There’s nothing quite like staying at a nice hotel — one that’s beautifully designed, ideally located, and (most importantly) has a super-comfy bed with premium linens. One of my favorite travel memories is of a staycation I took at the Hotel Van Zandt in Austin. I didn’t even technically “travel” anywhere, but the experience of staying at such a cool hotel exceeded a lot of my other trips. From the still-warm homemade cookies and complimentary glasses of wine in the lobby to the fourth-floor pool deck with an underwater sound system, every detail was impeccably thought out.
Of course, hotels like the Van Zandt can cost a pretty penny. But they don’t have to. If you want to score luxury hotels for cheap, you’ve come to the right place.
What is a luxury hotel?
First thing’s first: What defines a luxury hotel? While you’ll probably get a slightly different definition depending on who you ask, luxury hotels tend to have a few key things in common. Expect to have at least one first-class dining option on-site, if not more (no, we’re not talking about a generic breakfast buffet here – more like a Michelin-starred restaurant). Luxury hotels also have a range of top-of-the-line amenities, like a full-service spa, a well-equipped fitness center, and a sleek swimming pool area with private cabanas.
According to the hotel star system, luxury hotels fall under the four- and five-star rating. Other common components of a luxury hotel include excellent (and personalized) customer service. Aside from the front desk staff, this extends to laundry services, hired car services, concierges, and babysitting and petting services. And of course, luxury hotels spare no expense when it comes to opulent decor and design flourishes throughout the property.
On my last night at the Hotel Van Zandt, I had a margarita on the deck, then went back to my room and took a long bath while basking in the views of Lady Bird Lake and the glittering skyline. And I remember thinking, This is easily one of the best nights of my life. And all I did was stay at a really nice hotel!
And you can give yourself the same gift, whether you want to stay somewhere upscale for your next vacation or you simply want to get away from it all for a couple nights in your hometown, like I did. If you want to book luxury hotels for cheap, keep reading to find out how to do so.
What makes a luxury hotel affordable?
Some luxury hotels come with a budget-friendly price tag that may surprise you. Hotels with high-end amenities and services that are located in lesser-known areas (or areas where the cost of living is lower) can cost just a couple hundred dollars a night, as opposed to luxury hotels in urban areas that can set you back several hundred dollars a night. For example, you’ll probably pay less for a luxury hotel in Guatemala than you would in Italy. In general, a luxury hotel with top-tier amenities and accommodations that costs less than $300 per night is considered affordable.
The importance of researching and planning before you book
You’ll never get a good deal on a luxury hotel if you don’t put in the time to research and plan. Check out KAYAK’s “Luxury for less” for a comprehensive list of cities for a five-star hotel vacation. In addition, there are a couple other ways to get luxury hotels for cheap. One of the best ways is to book off-season, especially if you’re planning on visiting a popular destination – opt for early spring or fall (rather than summer) if you’re going to Europe, for example. Also, iIf you’re up for doing a fair amount of research, you can do some negotiating to get the best deal. Find different price points for your hotel on different sites, and then call the hotel to tell them the price you found. See if they’re able to beat the price.
Another great way to get the best deal on a luxury hotel room is to book a room with free cancellation as soon as you spot a good deal, even if it’s several months out. Then, after you book, check on the price regularly to see if it changes. If the price drops, cancel your reservation (as long as you can do so without penalty; just make sure to read the fine print beforehand) and rebook your room at the lower rate. Sure, this requires a little work, but it’s a surefire way to get a good deal if you’re willing and able to put in the time.
5 tips for finding luxury hotels for cheap on KAYAK
Finding the perfect accommodations for the right price can make or break your vacation, which is why KAYAK’s array of tools is helpful. Using KAYAK mobile app or your personal computer, go to the KAYAK hotel search. There are five ways you can find and secure luxury lodging for a more affordable rate:
- KAYAK Reviews. By utilizing KAYAK reviews, you can search hundreds of other travel sites at the same time to find the best lodging option for your needs.
- KAYAK Filter. Take advantage of KAYAK’s hotel and flight filters, which search nearly every travel and airlines site available to show you all your options. This way, you can really figure out which one works best for you.
- Price indicators from the calendar smarty. With this handy tool, you’ll be able to see hotel (and flight) price indicators on the calendar, which are color-coded for your convenience. Stay up to date on all the best prices for luxury hotels around the world.
