Affordable luxury: boutique hotels for every budget

Booking a boutique hotel needn’t always break the bank. With a wealth of affordably priced boutique hotels around the world starting from as little as US$100 per night, here are 15 luxury properties without the luxury price-tag…

Budget: $100-$150 per night

The Majestic Malacca, Malaysia

Set in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Majestic Malacca designed to echo the multi-cultural history and culture of Malacca. Reflecting a mélange of Eastern and Western cultures, every aspect of the property is a fusion of ancient elements and imprints from around the world – including original porcelain flooring, intricate artwork, antiques, teakwood fittings and use of beautiful silks. Guests can try their hand at making their own gin-based drinks using the hotel’s colonial-style cocktail cabinet in the lobby, and indulge in a refreshing cucumber aloe wrap at the Spa Village Malacca. Rooms start from just $106 per night.

Arima Hotel, Spain

Championing a ‘live green, love green’ philosophy, this eco-friendly hotel puts eco credentials at its core – from clean energy systems to a vegan tasting menu inspired by locally-grown ingredients. Rising above the treetops of the Miramón Forest, Arima Hotel blends beautifully with its leafy landscape featuring a neutral colour palette of wood, stone and iron. If you want to swap forest views for a little sea air, the sandy beaches of San Sebastián are within easy distance, or seek out one of the city’s many lively Pintxos bars to sample traditional Basque tapas. Rooms start from just $129 per night.

Ovolo The Valley Brisbane, Australia

Located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s ultra-hip entertainment district, Ovolo The Valley Brisbane creatively combines urban cool and popular culture in its stylishly statement suites – think plush velvet, pops of colour, and one-of-a-kind artwork. Favouring an access-all-areas approach to luxury, free self-service laundry, gym access, in-room mini bar, lute bag and WiFi are included in every stay. Rooms start from just $148 per night.

Budget: $150-$200 per night

Hidden Hills Villas, Bali

Tucked away in the peak beauty of Uluwatu, the one-of-a-kind hilltop residences of Hidden Hills Villas rewrite the rules of the boutique hotel experience. You won’t find set mealtimes, restaurants or the usual common areas. Instead, chefs grill just-caught fish in your villa, while your butler will bring you a mixologist-made cocktail – whenever and wherever you fancy. The individually designed villas take inspiration from China, Java, the Mediterranean and, of course, Bali – each has its own distinct personality, and a tropical jungle backdrop. Villas start from $191 per night.

Aleenta Resort & Spa Hua Hin, Thailand

This beachfront collection of villas nestled in a tropical paradise are surrounded by sand, sea and swaying palms – some come with pretty thatched roofs and rooftop decking, whilst others feature their own private plunge pools just steps from the sea. Life at Aleenta Resort & Spa Hua Hin is all about relaxation, from lying in a hammock overlooking Paknampran Bay to enjoying an enlightening Vinyasa Yoga class. Suites start from $193 per night.

Budget: $200-$250 per night

Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, Italy

This beautifully restored 17th-century monastery is set in picturesque grounds of secular trees and olive groves at the foot of Foce Mountain, within walking distance of the historic centre of Gubbio. Cleverly contrasting the classical with the contemporary, the diverse works of art throughout Park Hotel ai Cappuccini are an inspired mix of 15th-century frescoes, Renaissance paintings and Flemish tapestries with modern sculptures and posters. Rooms start from $201 per night.

Susafa, Sicily

Step back in time to experience rural life at its most authentic at Susafa, a 200-year-old Sicilian farmhouse sitting within a blissful family-run estate. Rooms are rustic yet refined, with exposed beams and brick softened by artisan textiles. Every inch of this bucolic bolthole celebrates the beauty of nature, from drizzling organic oil made from olives pressed on the estate, to strolling through orchards of cherry trees which guests can help harvest in June each year. Rooms start from $206 per night.

Lumiares Hotel and Spa, Portugal

Watch Lisbon‘s bohemian Bairro Alto district come to life from the comfort of the Lumi Rooftop Bar at Lumiares Hotel and Spa, a chic city retreat where old-meets-new. Inside you’ll find blush tones, bold patterns, and brushed gold lights alongside authentic Portuguese detailing, whilst this hotel’s hilltop position gives guests wonderful views of the capital. Rooms start from $229 per night.

Nira Caledonia, Scotland

Comprising two magnificent Georgian townhouses in the heart of Edinburgh, Nira Caledonia is a quirky blend of architectural grandeur and modern interior design. Rooms and suites are bright, airy, and eclectically furnished, some with floor-to-ceiling sash windows that flood the rooms with light. Settle down to a superb selection of single malt whiskey in the bar after wandering the capital’s cobbled streets, with Princes Street just a ten-minute walk away. Rooms start from $244 per night.

Budget: $250-$300 per night

The Fish Hotel, UK

This quirky countryside collection of houses, huts and hideaways set within the postcard-worthy Farncombe Estate is made for laid-back luxury breaks. Surrounded by quintessential Cotswolds views, The Fish Hotel blends classic country styling with Scandi chic design. Every detail has been thought of at this back-to-nature bolthole, from the bootroom filled with grab-and-go wellies and illustrated maps of local walks, to a ‘dunk-your-dog’ bathtub to save your suite from muddy paws. Rooms start from $260 per night.

S Hotel Jamaica, Caribbean

Soak up some of the best views in Jamaica from the top-floor lounges and sun decks at S Hotel Jamaica, where cocktail sipping and ocean dipping are the order of the day. Inside, the rooms are designed to refresh and relax, combining crisp white, dark oak and wicker with breath-taking ocean views. Over at the pool, enticing smells of locally-inspired food (from curries to cakes) fill the bar and grill – a reminder of the culinary treats Montego Bay is renowned for. Rooms start from $260 per night.