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Though being budget-friendly definitely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Starwood Hotels and Resorts, the hotel brand does in fact have a number of properties around the world with rates that are more affordable than you’d expect. Besides saving you money, staying in cheaper-than-usual Starwood properties can also be an easy way to earn elite status without having to fork over too much cash. And since Starwood has a generally high standard of quality across its brands, you can expect a certain level of comfort, even if you’re only spending $75 a night. Here are eight of our favorite Starwood properties where you can find rooms under $100 per night. (Note that nightly rates vary and may only be under $100 on specific dates or during certain times of the year.)
1. Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Malaysia
From $78 or 3,000-4,000 Starpoints per night
SPG Category 2
The funky lobby seating and infinity rooftop pool make this property fun and trendy. Last July, I was a permanent fixture in my comfy deck chair, enjoying delicious poolside cocktails (cucumber sake, anyone?) and house beats in the sunshine. Almost all the rooms here boost gorgeous skyline views of KL’s many skyscrapers, and the tiki-style Mai Bar is a super-sexy spot to party after dark. The Mai Bar also offers barbecue skewers to pair with your drinks from 6:00pm to 10:00pm Thursdays through Saturdays starting at about $2.50.
2. Le Meridien Angkor Wat, Cambodia
From $98 or 3,000-4,000 Starpoints per night
SPG Category 2
Though this isn’t the most modern of hotels, its proximity to world-famous Angkor Wat and the town of Siem Reap is unbeatable. TPG stayed there a few years ago and enjoyed a suite with Khmer-fusion decor as well as the random-but-fun “nouveau-Angkor-Art Deco-fusion style” pool and relaxing, intimate spa. Plus, this hotel is one of the closest five-star properties to the Angkor temples.
3. ITC Mughal, A Starwood Luxury Collection Property, Agra, India
From $78 or 3,000-4,000 Starpoints per night
SPG Category 2
This may be one of the few Luxury Collection properties you can stay in for under $100 per night. The hotel is ideal for those wanting to explore the Taj Majal, as it’s just eight minutes away by car. The property also claims to be home to India’s largest spa, the Kayakalp, at over 99,000 square feet.
4. Four Points Sheraton Medellín, Colombia
From $75 or 2,000-3,000 Starpoints per night
SPG Category 1
While this may not be the most updated Sheraton out there, this particular hotel provides a safe and reliable place to stay in the crazy-busy, up-and-coming Colombian city of Medellín. What really makes this property ideal is its location in an upscale area just a short distance from El Poblado, one of the hottest neighborhoods for culture, nightlife and dining. Its proximity to the airport (less than 20-minutes drive) is also noteworthy.
5. Aloft San José, Costa Rica
From $85 or 2,000-3,000 Starpoints per night
SPG Category 1
Business travelers will find this Aloft property perfect for their work needs, as it’s located in an office park in downtown San José and close to the airport. After a long day of work, unwind in The Backyard, an outdoor bar and lounge area ideal for enjoying happy hour. The lobby is also a cool place to hang out, with its brightly colored comfy chairs and a Remix Lounge equipped with a pool table. Combine this low-cost property with one of the many cheap flight deals that often pop up from the US to Costa Rica, and you’ve got yourself an economical vacation!
6. Four Points Sheraton Ljubljana Mons, Slovenia
From $73 or 2,000 Starpoints per night
Category 1
Who cares if you can’t pronounce it? Ljubljana is one of the hottest spots in Eastern Europe at the moment, as its cheap, authentic atmosphere has created appeal for visitors looking for something just a bit off the beaten path. This particular property is located a few miles outside the city center with easy access to tourist sites like the zoo and the castle (a shuttle is provided as well). Plus, this may be one of the only Sheraton properties in the world that offers year-round, in-room stargazing. Thanks to the virtual planetarium, which features thousands of twinkling stars — it’s actually artwork creating the illusion of sleeping under a clear glass ceiling — you can have a romantic, starstruck evening indoors.
7. The Westin Zagreb, Croatia
From $99 or 3,000-4,000 Starpoints per night
Category 2
Almost all the rooms here come complete with panoramic views of the city. Fitness buffs will love this hotel, too, as there’s a state-of-the-art, 16,000-square-foot fitness center that includes a spinning room with cycling classes. You’ll also find Finnish and Turkish saunas, a heated indoor pool and a solarium, so get ready to relax after your workout.
8. Le Meridien N’Fis, Marrakesh, Morocco
From $91 or 2,000 Starpoints per night
SPG Category 1
I actually stayed at this property back in 2008 with TPG — it was one of his first Starpoints redemptions — and we were upgraded to a suite. I still have fond memories of lounging in the sun on our private terrace, enjoying glorious views of the dusty Marrakesh outskirts and the imposing Atlas mountains. The grounds of this hotel are simply stunning, a great escape when the sights and sounds of the souk start to get too overwhelming. Relaxing by the pool or strolling through the orange groves nad past peaceful fountains are the perfect respite. Check out this review for a better idea of what it’s like to stay here. Bonus tip: Schedule an airport pick-up with the hotel in advance to avoid any taxi hassles upon arrival.
A Final Tip
Although you’re not likely to find a Starwood property under $100 per night in London or New York, there are still some spots around the world where you can enjoy the same style of comfort for a lower price. Keep in mind that if you decide to get the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card,which offers 25,000 bonus Starpoints after you use your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first three months, you can always put those Starpoints to use at these hotels and resorts. The rates are so low, though, that paying in cash wouldn’t be a bad idea — in fact, it may be best to save your Starpoints for more expensive Starwood properties. TPG values SPG points at 2.7 cents per point, so keep that in mind when deciding whether or not pay for your stay with cash or points.
Source: thepointsguy.com