- Exclusive deals programs. KAYAK offers a variety of different deals programs — including Member Rates, Private Deals, and Pricebreakers — so you can find the lowest rates possible. These programs provide discounted rates to users who are already a member of (or are willing to sign up for) membership or loyalty programs of a hotel chain.
- Price alerts to track the best price. You’ll never miss a deal when you sign up for price alerts. This allows you to find out as soon as hotel prices change, as well as receive customized alerts for all your favorite locations and preferred travel dates. Get alerts via your phone or inbox immediately, so you can act fast on a great rate for the hotel you want.
Conclusion
Luxury hotels offer a first-rate experience that sets them apart from other hotels, with top-notch customer service, signature amenities, and sophisticated accommodations. Luckily for travelers on a budget, you can occasionally score amazing deals on high-end hotels (if you’re willing to put in the work, that is). Thanks to a combination of using the right KAYAK tools and spending ample time researching all your options, it’s absolutely possible to secure luxury lodging at a relatively affordable price. Prepare to plan the ideal getaway to the hotel of your dreams when you use the tips and techniques mentioned here.
Some of our favorite cities to stay in a luxury hotel
For me, there’s nowhere like Paris, and staying in a luxury hotel in Paris is truly one of the best vacations I could ever ask for. It’s tough to pick a favorite when it comes to upscale Paris lodging, but I’d narrow it down to two hotels: Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection and Le Bristol Paris. Considered one of the first luxury hotels in the world, Le Meurice is just off the Tuileries Garden and is stunningly elegant, with incredible food and beverages — the Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse is a must-visit, and people-watching in Paris doesn’t get any better than Bar 228.
And speaking of Michelin stars, Le Bristol Paris has four of them; dining at the on-site restaurant Epicure is truly one of the best gastronomic experiences in the city. Rooms are sumptuous, with designer fabrics, original artwork, and Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture in some. Do yourself a favor and book an upper-level room for a killer view of the Eiffel Tower. (Sure, the French may be indifferent to it, but the Eiffel Tower remains an iconic sight for tourists – I’m willing to die on that hill!)
Another of my very favorite cities in the world is Mexico City, which I adore for the food, art, architecture, and overall vibe (trust me: go once and you’ll fall in love). Even though there are so many aspects of the city that I love, I’d go here if only for La Valise, one of the coolest hotels I’ve ever been to. Located on a quaint tree-lined street in La Roma neighborhood of Mexico City, this hotel has just three (huge) suites. You feel like you’re staying in a colonial townhouse as opposed to a hotel, and the details – a personalized (complimentary) minibar, a freestanding tub, 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens – are outstanding.
Still undecided on where to go? Get inspired with the KAYAK Explore option and earn points while planning and booking great trips. Check out our top luxury hotels in London, Honolulu, New York, and Las Vegas.
FAQ Section
What are small luxury hotels called?
Small luxury hotels are typically called boutique hotels and are different from chain hotels, in that they’re very small (not bigger than 100 rooms) and offer personalized services. They also usually have distinctive design elements and/or historic architecture. Often, a good boutique hotel will also incorporate details that pay homage to the place it’s located in and have an emphasis on food and beverages, as well. Learn more with KAYAK’s guide on what a boutique hotel is.
Do hotels get cheaper the closer you get?
Most hospitality experts agree: hotel prices tend to go down the longer you wait. These prices fluctuate quite a bit (depending on demand), but in general, the closer you get to your date, the cheaper your room will be. This is especially true for last-minute bookings. If you can wait until a couple weeks before you leave to book your hotel, you can expect to save some cash. Of course, this is a general rule and also doesn’t take into account busy travel periods, like the holidays – in which case, you should definitely book in advance, not a couple weeks before. Find more tips on the best time to book a hotel.
How do you know if a hotel is luxury?
The term “luxury hotel” can mean things to different people, but there are a few factors that most luxury hotels have in common. Luxury hotels have upscale amenities, which can include state-of-the-art spas, 24-hour fitness centers (with better equipment than most), and gourmet on-site dining options. According to the hotel star system, luxury hotels have four- and five-star ratings. These types of hotels have high-end rooms that come with a host of amenities, like a minibar, signature toiletries, a sleek TV with a great setup, and more. There’s also a high premium placed on providing exceptional customer service at luxury hotels – staff will likely remember your name and go out of their way to provide customized recommendations and ensure you’re getting everything you need throughout your stay.
Once you have found the luxury hotel of your dreams, have a read here and learn how to get cheap business-class tickets, so you can fly in style.
