11 luxury hotels offering rare discounts, from a pool villa in Thailand to one of Paris’ poshest properties

OSTN Staff

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Cape Fahn Hotel in Koh Samui
  • Some luxury hotels that are traditionally expensive have dropped starting rates to lure back guests.
  • We found five-star stays across the US and internationally that are all under $665 per night.
  • Our picks offer exceptional value, with many top hotels ranging between $150-350 per night.

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The travel and hotel industry was among the hardest hit due to COVID-19 in 2020 and early 2021.

But now, hotels are reopening with rigorous new cleaning standards and doing everything they can to lure back travelers. For some posh five-star hotels, that means offering unheard of discounts you never would have seen pre-2020, among other incentives and savings.

If you’ve been waiting over a year to splash out on some serious self-care, these luxury hotels have prime pricing this summer. We found some of the best cheap luxury hotel deals, both in the U.S. and popular international destinations with open borders to vaccinated travelers or those with a negative COVID test.

Browse all the best cheap luxury hotel deals below, or jump directly to a specific area here:

Here are the best cheap luxury hotel deals, sorted by price from low to high.

Cape Panwa Hotel – Phuket, Thailand

The beach at Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket.
The beach is one you’ll never forget.

Book Cape Panwa Hotel

Cape Panwa Hotel is one of Phuket island’s most sought-after hotels by travelers, and luckily for vaccinated guests, they can now arrive quarantine-free to Thai paradise.

This five-star stunner is perched on the slopes of a former coconut grove that peers over the Andaman Sea and features sophisticated, luxury suite-style guest rooms and pool villas. Discerning travelers pick this property for its privacy and feeling of seclusion, which is hard to come by on tourist-strewn Phuket. For the ultimate in intimacy, book the beachside dinner for two lit up under a white tent with a whimsical hanging floral display. 

Due to its steep position, a funicular moves guests up and down the property and makes for a memorable activity with intoxicating views. Another highlight is the Sino-Portuguese mansion, which emerges from plush vegetation and has been used as a filming location, but today operates as a Thai restaurant. 

Rooms have casual, unpretentious Thai elegance filled with dark woods, earthy tones, and jute rugs and the hotel’s private, shallow beach is popular among families. A sparkling blue pool with comfy loungers protected by canopies rounds out the reasons why you should start searching for airfare, which as of press time, was just $675 in economy on Etihad Airways leaving from JFK. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton – Scottsdale, Arizona

The Casita view at Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Claim space and private in a casita at Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale.

Book Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton

Not only is The Boulders Resort & Spa home to well-appointed and private Casita guest rooms, it’s also the site of two of the best golf courses in the United States. The Jay Morrish-designed courses offer 36 holes surrounded by gorgeous desert landscape and mountain views. 

The resort pampers guests with its full-service spa, four luxurious pools, and multiple on-site restaurants and bars that serve an array of cuisines.

For those focused on improving their forehand, The Boulders has hard and cushioned tennis courts, as well as around-the-clock stringing and re-gripping services. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Mondrian Park Avenue – New York, New York

MondrianNYC_05a_V1 Courtesy, The Mondrian Park Ave
Enjoy city views and swanky surrounds with design from acclaimed Philippe Starck.

Book The Mondrian Park Avenue

Located in New York City’s NoMad neighborhood, the Mondrian Park Avenue boasts stunning rooms designed by Philippe Starck who adorned the spaces with bold and whimsical touches. 

The hotel’s amenities have fully reopened, including stylish restaurant Cleo’s indoor spaces, and Mondrian Terrace, the hotel’s rooftop lounge and bar on the fifteenth floor with sweeping views of Park Avenue South. 

Guest rooms feature plush, comfortable beds and spacious, spa-like bathrooms. Floating desks are another major draw for those looking to experience the Big Apple as it bursts back to life. The location is great too, located in a tranquil part of the city that is in close proximity to landmarks like the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, and the Flatiron District. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Read our full hotel review of Mondrian Park Avenue

The Hermitage – Nashville, Tennessee

The grand lobby at Hotel Hermitage in Nashville.
Opulence abounds from the first glimpse of the lobby.

Book The Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville is a little slice of history. There are 122 spacious guest rooms adorned in traditional decor featuring hand-made, custom furniture imported from Europe. The building dates back 110 years and is located a block from the state’s capital, and also served as a home base to both pro and anti-suffrage groups leading to the vote on the 19th amendment that passed in 1920. To honor its role in the landmark vote, the hotel now showcases its private collection of historic artifacts.

The Hermitage also stands out for its spectacular Oak Bar with an impressive fine wine list and premium, hand-crafted cocktails that also pay homage to Nashville’s most prominent Suffrage leaders.

