Coco Chanel famously said, "The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive." Her mantra still rings true — but happily, when it comes to travel, there's also a third best: luxury hotels that are actually affordable.
Provided you know where to look, there are plenty of fabulous hotels that offer all the same perks as a five-star resort — vast pools, beautifully appointed rooms, top-notch restaurants — without the exorbitant price tag. From Turkish cave suites to Balinese bungalows, click ahead to discover 15 gorgeous accommodations you can snag for a bargain — most are under £70 per night.
The Saguaro, Palm Springs, California
Nothing says "California Dreamin'" like sunny skies, palm trees, and candy-coloured buildings. This swanky hotel has played host to many an infamous Coachella pool party (including our very own kickoff bash last year). It's worth visiting even beyond festival season: The two on-site eateries boast delicious small plates and some seriously mean margaritas, and the technicolor walls are practically Instagram gold.
Rooms from £90.
Photo: Courtesy of The Saguaro.
The Devonshire Arms At Pilsley, Chatsworth, England
This charming inn represents everything quintessentially British: country chic bedding, village greenery, and of course, a pub serving locally produced ales. The estate's intimate atmosphere and friendly staff will make you feel right at home — or better yet, like a lady in Downton.
Rooms from £99.
Photo: Courtesy of Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants.
Empress Angkor, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
It doesn't cost much to live like a king in the land of golden palaces and silver pagodas. The majestic lobby and gold-embellished rooms at this expansive resort are fit for an empress, and the price is right. The architecture is reminiscent of the Angkor Wat temples — and the real version's just a 15-minute drive away.
Rooms from £40.
Photo: Courtesy of Empress Angkor.
Estalagem Ponta Do Sol, Madeira, Portugal
Located atop a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean, this resort's breathtaking views are matched only by its stunning interiors. The minimalist colour scheme of the hotel is intended to offset the spectacular nature surrounding the 500-year-old village. While there, you'll be busy taking it all in through activities like canyoning, whale watching, mountain biking, and paragliding, to name a few.
Rooms from £50.
Photo: Courtesy of Ponta do Sol.
Hotel 115, Christchurch, New Zealand
It's a delicate time to visit The Garden City right now: The area is still coping with the aftermath of the Great Earthquake of 2011, but witnessing the overhaul of a metropolis at the hands of its resilient inhabitants will bring you hope and a newfound appreciation for life. This chic hotel is just around the block from two collapsed churches and a short walk away from many rebuilt local institutions, like Smash Palace, a now partly-scaffolded burger joint. Oh, and there's a cable car stop literally at your doorstep.
Rooms from £75.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel 115.
Hotel New Yorker, Miami, Florida
Don't let the flashy neon sign and flamingo lawn ornaments fool you: This place is not a motel...anymore. A couple transformed the mid-century building — a family property since the 1980s — into a boutique hotel, while preserving the retro flair that made the city's Modern Architectural District so beloved by tastemakers. You'll seem much more in-the-know by choosing to stay in this flourishing neighbourhood versus the more touristy spots in South Beach.
Rooms from £55.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel New Yorker.
Reef Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa
When you're looking for lodging in an industrious city like Johannesburg, it's all about finding a convenient location to guarantee maximum time for sightseeing. This cozy hotel, just minutes away from City Hall and major shopping malls, is at the centre of all the action. Tired of the hustle and bustle? You can wind down at Elevate, a sophisticated rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the City of Gold.
Rooms from £42.
Photo: Courtesy of Reef Hotel.
The Old No.77, New Orleans, Louisiana
This recently opened destination is on the radar of every sophisticated dweller in the Big Easy. The Victorian-era coffee warehouse has traded its humble industrial interiors for an elevated look that screams hipster chic. Just three blocks from the French Quarter, the pet-friendly hotel also houses Compère Lapin, a buzzy Latin bistro headed by Top Chef alum Nina Compton.
Rooms from £60, with a prepaying discount.
Photo: Courtesy of Provenance.
This four-story boutique hotel in Little India gives serious interior inspiration: The former schoolhouse was converted into a chic 29-room establishment with help from the country's buzziest design agencies. Each guest floor is decked out in a whimsical theme, from monotone rooms inspired by classic hits (think "Purple Rain" and "Yellow Submarine") to rooms adorned with adorable furniture cutouts.
Rooms from £63.
Photo: Courtesy of Wanderlust Hotel.
Patios De San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Living up to its name, the main draw of this urban oasis is the terraced patios, complete with earthy ceramics and straw armchairs. The beautiful atrium combines new and old South American design elements, with traditional tiles and hanging sculptures by local artists adding pops of colour to the indoor garden and fountain.
Rooms from £40.
Photo: Courtesy of Patios de San Telmo.
At this heritage hotel, you can live the high-roller lifestyle without the high price tag. The guesthouse was restored from the ruins of a Portuguese government official's 17th-century mansion. Many of the hybrid cultural touches are still well-preserved to this day, from azulejos (Portuguese hand-painted tiles) to Indian antiques. The convenient location also keeps you close to three of the area's less-crowded beaches.
Rooms from £68.
Photo: Courtesy of David Sutherland/Siolim House.
Aydinli Cave Hotel, Cappadocia, Turkey
If spending the night at a cave doesn't sound all that glamorous, you haven't checked into these family-run guesthouses yet. The 14-bedroom property is carved from rock formations at Cappadocia, giving guests unparalleled access to the splendid landscapes of the famous fairy chimneys and Aragus Mountain. The traditional inn is also an ideal vantage point for admiring the ever-changing shades of pink at Rose Valley during sunset. Hot air ballooning at the national park is an experience that belongs on everyone's travel bucket list.
Rooms from £40.
Photo: Courtesy of Aydinli Cave Hotel.
Hotel Shin Shin, Seoul, South Korea
This trendy hideaway takes Eastern influences and blends them perfectly with contemporary design details: Traditional Korean bedding is paired with smart yellow-striped bathrobes and totes, all exclusively designed in-house. Those looking for a break from bibimbaps and bulgogis can get their Western comfort food fix at Dinehall, a chic café on ground level.
Rooms from £80.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Shin Shin.
Sir F.K. Savigny, Berlin, Germany
Located in the lively Savignyplatz quarter, this hotel features exposed brick walls and tasteful black-and-white rooms. The location is prime for night owls and foodies, just a stone's throw from some of West Berlin's most celebrated bars, nightclubs, and jazz cellars, like the ever-so-popular Quasimodo. Many restos are open late — just in case you feel like having a wagon-wheel pizza at 12 Apostel before bed, or want to refuel with a breakfast plate at Schwarzes Café after a night of dancing.
Rooms from £64.
Photo: Courtesy of Sir F.K. Savigny Hotel.
Sri Bungalows Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Welcome to a true tropical paradise. What's not to like about bamboo furniture, coconut plants, and an L-shaped pool? Guests can enjoy the Balinese summer breeze in open-air bungalows furnished with grand canopy beds. Air conditioning is only available in some rooms, but you'll be able to live without it; just cool off at the pool or lamp in the shaded sculpture garden.
Rooms from £26.
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