It’s not all about slumming it! Sometimes we just want some luxury… These cities offer the cheapest five star hotels in the world.
Of course you can find 5 star hotels anywhere. But if you want 5 star luxury without the 5 star price tag, you’ll find these cities offer some of the best cheap options for luxury hotels.
Be warned that 5 star means different things in different parts of the world. FA swimming pool and gym/spa usually comes as standard in most countries, but the facilities in your room might differ. A 5 star hotel in Morocco will be quite different to a hotel in London. And on occasion the star rating might have been awarded in a different decade, meaning the once opulent surroundings might now need a bit of TLC. If your five star hotel is very cheap, take a look at the reviews and maybe consider a modern 4 star for the same price!
To find your cheap five star hotel we recommend using Hotels.com which aggregates the cheapest options across many popular hotel booking sites. Our handy widget here will help you thin down your options. Just put in your destination and your dates and then filter the options to 5 star hotels.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Cosmopolitan KL is an excellent springboard into the rest of Asia, with travellers often passing through on Air Asia flights from the rest of the continent. Home to the Petronas Towers, many visitors to Asia will pass through KL at some point.
What to do? Shop in the mall beneath the Petronas Towers, hang out in the tropical gardens below then head up to take in the view. Menara KL has 360 degree views higher than the Petronas Towers. Eat fantastic food at many of the hawker centres across the city including in Chinatown and Little India.
Best Hotel? At around US$60 a night you can live in luxury at the Seri Pacific.
Istanbul, Turkey
Exotic Istanbul is the gateway to the east, literally. This city straddles two continents and is one of the most culturally rich destinations on the planet. Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman and more have all left their mark on this buzzing city in forms of architecture, cuisine and even the demographics.
What to do? Wander labyrinthine markets and haggle for goods, smelling incense and hookah pipes. Sample lots of Turkish coffee. Cruise the Bosphorous. Sample Turkish cuisine. Visit the Hagia Sofia, once a cathedral, a mosque and now a museum.
Best Hotel? There are lots of quality 5 star hotels in Istanbul, many available from around US$60 per night (or less). The Legacy Ottoman Hotel is situated in the heart of the city and has an air of Ottoman extravagance.
Macau, China
Macau is a hot spot for global high rollers, especially those from around China. Not only that, it looks pretty epic. Glitzy skyscrapers, massive casinos all mixed with a heady Chinese and Portuguese colonial vibe.
What to do? Visit the Venetian which is the worlds largest casino (only the 7th largest casino resort though). Shop til you drop around Senado Square. Visit the ruins of St Paul’s cathedral. Eat lots of dim sum. Bungee jump from the Macau Tower (or just take in the view).
Best Hotel? The Landmark Hotel is an indulgent resort in the centre of town with rooms from $110 per night. It includes a 24 hour casino on site and all the trappings you’d expect of a 5 star hotel.
Goa, India
Tropical hippy hangout Goa has been on the backpacker map since hitch hiking was a thing. Goa now has grown up and attracts high rollers from around the globe, especially Bollywood stars, many of whom own plush pads in the state.
Goa is a little different from the rest of India, with it’s Portuguese colonial heritage and compact nature. Much more laid back and liberal, you’ll find it easy to get comfy here.
What to do? Wake up, drink fresh juice, do some yoga then spend the day soaking up the rays on the beach or by the pool… What more could you ask for? If you’re more an active type, go windsurfing, actual surfing or trekking the jungle interior.
Best Hotel? The Zuri White Sands Hotel and Casino is a luxury spot in the heart of Goa. Rooms from US$90 a night.
Marrakech, Morocco
On the edge of the Atlas Mountains, the Rose City is a former trading post turned tourist hot spot. These days it’s not as much a commercial centre as cities like Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat and Fes – but it’s a great city to chill for a weekend. Add to that cheap 5 star luxury and great opportunities to go and explore, Marrakesh is a wise choice. Best tip is to find a traditional Riad, a traditional house with an open central area.
What to do? Wander the ancient souks where people come to haggle over handicrafts and spices, try your luck at the many casinos in town or dance the night away at some of the coolest clubs in Africa.
Best Hotel? There are stacks of 5 star resorts just outside the old town of Medina, with rooms from around US$65 a night. For a more ‘authentic’ Moroccan experience, head to Riad Villa Lavande, slightly more expensive at around US$200 a night.
Shanghai, China
Modern, dynamic and multicultural, Shanghai is fast on its way to becoming one of the world’s great cities. You get more for your money than Hong Kong or Tokyo and there is literally something for everyone, with incredible cuisine, plenty of culture and lots of amazing views to take in.
What to do? Be blown away by the view of the skyline from The Bund, get your retail fix around Nanjing Road and People’s Square and then party hard at nightclubs like Bar Rouge and The Apartment.
Best Hotel? There are lots of 5 Star hotels in Shanghai from around US$65 and up. Check out Les Suites Orient on The Bund for those stunning city views.
Quito, Ecuador
The world’s highest capital city (2,850 meters) is also situated right on the equator. The stunning mountain location means that you’ll have your breath taken away but you’ll also probably be a bit light headed from the lack of oxygen.
But that’s not a problem when you’ve got a decent choice of 5 star digs to relax in while you acclimatise.
What to do? Once you’re ready to head outdoors you can get your adventure on with mountain climbing and stacks of local culture. There are several volcanoes accessible from the city as well as lots of ornate buildings.
Best hotel? You’ll find 5 star luxury from around US$70. The Dann Carlton is probably the best 5 star hotel in Quito.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Greece’s second city is a bustling working city just a stones throw from the beaches of Halkidiki or the ski resorts (yes, you can ski in Greece) of Falakro and Voras, Thessaloniki is a great route into mainland Greece. It’s also one of the cheapest places in Western Europe to pick up a 5 star hotel room.
What to do? There’s ancient ruins of course, this is Greece after all. Greek food is spectacular so make sure you get your fill at one of the bars on the seafront boardwalk.
Best Hotel? The Porto Palace Hotel is a great spot with rooms from US$120 a night. You can also shop around and find rooms under US$100 at places like Holiday Inn.
Nairobi, Kenya
The capital of Kenya makes a great stopping off point for visitors en route to safari holidays or just exploring the vibrant region of East Africa. It’s also probably one of the only capital cities in the world with a major safari national park in it’s city limits.
What to do? Swat up on history at the Nairobi National Museum, head to one of the Masaai markets and try your haggling skills, and definitely go on a safari of some sort in either Nairobi National Park or the David Sheldrick wildlife trust.
Best Hotel? Although places like The Safari Club might be a little past their best, you’ll still find options from around US$80. Check out the Villa Rosa Kempinsky for more contemporary comfort.
Dubai, UAE
The opulent city of Dubai has a massive selection of 5 star hotels, but did you know some of them are a bargain! Under $100 gets you a plush pad at the Ghaya Grand. But there is a lot of choice, so take a look at the options.
What to do? In a city known for luxury and extravagance, you can shop til you drop at one of the many malls, cruise in speedboats, go skydiving, desert safari or just relax by the pool.
Best hotel? You’ll be spoiled for choice, but check out the Millennium Plaza Hotel or splash out at the Atlantis Jumeirah Palm.
Feel inspired to go and live a five star luxury holiday? Check out the best prices for the world’s cheapest 5 star hotels on our hotel widget below.
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