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Cheap Luxury Hotels & Beer Around the World - A Global Guide

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/11 .. hotels-beer-around-the-world-a-global-guide.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 7:13 GMT by The Sun

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Cheap Luxury Hotels & Beer Around the World – A Global Guide
(A summary of the Sun’s article “Travel: Country? Cheap Luxury Hotels & Beers – National Geographic”)

Travelers often dream of a five‑star stay without the five‑star price tag, and they’re rarely disappointed by the range of “cheap luxury” accommodation that has sprouted across the globe. The Sun’s recent article, which leans on National Geographic’s travel research, takes readers on a quick tour of ten destinations where the stars shine bright but the prices remain surprisingly modest – and where a pint of local beer is just a few pence (or euros, dollars or pounds) away from a glass of pure liquid culture.

The Premise

The article opens by posing a simple question: “Country? Cheap luxury hotels & beers.” The answer, it suggests, lies in looking beyond the usual tourist haunts and instead following a handful of carefully selected destinations where hospitality industry players are willing to share a slice of their success with budget‑conscious travelers. The article then breaks down its findings country by country, giving a brief overview of each place, a highlight of a standout hotel, and the best local beer to pair with a sunset.

The piece also features links to the National Geographic website, which hosts the full research and even a “Travel” portal with more in‑depth guides. For travelers who want to book immediately, the article links to popular booking platforms – mainly Booking.com – and even a few independent boutique hotel sites that are often missed by the mainstream.

1. Thailand – The Island of Pockets

Hotel Highlight: The River House, Chiang Mai – A boutique hotel perched on the Ping River, offering spa rooms, a pool and a rooftop bar. The price range starts at just £30 per night, but the rooms boast private balconies, a spa treatment package and a complimentary local Thai breakfast.

Beer Recommendation: Singha – Thailand’s flagship lager, crisp and light, is a staple at bars in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. In a hotel setting, it can be found in a 330ml bottle for around £2.

Why It Works: Thailand’s hospitality sector is built on a “budget‑luxury” ethos, meaning many smaller hotels offer high‑quality service at a fraction of the cost of their international chains. The article links to the National Geographic Thailand travel page, where readers can explore trekking routes, temple tours, and street‑food festivals.

2. Vietnam – The Rising Star

Hotel Highlight: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – Though technically a five‑star hotel, recent promotions bring rooms down to around £60–£70 per night. It retains its colonial charm, an award‑winning spa, and the famed “Golden Dragon” restaurant.

Beer Recommendation: Saigon Beer – A refreshing amber lager that is widely available in Hanoi’s rooftop bars. The price is about £1.50 for a pint.

Why It Works: Vietnam’s booming tourism economy has made high-end accommodations more affordable. The article cites a National Geographic interview with a hotelier who explains how the cost of living and labor in Vietnam keeps rates down. A link to a Vietnamese beer guide helps readers learn the nuances of local brewing traditions.

3. Mexico – The Colorful Playground

Hotel Highlight: Hotel Casa del Mar, Puerto Vallarta – A 3‑star hotel that feels like a 4‑star resort, boasting a beachfront pool, organic cuisine, and a “pura vida” vibe. Rooms start at around £25 per night.

Beer Recommendation: Modelo Especial – A light Mexican lager that pairs perfectly with the region’s spicy cuisine. Pints can be found for roughly £1.30.

Why It Works: Mexico’s luxury hotels often offer packages that include free drinks, so the real cost is lower than the headline price. The article links to a National Geographic page that explores the Riviera’s ecological and cultural diversity, making it a two‑in‑one trip.

4. Portugal – The Sunset Retreat

Hotel Highlight: Aqua Hotel, Lisbon – An eco‑friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon’s historic district. With rooms starting at €45, the hotel offers free Wi‑Fi, an indoor pool, and a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Tagus River.

Beer Recommendation: Super Bock – A flagship Portuguese lager known for its balanced bitterness. A 500ml bottle is about €1.40.

Why It Works: Portugal’s focus on sustainability and small‑scale tourism has produced many hidden gems that offer luxury at a lower price. The article provides a link to the National Geographic travel guide for Lisbon, which details public transport tips and the city’s most photogenic spots.

5. Indonesia – The Island Haven

Hotel Highlight: The Orchid, Bali – A budget‑luxury resort on Bali’s quiet north coast, offering a spa, infinity pool and yoga classes for as low as $55 per night.

