Cities Around the World with the Most Affordable 5-Star Hotels: Where to Enjoy a Luxurious Getaway on a Budget

Staying at a 5-star hotel doesn't always mean spending hundreds of dollars a night. A new international study has revealed which cities around the world offer luxury rooms at significantly lower prices than popular tourist capitals. Find out which destinations topped the list and when it's best to book premium-class hotels

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The cost of staying at 5-star hotels varies significantly depending on the country and city. While a night in a luxury room can cost over $500 in some popular tourist destinations, in others you’ll pay several times less for a comparable level of service.

Hotels.com has published its annual Hotel Price Index 2026 report, analyzing average prices for actual hotel bookings worldwide. The study identified cities where travelers can enjoy maximum comfort at the lowest cost, and also highlighted where prices for luxury hotels have dropped the most over the past year.

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In which cities around the world is it cheapest to stay at a 5-star hotel?

Staying at a luxury 5-star hotel today is significantly cheaper than many people expect. According to the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index 2026, compiled based on millions of actual bookings and a global survey of over 11,000 travelers, in a number of cities the average cost per night at a top-tier hotel does not exceed 200 euros.

The Vietnamese city of Nha Trang topped the ranking, where the average price per night at a 5-star hotel is just 81 euros. The top ten also includes popular tourist destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Top 10 Cities in the World with the Most Affordable 5-Star Hotels:

1. Nha Trang, Vietnam – 81 euros per night

2. Zaragoza, Spain – 120 euros

3. Zagreb, Croatia – 130 euros

4. Sofia, Bulgaria – 135 euros

5. Wrocław, Poland – 140 euros

6. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – 140 euros

7. Tallinn, Estonia – 140 euros

8. Heraklion, Greece – 145 euros

9. Riga, Latvia – 145 euros

10. Tirana, Albania – 150 euros

Interestingly, eight of the ten most affordable destinations are located in Europe. This reflects the high level of competition among hotels and the active development of tourism infrastructure in Central and Eastern European countries. At the same time, Nha Trang has reaffirmed its status as one of the best-value destinations for lovers of premium vacations, offering five-star service at a price that, in many popular tourist capitals, would only cover a 3- or 4-star hotel.

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Where have prices for 5-star hotels fallen the most over the past year?

In addition to the ranking of the most affordable cities, the study also identified destinations where the cost of staying at 5-star hotels has dropped the most compared to last year. For travelers, this means the opportunity to book a luxurious vacation at an even better value.

The largest price drop was recorded in France’s Loire Valley, where the average price per night at a five-star hotel fell by approximately 32%. Edmonton, Canada, took second place with a decrease of about 31%, and third place went to the Caribbean island of St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), where prices fell by approximately 30%.

The list of cities with the most significant price drops also included:

1. Dortmund, Germany

2. Turin, Italy

3. Loire Valley, France

4. Edmonton, Canada

5. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Experts note that these changes may be linked to increased competition among hotels, an expansion of the room inventory, shifts in tourist demand, and hotel chains’ efforts to attract more guests with competitive prices. For travelers, this is a great opportunity to enjoy premium service at a significantly lower cost than just a year ago.

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How to Save Money When Booking a 5-Star Hotel: Expert Tips

In addition to the ranking of the most affordable destinations, Hotels.com shared recommendations to help travelers further reduce their accommodation costs. Analysts concluded that the optimal booking strategy for hotels differs from that for airline tickets: booking too early does not always guarantee the lowest price.

Experts advise booking a room 8–14 days before check-in. It is during this period that the best deals are most often found. In addition, travelers who booked hotels at the last minute saved an average of up to 26% compared to those who made reservations more than four months before their trip.

Another tip concerns the check-in day. The study showed that checking in on Sunday can reduce costs by about 14%, while Saturday is usually one of the most expensive days to check into international hotels. Analysts also note that January traditionally remains the most affordable month for booking hotels in many countries around the world.

The main conclusion of the study is simple: even a luxury vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing the right city, travel dates, and booking time, you can secure a room at a 5-star hotel at a price that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

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We remind you! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.