29 Surprisingly Affordable Stays in Asia
With so many unique locations and vibrant communities across the one continent, Asia is abundant with incredible places to explore. But travelling doesn’t have to mean writing a blank cheque. Choosing your accommodation strategically means you won’t have to compromise on location or the little luxuries that turn a trip into a holiday. The key is figuring out which stays offer value without stretching the budget. We’ve rounded up 30 of the best-value stays in Asia, from Hong Kong to Hanoi, whether you’d rather a low-key retreat in the heart of the city or an all-inclusive resort in the wilderness.
Image credit: Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong Sha Tin, Hong Kong
1/30On the banks of the Shin Mun River and within a five-minute walk to Shek Mun subway, this modern 524-room hotel features minimalist rooms and suites with views of either the Hong Kong skyline or the winding waterway below. Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast then swim laps in the rooftop pool – towels are provided – before walking a loop from the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to Sai Lam Temple on opposite sides of the river. From $145 per night.
Image credit: Alva Hotel By Royal
Alva Hotel, Hong Kong
2/30Healthier living is the focus of this hotel, where the design draws inspiration from the image of a bird perched on an island. Centrally-located Alva Hotel sits on the edge of Shin Mun River, so borrow one of the property’s complimentary bicycles and explore downtown Hong Kong via the Shatin/Tai Mei Tuk traffic-free cycling path. After your adventure, soak up the sun with vinyasa on the third-floor terrace; observe the neighbourhood from the rooftop pool; or settle in with fellow digital nomads at the 24-hour co-working space. From $190 per night.
Image credit: Living Heritage Koslanda
Living Heritage Koslanda, Sri Lanka
3/30A five-hour drive from Colombo, this wellness-centric retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country region is an immersive escape into nature; it’s just you, a smattering of other guests – there are only nine rooms on offer – and endless stretches of green mountains. Go on a guided walk to the resort’s private waterfall, practice yoga to the rhythm of birdsong or take part in a cooking class using organic ingredients grown on site. A stay in a forest pavilion – built from sustainably-harvested teak to Sri Lankan architectural specifications and open to the elements – includes daily breakfast (egg hoppers and kithul treacle one day, a full English breakfast the next) and leafy views from the cantilevered deck. From $300 per night.
Image credit: Granbell Hotel Rooftop Pool
Granbell Hotel Colombo, Sri Lanka
4/30Wake up to panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from your bright, light-filled room at this hip boutique hotel located in Colombo’s CBD. There’s a sauna and jacuzzi in which to melt your muscles after pounding the pavement between the revered Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square and a rooftop infinity pool to bob around in as the sun goes down. Plus, you’re only a one-minute walk to Kollupitiya Railway Station, from where you can explore even more of the Sri Lankan capital. From $150 per night.
Image credit: Shangri-La Singapore
Shangri-la Singapore
5/30For a stay to delight your entire crew, this family-friendly escape – a five-minute drive from the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road’s boutiques – is resort-meets-themepark-meets-garden-centre. With six hectares of sprawling greenery (including an open-air orchid greenhouse); a 1300-square-metre waterpark for kids of all ages; swimming pool; babysitting service; complimentary airport shuttle; seven on-site restaurants; a dedicated work lounge; and, for those in the Valley Wing, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and daily champagne, you won’t want to leave. Forgotten something en route? Fear not: the Family Pantry is stocked with strollers, high chairs and bathtub-friendly rubber duckies, so you can travel lighter. From $380 per night.
Image credit: Seth Powers
Duxton Reserve, Singapore
6/30Located in the heart of Singapore’s historic Tanjong Pagar district (known for its eclectic dining and nightlife spots), this hotel delivers maximum indulgence and convenience. The city’s iconic Maxwell Food Centre is a three-minute walk from your room, so you can enjoy affordable hawker-style prawn skewers, tau pok (stuffed tofu pockets) or smoked duck the moment you hit a craving. A 10-minute walk from the Duxton will also deliver the best views of Singapore from the 50th floor at The Pinnacle Sky Garden Skybridge. It’s $6.60AUD (cash only) and you can stay as long as you like. From $350 per night.
Image credit: Frangipani El Nido
Frangipani, El Nido, Palawan Islands, Philippines
7/30You’ll start to relax the moment you hop aboard the complimentary airport transfer to this boutique beachside resort, which offers panoramic views of Bacuit Bay off leafy Palawan, a picturesque island to the south-west of the Philippines mainland. In the morning, take leisurely laps in the pool or wander down to the beachfront to catch the sunrise. A Filipino breakfast of eggs, rice, vegetables and a colourful fruit platter awaits upon your return. Fuel up, then return to the coast to paddle in pristine water with the accommodation’s complimentary SUP boards. From $300 per night.
Image credit: The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel, Philippines
8/30Known as “the Grand Dame”, this hallmark Manila hotel epitomises Filipino hospitality in heritage-style rooms. First opened in 1912, the property has watched over the harbour and Rizal Park ever since. There’s a museum, pool and spa on site, but you’re also a 15-minute walk from living history: it’s free to enter the stone forts of Baluarte de San Diego, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Neo-Romanesque-style Manila Cathedral, so you can go explore, then come back to enjoy a decadent aromatherapy massage with the money you’ve saved. From $380 per night.
Image credit: Ace Hotel Kyoto
Ace Hotel, Kyoto, Japan
9/30You’ll be right in the thick of Kyoto’s urban charm at this design hotel from the Ace Hotel group, which nods to the historic cultural surroundings with the brand’s signature tongue-in-cheek style. In line with Japanese tradition, every room has a soaking tub and eco-conscious toiletries. Catch the shinkansen from Tokyo (the hotel is right next to the station), then settle into your compact room before embarking on an on-foot adventure. The Cultural Museum of Kyoto is a block away, and it’ll take you just 10 minutes to get to the 400-year old Nishiki Market, where you can pick up Japanese culinary staples. Back at Ace, farm-to-plate restaurant Kosa is a great dinner option. Tip: crowd-pleaser Nobu is taking up residence from October, too. From $480 per night.
