Hotel prices soar as tourists flock to see solar eclipse

Susan Hochman, who for seven years has been planning to travel to see the solar eclipse on April 8, will be shelling out hundreds of dollars for a one-night stay at a modest hotel room in Saranac Lake, New York, which is in the path of the so-called totality.

She'll be spending $650 to spend one night at a Best Western hotel, where room rates are as low as $99 during less busy periods, according to hotel staff. 

"I thought that was crazy," the New York City resident said. "I almost died at the $650 rate the Best Western quoted, but at least I can just stay there the one night that I need."