Additionally, there is an exceptional pampered paws program with a pet turn-down service, in-room dining for pets, collars, and leashes, and optional pet walking and pet excursions with a chauffeur — a desirable amenity if you’re traveling with a furry friend. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami – Miami, Florida

Mandarin Oriental, Miami Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group LEAD
Trade the beach for the bay with a stay at the Mandarin in buzzy Brickell.

Book The Mandarin Oriental, Miami

While Miami emerged as a popular destination for eager travelers during the latter part of the pandemic, there are still deals to be found.

Be prepared to swoon over the Mandarin Oriental‘s sweeping downtown views of the Miami skyline, as well as the glittering blue-green Biscayne Bay from the lobby. Located in trendy Brickell, this elegant hotel features a gorgeous infinity pool with its own cafe serving top-quality meals and drinks that go far beyond your usual beach snacks. 

When you’ve retired from the pool, enjoy the hotel’s on-site restaurant or lobby bar and lounge, as well as the full-service luxury spa, hair salon, and state-of-the-art fitness studio. The hotel is close to upscale shops Saks Fifth Avenue, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Coach at Brickell City Centre, as well as The Shops at Mary Brickell Village, which houses a premium cigar shop, among other favorites.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Cape Fahn Hotel – Koh Samui, Thailand

Cape Fahn Hotel - Koh Samui, Thailand
Take exclusivity to the next level with the suite that takes up residence on its own private island.

Book Cape Fahn Hotel, Koh Samui

Villas ranging in size and in view — including bay, ocean and hilltop views — are set at Cape Fahn amongst lush, tropical jungle and foliage.

One of the resort’s most exclusive rooms is in fact its own private island and comes complete with a dedicated pool, two bedrooms, a large living space, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub.

Unique, contemporary decor in soothing tones is par for the course in all of the villas, though, with dangling white linen curtains, wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and accordion doors that make use of the expansive, crystal blue water Choeng Mon Beach views.

This quarantine-free resort, located on the popular and recently reopened Koh Samui island, is bound to be less busy than the previously opened and more popular Phuket, which means you can enjoy the large outdoor swimming pools (including a saltwater pool) almost to yourself. There’s also a sun terrace and a reading room, exclusive only to hotel guests.  

Cape Fahn visitors relish active pursuits like yoga, kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, Thai boxing, and lower impact activities like cooking lessons, movies lit by the moonlight, and even the chance to charter a luxury yacht.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi – Tuscany (Montaione), Italy

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi

Book Castelfalfi

Take in the views of Tuscany from this hilltop luxury estate, which has been developed entirely around a small, medieval Italian village and its surrounding countryside.

Whether you stay in the hotel, housed partly in what was once a tobacco warehouse, or in one of the many stately villas or apartments, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of vineyards, olive groves, a lake, and a crop field. 

There is a wellness center and spa, plus a stunning pool and bar which bask in the bucolic views as well. The resort is also home to Tuscany’s largest championship golf course, split into a 9-hole lakeside course and an 18-hole mountain course for golfers interested in a challenge. 

In addition to ample outdoor offerings, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi is spoiled with four distinct restaurants. One of my all-time favorite dining experiences took place here at La Rocca, an elegant-yet-unfussy restaurant inside a beautifully restored medieval castle. The restaurant excels at serving an impressive feast for the senses, culinary-minded individuals, and for those who appreciate immaculate service.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel – Rome, Italy

A guest room at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Regal rooms come with views over all of Rome.

Book Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

In The Eternal City, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is a stunning property set across 15 acres of pristine greenery with envy-inducing views of Rome and its surrounding landscapes.

Just 20 minutes from the Pantheon and other top attractions, guests here enjoy polished guest rooms and magnificent suites with decidedly Italian finesse, a private Mediterranean park filled with centuries-old pine trees, as well as an eye-catching bronze dolphin fountain.

The many indoor and outdoor glittering blue pools are just as beautiful by night as they are in Rome’s impressive sunlight, which can average between 10-11 hours a day in the summer months.

In the spa, magnificent jetted tubs were designed in the style of a traditional Roman bath and treatments are available within this relaxing retreat, or outdoors in private cabanas amid a lush park.

One of the few five-star luxury hotels that has obtained Green Key certification, Rome Cavalieri is also a “green property” and furthers this cause by offering eco-conscious dining. In collaboration with Slow Food Rome, guests can enjoy a decadent Sunday brunch menu filled with ingredients from local producers, as well as scrumptious raw ingredients. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Langham Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

A guest room at The Langham, Chicago
The Langham is one of Chicago’s leading luxury hotels.

Book the Langham Chicago

As you step inside the Langham‘s stunning lobby with sky-high ceilings, you’ll immediately be swept away by this posh hotel. Each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows as well as modern furnishings and beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. 

