How to Experience Luxury Stays Without the Luxury Price Tag
Want to experience dreamy, high-end accommodations without draining your bank account? I’m all about mixing smart spending with the occasional splurge, and over the years, I’ve learned that you can have luxury without the luxury price tag. Because let’s be real—some places are more than just a bed for the night… they’re part of the adventure.
Travel isn’t only about where you go—it’s about how you feel while you’re there. And sometimes, where you stay is the moment. Like waking up to monkeys swinging outside your window in Thailand, or soaking in a private cliffside hot tub in Norway. These places weren’t just pretty—they were unforgettable. The good news? You don’t need to be rich or rack up debt to have these kinds of experiences. You just need a strategy.
My Go-To Tips for Scoring Luxe Stays Without the Luxe Price Tag
Over the years, I’ve discovered how to score jaw-dropping stays—think cliffside suites in Peru, beachfront resorts in Thailand, and dreamy bungalows in Vietnam—all without blowing my entire budget. These tried-and-true tips come straight from my own travels, helping me elevate my experiences while keeping things affordable.
From choosing destinations where your currency stretches further, to booking super early or last-minute, traveling in the off-season, staying midweek, and exploring just outside the hotspots—you’ll also learn why booking direct, using points and rewards, opting for longer stays, and considering alternative accommodations can make a huge difference.
Let’s dive into how you can use these strategies to enjoy luxe stays without the luxe price tag.
Choose Destinations Where Your Currency Goes Further
Trang An Lamia Bungalow - Vietnam
Traveling to countries where the US dollar is strong can seriously stretch your budget—in the best way. Places like Mexico, Portugal, Vietnam, and Morocco offer stunning luxury stays for a fraction of what you'd pay back home. You get to experience beautiful accommodations, delicious food, and rich culture without the high price tag. One of my favorite examples of this was Trang An Lamia Bungalow, a hidden gem tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh, Vietnam. You can book this place for as low as $25 a night.. How wild is that?! It just goes to show, you don’t need a massive budget to stay somewhere memorable. If this is what $25 gets you, imagine the dreamy spots you could score for $100 a night!
This cozy, family-run stay had everything: a charming private bungalow, an outdoor shower, a refreshing pool, and a small restaurant where the family cooked and served incredible meals. During dinner, their kids played nearby, adding to the warm, welcoming vibe that made us feel right at home. The owner’s kindness made the experience even more special. He lent us a motorbike for free and even gave us a hand-drawn map of local attractions to explore. It was the perfect blend of hospitality, comfort, and authenticity. Supporting a local family while soaking up such a memorable and meaningful stay? That’s the kind of travel I’ll never stop chasing.
Book Super Early (or Last-Minute)
Agafay Luxury Camp - Morocco
Some places reward early birds with the best rates, while others offer deep last-minute discounts to fill empty rooms. It pays to check both ends of the calendar—you might be surprised by the deals you find. For my stay, I booked very early to avoid price hikes during high demand, and visiting during the off-season saved me even more money. I sometimes get lucky with last-minute bookings too—like two or three days before a trip. Yeah, it’s a little crazy, but sometimes it actually works out! That said, I wouldn’t rely on it too much. There’s definitely a reason why more organized travelers tend to save more money. Honestly, that’s just not me all the time—but when it comes together, it’s a sweet win.
Agafay Luxury Camp in Morocco was an incredible experience from start to finish. From riding camels through the desert to enjoying live music during a traditional dinner, every moment was unforgettable. The beautiful pool was the perfect spot to relax, and the glamping tent offered a unique yet comfortable way to stay right in the heart of the desert. With stunning sunsets and the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility, Agafay Luxury Camp allowed me to fully immerse myself in Morocco’s rich culture—creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel in the Off-Season
Skip the crowds and avoid the steep price hikes by traveling during shoulder or off-seasons. Doing so can dramatically cut your accommodation costs—and the experience is often more relaxed and authentic. Think Norway in winter or Portugal in early fall—absolute perfection. That’s exactly what I did when planning my trip to Norway. While many shy away from cold destinations in winter, I absolutely love it; there’s something so peaceful and beautiful about a landscape completely covered in snow. Traveling to Norway during the winter also made it easier to book last-minute stays without paying busy-season prices.
