U.S. Cities with 5-Star Hotels for Less

Who doesn’t love a 5-star hotel for less? According to a recent report from luxuryhotel.com the average nightly rate for a 5-star hotel in the U.S. is over $500. However, they also selected various cities for 5-star hotels at a fraction of the average nightly rate. Here we tell you about of 5 favorites among these cities and why we like them.

Durham, NC

Durham is known as the “City of Medicine”. It is primarily known as the home for tech companies and of course, Duke University. However, it offers more alluring reasons to visit. It has  an innovative culinary scene. This includes the restaurant at the Durham Hotel overseen by James Beard chef Andrea Reusing. Its performing arts scene including the notable Durham Performing Arts Center. Fans of Kevin Costner can also visit the Durham Athletic Park where “Bull Durham” was filmed.  The average hotel rate at a 5-star hotel in Durham is only $182!

Minneapolis

We love and have dear friends in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis is known for its fine theaters  including the Guthrie Theater above. It has several fine museums including the Walker, the Weisman Art Museum (with its controversial architecture) and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Food wise, it offers everything from fine dining to excellent ethnic food including one of our favorites, Lebanese. It also has an active nightlife scene. This includes gay nightlife such as in the Loring Park area (affectionately referred to by some as “Whoring Park”. Average 5-star nightly hotel rates in Minneapolis are only $188.

Reno

Reno, Nevada bills itself as the “Biggest Little City in the World”. Its casinos and neon lights are the top draw here. However, fishing enthusiasts will love its proximity to the Carson River which was one of Mark Twain’s favorite fishing spots. Active types will love Reno opportunities for kayaking and rafting. Beer fans will want to visit its many pubs. Average 5-star hotel rates in Reno are $205 a night.

San Antonio

San Antonio has the Alamo, the famous 18the century Spanish mission that commemorates Texas’ independence from Mexico. While that is one of the most popular sites there, the top site is the mile-long river walk area shown in the photo above. This vibrant area offers cafes and other restaurants and great shopping. Nature lovers will want to visit the remarkable Natural Bridge Caverns. Foodies will not only want to get their fill of Tex-Mex dishes such as puffy tacos, but also southern specialties such as chicken fried steak. Average 5-star hotel rates in San Antonio are $257.

New Orleans

New Orleans somewhat surprisingly made the list of cities with well priced 5-star hotels. While the French quarter certainly has its share of pricey hotels, the average nightly 5-star hotel rate in New Orleans is reportedly $271 a night. We love New Orleans for its party atmosphere, musical offerings and history. Touring the French Quarter and Garden District is both pleasurable and informative. We can’t go enough of Cajun cuisine including anything blackened. Its Mardi Gras and Southern Decadence events are deservedly infamous.

Want to visit any of these cities and have a 5-star hotel at a good price? We would be happy to help you.

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