Let’s let you in on a little secret…Luxury travel can be affordable! It may sound too good to be true, but there are plenty of ways to experience luxury without paying an exorbitant price.
From epic resorts to extravagant activities, IHG Hotels & Resorts shares six tips on the best way to have fun “luxury life” for less.
1. Stay in Less “tourist” City areas
If you’re looking for a luxury vacation but don’t want to break the budget, explore a stay off the beaten track (which is still close to all the major attractions, of course). Take Quito, Ecuador, for example, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can visit the equator and be in both hemispheres at once! The Holiday Inn Quito Airport puts you just 45 minutes from the equator and after a long day exploring the city, head back to the hotel, which offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Andes while relaxing in the outdoor heated pool with hydromassage.
For a Canadian getaway full of nature, the Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South is located between Edmonton and Calgary, making it easy to travel throughout Red Deer and surrounding cities. This convenient location puts you near Alberta’s beautiful Rocky Mountains where you can go hiking and biking. Upon returning to the hotel, take advantage of the swimming pool with a waterslide and the award-winning restaurant on the property, Boulevard Restaurant & Lounge, which features contemporary Asian cuisine through “Canada chopped” Winner, Chef Pete Sock.
2. Become your own tour guide and explore local points of interest
Spending time exploring local hotspots on your own is a great way to make the most of your weekend budget. Many IHG hotels, such as Hotel Indigo Sarasota offers free bike rentals so you can easily discover and immerse yourself in the different neighborhoods. The Rosemary District of Sarasota is just steps away from one of the world’s most beautiful beaches on Siesta Key, where you can get local fare at the farmers’ market downtown, or sail across the Ringling Bridge to St. Armand’s Circle. After a day filled with exploration, enjoy a moment of research and development with a dip in the hotel’s spa-inspired hot and cold pools surrounded by lush greenery or check out the hotel’s stunning murals that tell more of the neighborhood’s story.
3. Traveling with a group
Traveling with family or a group of friends can increase your savings. Look for lodgings that can accommodate large groups, like our Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts. For our beach lovers, we recommend Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort in Marco Island, Florida. This luxurious retreat features spacious villas for up to eight people with premium amenities complete with fully equipped kitchens, luxurious furnishings, and personalized concierge services. Plus, with a no-entry pool, a free shuttle to the beach, an activity center for kids, and proximity to several restaurants, there’s plenty of activities on Marco Island for the whole group to experience. With its unique location between Naples and the Everglades, Marco Island offers the ultimate holiday adventure with beautiful white sandy beaches and an abundance of outdoor activities from airboat tours in the Everglades to kayaking or fishing in Collier Seminole State Park.
4. Take advantage of the built-in utilities
The amenities are at the highest level, anyone? From relaxing spas to fine dining, don’t miss the amenities or experiences included on the property to easily enjoy affordable luxury. Our favorite amenities at Staybridge Suites Bangkok Thonglor onsen includes its Japanese onsen (a natural hot spring bath), sky pool with jacuzzi overlooking Thonglar Road (known as Bangkok’s liveliest area), sauna and gym. For experiences geared toward family fun, we recommend the Holiday Inn Ho Tram Beach Resort, located in one of Vietnam’s top beach destinations, the Grand Ho Tram Strip. Be sure to check out the range of facilities, including entertainment venues with restaurants and specialty bars, a gourmet food court, on-site spa, and a pool. The property also features Holiday Inn’s signature Holiday Inn suites, which feature an extra welcome gift for children, themed décor and bunk beds.
For travelers looking for the best of the essentials at a great value, you can’t go wrong with choosing craving hotels. The brand focuses on providing a great night’s sleep complete with dark roller shades and sound-cutting features, modern design, and friendly service, plus a high-quality breakfast including fresh bean-to-cup coffee. A sparkling water machine. If you’re in South Florida, check out the thirsty Ft Lauderdale Airport – a cruise just minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, and I-95.
5. Off-season travel
One of the easiest ways to take a luxury vacation on a budget is to travel during the off season. You will not only save money, but also avoid large crowds of tourists – win, win! One of the popular getaways that you can have a lot during a recession is Holiday inn waikiki beachcomber resort. Located near Waikki Beach, this Polynesian-style resort features guest rooms with furnished balconies and ocean views, plus kids stay and eat free. Things are also heating up in the hotel in the evening with “Polynesian night magic” Dinner show featuring dancers and con artists at an on-site art theatre. The Holiday Inn Express Waikiki is a budget-friendly option near Waikki Beach. The hotel offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Kolawe Mountains, and the Waikiki skyline, as well as a pool with private cabanas. Make sure to check out 5y Ground floor from the sky featuring a 9-hole mini golf course, shuffleboard, giant chess, ping-pong and foosball.
If the beach isn’t for you, why not go to the mountain instead? The Holiday Inn Vancouver Center is a great choice for those looking for a luxury hotel that still fits the budget and offers stunning views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its central location brings you close to all that Vancouver has to offer from Rogers Arena – home of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team – to the popular shopping district, Granville Island.
6. Redeem IHG One Rewards points
To start your next booking “Luxury for less” trip, visit ihg.com.
About IHG®
IHG . Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, aiming to provide true hospitality for the best.
With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the largest hotel loyalty programs in the world, IHG has more than 6,000 hotels open in more than 100 countries, and 1,800 in development.
- Luxury and lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo
- Expensive: Voco Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels
- The basics: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Hungry Hotels
- wings: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the holding company of the group and is registered and registered in England and Wales. Globally, approximately 350,000 people work in IHG’s corporate hotels and offices.
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