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Chapter 7: Affordable Luxury

Brandenburg Gate at sunset, Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate at sunset, Berlin, Germany

Water Vendors in Marrakech

Water Vendors in Marrakech

Overview of Vltava River & City of Prague

Overview of Vltava River & City of Prague

Hungary, Budapest, Chain Bridge and St Stephen's Basilica illuminated

Hungary, Budapest, Chain Bridge and St Stephen's Basilica illuminated

Estonia, Tallinn, buildings around St Olaf's Church, elevated view

Estonia, Tallinn, buildings around St Olaf's Church, elevated view

Despite the economy’s recent turnaround, many luxury properties can still be affordable for travelers on a budget. For many jetsetters, the actual destination doesn’t matter as much as it used to. Getting a top five-star hotel at an unbelievable deal is what a vacation is all about. While this bodes well for those looking for a staycation, travelers are also learning they don’t have to stay close to home to find great value. 

For travelers looking for high-end on a small budget, hotels.com has identified the top 10 cities in the world where a five-star hotel will cost the least and travelers will get the most for their money. Travelers looking to visit Warsaw, Tallinn and Marrakech can find the best deals, with 5-star properties in these cities selling at an Average Daily Rate of less than $160.

In addition to affordable room rates, travelers are drawn to these cities for their cultural offerings.  The art and fashion scenes are thriving in Berlin, with international visitors flocking to the German capital for events like Berlin Fashion Week.  Marrakech shops boast unique and authentic goods, while architecture fans love touring the Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau styles in Budapest and Prague.  And don’t think these locations are undesirable based on their inexpensive rates—both Tallinn and Budapest placed on the New York Times article “The 41 Places to Go in 2011.”

Best 5-Star Room Rates

City Country Star Rating 2009 2010 YoY ADR
Warsaw Poland 5 $112 $115 +2%
Tallinn Estonia 5 $160 $157 -2%
Marrakech Morocco 5 $158 $160 +1%
Budapest Hungary 5 $176 $168 -5%
Lisbon Portugal 5 $176 $169 -4%
Prague Czech Republic 5 $189 $188 -1%
Bangkok Thailand 5 $189 $190 +1%
Berlin Germany 5 $200 $190 -5%