5 US Cities With the Most Affordable 5-Star Hotels in 2025
Staying at a five-star hotel is a luxurious experience. You get to enjoy top-of-the-line amenities ranging from high-quality sheets to access to high-end, on-site spas, and little touches throughout your stay that elevate your whole trip. The only downside is the typically high price you'll pay to get that hotel key.
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However, some U.S. cities have five-star hotels with nightly rates that won't leave you with too much sticker shock. A new Hotels.com report found the cities with the most affordable five-star hotels, and in all of these locations, the average rate is under $400 a night.
Here's a look at the U.S. cities where you can find the most affordable five-star hotels this year.
Average 5-star hotel rate: $287 a night
Find Out:
Average 5-star hotel rate: $340 a night
Average 5-star hotel rate: $341 a night
Average 5-star hotel rate: $361 a night
Average 5-star hotel rate: $386 a night
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 US Cities With the Most Affordable 5-Star Hotels in 2025
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Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
I Stayed at Palm Beach's Most Instagrammed Hotel—Here's What It Was Really Like
I Stayed at Palm Beach's Most Instagrammed Hotel—Here's What It Was Really Like originally appeared on Parade. When I pulled up to the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, I knew that I'd found the perfect hotel that seamlessly mirrored my personality and overall vibe. The striking architectural design and aesthetically pleasing pale pink facade signaled to my senses that I'd finally found my happy place. As I stepped inside the super luxe lobby, every stress melted away. I was instantly transported to a pink paradise that would be my home away from home for the next three days. Popular for girls' trips, bachelorette weekends, and die-hard Barbiecore fans who dream of staying in a pink hotel, this boutique property reigns supreme. It looks like something right out of Kristin Wiig's comedy-drama series Palm Royale, which is set in luxurious Palm Beach. Related: Before I could even sit down to check in (more on that later), the de Gournay mural on the walls of the property's Living Room stopped me in my tracks. My eyes lit up in delight as I marveled at the hand-painted masterpiece that covered the entire lobby. Flanked by floral-patterned couches and pastel upholstered chairs, the whimsical motif is the focal point. With flamingos sporting pearl necklaces and bedazzled monkeys sitting in trees of a lush garden, it's hard not to be captivated by the brilliant artistry. I was only pulled out of my trance when I saw the host gesture for me to start the check-in process. As an experienced travel writer, hotels are like my second home. From small, budget-friendly accommodations to sprawling, extravagant estates, I've stayed in and reviewed countless properties around the world. Also, as someone who enjoys documenting my travels and creating online content, I'm in-the-know about the most Instagrammable places around the globe and where to take those coveted IG-worthy shots. What's more, I've written about why business owners should prioritize making their spaces visually appealing and social media-friendly. From check-in to check-out, it's my responsibility to gather all the facts and details so I can share them with curious, discerning readers. The first thing that I noticed during check-in was the well-dressed staff. The women wore gorgeous, rose-colored satin dresses and the men donned light-colored, linen suits. The dresses were the prettiest, most flattering hotel uniforms I'd ever seen. It's only fitting for such a stunning, detail-oriented hotel. The moment you step onto the property, you'll notice the hospitality is unmatched. Bellmen rushed to take my bags as I approached. 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While dining or flipping through magazines poolside, you just might spot vintage-loving celebrities like Kelsey Grammer or Coco Rocha, who are known to frequent the property. The legendary hotel has a long history of being a hotspot for stars and Palm Beach socialites that dates to the 1950s. Some of its famous past guests include Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Lena Horne, to name a few. Drinks and cocktails are always flowing in the Living Room, located in the lobby. This is the prime gathering spot for live entertainment, socializing and people-watching. In fact, the Living Room even has its own series featuring notable personalities and entrepreneurs, which takes place every Wednesday evening. During my stay, Suebelle, the stylish bouffant-wearing famous influencer, was hosting a gathering. The Colony is also where trendy Palm Beachers and tastemakers go for book signings, fashion pop-ups and more. Of course, guests are decked out in the latest designer fashions. 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Yahoo
32 minutes ago
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How a Solo Bachelorette Helped Me Let Go of My Decades-Long Fear of Marriage