Hattvika Lodge -Norway
One of my all-time favorite places to stay is Hattvika Lodge , nestled in the stunning Lofoten Islands of Norway right by the ocean. It’s the perfect base for exploring this incredible region. The lodge serves an amazing breakfast featuring traditional fish liver oils, and on-site amenities include a cozy restaurant, sauna, hot tub, and breathtaking views in every direction. One of the most unforgettable moments of our stay was witnessing the Northern Lights for the first time—an experience that truly took my breath away.
Stay Midweek
Book your luxury stays in the middle of the week. Weekends are prime time (and prime-priced), but if you stay Tuesday through Thursday, even the most luxurious spots become much more budget-friendly. Trust me, midweek stays are one of the best-kept secrets for affordable luxury. Take Bay Point Landing, for example: during peak season, I saved almost $100 by booking midweek instead of a Friday or Saturday. I really wanted to stay there without paying full price, so I planned my visit right in the middle of the week and it paid off!
Bay Point Landing - Oregon
I’ve always wanted to stay here. My love for tiny homes and Scandinavian design runs deep, which is why I was drawn to Bay Point Landing—a modern camping and lodging destination on the Oregon Coast in Coos Bay. This charming retreat features beautifully designed tiny homes and sleek Airstream suites, offering a fun and cozy experience. With amenities like s’mores and firewood delivered right to your door, ocean views, a saltwater indoor pool, workout and game rooms, a dog washing station, and an on-site food truck, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re after a peaceful escape or a fun family adventure, Bay Point Landing has everything you need to disconnect and be in nature.
Stay Just Outside the Hotspots
Vertical Sky Luxury Suites - Peru
Try to avoid staying downtown when visiting cities and look for accommodations outside the busiest areas to save more money. You’re paying for convenience and proximity, so the farther you are from the city center, the more likely you’ll find better prices. Plus, staying a bit outside can lead to more authentic and peaceful experiences away from the crowds.
A drive away from the main tourist hubs can save you a ton—and lead to charming, unexpected finds. In Peru, staying just outside Ollantaytambo gave me a peaceful retreat with views I’ll never forget. While the place was a bit tricky to reach, it was absolutely worth it. This was an exception to the usual rule that the farther you are from town, the cheaper it gets—I paid for this specific unique experience of staying on the side of a mountain! Still, we saved money by staying here midweek and visiting during the off-season.
Vertical Sky Luxury Suites was hands down the most mind-blowing location I’ve ever stayed at. Hidden just outside Ollantaytambo, we were literally perched on the side of a cliff—talk about a one in a lifetime experience! Getting there was half the fun: a car ride from town followed by an ATV trek up the mountain. Once we arrived, we enjoyed a meal with jaw-dropping views of the valley below. But the thrill didn’t stop there—we geared up with climbing equipment and were guided down into our luxury suite like true mountaineers! I won’t lie, sleeping was a bit wild knowing I was hundreds of feet above the ground, held only by steel and glass.. But I’d do it all over again without hesitation. The additional experiences provided were unforgettable, from a restaurant overlooking the stunning valley to adrenaline-pumping activities like via ferrata, ziplining, and crossing a suspension bridge. Absolute bucket-list stuff!
Book Direct or Reach Out Personally
Little Owl Cabin - Washington
Skip the middleman and save by messaging Airbnb hosts or boutique hotels directly—especially for longer stays—or by searching for their personal website. Booking direct often means better prices for you and more profit for the host, making it a total win-win. That’s exactly how I booked the Little Owl Cabin in Washington, a cozy A-frame just outside Mt. Rainier National Park.
