With many Americans dealing with tight travel budgets, five-star hotels are often the last thing on our minds. But if you're looking for a luxurious stay by the beach, all hope is not yet lost.
Thankfully, due to the US dollar, it is possible to find five-star accommodation at low prices throughout the world. Travel search engine Kayak actually has made a list of some of the cities with the cheapest five-star hotels. Here are 20 such cities for you to explore:
1. Tirana, Albania
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $140 per night
With five-star accommodations starting at $140 per night, this Albanian capital is our number-one city for five-star hotels at a low price. Albania is not as popular as its surrounding countries like Greece, but the country is looking to employ more effort in terms of tourism.
The city has the big five-star names like Marriott and Radisson but the more budget-friendly ones are the less popular ones like Xheko Imperial and Mak Albania.
2. Gdansk, Poland
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $172 per night
Popular among Europeans as a close budget-friendly replica of Venice, Gdansk is best known for its canals and historic buildings. In addition, you'll find a lively bar culture along with the picturesque colorful buildings and cozy attractions.
3. Bogota, Colombia
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $174 per night
Even though this city has several modern influences like high-rise buildings and a bustling lifestyle, there is a preserved sense of history and culture. It mainly attracts backpackers looking to explore South African terrain and wildlife.
However, a luxurious stay in the capital is quite budget-friendly if you're looking to kick back and relax.
4. Chennai, India
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $175 per night
India is best known for its crowded cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and even Goa, but there is a quieter and arguably more beautiful city in the southern coast of the country. Chennai is a hub for development in the South but it still has an old-world charm about the city that makes it a popular tourist destination.
But that isn't all. The city has a rich food culture with a focus on seafood due to its proximity to water. And feel free to visit ancient temples, arts and natural beauty of the place.
5. Alanya, Turkey
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $176 per night
The main attraction of this city is probably the clear blue water and relaxing beaches. Despite being one of the famous tourist destinations in the city, the accommodation here is surprisingly cheap.
If a relaxing getaway with delicious food and an introduction to a new culture is on your travel goals, it cannot get much better than this.
6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $176 per night
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a gem ready to be discovered in terms of luxury stay.
Best known for their cuisine, this is a must-visit destination if you're a foodie. The city has tall skyscrapers, exciting nightlife, theme parks as well as street food market, all of which add to its allure.
7. Krakow, Poland
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $212 per night
Krakow is a budget-friendly city to travel for tourists from all around the world. This is thanks to the historical and architectural allure of the city which resembles that of most of Europe.
Because the city is quite small, you can plan a two or three days itinerary to ensure that you make the most of your stay at a five-star property for as low as $212 per night.
8. Hammamet, Tunisia
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $215 per night
Hammamet is a cute little beach town in Africa. The town looks like a Greek Island thanks to its blue-colored buildings and clear blue water. But this African country is budget-friendly, features a world-class food culture, and costs a fraction of your Euro trip budget.
Luxury properties in this city include The Sindbad and Medina Solaria & Thalasso but you can also find chain hotels like Sheraton and Radisson Blu in this town.
9. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Five-star hotel rooms price: starting at $218 per night
Siem Reap is a resort town in Cambodia best known for its ancient temples and stone buildings. As well as being a UNESCO heritage site, the city is also vibrant with many modern hotels at a budget-friendly price and old colonial buildings.
There are many restaurants serving world-class food while also celebrating the culture of the city.
10. Quito, Ecuador
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $220 per night
Even though this city has a reputation for being dangerous due to pickpocketers, it exceeds expectations due to its natural beauty. The capital of Ecuador is located at an altitude of 2800m which makes way for beautiful hills and mountains throughout.
In addition, you will find historical landmarks, shopping centers and of course, budget-friendly accommodations.
11. Colombo, Sri Lanka
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $226 per night
The capital of Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest cities in the world in terms of accommodation. The decrease in price can be attributed to the economic status of the country. This city currently sits at number 5 on Kayak's list of cities with 5-star hotels at the lowest prices.
Even though many travelers often skip this city for the beaches and wilderness of the country, it is definitely worth a visit, especially if you're looking for a luxurious experience on a budget.
12. Alexandria, Egypt
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $230 per night
We all know about the Pyramids, but did you know there is a coastal city in Egypt that has a history spanning almost a millennia? Alexandria is a beautiful city filled with architectural gold mines in the form of preserved buildings and structures.
You can enjoy the history while also laying by the deep blue-colored waters surrounding the city.
13. Shenzhen, China
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $231 per night
Yet another coastal city on our list, Shenzhen in China has so much more than the beautiful beaches. Despite not having ancient relics like many other cities in the country, what it does have are many modern attractions like the famous Window of the World, Splendid China and Happy Valley.
The local culture is also quite elaborate which adds to your overall experience in the city.
14. Jakarta, Indonesia
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $233 per night
Bali might be the most popular destination in Indonesia but it isn't the most budget-friendly. So, if you're looking to explore Indonesia on a budget, Jakarta could be a pretty good option.
The city has one of the cheapest five-star accommodations along with a sought-after nightlife scene.
15. Side, Türkiye
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $238 per night
This coastal city in Turkey has a landscape that is quite similar to that of Maldives but with much cheaper options. The city boasts cooling water as well as ancient treasures shaped by contemporary entertainment options.
If you're on a budget and are looking for a luxurious place to stay, Side should be on your bucket list.
16. Hanoi, Vietnam
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $238 per night
Following the war, Hanoi established itself as a charismatic capital over the swamplands. Attractions like One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi Opera House, The Water Puppet Theatre and Hoan Kiem Lake make it a must-visit location in Vietnam.
The budget-friendly hotels in Hanoi even include five-star properties which will ensure that your stay remains luxurious throughout.
17. Tangier, Morocco
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $267 per night
Often touted as a mythical city, Tangier has lime-coated houses along the coast of the ocean which gives it a Greek island vibe. In addition, there is a lot of Spanish influence in the city which can be seen in Plaza de Torros and Cervantes theatre.
Even though this city has chain hotels like Hilton, local five-star hotels like Hotel Andalucia Golf are the more popular and budget-friendly options.
18. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $269 per night
Another cheap city in Thailand is Chiang Mai which boasts millions of local and international tourists each year. The most popular attraction of this city is the Phra That doi suthep, which is important for the Chiang Mai people.
Besides, a visit to this city helps guests understand the local way of life. You can even stop handmade products throughout the city to take as souvenirs.
19. Bangkok, Thailand
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $279 per night
Despite its reputation, Bangkok is a fairly priced city when compared to its European and North American counterparts. Bangkok's nightlife needs no introduction. It's as if the city comes alive at night.
But that isn't all because this city is also home to many temples and historical places. When it comes to accommodation, you can find a luxurious five-star property at a price as low as $279 per night.
20. Hoi An, Vietnam
Five-star hotel room price: starting at $281 per night
Hoi An in Vietnam is a port city that has both luxury as well as boutique hotels. Some of the popular boutique luxury hotels include Little Riverside, Anantara and Amina Lantana.
In terms of attraction, the city has Japanese, Chinese, and European influences because it serves as a trade port for many Southeast Asian countries. In addition, you will also find beautiful architecture and exciting nightlife during your stay in this place.
