Best cheap luxury hotels in the US 2021

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

The hotel industry took a major hit in 2020 due to COVID-19, with many properties temporarily shutting their doors for months. When hotels reopened, rigorous new cleaning standards were rolled out to ensure guest safety and peace of mind. In an additional effort to lure back domestic travelers, many five-star hotels, previously known for their exclusivity and posh pampering, have begun dropping their rates and offering serious discounts. 

With many feeling the effects of pandemic fatigue setting in, stunning destinations and services combined with prime pricing are making a local staycation or domestic road trip most intriguing. 

As many of these luxe hotels and resorts enter their slower winter months and shoulder seasons, further deals and discounts can be expected, a trend which Priceline data supports, showing the median average daily rates at five-star hotels already down 8% for Q1 of 2021 compared to Q1 of 2020. Priceline also noted a spike in hotel searches early in the year, showing some eager travelers are already keen to take advantage of the deals. 

But while there’s hope on the horizon, staying at a hotel right now or in the near distant future still comes with risks. We spoke with experts for guidance and tips on how to best protect yourself if you’re considering checking into a hotel anytime soon. However, it’s also vital to assess your own risk factors, the size and location of each property you’re considering, plus the safety precautions they’ve put into place. We always recommend following guidelines from the CDC, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing masks in public spaces, and taking extra precautions when traveling to or from hot spot areas. 

We chose top luxury hotel deals based on the following criteria:

1. 1. All hotels and resorts are five-star stays offering exceptional services and amenities, all of which have been verified by trusted traveler sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com.
   2. Properties are luxe but affordable, with current starting rates all under $500 per night. All hotels have also dramatically reduced their usual rates, offering particularly great value right now.
   3. Each of the hotels featured on this list has updated COVID-19 policies and procedures, which are noted below.

Here are the best luxury hotel deals to take advantage of in 2021, sorted by price from low to high.