The Secret to Booking a Five-Star Hotel for Under $150 a Night

Having a comfortable stay in a five-star hotel is cheaper than you think.

One strategy is to look overseas, where five-star hotels are often significantly less expensive than comparable American properties.

In some cases, favorable exchange rates, lower costs and demand for goods and services may make international destinations more affordable for American travelers.

According to Hotels.com’s recently released 2026 Hotel Price Index, international five-star hotels are an average of 23% cheaper than those in the US. The average nightly rate for a luxurious stay abroad is $250 – some destinations have rates as low as $150 per night – while a domestic five-star hotel averages $370 per night.

There is no universal standard for a five-star rating, so quality can vary from country to country. However, the difference still means you can expect excellent service and features.

This is the second year in a row that the cost of international high-end travel has declined, which is good news for the 60% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials who said in the index that they are more interested in luxury travel this year than last year.

“With the increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may dominate the conversation, but hotel prices are where travelers are making the real trade,” Melanie Fish, vice president of global PR and Hotels.com travel expert, said in a statement. “Travelers may be feeling the pinch, but they’re also getting smarter. We’re seeing travelers save up to 23% by booking closer in, starting with Sunday layovers or going beyond the U.S., where five-star hotels can offer stronger value. This is a summer where how you book matters as much as where you go.”

According to the index, here you can enjoy a grand hotel without emptying your wallet.

Destinations with the cheapest five star hotel rates

1. Porto Alegre, Brazil – $90
2. Nha Trang, Vietnam – $119
3. Phuket, Thailand – $144
4. Wroclaw, Poland – $175
5. Canberra, Australia – $188
6. Tirana, Albania – $197
7. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – $202
8. Sofia, Bulgaria – $211
9. Zagreb, Croatia – $220
10. Casablanca, Morocco – $229

The cheapest five-star accommodation in America

1. Atlantic City, New Jersey – $264
2. Portland, Oregon – $313
3. New York City, New York – $332
4. San Antonio, Texas – $351
5. Las Vegas, Nevada – $355
6. Lahaina, Hawaii – $355
7. Minneapolis, Minnesota – $359
8. Bozeman, Montana – $367
9. Savannah, Georgia – $410
10. Seattle, Washington – $427

Tips for Getting Cheap Hotel Rates

Here are some other ways travelers can save money on their accommodations, according to Hotels.com’s internal booking data.

• Check in on Sunday. The cheapest day of the week to start your hotel stay is Sunday, which can result in savings of up to 15%. Meanwhile, the most expensive day for domestic trips is Friday and Saturday for international trips.
• Book at the last minute. The early bird doesn’t always suffer when it comes to hotel prices, with last-minute bookings saving an average of 23% compared to those booking a room four months in advance. The best time frame is eight to 14 days before your trip.

Reporting by Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY/USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect