These are the 6 cheapest 5-star hotels in the world
Ever wondered how much the world's cheapest five-star hotel costs? Twenty-eight dollars. Yes, you read that right, the cheapest five-star hotel is in India, where rates were found for less than $30 for a room for two.
Methodology
Financial insights blog Top Dollar surveyed five-star ranked accommodations on Hotels.com in every country for a one-night stay in July 2021 for two guests.
Hotels.com awards stars based on hospitality standards issued by the Automobile Association, which grants five stars to hotels that provide the below at a minimum:
- Luxurious accommodation and public areas.
- A range of extra facilities.
- Multilingual services.
- Greetings to every guest at the hotel entrance.
- High-quality menu and wine list.
For hotels in Europe specifically, Hospitality Europe requires hotels to meet even more qualifications to be given five stars, including that guests receive flowers or a present upon arrival.
To compile this list, the research team at Top Dollar did not account for any sale prices and their search did not include countries with five or fewer five-star hotels. Equally priced hotels within the top 10 were ranked by favoring the room with more square footage.
"A 5-star rating is defined as luxurious décor and furnishing throughout, multiple dining options, a large selection of high-end services, in-room amenities, and on-site facilities such as a health club," said Shannon Lovich, Head of PR and Social, North America at Hotels.com, who added that they will assign a property rating to properties without official start ratings.
"Hotels.com proprietary ratings are determined using international industry standards for hotels, bed & breakfasts and other types of accommodations," she said. "Our teams review a property’s photos and the facilities, services and amenities available at the property—this information is then used to calculate a rating level. The Hotels.com proprietary rating is based on amenities provided in the standard double room type or equivalent."
Because eight of the 10 cheapest five-star hotels in the world are in Asia (including three in Cambodia) and the other two in Turkey, the below list outlines the cheapest five-star hotel on every continent excluding Antarctica.
Related: An ideal hotel card for a brand-agnostic traveler: A review of the Hotels.com credit card
The cheapest five-star hotels on each continent
Rest of Asia and Oceania: Novotel Ahmedabad Hotel in India, $28 per night
In western India in Ahmedabad, the largest city in the state of Gujarat, the Novotel Ahmedabad Hotel is an Accor property well suited for business travelers, with close proximity to the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) and industrial hubs like Sanand, Gandhinagar, Changodar and Kadi. Non-business travelers will find shopping malls and entertainment centers nearby, along with an on-site open-air swimming pool, fitness center and a Japanese/Korean restaurant. It's also pet-friendly.
A test search for dates in October found rates as low as $48 per night for a high-floor room with a king bed, ergonomic workspace and a 10% discount on food and beverage.
Related: The best Hotels.com properties for your fall trip
Middle East and Central Asia: Hotel Ickale in Turkey, $32 per night
Hotel Ickale in the Turkish capital of Ankara is the lowest-priced hotel in the region, geared toward travelers looking to relax and rejuvenate without the hefty price tag usually associated with doing so. Guests can enjoy complimentary spa services, including a Turkish bath, swimming pool and a vitamin bar. I do believe this is the first vitamin bar I have come across thus far. This hotel is part of the Ickale Group, which also includes the Spice Hotel & Spa along the coast in Antalya.
"You will be rejuvenated and feel reborn through the natural gifts utilized in a room illuminated with candlelight and surrounded by exotic scents," says the hotel. "Indispensible Bali Massage of the Far-East, aromatherapy inspiring unique feelings via plenty of stimulating scents and reflexology massage are all available in Hotel Ickale. Be ready for a rebirth."
Guests arriving at Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) can reach Hotel Ickale in about 40 minutes by car.
Rates for a queen room in January 2023 started at $36 per night, which includes a city view and balcony, minibar, free Wi-Fi and 2 p.m. checkout, among other features.
Read more: Luxury on the cheap: 16 incredible Bangkok hotels you can book with points
Africa: The Steigenberger Resort Achti in Egypt, $40 per night
Although nine African countries offer five-star hotel accommodation for less than $100 per night, the lowest-priced five-star hotel in Africa is actually in Egypt thanks to the Steigenberger Resort Achti in Luxor, which is known as the "world's greatest open-air museum." The resort, which is part of the Deutsche Hospitality group, is located in a tropical garden along the east bank of the Nile River and only a few minutes from the city center, where the hotel suggests visitors explore the "Nile and the surrounding countryside and Valley of the Kings, float over the city on a hot-air balloon or take a felucca ride on the Nile to discover the ancient ruins."
In looking at rates for October, I found a classic room with two double beds starting at $44 per night, which includes a balcony overlooking Luxor, desk, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy the hotel's two outdoor pools, poolside bar and fitness center, roughly 7 miles from Luxor International Airport (LXR).
South America: NH Collection Bogota WTC Royal in Colombia, $42 per night
NH Collection's WTC Royal property in Bogota is one of four NH hotels comprising the cheapest hotels in South America. Roughly 25 minutes from the El Dorado International Airport (BOG), the property is conveniently located in Bogota's 100th Street business district, sitting next to the city's World Trade Center. It is walkable to the upscale Parque 93 neighborhood, which features highly rated restaurants such as Las Cuatro Estaciones, La Fragata Giratoria and Pajares Salinas, in addition to various gardens, independent cafes, galleries and department stores. All rooms have rain-effect showers.
For a stay in November, rates start at around $70 per night for a queen room, with in-room comforts like an espresso maker and minibar and complimentary breakfast.
Read more: Battle of the 5-star hotels: Watch us compare 2 luxury beach hotels in Mexico
Europe: Kupava Deluxe Hotel in Ukraine, $43 per night
The majority of the 16 hotels less than $100 in Europe are located in Central and Eastern Europe, including the Kupava Deluxe Hotel in Lviv, Ukraine. The Deluxe property is centrally located in western Ukraine, about a 25-minute walk to the Old City and nearby tourist sites such as the Armenian Catholic Cathedral, National Academic Opera and Ballet, Beer Brewing Museum and 19th-century Lviv Town Hall. It's also a 15-minute walk to public transportation and 3 miles to Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO).
You could travel as soon as next week and book a room with two single beds for $47 per night, which also includes a balcony, free toiletries and slippers.
North America: Hotel 1970 Posada Guadalajara in Mexico, $79 per night
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most expensive hotel on this list is in North America, where rooms at Hotel 1970 Posada Guadalajara in western Mexico start at $79 per night for a king bed. The Hilton hotel underwent a $6.5 million renovation in 2018 to combine classic Mexican and contemporary design styles, such as locally made headboards. Roughly 6 miles from central Guadalajara, foodies will enjoy Jal by Hueso restaurant, compliments of award-winning chef "Poncho" Cadena, and drinks at Se7enta – Azotea, a rooftop bar overlooking the city. The closest airport is Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), which is about 30 minutes via taxi.
The hotel's king-sized room remains at the $78-per-night rate, including over the Thanksgiving holiday, where you're sure to get a good night's sleep thanks to the hotel's 250-thread-count sheets and blackout curtains.
Read more: 11 of the best hotels in Turkey, from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Bottom line
Remember that this search was conducted in July 2021, so while the cheapest deal listed may not be available for your preferred dates, you're likely to still find incredible deals for these five-star properties. If you are looking to travel elsewhere, be sure to check out the maps that list the 10 cheapest hotels on each continent.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.