This cabin, a Pacific Northwest staple, was perfectly located for outdoor adventures and the ideal spot to unwind after a day of hiking. We relaxed by the fire pit, listening to crackling wood and the distant roar of a waterfall. With an outdoor fireplace, porch swings, multiple beds, and even a wooden hot tub, it struck the perfect balance between comfort and nature—an unforgettable escape that felt both cozy and magical..
Use Points and Rewards
L'AND Vineyards - Portugal
If you’re not earning travel points through credit cards or loyalty programs yet, now’s the time. I’ve stayed in five-star resorts and many international flights entirely with points—and nothing feels better than traveling in luxury for free. I did all of the with my Capital One Venture X Card, two other cards that are great for points are Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and The Platinum Card from American Express. You get generous sign-up bonuses that can cover stays and more. I highly recommend these cards if you travel frequently or are just starting to build your travel rewards.
This stay was on the pricier side, though I did use points from my Capital One to cover half of it. L'AND Vineyards is the epitome of luxury. From the indoor and outdoor pools to the incredible sauna and spa, every detail was designed for relaxation. The moonroof above the bed, and of course, the wine straight from their vineyard, made it all the more special. It was the perfect place to unwind toward the end of our Portugal adventure. While L'AND Vineyards is about 30 minutes outside of Évora and its location isn’t the most central, it truly felt like a wellness retreat. Upon arrival, we were treated to a fruit platter, a dessert platter, brandy, and a bottle of their wine in the room—such a thoughtful touch! Also, I was absolutely obsessed with the architecture of the place—it was stunning! Every angle seemed to have been crafted with care, making it not just a stay, but an experience in itself.
Book Longer Stays for Discounts
Centara Grand Beach Resort - Thailand
Many hotels and Airbnb hosts offer great discounts for longer stays—sometimes even if you’re just staying a couple of nights. If your schedule’s flexible, extending your stay can lower your nightly rate and give you a more relaxed travel pace. We stayed here for just two nights and scored a slight discount for booking more than one, check on their website if they provide multiple night discounts—or call it never hurts to ask!
This was also my first time staying at a beach resort, and Centara Grand Beach Resort absolutely delivered. I wanted something peaceful and private for our honeymoon, and this place checked every box. We arrived by boat to a secluded bay, where the resort greeted us with its own private beach, hiking trails (with monkey sightings!), multiple pools, and a dreamy spa. Our room had an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the ocean, pure magic. With four restaurants on-site and little touches like signs reminding us to lock the doors from those cheeky monkeys, it felt thoughtful, fun, and completely unforgettable.
Consider Alternative Stays
Kingshouse - Scotland
Not every unforgettable stay needs a five-star price tag. Boutique hotels, guesthouses, or rooms with shared amenities like bathrooms can offer beautiful design, great service, and prime locations—without breaking the bank. Kingshouse had a connected bunkhouse for backpackers and solo travelers, but they still had full access to the main hotel’s amenities like the bar, restaurant, and common areas. It was such a smart setup.
If you’re open-minded and care more about the experience than the square footage, alternative stays like this can stretch your budget while still giving you all the perks.Some of my most memorable travel moments have come from places that were full of character, charm, and unforgettable people—unique stays that felt anything but ordinary.
This location was everything—tucked right in the heart of Glencoe’s wild countryside and steps from some of the best hiking trails, including the legendary West Highland Way. Kingshouse was the perfect cozy escape on a rainy day, offering the kind of peace and quiet that makes you instantly exhale. We even squeezed in a crisp autumn walk on the trail behind the hotel after breakfast—pure magic.
Yes, the hotel leans pricier, but don’t count it out if you're trying to save money. You can still soak up the experience by booking a spot in their bunkhouse, a more affordable option that’s super popular with backpackers. Same incredible views, same great location—a little less likely to break the bank.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my latest stays—I'm always on the lookout for my next unique stay.