The Price of a Hotel Room Around the World

The cost of a hotel stay can vary dramatically across countries, within cities, depending on season, and even based on booking strategy. Where can you stretch your travel budget, and where will a room still feel priceless? We’ve compiled real data on both affordable and premium hotel options around the globe, then layered in expert tips on how to save so travelers can plan smarter, not harder.

Key Findings on Worldwide Airline Cancellations

• Indonesia is the cheapest country for hotel rooms, averaging just $14 per night.
• Brazil is the most expensive country, with high-end rooms averaging $796 per night.
• London tops the city list, at an average of $247 per night — nearly five times more than Bangkok.
• Bangkok, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur are tied as the cheapest cities, each averaging $50 per night.
• Wide contrasts exist within the same destination: Indonesia, Malaysia, and India all offer both budget and luxury options.
• Timing matters: booking 2–3 weeks in advance, checking in on Sundays (domestic) or Mondays (international), and avoiding peak seasons can all lead to significant savings.

Countries with the Cheapest Hotel Rooms

The following list shows the worst-performing airlines globally, ranked by the percentage of cancelled scheduled flights during 2024.

Travellers seeking value for money will find Southeast Asia hard to beat. Indonesia’s $14 nightly average makes it one of the most affordable destinations globally, particularly appealing for backpackers, digital nomads, and long-stay visitors. Malaysia and India also offer exceptional affordability with nightly averages under $30, while South Africa and Kenya show that even long-haul trips can deliver strong value.

Interestingly, major Western destinations like the USA ($99) and Japan ($105) still sneak into the cheaper half of the ranking, showing that even in regions known for higher costs, there are deals to be found. At the higher end, France’s $202 average underscores its reputation as a luxury-heavy market, particularly in Paris and the French Riviera.

Countries with the Most Expensive Hotel Rooms

Brazil stands out as the most expensive country for hotel rooms, averaging nearly $800 per night at the top end. This may surprise some travellers, but the country’s luxury resorts and remote eco-lodges often command sky-high prices. France and the USA also confirm their status as global leaders in luxury hospitality, with averages above $500.

It’s worth noting that South Africa and Kenya appear here as well as on the cheapest list. This dual presence highlights how destinations can cater to both budget travellers and high-end tourists, offering everything from affordable city hotels to exclusive safari lodges. Similarly, Indonesia and Malaysia offer $20-per-night basics but also $250+ luxury resorts, making them versatile choices depending on the traveller’s budget.

Average Hotel Prices by City

The city-level data shows a striking global divide. London leads as the most expensive city at $247 per night, underscoring its status as a global financial hub and tourist magnet. Both New York ($178) and Paris ($174) remain premium destinations, though still noticeably more affordable than London.

In the US, secondary hubs such as Chicago ($160) and Miami / San Francisco ($150 each) reveal consistent pricing just below the top tier, while Los Angeles ($135) and Orlando ($125) are relatively cheaper, despite their popularity with leisure travellers.

Dubai ($132) stands out as a Middle Eastern destination where mid-range hotels are still less costly than European capitals, balancing its luxury reputation with affordability for standard stays.

In Asia, the contrast is stark. Tokyo ($78) is significantly cheaper than its Western counterparts, making it a surprisingly affordable big-city break. Phuket ($60) and Bangkok ($50) anchor the bottom of the list, showing just how far travellers’ money can stretch in Southeast Asia.

Overall, the price ratio between London and Bangkok is nearly 5:1, meaning one night in the UK capital could pay for almost an entire week in Thailand’s bustling capital.

Booking Smarter: How to Save on Hotels

When it comes to getting the best value from your hotel stay, timing is everything. Data suggests that booking around two to three weeks before travel often delivers the biggest savings, with rates up to 13% lower than booking months in advance. Checking in on certain days can also help stretch your budget further. For domestic trips, Sunday arrivals tend to be the cheapest, while for international stays, Mondays are usually more affordable than starting your holiday on a Saturday.

The day you make your booking matters, too. Midweek tends to be best, with Thursday reservations for international hotels offering notable discounts compared to weekend bookings. While the differences may seem small at first glance, over the course of a longer stay, these savings add up significantly. 

For those with flexibility, travelling off-season or midweek can dramatically reduce hotel costs while also avoiding the crowds. Many destinations in Europe, for example, see hotel rates drop in the shoulder months of spring and autumn. Similarly, family destinations such as Orlando hotels or Phuket hotels can be far cheaper outside peak school holiday periods, giving savvy travellers more luxury for less.

It also pays to be proactive after booking. With free cancellation available at many properties, travellers can lock in a room and then rebook if a better deal comes along. Using comparison tools and monitoring offers helps secure those savings, though Travala’s hotel deals section is an easy place to start for those who prefer not to check multiple platforms.

Last-minute bookings, often considered risky, can also provide excellent value in cities with a high volume of rooms. In destinations like Las Vegas hotels or Singapore hotels, where availability is usually plentiful, waiting until closer to your stay can sometimes lead to heavy discounts. On the other hand, travellers looking at boutique or remote properties are often better off securing their rooms well in advance, particularly in high-demand locations like Paris or New York.

Conclusion – What Travellers Can Expect in 2025

From $14-a-night rooms in Indonesia to nearly $800 suites in Brazil, the global hotel price spectrum is wide and fascinating. The real power for travellers lies not just in destination choice, but timing, flexibility, and smart tools, where Travala stands out by simplifying comparisons and bookings.

Travala continues to help travellers make smarter choices, whether booking with traditional currency or crypto.

Methodology – How This Report Was Compiled

• Data sources: Country- and city-level price data were compiled from aggregated insights on average hotel room prices around the world, with sources including FreeTour and Trivago.
• Benchmarking: City averages reflect typical nightly rates for standard double rooms in popular destinations.

Note: Regional transparency varies, and not all countries report hotel room rates in the same way.

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