The world’s cheapest five-star hotels that are actually worth staying at

The world’s cheapest five-star hotels – and the ones actually worth staying at – have been revealed. Emma Beaumont weighs in on the most affordable luxury accommodation on the planet.

It’s what every discerning traveller wants: to stay at the most luxurious hotel for the lowest possible price. But in an age when $2000-a-night rooms have become alarmingly normalised, securing a reasonable rate can seem almost impossible.

But comparison website Which? has taken the opportunity to reveal the cheapest five-star hotels in 76 countries around the globe. The consumer watchdog checked peak-season rates for thousands of hotels and found a resort in Vietnam with a private beach to be the cheapest overall at just $45 per night. Of course, there is no universally accepted definition of a five-star hotel and classifications vary between countries. To help ensure quality, Which? excluded any properties that were rated below 8/10 by Hotels.com users, and those with limited facilities.

Other bargains included a spa hotel in Hungary, set in a 10-hectare park close to a lake, for $210. Britain’s least expensive five-star was declared to be the independent Roseate in Reading, which offers rooms from $279. Of course, some destinations are so expensive that even the cheapest five-star hotel will set you back considerably – the Reykjavik Edition, for instance, which came in at $1338 (although rates in low season start from $785).

But five stars and a bargain rate do not necessarily guarantee a fabulous stay. We’ve combed through the list for you to find the ones our experts around the world recommend.

1. Nobis Hotel

Stockholm, Sweden

Scandinavia is notoriously expensive, so this hotel stands out in the Swedish capital. You can’t get more central than its location in the square of Norrmalmstorg, in the Östermalm shopping district. The two historic buildings that make up the hotel date from the 1800s, with original features such as wooden staircases and stone floors. These combine with modern Scandi design staples such as oversized paper lamps and natural materials. Contrastingly, the Gold Bar has gold-plated walls and ceiling while the 201 bedrooms have Carrara marble bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant, Noi, serves modern European cuisine family-style, with lots to share, and has become a popular destination for locals.

Doubles from $353 per night.

2. The Roseate Reading

Berkshire, England

Reading might not be the most glamorous of locations, but thanks to the Elizabeth Line, it’s now a very viable place to stay while visiting London – at a fraction of the cost of a London hotel. The Roseate is only a six-minute walk from Reading railway station, meaning you can be at Paddington in half an hour. The hotel’s main Grade II-listed building dates back to 1911, when it was used by lawyers working for Berkshire County Council. Elements of its former life can still be seen: the original wood panelling remains, as do the cornice mouldings, marble floor and vast fireplaces. Relax in the small spa, which has a sauna and steam room.

Doubles from $279 per night.

3. The Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel

Larnaca, Cyprus

There’s great value to be found in Cyprus. This adults-only beach hotel has a boutique feel, with quirky objets d’art and 51 rooms, plus two suites. The bar serves artfully presented canapés with pre-dinner cocktails; guests can then enjoy the likes of pistachio lamb rack or sautéed seafood drizzled with lemon liqueur in the restaurant. A nearby fitness centre with an indoor pool is available for guests to use free of charge.

Doubles from $318 per night.

4. The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

Aberdeen, Scotland

This Victorian country house, set in extensive manicured grounds, has attracted royalty, politicians and celebrities over the years. It’s located outside of the city centre, cocooned by 4.5 hectares of woodland and mature gardens. The privately owned hotel offers classic, traditional hospitality across its 38 spacious rooms and suites, along with modern comforts such as a spa. Dinner is served in the Conservatory restaurant and the local, seafood-heavy menu is a delight. The Drawing Room bar and lounge features deep armchairs and sofas where afternoon tea, aperitifs and digestifs are taken.

Doubles from $423.

5. Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort

Bel Ombre, Mauritius

This all-suite hotel located on a quiet but narrow stretch of sandy beach in the foothills of the Black River Gorges National Park is a great choice for honeymooners. A bridge over the river leads from the lobby to the sea, past a central infinity pool with muslin-draped cabanas set in tropical gardens scattered with hammocks. The property is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and rooms come with butler service. There are two pools – one heated in winter – and a spa, along with heaps of activities, from kitesurfing and golf to yoga and cooking classes.

Doubles from $471. 

6. Voco St David’s

Cardiff, Wales

This sail-topped hotel is a class act in Cardiff Bay. It has knockout views across the water to Penarth, while tides seep into rooms via colour and motif. The restaurant riffs creatively on fresh Welsh produce, while the spa is among the country’s best, with a hydrotherapy pool and nature-inspired treatments.

A 20-acre wetlands reserve sits next door to the hotel, a peaceful place to wander at sunset. Interiors are impressive: the curved cobalt-blue atrium spirals into white as it rises all the way to the seventh floor – internal balconies on each floor create an illusion of expanding space. Although Which? found peak-season rates of $622, rooms in low season start from just $287.

Doubles from $287. 

7. Avani Deira

Dubai, UAE

In a city known for gold-plated glamour and hotels shaped like superyachts, finding affordable accommodation may seem tricky. However, away from the high-priced Palm Jumeirah artificial islands are a number of good-value hotels such as Avani Deira, which is close to Dubai Creek in one of the city’s older neighbourhoods. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool and an Arabic restaurant serving freshly caught fish. The Avani chain has built up a reputation for reasonable and reliable mid-luxury.

Doubles from $202.

8. Grand Hotel Continental Bucuresti

Bucharest, Romania

This 19th-century property in a smart area of the Romanian capital was described by Which? as one of the most impressive hotels on its list. There’s a noble, nostalgic air to the 59-room Continental, which was carefully furnished with pieces sourced from top auction houses. In the fine-dining restaurant, expect silverware, candelabras, Baroque furniture and waistcoated waiters. Attentive concierges and a spa (with hot tub and sauna) seal the deal. Bucharest remains one of Europe’s affordable capitals, and deals at smart chains such as JW Marriott and the Intercontinental can be found for a little more than $200.

Doubles from $179.

This story originally appeared in The Telegraph UK