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. How a Solo Bachelorette Helped Me Let Go of My Decades-Long Fear of Marriage originally appeared on Parade. For many people, the day they get engaged is one of the happiest of their lives. When I got engaged seven months ago, it was for me, too, but in the weeks that followed, it led to an identity crisis. Witnessing my parents' rocky marriage turned me off the idea completely. At 18—the age I first realized being married and having kids wasn't the only life path that existed—I decided I wanted the opposite of what I had seen growing up, and to me, that meant never getting married. Then, I fell in love. I was 36 and had just become a licensed foster parent. My focus was on motherhood on my own terms. But after my friends set me up with a cute guy in our friend group, I knew pretty much immediately that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. 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Brittany Duffy, a travel expert at Go Ahead Tours, adds to this, saying, 'There's been a cultural shift toward prioritizing self-care and personal wellness, especially around major life events.' Duffy says that social media has helped drive the trend too. 'Social media has normalized solo travel, showing women that it's not only safe but incredibly rewarding. We're also seeing more women who are financially independent and comfortable making their own travel decisions. They're not waiting for others to be available or interested in their dream destination— they're just going.' Trazer says that taking a solo trip by yourself before your wedding (aka a solo bachelorette) isn't mainstream yet, but she says it's becoming more popular, and both experts say there is a lot to gain from taking one. 'A solo bachelorette offers an incredible opportunity for introspection, self-discovery and personal growth during one of life's most significant transitions. 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In my manifesting workshop, I learned that manifesting is bringing your deepest desires to life. It means visualizing the life you want and taking action. The teacher said it's important to act as if you already know those desires are going to happen. It was easy for me to visualize the marriage I wanted because it reflected the relationship I was currently in. But it served as a reminder that I can take actionable steps to be the wife I want to be. I closed my eyes and visualized myself as a wife. The type of clothes I would wear and the ways my partner and I would support each other. Those are things I can actually do—or in many cases, continue doing. The teacher also shared that having a gratitude practice is an important part of manifesting. 'If you think about things you are lacking in your life, those things will expand. If you think about things you are grateful for in your life, those things will expand,' the teacher told the class. 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She also shared that having photos of anyone outside of your life as a couple was a no-no for the bedroom. 'It's pretty hard to get into a sexy mood if there's a photo of your mom on your nightstand,' she shared. Point taken. It was empowering to learn that I can create a home environment that sets a romantic vibe in my house. I certainly don't want to lose the romance in my relationship after we get married! During my watsu massage, I had to trust my masseuse completely as he gently dragged my body through the water while my head rested on his shoulder and my limbs floated on the surface. This was definitely one of the more out-there wellness activities I'd ever done, but it taught me the power of surrender and going with the flow. As someone who likes to be in charge, it was helpful for me to remember to let go and trust—which is important in relationships too. The most transformative moment of my trip came during a numerology class. 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'All-inclusive hotels tend to have packages that include food, spa treatments and various classes, so those are great options to look into,' Tenzer says, adding that one she recommends is Marival Resorts. Duffy says that some destinations—like Costa Rica, Bali or Thailand—naturally encourage introspection and self-care. 'They're the perfect backdrop for spa treatments and spiritual practices,' she says. Duffy says it's also important to consider your comfort level with solo travel. 'If you're new to traveling alone, choose destinations known for being solo-female-friendly like Iceland, New Zealand or Japan. If you're more experienced, this might be the perfect time to tackle that bucket-list destination you've been dreaming about,' she says. No matter where you go, all the travel experts emphasize that a solo bachelorette is a reminder that you are still an independent person, even though you are about to enter into a partnership. And Tenzer points out that it doesn't have to be your last solo trip either. After all, you're never done learning about yourself. Next Up:Jen Trazer, founder of female solo travel planning company The Soloist Brittany Duffy, travel expert at Go Ahead Tours Sydney Getzin, travel advisor with FORA Travel How a Solo Bachelorette Helped Me Let Go of My Decades-Long Fear of Marriage first appeared on Parade on Jun 28, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Travel Weekly
36 minutes ago
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South Africa's Royal Portfolio debuts its first luxury tented camp
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