From 280 NIS a Night: The Places Where a Five-Star Stay Is Still Surprisingly Affordable

A new report from hotel booking giant Hotels.com reveals the destinations where travelers can still enjoy a luxury vacation at surprisingly low prices. Based on search data, bookings and actual hotel rates, the report points to a range of cities and destinations where a five-star stay is still far more accessible than many people assume.

The report, titled "Hotel Price Index 2026," is based on Hotels.com's booking data and a survey of more than 11,000 travelers. Beyond hotel prices, it also examines travelers' booking habits in an era when vacations are becoming more expensive. According to the findings, many travelers are looking for ways to save through flexible dates, choosing less well-known destinations and booking their vacations more strategically.

According to the report, the cheapest destination in the world for a five-star hotel stay is Nha Trang in Vietnam, an emerging coastal city with a long beachfront, modern hotel towers and a tropical sea-and-mountain landscape. The average price listed in the report, about 280 shekels a night.

Several lesser-known European cities that may be unfamiliar to many Israeli travelers appear next on the list, but they could prove to be very worthwhile alternatives for a luxurious city break. In Zaragoza, Spain, and Wrocław, Poland, the average price for a five-star hotel night is about 480 shekels. In Tirana, Albania, Riga, Latvia, and Zagreb, Croatia, the average price is about 520 shekels a night. In Sofia, Bulgaria, and Heraklion, Crete, the price is about 540 shekels a night, and Tallinn, Estonia, and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic round out the top 10, with an average price of about 560 shekels a night.

What most of the destinations on the list have in common is that they are not the first places that come to mind when thinking about a luxury holiday. It is דווקא there, far from popular destinations like Paris, Rome, London or Amsterdam, that travelers can find high-end hotels at much lower prices.

For Israelis, the standout name on the list is Heraklion in Crete, a relatively close destination with convenient flights in season, beaches, good food and the option to combine a luxurious hotel stay with short trips around the island.

Impulsive? You may have saved money

According to the report, one of the keys to saving is spontaneity. Booking less than a week before arrival may be about 26% cheaper on average than booking more than four months in advance. This is not necessarily suitable for every trip, especially for families, holidays or peak season, but for those who can be flexible, it is a significant gap.

The day of arrival at the hotel also affects the price. According to the hotel booking giant, the most economical day to check in is Sunday, starting a stay on Sunday can be about 14% cheaper than starting on Saturday, which is often considered the most expensive day.

In addition, January was identified as the most economical month to book hotels, while the second week of July is considered one of the most expensive periods of the year.

Still, it is important to remember that star ratings are not uniform around the world. A five-star hotel in Vietnam, Poland or Albania will not necessarily offer the same experience as a comparable hotel in Paris or Dubai. Before booking just because of the five stars, it is worth checking recent guest ratings, real photos, the location, the cancellation policy and exactly what the price includes.

Melanie Fish, a tourism expert and spokesperson for Hotels.com, summed it up this way, "Travelers may feel the pressure, but they are also getting smarter." According to her, travelers can save up to 26% when they book closer to their vacation date, begin their stay on Sundays, or choose destinations off the beaten path, where five-star hotels can still offer strong value for money.