New Data Reveals Where 5-Star Hotels Cost Less Than $200 a Night
Hotels.com data highlights international cities where five-star stays deliver serious value, sometimes at half the cost of U.S. rates.
Photo: Courtesy of Meliá Pattaya
While luxury hotel rates continue to climb in popular U.S. cities, new data suggests that travelers willing to look abroad can access five-star experiences at a fraction of the domestic price.
According to the 2025 Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com, international five-star hotels are, on average, 27% cheaper than those in the U.S.—a significant difference in an era where value-conscious luxury is top of mind for many travelers. In some global destinations, nightly rates for top-tier hotels have dropped below $200, a price point nearly impossible to find at home.
For example, the average nightly rate for a five-star hotel in Hanoi is just $156, while Pattaya clocks in at $157 and Auckland at $192. Even in traditionally high-cost destinations, travelers are finding more favorable exchange rates and competitive pricing, bringing once-splurge-worthy stays into budget-conscious territory.
Compare that to U.S. cities, where even the most affordable five-star hotel rates hover much higher: $287 in Portland, $340 in San Antonio, and $386 in Miami, according to the report. In New York City, five-star nightly rates reach an average of $639, underscoring the pricing gap for domestic luxury.
This divide isn’t only about currency—it also reflects broader travel patterns. Demand in U.S. cities has softened slightly, with hotel rates dropping 2% year over year to an average of $174 per night, while international rates rose 4% to $228 per night. Despite that uptick, the disparity at the high end of the market remains clear: Five-star stays abroad simply offer more for less.
The trend aligns with growing interest in long-haul travel where affordability meets aspiration. In cities like Bangkok, Bogotá, and Panama City, travelers are routinely booking well-rated luxury properties for what would amount to mid-range prices stateside.
For luxury advisors and hospitality insiders, the message is straightforward: With smart destination planning, clients can enjoy five-star comfort without five-star sticker shock. Whether it’s a rooftop suite in Southeast Asia or a design-forward hotel in Scandinavia, the global luxury market is ripe with value—you just won’t always find it at home.
