To stay at a luxury hotel, you can expect to drop serious cash, sometimes upwards of several thousand dollars per night.
These splurge-y hotel brands include the likes of the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood Hotels, and Aman, and they absolutely deliver in every single way. I’ve personally been lucky enough to stay at some of the bougiest hotels in the world, from the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru to Dorchester Collection’s The Beverly Hills Hotel.
But having the budget to do so on the regular is sadly not a realistic scenario.
Fortunately, a luxe stay isn’t only available at those ultra-expensive properties. I’ve discovered many other brands that deliver a five-star experience, just without all those extra zeros on the bill at checkout time.
Here are five favorite hotel brands that feel way more expensive than they are.
In this article
Pendry Hotels
Pendry hotels are mostly scattered across the United States, with locations across California and cities like New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Nashville. There are also a couple in Mexico (Mexico City and Punta Mita), as well as Barbados.
I’ve stayed at a few Pendry properties (the Newport Beach and Park City locations are among my favorites) and can tell you that they absolutely read as high-end, glossy, ultra-luxe properties. Most have full-service spas, “want to be seen here” lobby bars and restaurants, and bougie services like Cadillac transfers and private clubs.
Unless you're booking a full suite or during peak-season weekends, you're looking at a price range of $400 to $800 per night. While not cheap, it’s still easier to stomach than a nightly rate that surpasses $1,000.
Graduate Hotels
I’m truly a sucker for superior interior design, and believe that hotels should not just feel like a “home away from home,” but should leave you feeling inspired. I have that exact experience every time I stay at a Graduate Hotel since this brand operates with a boutique local-storytelling approach.
Each property is located in a city with a notable university, and undergoes a thorough design process to ensure every single detail, down to the carpet and throw pillows, represents the city and college.
For example, Tucson’s version features saguaro cactus lamps and cowboy curtains, and Nashville’s rooms are centered around legendary musicians like Dolly Parton and Minnie Pearl.
Many properties also have 24-hour fitness centers, ‘gram-worthy pools, and restaurants that even the locals clamor to get into. Stays here are usually in the $200 to $400 range.
Andaz Hotels
Owned by Hyatt, the slick Andaz brand has a portfolio of 34 hotels located across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
Like the others on this list, this hotel brand takes a boutique-style approach with thoughtfully curated contemporary design and the use of local art. Overall, the properties have a fresh, bright, and airy feel to them, and they often feature expansive, modern lobbies that make you want to linger, plus high-end restaurants with special menus and programming, and personalized services.
Expect a relaxed sort of luxury versus a white-glove experience, though you are greeted with a welcome drink which really sets the tone for your stay. Properties also have spas, fitness centers, and destination-worthy pools. Pricing ranges from $300 to $700 per night.
25Hours Hotels
Whenever I’m in Europe, I always check whether the city I'm staying in has a 25hours Hotel.
My first experience with this hotel brand was in Zurich, Switzerland, and I was immediately blown away by the attention to detail, top-tier hospitality, high-end interior design, and unique amenities, like saunas, fitness classes, live music, and local immersion opportunities.
I’ve also visited these hotels in Munich, Cologne, and Paris and was equally enchanted. Each stay feels very boutique thanks to the brand’s “narrative architecture" approach, which means outfitting a special or unique building in a way that tells a unique, hyper-local story.
Along with Europe, 25Hours Hotels are in Dubai, Jakarta, and Sydney. And best of all, price ranges are affordable, often under $400 per night.
The Shortcut
While not inexpensive, most stays fall between $200 and $800 per night, making a five-star-feeling getaway much more attainable than brands like Four Seasons or Aman that charge thousands per night.
Expect boutique-style design that plays into the history of a place or building. Graduate Hotels and 25hours lean into hyper-local elements, like a desert theme in Tucson and a Dante's Divine Comedy-inspired design in Florence.
These properties also come with buzzy lobby bars, full-service spas, and restaurants locals actually book, amenities usually reserved for four-figure stays.