A true highlight is the Chuan spa, which embraces centuries-old Chinese healing philosophies with indulgent treatments, alongside a health club and a attractive indoor swimming pool. 

The Langham Club features panoramic views of Chicago and rotating tasty all-day food and beverages, plus a Writer’s Corner with a library and workstations. 

Lean into the pristine vibes with a spot of afternoon tea, which is held in their gleaming Pavillion dining space, or tuck into a lavish meal at Travelle for seasonal American cuisine. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Hotel Lutetia – Paris, France

hotel lutetia
Every corner of Hotel Lutetia is glam, even the bathroom.

Book Hotel Lutetia

Opened in 1910, this historic hotel is famous for being the only luxury “palace” hotel on the city’s Left Bank. It was once haunted by an array of famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse, Josephine Baker, and James Joyce, the latter of whom is said to have written part of “Ulysses” there during his stay. 

In the summer of 2018, it re-opened following a four-year, $234 million restoration and it’s now one of the most exquisite luxury hotels in all of Paris.

While it’s equipped with every modern comfort, the building’s unique blend of art nouveau and art deco styles will surely transport you to turn-of-the-century France. 

There are no less than five fine dining venues, and wellness enthusiasts can book a treatment, steam, or dip in Akasha Spa.

The hotel is also known for its magnificent penthouse suites, which offer the kind of 360 rooftop views over Paris that you usually only see in movies. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort – Orlando, Florida

The pool at Four Season Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World.
The pool has a lazy river, a climbing wall, two water slides, and an interactive splash zone.

Book Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Located just minutes away from Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, this AAA Five Diamond Award-rated resort offers a family-friendly luxury stay.

Kids can play at Explorer Island, a five-acre water park that includes a family pool with a lazy river, a climbing wall, two water slides, and an interactive Splash Zone. 

For parents, there’s a peaceful adults-only serenity pool encircled by swaying palm trees and white cabanas for maximum privacy. An 18-hole golf course, three Har-Tru tennis courts, and spa also offer adults the chance to relax and unwind as the young ones play. In fact, parents can leave children aged 4-12 for as little as an hour and as long as all day at The Kids For All Seasons kids camp, and complimentary luxury transportation is provided to four main Disney Parks. 

On Saturdays, kids can interact with Disney characters at “The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & Pals” character breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Ravello, and watch the fireworks display at night. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

FAQ: cheap hotel deals

How do I find cheap hotel deals?

To find cheap hotel deals, start by checking the rewards offerings of your credit cards and other memberships. Many credit card companies offer incentives to their customers, including exclusive deals, promotions, and room upgrades.

American Express’s Platinum Card offers members a $200 Hotel Credit in the form of an annual statement credit, for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties made within American Express Travel

You should also examine deals from less obvious service providers. For example, most T-Mobile plans come with access to T-Mobile TRAVEL, meaning you can save up to 40% on Booking.com stays and 40% off Priceline rental cars when booking through the site.

Another great way to find cheap hotel deals is to comparison shop using search engines and booking platforms like KAYAK, Travelocity, Trivago, and Priceline. Compare and contrast the posted rates between the platforms, and the hotel’s direct site, to find the best deal and remember to always make sure you are checking the room types being offered before the time of booking so that the deal is a good fit for you and your needs. 

How do I find luxury hotel deals?

Aside from the tips above, one of the best ways to find luxury hotel deals can be to simply open a new browser tab.

Google the names of some of the luxe properties on your wishlist and then click Google’s “Check Availability” button to see the hotel’s future availability and rates in a calendar view to see the cheapest dates. While this rate information is not available for all properties, you’ll be able to see upcoming rates for blocks of dates for most places and plan a trip around the lowest rates available. It’s also a great tool for comparing rates of similar hotels in the same destination. 

Checking a hotel’s website is another great way to learn about packages and discounts. Though they generally have blackout dates, it’s a good option for flexible travelers.

Many hotels offer a free night if you book 3 nights or more, and some offer additional free nights, especially if you’re booking during off-peak times.

A travel agent may also help alert you to the latest deals and promotions at a hotel, as they often track that information for their clients. 

What’s the best place to find last minute luxury hotel deals?

Last minute inventory is a key reason you might find a cheap deal on a luxury hotel. As hotels assess inventory closer to a specific date, they’re able to offer more competitive prices based on a lack of demand.

Hotels.com offers an easy-to-use search engine dedicated to hotel deals, while apps like Hotel Tonight let you see last minute hotel deals based on your location, letting you compare top hotels by rates, neighborhood, and your non-negotiables (hello, hot tub). 

Meanwhile, websites like Roomer Travel will allow you to buy reservations directly from individuals who can no longer use them, meaning you can save big if your dates and preferred luxury hotels align. 

More of the best luxury hotels

Cape Fanwa Hotel in Koh Samui
Read the original article on Business Insider

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