Our Favorite Stays Around the World for Less than $100 a Night

We’ve had some amazing adventures as we explored the great outdoors of the United States over the last 15 months from the safety and isolation of our own rental car (or our old reliable Subaru Forester). But one thing that always shocks us about U.S. travel is how expensive (and crappy) hotels are. A rundown motor lodge on the side of the highway with stale bread for breakfast costs at least $150 a night. That same crappy room will cost $250 or more if it’s close to a popular national park. Yuck!

You don’t want to know how much we paid for a room with this view in Connecticut!

So we wanted to share our favorite stays from around the world that cost less than $100 a night (including all taxes and fees). Of course, prices change over time and vary depending on the time of year, but this is what we paid.

1. Cartagena Condo

Admittedly, the beach at Bocagrande in Cartagena, Colombia is nothing special, but we really enjoyed simply lounging around this gorgeous condo and hanging out by the pool all day. We found delicious food in walking distance and hopped in an Uber to take the quick trip into the historic district. You can’t beat the comfort of this place for $95 a night.

Cartagena Condo
Amazing pool

2. Costa Rica Volcano View Bungalow

The views at Arenal Montechiari are outstanding. So maybe the inside of this bungalow isn’t posh but it’s comfortable and has the essential air conditioning inside and a dipping pool outside, which you will need in Costa Rica. A delicious comida tipica breakfast of rice and beans, eggs, fresh fruit, coffee and juice was included. The bungalows are located in walking distance to La Fortuna’s small downtown and a short drive to the area’s attractions: Arenal Volcano, hot springs and waterfalls. And that view of Arenal 😍. What more could you want for $80 a night? Pro tip: Walk to Kappa Sushi for a delicious meal and thank us later.

View of Arenal from bungalows

3. Belgrade Beauty

Waking distance to fort

This cozy Airbnb had everything we needed for our quick trip to Belgrade, Serbia. The building was mostly occupied by local residents, which gave it a great feel. There was a cute cafe next door, and you could walk to the promenade and fortress. The host was so kind and provided some nice extras, like coffee and snacks. The place also had a washer, which we need since we pack so light. For $50 a night? Yes, please!

Belgrade Airbnb

4. Medellín Magic

Colombia is making this list twice because it’s one of our favorite places to visit, and it’s so affordable. Our corner suite at Viaggio in Medellín was gigantic and beautiful with the most comfortable bed, hot shower, gorgeous tub and outstanding views. The hotel had a nice restaurant with an included breakfast and a little outdoor area to have a night cap. So what’s the catch for $80 a night for their best room? It’s located a little off from the main walking area of El Poblado and Parque Lleras, so you’ll need to get a quick $2 Uber or taxi to get to this area (which is really easy). We walked over in the day but wouldn’t recommend it at night. The most popular hotel right by the park is $300 a night, so we’ll gladly take the taxi over to the Charlie for the Sunday brunch party and stay at Viaggio instead.

Our Medellín room was too big to fit in one picture
Go to the pricier Charlie Hotel for the Sunday brunch party!

5. Dubrovnik Delight

This $80 a night Airbnb condo had a comfortable bed, a little kitchen, a washer and dryer and a grocery store down the street. Be prepared: The inside of the condo was very basic and small and you had to climb a ton of stairs to get to it! So why does it make the list? The view is outstanding and the area is quiet and relaxing while still in walking distance to the old town and main attractions.

Dubrovnik is all about sunset views

Bonus with a Budget Boost

If your looking to spend $150 or less a night, the list gets longer.

1. Roatan Relaxation

Roatan is one of our top destinations around the world and Cocolobo is our favorite spot. It just far enough from the hustle of West End to feel remote and quite, but it’s only a 10 minute walk to the heart of the action around Half Moon Bay.

Cocolobo in winter

2. Gorgeous Pool in Guatemala City

The Hyatt Centric in Guatemala City is located in Zona 10 in walking distance to great dining options and a quick Uber ride to the airport. The breakfast is outstanding, the pool is gorgeous and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. Prices vary but we stayed for $110 a night.

Hyatt Centric is all about the rooftop

3. Amazing Antigua

While we are in Guatemala, we have to stop in Antigua, which we think is the most enjoyable colonial town in Latin America that we’ve visited. This lovely property, Porta Hotel, comes in at just under the $150 a night budget for a standard room. What makes it so great? The pool. The restaurant. The volcano view. The parrots. It feels like a lovely little oasis. You should definitely squeeze this into your budget if you can. It’s sold out for our next trip, so we plan to stay across the street at Hotel Las Farolas for just $82 a night. We’ll keep you posted!

Beautiful grounds at Porta
Porta Hotel

What are your favorite places to stay on a budget? Let us know in the comments!

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