11 Best Affordable Luxury Hotels To Keep Your Wallet Happy

As it turns out, you can get those island vibes you always crave without going too far from the mainland. Amelia Island is a scenic little beach town in northeastern Florida where beach dunes line empty stretches of sand and tall grass sways quietly in the sea breeze.

For some relaxed barefoot luxury, opposite to the clubby (and pricey) atmosphere down in Miami, book a stay at Amelia Island’s charming Elizabeth Pointe Lodge. Southern hospitality meets seafood fare at the delicious Pointe Restaurant, and every room at the lodge greets you with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. Set right on the beachfront, you can cool off after a day in the sun on the front porch, relaxing in a rocking chair, sweet tea in hand.

Nicknamed the “Scenic City” and ranked one of the best outdoor destinations in the country, Chattanooga, Tennessee has certainly cleaned up its act since being one of the most polluted cities in the country decades ago. Surrounded by mountains, the views are incredible and the Tennessee River snakes through the heart of the revitalized downtown.

Originally built as a stone fort to protect the city during the Civil War, the Dwell Hotel was first turned into a hotel in 1909. Today, recent investment and a chic makeover have made it the hottest place to stay in Chattanooga, attracting visitors from all over the country to this outdoor-adventure mecca.

A summer hangout for many rich and famous New Englanders, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to visit Martha’s Vineyard. Harbor View Hotel has been an iconic landmark on the island for 125 years, and it’s just steps from the famed Lighthouse Beach.

The traditional, shingle-style property offers a perfect getaway for families (including Fido!) looking to stay in Edgartown — the Vineyard’s main town. The location is unbeatable, as you’re a stone’s throw from the beach and an easy five-minute stroll to the center of town.

Wild, lush and less crowded, the island of Kauai manages to capture the heart of just about every traveler that steps onto the beloved Hawaiian island. Perfect for both adventure travelers or honeymooners, Kauai’s Jurassic Park-like terrain consists of emerald mountains, rugged cliffs, and jaw-dropping waterfalls.

For such a beautiful island, you’re going to want to stay at an equally impressive hotel. Avoid breaking the bank and book a luxury stay at the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort. Spend your morning hiking the dramatic Napali Coast in the north, then retreat to Koa Kea for an afternoon lounging on the impeccable green lawn overlooking the ocean.

Ideally situated on the island’s southern Poipu Beach, the 119-room hotel offers an intimate experience with exceptional service in addition to all the amenities of the pricier yet far-less charming mega resorts. With a killer sushi restaurant and an über Instagrammable poolside tiki bar, it’s no wonder this property is an affordable luxury favorite.

If it’s good enough for Mick Jagger and Paul Newman, it’s definitely good enough for us. Located in the bucolic hills of southern Vermont, you won’t find a more picturesque property than the Four Columns. The town is small and welcoming, much like the property itself. No matter the time of day, delicious smells waft from the kitchen and the staff’s main concern is how they might be able to make your stay even better.

Inn at Perry Cabin is one of the best-kept secrets on the East Coast. The colonial-style hotel and spa sits right on the scenic shores of the Miles River in Saint Michaels, Maryland.

The estate consists of sprawling green lawns, gorgeous gardens, and stately white buildings accented by American flags. Sink into one of the Adirondacks chairs by the waterfront or play a game of bocce or croquet in the grass. Sailing lessons are available off the Inn’s dock, or you can choose to join a sail aboard the resort’s Oyster Catcher schooner.

Situated in the heart of Santa Barbara, the Canary Hotel is an idyllic home base for a trip to SoCal. Owned by Kimpton Hotels, known for their impressive boutique hotel collection, no detail is left unattended to at the upscale Canary Hotel. Colorful tiles line the steps leading up to the Spanish-style rooftop terrace with white-washed walls, shade providing pergolas, a fun pool area, and panoramic views of Downtown Santa Barbara.

There are more places on the east end of Long Island to retreat for a luxurious summer getaway than just The Hamptons. Instead of paying out the nose and wasting hours sitting in traffic to get to The Hamptons, take the five-minute ferry ride over to Shelter Island (from Greenport or Sag Harbor), and you’ve escaped both the crowds and high price tags.

Recently renovated, The Chequit is an upscale, beach-chic boutique hotel that has really put Shelter Island back on the map as a prime summertime destination. Guestrooms are painted with calming pink tones and outfitted with fun accessories, like Turkish towels and bamboo hats, perfect for a day at the beach.

White-washed facades, Spanish tile clay roofs, and lush green foliage make The Scott Resort & Spa seem more like a Mediterranean-style mirage in the desert than a cosmopolitan hotel. Luckily, this one won’t disappear when you arrive.

Turning off the buzzing streets of Scottsdale and pulling in under the grand Porte Cochere, you’re immediately greeted by a friendly bellman and a fresh glass of house-made Cuban mint lemonade. Once you’ve stepped inside the walls of The Scott, the only sounds you hear are birds chirping, waterfalls spilling into a connecting maze of pools, and the faint sound of music playing throughout the lush gardens.

New York City and luxury go hand in hand; from the multi-million dollar high rises Uptown to the expensive penthouses Downtown — money seems to be a theme in Manhattan. Some of the most expensive hotels in the world call NYC home, but if you know where to look, you can find the same kind of luxury without the hefty price tag.

There’s more to Sonoma County than velvety pinot noirs and buttery chardonnays. The quiet coastline offers a tranquil escape and serene setting to recharge.

The next time you plan to visit California Wine Country, carve out a few nights on the itinerary to stay at Bodega Bay Lodge. The grassy bluffs of the waterfront property are peppered with shingled cottages, each with sliding glass doors that open to private patios and create the perfect place to catch that famous West Coast sunset. The main lodge consists of a fine-dining restaurant, Drake’s, along with a more casual, fireside restaurant next door. When the fog rolls in over the craggy coastline, hop into the heated outdoor pool or escape to the spa for some well-deserved pampering. Bodega Bay Lodge is a beautiful, under-the-radar oasis along the Sonoma Coast. Best of all, it offers a luxury stay at more affordable rates than inland wine country towns like Healdsburg, yet it’s still within driving distance to many of the