The Most and Least Expensive Five-Star Destinations and How you Holiday for Less

Research by Hoo, the better way to book hotels, has revealed where around the world offers the best hotels at the most affordable prices, as well as revealing the tricks that could help you get an even better rate.

Hoo analysed the nightly room cost of five-star hotels across 32 top travel destinations to find the average cost per night. The most affordable destination for a five-Star stay is currently Indonesia. Hoo’s research found that on average, staying in a five-star hotel comes in at just £140 per night!

Vietnam and Poland are home to the next best bargain room rate for a top-class hotel stay, with the average five-star hotel room costing £148 per night in both countries. At £150 per night, the UAE also ranks high as one of most affordable destinations when looking to stay in five-star hotel luxury.

India (£180), Chile (£198), China (£202), Croatia (£206), Brazil (£213), Australia (£226), Turkey (£234), Germany (£240), Portugal (£248), Saudi Arabia (£257) and Israel (£259) also rank as some of the most affordable.

Bad news for those with their eye on a staycation once lockdown 3.0 is up though. The average cost of a five-star hotel in the UK comes in at a hefty £798 per night. At £836 per night, only Switzerland is home to a higher average five-star cost, with Japan (£795), Austria (£664) and Italy (£610) also amongst the most expensive.

Hoo co-founder, Adrian Murdock, commented:

“Five-star accommodation can differ dramatically in price depending on your destination of choice. However, it’s also important to remember that the classification of a five-star hotel can also differ from one country to the next –  the standard of top hotels can even be different within the same city. Research is key to ensure you find the right place for your stay and reviews can be invaluable when gaining insight into a particular hotel.

Whatever you opt for, the trick to saving even more money is not to commit to the first price you see. All too often we believe that comparison sites and other third party entities are securing us a ‘deal’. This couldn’t be further from the truth and more often than not in order to justify, and maximise, the cut they make from a sale.

To get the very best price for a room, go direct to the hotel to start with. Once they’ve quoted you, don’t be afraid to throw up a counter offer. Push for a cheaper rate, or for upgrades such as a better room or free breakfast, half or full board.

Particularly in the current climate many hotels are struggling and will be more than happy to meet your needs to secure your business. By going direct you also cut out the middle man and as they aren’t paying a hefty fee to platforms such as Booking.com to sell their rooms, they are often happy to pass some of this saving on to you as the consumer.”

Avery Parker