Let us let you in on a little secret… luxury travel can be affordable! It might sound too good to be true, but there are many ways to experience luxury without a hefty price tag.
From epic resorts to extravagant activities, IHG Hotels & Resorts is sharing six tips on how to best enjoy the “luxe life” for less.
1. Stay in less “touristy” areas of town
If you’re searching for a luxurious vacation but don’t want to break the bank, explore a stay off the beaten path (that’s still nearby all the main attractions, of course). Take Quito, Ecuador, for example, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can visit the equator and be in two hemispheres at once! Holiday Inn Quito Airport puts you just 45 minutes from the equator line and after a long day of exploring the city, you can return to the hotel which offers unparalleled, panoramic views of the surrounding Andean mountains while relaxing in the heated outdoor pool complete with hydromassage.
For a nature-filled Canadian getaway, Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South is located between Edmonton and Calgary, making for easy travel throughout Red Deer and the surrounding cities. This convenient location puts you close to the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Alberta where you can go on hikes and bike rides. Back at the hotel, take advantage of the pool with waterslide and the property’s award-winning restaurant, Boulevard Restaurant & Lounge, featuring contemporary Asian fusion cuisine by “Chopped Canada” winner, Chef Pete Sok.
2. Be your own tour guide and explore the local hotspots
Taking the time to explore the local hotspots on your own is a great way to make the most of your budget for a weekend getaway. Several IHG hotels, like Hotel Indigo Sarasota, offer free bike rentals so you can easily discover and immerse yourself into different neighborhoods. Sarasota’s Rosemary district is steps away from one of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Siesta Key, where you can pick up local fare at the Downtown Farmer’s Market, or cruise over the Ringling Bridge to St. Armand’s Circle. After a day filled with exploring, enjoy a moment of R&R with a dip in the hotel’s hot and cold spa-inspired wading pools surrounded by lush greenery or check out the hotel’s stunning murals that tell more of the neighborhood’s story.
3. Travel with a group
Traveling with family or a group of friends can maximize your savings. Look for lodgings that can accommodate large groups, such as our Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resorts. For our beach lovers, we recommend Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort on Marco Island, Florida. This luxurious getaway features spacious villas for up to eight people with superior amenities complete with fully equipped kitchens, premium furnishings, and personalized concierge services. Plus, with a zero-entry pool, free beach shuttle, kid’s activity center, and close proximity to several restaurants, there are 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 vacation adventure with beautiful white sand beaches and an abundance of outdoor activities from airboat tours in the Everglades to canoeing or fishing in Collier Seminole State Park.
4. Take advantage of included amenities
Over-the-top amenities, anyone? From relaxing spas to fine dining, don’t miss out on a property’s included amenities or experiences to easily enjoy affordable luxury. Our favorite amenities at Staybridge Suites Bangkok Thonglor include its own 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 towards family fun, we recommend Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach, located in one of Vietnam’s top beach destinations, Grand Ho Tram Strip. Make sure to check out the array of facilities, including entertainment venues with specialty restaurants and bars, gourmet food court, onsite spa and pool. The property also features Holiday Inn’s signature KidSuites featuring an extra kid-friendly welcome gift, themed décor, and bunk beds.
For travelers seeking the best essentials for great value, you can’t go wrong with avid hotels. The brand focuses on offering a great night’s sleep complete with black-out roller shades and sound-reducing features, modern design, friendly service, as well as a high-quality grab and go breakfast including fresh bean-to-cup coffee and a still and sparkling water machine. If you’re in South Florida, check out avid hotel Ft Lauderdale Airport – Cruise just minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, and I-95.
5. Travel in the off season
One of the easiest ways to take a luxury vacation on a budget is to travel in the off season. Not only will you save money, but you will also avoid large touristy crowds – a win, win! One popular getaway that you can snag a great deal during off season is Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber. Located near Waikki Beach, this Polynesian-themed resort features guestrooms with furnished balconies, ocean views, plus kids stay and eat free. Things also heat up at the hotel in the evenings with the “Magic of Polynesia Night Show” dinner performance featuring dancers and illusionists at the onsite art theater. Another budget-friendly option near Waikki beach is Holiday Inn Express Waikiki. The hotel offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Koolau mountains and Waikiki skyline, plus a pool with private cabanas. Make sure you check out the 5th floor sky deck featuring a 9-hole mini-golf course, shuffleboard, giant chess game, ping pong and foosball.
If the beach isn’t for you, why not go for mountain getaway instead? Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre is a great option for those looking for an upscale-feel hotel that is still budget-friendly and offers picturesque views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean. Its central location puts you close to all Vancouver has to offer from Roger’s Arena – home to Vancouver’s Canucks hockey team – to the renowned shopping district, Granville Island.
6. Redeem IHG One Rewards Points
Joining a hotel loyalty program such as IHG One Rewards is a great way to book a trip of a lifetime and score huge savings. With IHG One Rewards, members can earn more points faster and gain rewards sooner. With richer benefits from free breakfast for Diamond members to more opportunities for Elite members to receive early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, IHG One Rewards offers more choice, value and relevant benefits than ever before. Plus, this summer, IHG One Rewards members can earn up to 4X bonus points on stays through August. To take advantage of this offer, members can register here. So whether you’re seeking a beachside vacation at Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros or want to relax on a rooftop pool overlooking the ocean at Holiday Inn Bali Sanur, with IHG One Rewards you can book that dream vacation when you want at a price point that fits your needs.
To start booking your next “luxe for less” trip, visit ihg.com.
