Luxury Lodging Vs. Budget Bedding
Hotel costs can vary wildly depending on where you go. While some countries offer boutique charm for dirt cheap, others empty your wallet for a single night’s rest. These price contrasts aren’t always predictable, but it helps to know them when planning a trip, and we’re here to keep you informed. Before booking that next trip, take a look at which countries give you the most bang for your buck. Let’s begin with the countries where the prices are no joke.
1. Iceland
During summer and festival seasons, Reykjavik sees hotel prices soar from an average of $150 to much higher. Many guesthouses also charge upwards of $400 for basic stays. Airbnb rates fluctuate drastically, and rural areas face scarcity that drives prices even further.
2. Monaco
Only luxury accommodations exist in Monaco, with average hotel prices reaching $486 and suites at Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo topping $2,000. Steep resort fees add to the cost, and it caters exclusively to billionaires and the global elite.
3. Norway
Mid-range hotels in Oslo typically cost between $120 and $200 per night, while fjord lodges and cabins demand premium prices. Taxes and staffing inflate these rates further, and breakfast is generally an additional expense. Chain hotels here rarely offer better deals than independent ones.
4. Japan
During cherry blossom season, lodging in Kyoto spikes, and ryokans usually bundle meals at a high cost. Despite excellent public transportation, accommodation remains pricey. Hotel prices in Tokyo range from $102 to $189 per night, with capsule hotels tacking on extra fees for amenities.
5. Seychelles
Luxury resorts in Seychelles charge between $500 and $2,500 per night, driven up by import costs and logistics. Peak tourist seasons keep prices consistently high throughout the year. Budget options are rare and expensive, too, and eco-resorts dominate at premium rates.
Hansueli Krapf (User:Simisa) on Wikimedia
6. UAE
Luxury defines the Dubai hotel scene, where a 5-star stay averages around $115 per night, and elite suites like those at the Burj Al Arab easily exceed $2,500. Premium pricing also extends to airport hotels, while tourism taxes ranging from 6% to 10% further increase the total bill.
7. Maldives
Round-trip seaplane transfers cost around $400 or more in the Maldives, and many resorts enforce multi-night minimums. Budget travelers may find guesthouses starting near $31 per day, but most visitors opt for luxury resorts, where nightly rates for overwater villas can stretch well into the thousands.
8. Denmark
High wages and taxes contribute to steep costs, and many hotels charge separately for basics like breakfast or Wi-Fi. The average hotel price in Copenhagen sits at $164 per night, and budget listings often exceed $150. Even motels and inns lean into boutique pricing, which can be tough on cost-conscious travelers.
9. Bahamas
Hotel rates in Nassau range from $600 to $1,000 per night at luxury resorts, and budget hotels rarely dip below $250. Hidden resort fees frequently add $100 or more per day, pushing the overall total even higher. The heavy cruise traffic boosts demand year-round.
10. Switzerland
High wages and a strong Swiss franc tend to keep lodging expenses up nationwide. Elite Swiss hotels like The Dolder Grand command rates above $1,000 per night, while the average 5-star stay costs $261. Hostels also come with steep prices exceeding $100.
Not every destination drains your wallet. These next ten countries prove that amazing stays can still come at unbeatable prices.
1. Vietnam
Hostels in Vietnam mostly cost just $5 to $10 per night, and mid-range hotels in cities like Hanoi stay comfortably under $40. Many properties also include breakfast and Wi-Fi. Additionally, night trains offer both transport and sleep for as little as $15.
2. Indonesia
Rates across Indonesia remain impressively low. Thanks to a strong tourism infrastructure, most budget options provide comfort and convenience. In Bali, hostels begin at $7, and beach huts on the Gili Islands fall under $25. Numerous rentals cost less than $200 monthly.
3. India
Travelers in India can find guesthouses and hostels for as low as $5. Budget hotels typically begin around $15, and three-star rooms often stay below $50. In certain regions, ashram and train accommodations are free, further stretching already minimal travel budgets.
4. Bolivia
Affordability defines Bolivia’s hotel scene. In La Paz, standard rooms range from $10 to $20, and private hostel rooms generally stay under $15. In smaller towns, nightly rates drop as low as $5, and even boutique options seldom exceed $100.
5. Georgia
Tbilisi hotels frequently range from $20 to $40 per night. However, in the mountains, guesthouses drop to $10. Many lodges in wine country even offer full meals under $60. Due to low tourist crowds, Georgia delivers incredible value for the price.
6. Albania
Its under-the-radar status helps preserve prices despite being located near the European Union. In Albania, budget-friendly comfort is easy to find, with boutique stays in Tirana often falling below $40. Also, coastal hotels begin at $15 and seldom exceed $30.
Sharon Hahn Darlin on Wikimedia
7. Egypt
Travelers can stay near Egypt’s iconic sites without overspending. Cairo hotels start between $20 and $30 per night, and guesthouses in Luxor or Aswan cost less than $15. Tour packages, Nile cruises, and local hostels keep lodging surprisingly affordable across the country.
8. Turkey
Affordability meets culture in Turkey. Istanbul hotel rates begin at $25, and Cappadocia’s charming lodgings often stay under $50. Generous breakfasts are typically included. Moreover, coastal towns offer seasonal bargains, helped by favorable exchange rates for foreign travelers.
9. Morocco
Morocco offers a rich stay at a low cost. Hostel beds mostly range from $6 to $10, and charming riads typically cost $20 to $30 per night. Cities like Marrakech and Fez have an abundance of budget options, and desert camps frequently include meals for under $40.
10. Nepal
Nepal’s affordability makes it a top choice for long-term travel. Most guesthouses include meals, and stunning views come without the luxury price tag. In Kathmandu, dorm beds start at $6, and in trekking regions, teahouses offer stays from $2.
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