5 Surprisingly Affordable Luxury Hotels in the U.S.

Staying at a luxury hotel is like stepping into your own personal castle, a world where everything works perfectly and you’re treated like royalty from the minute a uniformed attendant whisks open the doors. This magic, naturally, comes at a price. Often, the nightly rate for five-star hotels can range into the high five figures (or even more), depending on location, amenities, and many other factors. But some truly outstanding properties might cost less than you think. Here are five of our favorite luxury hotels in the U.S. that offer five-star experiences for around $500 per night or less.

The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, Virginia

The Jefferson is Richmond’s crown jewel and a Beaux Arts masterpiece that’s been hosting presidents and dignitaries since 1895. A living piece of American history where every corner tells a story, the hotel makes guests feel as if they’re staying in a friend’s private mansion. Make sure to get a picture with the life-sized sculpture of Old Pompey, an alligator who used to hang out in the hotel’s Palm Court lobby (yes, really). 

The grand staircase was inspired by the one at the Paris Opera House, and the rooms — many with working fireplaces — blend classically influenced elegance and up-to-date luxury. At the Jefferson, guests will find Southern hospitality elevated to an art form. The on-site restaurant, Lemaire, consistently ranks among the state’s finest eateries, serving contemporary cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and Virginia wines.

Depending on season and room category, rates typically range from $300 to $500 per night. The hotel’s amenities include a spa, fitness center, and concierge service that will arrange everything from private museum tours to wine tastings in the countryside. The Jefferson is particularly magical during the holidays, when the lower rotunda lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland that’s dominated by a majestic 30-foot Christmas tree.

Sonnenalp Hotel – Vail, Colorado

Family-owned for five generations, this European-style luxury resort in Vail Village brings Bavarian charm to the Colorado Rockies. Among the first Michelin Guide-recommended hotels in America, the Sonnenalp feels like a cozy alpine retreat where you can (almost) ski right to your door — the hotel is just a five-minute walk from the gondola.

The hotel features numerous restaurants (don’t miss the fondue at Swiss Chalet), a full-service spa, a cocktail bar, and rooms that feature fireplaces and mountain views. The spa is particularly special, offering treatments that help you recover after long days on the slopes, while the restaurants serve everything from fondue to refined contemporary cuisine.

Rates typically start around $350 per night in spring and fall — reasonable for Vail’s luxury market, especially considering the Sonnenalp’s intimate, family-owned feel. The Gore Creek views are unforgettable, and, especially during winter, the heated outdoor pool surrounded by snow-covered peaks is pure Rocky Mountain magic.

Lotte Hotel – Seattle, Washington

Bringing modern Korean luxury to downtown Seattle, this Philippe Starck-designed hotel has 189 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of Elliott Bay. The design blends rustic Pacific Northwest nature with sleek contemporary aesthetics, starting with the front desk, which is crafted from a 3,000-year-old sequoia tree.

The hotel offers a full-service spa and multiple dining venues, and is perfectly positioned near Seattle’s waterfront and Pike Place Market. Charlotte Restaurant and Lounge, with panoramic city views from the top floor, is a showstopper.

Room rates start around $230 per night, making it surprisingly accessible for a luxury property in a major metropolitan area. Sleek accommodations, an enviable location, and sophisticated Korean hospitality make the Lotte especially appealing for travelers who want to experience the city from a stylish home base.

Hotel Bardo – Savannah, Georgia

Occupying a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of the city’s Victorian district, Hotel Bardo represents Savannah’s newest entry into luxury hospitality. The boutique property captures Savannah’s mystical spirit, while the design of the intimate yet sophisticated spaces celebrates the city’s artistic heritage.

Designed with custom furnishings, each room features locally sourced bath products, and many have private balconies overlooking the city’s historic squares. Bardo’s restaurant focuses on contemporary Southern cuisine with a creative twist, while the rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city’s church spires and moss-draped oaks.

Pricing typically runs at an accessible $250 to $400 per night, but the real value lies in the personalized service and the hotel’s ability to connect guests with Savannah’s hidden gems, from private ghost tours to exclusive access to local artists’ studios.

Grand America Hotel – Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City’s answer to European grand hotels, the Grand America wouldn’t feel out of place in Paris or Vienna. This massive hotel features more than 775 rooms and suites appointed with English wool rugs, Italian marble, and French fabrics. The lobby is a castle-worthy space with crystal chandeliers, hand-painted ceilings, and live music in the afternoon and evenings. Meanwhile, downtown Salt Lake’s walkable attractions are easily accessible by foot, and the hotel is just one block away from a TRAX train stop that services three of the major lines that travel throughout the city.

The property spans an entire city block and includes multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and extensive meeting facilities. The Garden Cafe serves contemporary American cuisine, while the spa offers treatments inspired by both European and local wellness traditions. The hotel’s proximity to world-class skiing, national parks, and downtown attractions also makes it an ideal base for exploring Utah.

Rates typically range from $200 to $350 per night, a true value for a property of this caliber. The Grand America delivers big-hotel amenities with attention to detail that rivals smaller boutique properties, and the helpful concierge team is happy to arrange outdoor adventures that showcase Utah’s incredible natural beauty.