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Cheap five-star hotels: Where you can find them

Affordable luxury hotels are out there – you just have to be willing to look for them.

Affordable luxury hotels are out there – you just have to be willing to look for them. Photo: Getty

The Aussie dollar may be struggling a little against the Trumped-up US currency but Australians can still holiday in style. And if you choose your destination carefully that could be in deluxe five-star style.

The latest Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com reveals that Southeast Asia is again the place to get maximum bang for your buck.

“Southeast Asia dominates the best value list and it’s no wonder due to its proximity for Australian travellers and the fact that money stretches that much further,” says Hotels.com spokesperson, Katherine Cole.

We’re not just talking backpacker digs. The region’s five-star hotels are some of the world’s best and most luxurious and, as Blake Hutchinson from Luxury Escapes says, “with a culture that genuinely appreciates the art of bespoke hospitality”.

The five-star experience extends well beyond the hotel room to everything from the pool bar, to the turn-down service, to the fluffy hotel robes.

Current bucket-list favourite Cambodia offers five-star luxury in historic Siem Reap, while Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines also have amazing deals in capital cities and resort locales.

Don’t forget Australia – consider checking out some of the smaller capital cities.

Five-star hotel hacks

  • Get a deal including breakfast. Five-star hotel breakfasts are usually excellent and will keep you going all day but cost a fortune if you pay at the hotel.
  • Book ahead – early bird rates can be up to 40 per cent cheaper.
  • Join free luxury hotel clubs for possible upgrades and points. 

The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The legendary Majestic Hotel, the original wing in a handsomely restored 1930s heritage building, melds sumptuous art deco and neo-classical style with exceptional service. The orchid conservatory – a glass atrium filled with thousands of blooms ­– historic bar and tea lounge, restaurants and an outdoor pool are some of its other five-star charms. The Majestic is a member of the prestigious ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ collection.

Rooms from $135 per room, per night.

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Sohka Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia

A grand lobby, a lavish salt-water swimming pool overlooking temples with waterfalls, five restaurants and two bars, a meditation room and a full-service spa. How much more luxury do you need? In the heart of Siem Reap, this resort is close to attractions including World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat.

Rooms from $187 per room, per night.

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Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, Thailand

An extravagant destination resort with two gigantic cliffs of suites connected by rope bridges and stunning views across the Gulf of Thailand. The Centara has its own Lost World Waterpark (swimming pools, waterslides and waterfalls), private spa village, seven restaurants and a private beach. Contemporary rooms and a raft of activities make for five-star family fun.

Rooms from $214 per room, per night.

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Indochine Palace, Hue, Vietnam

In the cultural capital of Vietnam, this grand, modern high-rise hotel offers colonial style with French influence, spacious rooms, a swag of dining options, a vast pool and a wellness retreat.

Rooms from $136 per room, per night.

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Skycity Darwin, Northern Territory

This casino, hotel and resort complex in sprawling tranquil gardens means a tropical escape without having to flash your passport. Five restaurants, seven bars,an  infinity pool, a private beach, a 24-hour casino, a fitness centre and a day spa ­– you won’t need to leave the hotel. If you do, Darwin’s CBD is minutes away.

Room from $125 per room, per night.

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Package holidays

Booking a package holiday is another way to savour five-stars and stay within your budget.

“It’s not uncommon for Luxury Escapes to offer a one week stay, with all the trimmings, at one of Bali’s spectacular five-star beachfront hotels for under $1000 for two people, and sometimes even a family,” says Mr Hutchinson.

Prices quoted are per double room per night, inclusive of all fees and taxes, for February 2017. Rates are subject to availability. Minimum stay requirements may apply. Prices may fluctuate due to seasons, changes in taxes, fees and currency.

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