Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index has identified the top 10 destinations where you can enjoy a five-star stay on a budget – with some high-end options available from as little as £70 a night
The top 10 destinations offering five-star stays on a budget have been revealed. Despite unpredictable travel costs, securing a luxury holiday without breaking the bank is entirely achievable – with high-end range accommodation available for as low as £70.
The findings from Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index drew on internal booking information and a worldwide survey of 11,000 travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and South Korea.
Travel expert and spokesperson Melanie Fish said: “Travellers may be feeling the squeeze, but they’re also getting smarter. “With increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may be dominating the conversation, but hotel prices are where travellers are making real trade-offs.”
The research revealed that luxury breaks in Croatia, Estonia, Zaragoza, Spain and Bulgaria can also be enjoyed for less than £150 a night.
The Index also uncovered other affordable yet indulgent alternatives destinations, including stays in Wrocław, Poland (£120), Tirana, Albania (£130) and Riga, Latvia (£130). Five-star accommodation can be found in the UK as well – with options in Brighton (£115), Cornwall (£135) and Liverpool (£170).
Alongside identifying 10 of the most budget-friendly destinations, the research highlighted 10 notable locations that have experienced significant price reductions over the past year – including Loire, France (down 32%) and Edmonton, Canada (down 31%).
Additional destinations include St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (down 30%), Dortmund, Germany (down 21%) and Turin, Italy (also down 21%).
Surprisingly, the findings showed that booking last minute can actually save money, with hotel rates up to 26% cheaper when reserving closer to your departure date. For those seeking to reduce expenses even further, the data revealed prices are 14% lower for Sunday stays – with Saturdays proving the most costly.
Escaping in January delivers the best value, while the second week of July commands the highest rates – domestically at least.
Hotels.com’s global study, conducted through OnePoll, also disclosed what tops everyone’s luxury dream wish list – a hot tub with a view (44%) followed by a penthouse suite (41%).
When questioned about what defines a genuinely luxurious hotel experience, exceptional food at the hotel (31%), a room with a view (30%) and premium in-room amenities (28%) emerged as the top priorities.
TEN OF THE CHEAPEST FIVE-STAR STAYS ABROAD:
- Nha Trang, Vietnam (£70)
- Zaragoza, Spain (£120)
- Wrocław, Poland (£120)
- Tirana, Albania (£130)
- Riga, Latvia (£130)
- Zagreb, Croatia (£130)
- Sofia, Bulgaria (£135)
- Heraklion (Crete), Greece (£135)
- Tallinn, Estonia (£140)
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (£140)
TEN OF THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL PRICE DROPS YEAR-ON-YEAR:
- Loire, France (-32%)
- Edmonton, Canada (-31%)
- St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (-30%)
- Dortmund, Germany (-21%)
- Turin, Italy (-21%)
- Kassandra (Khalkidhiki) Greece (-21%)
- Agrigento (Sicily), Italy (-21%)
- Montego Bay, Jamaica (-18%)
- Cancun, Mexico (-16%)
- Dominica (-13%)





