the most hospitable cities during holidays, with a composite score of 79. One of its standout features is the affordable average hotel price of $127.05, along with a recreation score of 134, making it a suitable destination for travelers looking for value without sacrificing comfort.
Chula Vista, CA ties for 5th place with a composite score of 78. The city offers a food & entertainment score of 179, ensuring that visitors have various options to enjoy during their stay. Additionally, Chula Vista maintains an average hotel price of just $75.19, making it an attractive choice for travelers seeking both variety and affordability.
Chandler, AZ ranks 5th with a score of 77. With 55.95% of hotels rated 4 stars or above and a recreation score of 128, Chandler provides a wide selection of quality accommodations and activities for holiday visitors. It also has a high safety index of 77, ensuring guests feel secure while exploring the city’s attractions.
Laredo, TX ranks 7th with a score of 76. With 50.68% of its hotels rated 4 stars or above and a recreation score of 117, Laredo is a welcoming destination that offers comfort and enjoyable activities for travelers. The city also stands out with its warm climate, featuring a highest temperature of 29°C, perfect for those seeking a sunny holiday experience.
Hialeah, FL is in 8th place as one of the most hospitable US cities during holidays with a score of 75. The city has 56.55% of its hotels rated 4 stars and above, a recreation score of 107, and an average hotel price of $197.06, making it a reliable option for hospitality and affordability.
Irvine, CA takes 9th place with a score of 74. The city offers 59.17% of hotels rated 4 stars or above and has a happiness score of 68.22, ensuring a welcoming environment for holiday travelers.
Riverside, CA rounds out the top 10 with a composite score of 73. It has a recreation score of 124 and 47.06% of hotels rated 4 stars or above, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking quality accommodations and leisure options.
Andy Wu, CEO of Backyard Oasis commented on the study “Creating a memorable holiday experience goes beyond just finding a place to stay; it’s about finding a city that feels like a true home away from home. It’s impressive to see how cities like Gilbert, Arizona, and Fremont, California, stand out with their exceptional combination of safety, recreation, and high-quality accommodations. These cities not only offer outstanding hospitality but also provide a perfect blend of comfort and vibrant local experiences, making them ideal destinations for travelers looking to make the most of their holiday season. Whether travelers are seeking a cozy escape or an action-packed adventure, these cities have mastered the art of hospitality, ensuring that every visitor feels welcomed and valued throughout their stay.”