Travel tips for international trips
Travel smarter and safer on international trips with these tips.
Looking for a luxurious five-star hotel experience without breaking the bank? Try going abroad.
Hotels.com recently released its 2025 Hotel Price Index, a report analyzing hotel rate trends from around the world, and found travelers can save up to 27% on average booking an international five-star hotel instead of one in the U.S. (However, domestic travelers can still feel good knowing the average hotel rate in the U.S. dropped 2% from 2023 to 2024.)
“Many travelers tend to think that international trips are inherently more expensive, but the price index shows that hotel prices, and especially luxury hotel prices, can be a steal,” said Melanie Fish, Hotels.com travel expert, in a statement to USA TODAY. “Getting a five-star hotel for $150 in Hanoi or Pattaya really stands out as a great way to get luxury for less.”
The price disparity stems from overall demand, the cost of goods and services, as well as exchange rates, Fish continued. The report also notes that there’s no universal standard for 5-star ratings, but typically includes amenities, service, luxury and sometimes sustainability practices.
If travelers play their cards right, they can enjoy a high-end stay without the high price tag. Here’s what to know.
Destinations with the cheapest 5-star hotel rates
Below are the places where travelers can find the best nightly rates at 5-star hotels, according to the 2025 Hotel Price Index, which compares rates from 2023 to 2024.
- Guadalajara, Mexico – $149
- Hanoi, Vietnam – $157
- Pattaya, Thailand – $157
- Gothenburg, Sweden – $168
- Istanbul, Turkey – $169
- Bangkok, Thailand – $178
- Panama City, Panama – $186
- Auckland, New Zealand – $192
- Shanghai, China – $193
- Melbourne, Australia – $203
Cheapest 5-star stays in the US
Travelers who are staying within U.S. borders can still find affordable rates for 5-star hotels. Here they are below:
- Portland, Oregon – $287
- San Antonio, Texas – $340
- Las Vegas, Nevada – $341
- Atlanta, Georgia – $361
- Miami, Florida – $386
Tips for getting cheap hotel rates
According to Fish, here are some recommendations for travelers to obtain the best hotel rates.
- Travel off-peak. Most travelers know they can save money by going during shoulder season, but even the nights of the week can play a role in price. If you can afford some flexibility, off-peak nights such as Sunday will be cheaper than the high-demand weekends.
- Go all-inclusive. Bundling your room, food and activities into one flat rate can actually offer travelers more value. “They love the ease of booking, the stress-free experience, and the feeling of luxury without additional costs,” said Fish.