Beer Recommendation: Bintang – A smooth lager that is ubiquitous across Indonesian pubs. A pint costs around $1.30.

Why It Works: Bali’s tourism market has a huge range of accommodation, and the “budget‑luxury” trend has flourished in the island’s quieter regions. The article directs readers to National Geographic’s Bali travel page, where the reader can discover the island’s volcanic landscapes and cultural ceremonies.

6. South Africa – The Safari Charm

Hotel Highlight: Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park – Though located in a national park, the lodge offers rooms from $70, complete with a guided safari, hot showers and a private pool.

Beer Recommendation: Carling Black Label – A light beer popular in South Africa, often served in the lodge’s lounge at about $2.

Why It Works: South Africa’s diverse landscapes mean many lodges can charge lower prices while still offering a premium experience. A link to a National Geographic travel guide provides an overview of wildlife viewing and conservation efforts.

7. Colombia – The Coffee Capital

Hotel Highlight: Hotel Colina Verde, Medellín – A modern hotel that focuses on sustainability. Rooms start at €50 and come with free coffee tastings and a 24‑hour gym.

Beer Recommendation: Bogotá Beer – A local brew known for its smooth finish, priced at about €1.20 per pint.

Why It Works: Colombia’s hospitality sector is rapidly modernizing, and the city’s emphasis on green tourism has made luxury stays more affordable. The article includes a link to National Geographic’s Colombia travel page, which covers the city’s art scene and coffee farms.

8. Greece – The Mythical Escape

Hotel Highlight: Sunset Suites, Santorini – A boutique hotel with rooms starting at €90. Despite the high season, the hotel offers free wine tastings and a panoramic view of the caldera.

Beer Recommendation: Mythos – A popular Greek lager, perfect for a sunset drink. The price is roughly €1.50.

Why It Works: Greece’s hospitality industry is heavily reliant on seasonal tourism, which means that many hotels offer significant discounts during the shoulder months. The article links to the National Geographic Greek travel guide for a deeper dive into the island’s history and architecture.

9. India – The Cultural Hub

Hotel Highlight: The Banyan Tree, Varanasi – A heritage hotel that offers rooms from ₹3,000 (around £25). The hotel has a rooftop pool, Ayurvedic spa and a library.

Beer Recommendation: Kingfisher – India’s most famous lager, priced at around ₹100 for a 330ml bottle.

Why It Works: India’s massive domestic market and relatively low labor costs keep even luxury hotels surprisingly affordable. The article provides a link to National Geographic’s India travel guide, which covers the subcontinent’s heritage sites and culinary diversity.

10. Brazil – The Samba Oasis

Hotel Highlight: Hotel Vila Galé, Rio de Janeiro – Rooms start at BRL 500 (about $90), with free breakfast, a rooftop pool and a guided city tour.

Beer Recommendation: Skol – Brazil’s flagship beer, often available at local bars for around BRL 15.

Why It Works: Brazil’s tourism industry is booming, and many hotels are eager to attract foreign visitors with attractive price points. The article links to National Geographic’s Brazil travel portal, which includes practical tips for navigating traffic and staying safe.

How to Use This Guide

1. Check the Dates – Luxury hotels often offer promotional rates during off‑peak months. The article advises checking the official hotel website or the linked booking platform for the latest deals.

2. Add a Beer to Your Plan – A local beer is a small but meaningful way to immerse yourself in a culture. Most hotels list their favorite local brews in the “house brand” section of their menu.

3. Read the National Geographic Travel Pages – Each destination link takes you to a more detailed guide, including top attractions, local etiquette, and travel safety advice.

4. Book Smart – For the best rates, book at least 3–4 weeks in advance or during the last‑minute flash sales the article highlights.

5. Pack Smart – Bring a reusable bottle or travel mug so you can sample beers on the go without having to pay for bottled drinks everywhere.

Final Thoughts

The Sun’s “Cheap Luxury Hotels & Beer” article serves as a practical primer for travelers who want the best of both worlds: premium lodging at a budget price and an authentic taste of local beer. By blending National Geographic’s robust research with up‑to‑date booking links, it offers a ready‑to‑go resource for planning a memorable, wallet‑friendly vacation.

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple seeking romance, or a family looking for comfort, the guide demonstrates that luxury is not a status symbol tied to exorbitant prices – it’s about smart choices, local experiences, and the willingness to explore off‑beat destinations. Cheers to that, and here’s to the next cheap‑luxury stay!