Valentine’s Day is a tough time to pick the perfect hotel given the holiday’s requisite surprise and romance. So, instead of a last-minute search for overpriced hotels, why not try a vacation rental? Prices are set and there are typically last-minute deals  (that’s right…deals, not price hikes.)

To guide you on the path to Valentine’s Day vacation rental success, we enlisted an expert. Dan Weisman of FlipKey compares the best vacation rental options in FlipKey.com’s top five Valentine’s Day destinations:

1. Miami Beach, FL

For those Will-Smith-fresh couples, Miami Beach’s nightlife and acclaimed restaurants make this city the perfect destination to get tan and a little indulgent. Given its popularity, you’ll notice hotels are 2x the price in comparison to a luxury rental!

The Betsy Hotel

• $695/night
• courtyard pool
• rooftop deck with garden and spa
• two bars and restaurants

VS.

Art Deco Luxury

• $389/night
• steps to the beach
• outdoor pool and spa
• private terrace

2. Lahaina, HI

Couples love Hawaii, so it comes as no surprise that this is at the top of the list for Valentine’s Day. Horseback riding, surfing, and sex on the beach (the drinks!) are ideal for any romantic trip.

The Mauian

• $196/per night
• shuffleboard courts
• coin-operated laundry
• stand up paddleboard rentals and lessons

VS.

Stunning  & Sophisticated Oceanfront Condo

• $150/night
• waterfront property near snorkeling reef
• beach chairs and towels provided
• jaw-dropping sundecks

3. Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs has a great mix of Hollywood stardust, outdoor adventure, and desert culture. An ideal destination for couples who want a little bit of everything.

Del Marcos Hotel

• $338/night
• heated saltwater pool
• golf teetimes
• complimentary use of cruiser bikes

VS.

Your Private Boutique Hotel

• $265/night
• private saltwater pool
• tanning ledge
• two firepits

4. Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg sits next to the country’s most visited national park – the Smoky Mountains. The breathtakingly vast landscape will help you woo your Valentine within seconds.

The Lodge at Buckberry Creek
$194/night

• walking trails
• hammocks
• rustically elegant restaurant

VS.

View of the Smokies

• $160/night
• mountaintop views of ski slopes
• fully-equipped kitchen
• hot tub

5. Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is growing to be a favorite destination for travelers and this Valentine’s Day is no exception. Filled with excitement and a little mystery, the city offers luxurious at small prices, a feature any couple should take advantage of come the 14th.

Casa Mosquito

• $279/night
• five minutes from the beach
• on-site chef and room service
• terrace with lanai

VS.

3 Bedroom in Ipanema

• $220/night
• spacious modern apartment
• five minutes from Ipanema and Copacabana beaches
• nightlife, restaurants, and markets around the corner

About Dan Weisman

Dan Weisman is the blog editor at Flipkey.com. He is dedicated to the pursuit of fun, and enjoys every vacation and trip that he encounters on the journey. Find more travel ideas and tips on the FlipKey blog or on twitter.