Chicago Outshines Las Vegas as the Top Destinations for UK Stag and Hen Parties

Thursday, March 28, 2024

A recent study has unveiled the top destinations in America for stag and hen parties, emphasizing those that offer the best bang for the Brit’s buck in anticipation of their wedding celebrations.

Despite Las Vegas being the go-to for pre-wedding escapades, the allure of alternative destinations presented in the study is steering many away from the famed Sin City.

Compiled by digital marketing firm Searchbloom, the study ranks the most celebrated party locales by assigning scores up to ten, judging them on their entertainment offerings, nightlife, and lodging against the average daily expense of a visit.

Entertainment value is gauged through visitor feedback and ratings on quintessential pre-wedding activities such as wine tastings, spa outings, live performances, brewery tours, golfing, and shopping experiences.

Nightlife is assessed by the diversity and ratings of upscale dining, bars, and nightclubs in each city, along with their monthly Google search frequency, which hints at the vibrancy of their evening scene.

Lodging is analyzed based on the availability and ratings of AirBNBs and hotels for a week’s stay in summer, focusing on those highly commended.

Comparing these aspects to the average daily costs—including accommodations, meals, transportation, and a couple of drinks—Chicago emerges as the top choice when Las Vegas isn’t considered, boasting a near-perfect score of 9.9 out of ten, largely due to its unmatched social life.

Chicago shines with 145 upscale dining options, 11% of which earn top marks, and 112 bars, 20% of which are highly regarded. Its Google search frequency nearly rivals that of Vegas, with 624,000 monthly searches, and it leads in lodging quality, with 33% of AirBNBs being guest favorites. Additionally, 85% of its top attractions have received ‘excellent’ reviews.

Moreover, Chicago is more affordable, with daily costs averaging at £162.31, which is 17% lower than the study’s overall average.

Milwaukee takes the second spot, with a score of 9.84 out of ten and daily costs 30% below the average at £137.97. Its vibrant social scene includes 22 upscale dining venues and 44 bars, with 18% and 16% of them, respectively, receiving top ratings from visitors, complemented by 415,000 monthly Google searches.

New York City ranks third with a score of 9.83 out of ten but demands a higher budget with daily costs of £189.97. It tops the charts for entertainment value, boasting 921 spas, 606 landmarks, 65 live shows, along with 487 upscale restaurants and 205 bars, 17% of which have five-star ratings from visitors.

Orlando claims the fourth position, leading in lodging options, with over 1,000 AirBNBs prepared for large summer bookings, 45% of which are favored by guests. The city also offers a variety of bars, upscale dining, attractions, spas, and golf courses.

Houston rounds up the top five, scoring 9.79 out of ten. With daily expenses averaging at £95.48 and high Google search interest, it proves to be an appealing destination, offering a wide range of activities and amenities for party-goers.

The top ten stag and hen do locations, excluding Las Vegas

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Palm Springs and St. Louis emerged as the least cost-effective destinations for hen or stag parties.

In Palm Springs, despite the appeal of its top attraction which boasts excellent ratings in 73% of reviews, bridal groups may find it challenging to plan a full itinerary. The city offers only four shopping centers, a single wine tasting venue, and seven live entertainment options.

Similarly, St. Louis presents a sparse selection of the evaluated activities, including two beer tours, a choice of 50 restaurants, and 38 bars. Additionally, among nine Airbnbs available for group reservations one week this summer, none stood out as guest favorites.

On average, a stag or hen do participant is likely to spend about £189.59 daily, or up to £758.36 for an extended weekend stay, excluding the costs of activities, flights, or consuming more than two alcoholic beverages.

Among the destinations analyzed, Palm Springs ranked as the most expensive with a daily expenditure of £423.97, whereas Houston was the most budget-friendly, costing just £95.70 per day.

Speaking on the findings, Cody Jensen, CEO and Founder of Searchbloom, said: “When deciding where to host your stag or hen do, there are plenty of things to weigh up – including the activities you want to do, the nightlife, the restaurant options, the accommodation options, and most importantly for some, the cost.

“Not everyone will have the same budget when attending a pre-wedding event, so prioritizing the cost as a key factor ensures that all invitees feel considered and avoids anybody feeling uncomfortable if they’re unable to participate in activities. This is especially important if you feel unsatisfied with some aspects of the trip, so this ranking gives you a good idea of where’s really worth the money.”

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