Image credit: Hotel the Knot
The Knot, Tokyo, Japan
10/30Enjoy Shinkjuku’s dramatic transformation from bustling daytime shopping hub and popular nature strip – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the city’s most tranquil parklands – to neon-lit karaoke haunt and buzzy nightlife spot from your compact and quiet room at The Knot, which is a 13-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Pick up a croissant from the hotel’s ground-floor bakery, then take a quick jaunt to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for one of the city’s best (and free) vantage points to take in the city skyline. From $170 per night.
Image credit: Hoshino Resorts
OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda, Japan
11/30Opened in April, this laid-back hotel is located in up-and-coming Gotanda, which is packed with izakayas, karaoke joints and hidden bars. The variety of room types suit solo travellers, couples or families, with large windows overlooking the city’s sparkling lights. If you opt in for breakfast, you’ll be treated to onigiri balls made by a rice-master, but there’s also a complimentary “gourmet reception” service, where the hotel’s staff can guide you through the area’s best eats. You’ll get a map and a snack before you set out, too. From $160 per night.
Image credit: The Royal Purnama
The Royal Purnama, Indonesia
12/30Step into luxury at this adults-only boutique retreat nestled along southeastern Bali’s oceanfront. All suites come with a private pool or jacuzzi, so you can unwind in privacy. Yoga classes, rice-paddy tours and breakfast (Indonesian or American-style, with a comprehensive juice list) are included in your stay. Happy hour offers one-for-one cocktails and there’s a packed schedule of additional book-and-buy classes (including guided horse rides on the beach, Balinese cooking classes, and Jimbaran Fish Market tours) to fill up your dance card. From $310 per night.
Image credit: Arkmara Dijiwa Ubud
Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
13/30Immersed in the leafy Ubud jungle surrounded by rice paddies, this locally-owned resort celebrates Balinese hospitality and design in every opulent suite. While each room enjoys an open-air balcony and oversized bathtub, premium suites include direct access to the pool. Let complimentary yoga sessions ground you; get your heart-rate racing at a Balinese dance lesson; and slow down with a Canang Sari class (the daily art of making offerings to maintain the connection between the human and spirit worlds) that offers a taste of traditional Indonesian life. Breakfast is also included in the price. The property’s free shuttle service is available to take you to the centre of town, so you can visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or Ubud Art Market whenever you like. From $350 per night.
Image credit: Singapore tourism board
Andaz Hyatt, Singapore
14/30Crisply designed and punctuated with art, the central Andaz Hyatt is within walking distance to Singapore’s lively Marina Promenade. It’s also only 20 minutes from the airport, with a bus stop two minutes from the hotel, so you can dive into the city – and its lively, budget-friendly hawker stalls – faster. The warmly-toned, timber-clad rooms enjoy wall-to-wall views of the city. They also come with a complimentary minibar, soaking bath and access to a 1-for-1 champagne happy hour by the rooftop infinity pool (which has shaded lounges you can camp on all day). Unwind after checking out the free exhibitions at the nearby National Design Centre; wandering the eight-kilometre monument-studded Colonial History Trail; and art-spotting on Haji Lane’s colourful alleys. From $400 per night.
Image credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud
Kaipuu on the Reef, China
15/30An architectural statement located on the Quanzhou coastline an hour-and-a-half flight from Shanghai, this contemporary hotel is a marvel of sharp angles, earthy materials and neutral tones in one sleek package. Soak up ocean views from your room, which features a complimentary mini-bar that’s refreshed daily; sunbathe alongside the curved infinity pool; or embrace the calm in the property’s dedicated tea room. Daily breakfast is included, giving you the ideal start to a day spent exploring the waterfront and indulging in the region’s seafood specialties. From $388 per night.
Image credit: marriott
Element Chongli, China
16/30A three-hour drive from Beijing, this hotel – designed and built for the 2022 Winter Olympics – is right in the heart of China’s Chongli District ski territory, where dramatic snow-cloaked mountains promise world-class runs. A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Beijing, this contemporary escape offers complimentary breakfast in a salon overlooking the slopes as well as a heated indoor saline pool to soothe your muscles after a day on the slopes at nearby Wanlong Ski Resort. Each room also comes with a full kitchen, so you can nest inside on cooler nights. From $100 per night.
Image credit: aleenta
Aleenta Hua Hin, Thailand
17/30Take your complimentary welcome drink in hand and settle into pure relaxation at this oceanfront resort that’s 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, footsteps from the sand and overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Expect your stay to be low-tech: there aren’t any televisions on the premises. Instead, you’ll find a yoga mat in your suite, which is best used during one of the stay’s included daily classes before hitting the surf. Prefer to stay on land? The property’s warm staff can readily direct you to local hiking trails for when you’d like to immerse yourself in the wild. From $300.
Image credit: The Slate Phuket
The Slate, Phuket, Thailand
18/30Located on the long strip of Nai Yang Beach on Phuket’s northern shores amid verdant protected national parkland, this maximalist resort is a sensory feast. The adults-only swim-up bar offers happy hour daily while the property’s complimentary SUP boards, kayaks and bikes are available to borrow whenever you like. For the latter, the team can prepare a hamper of fruit and drinks for your cycling journey through neighbouring Sirinat National Park – its home to more than 130 bird species. Come back to base for dinner at one of The Slate’s five restaurants for Thai classics and grilled seafood. From $250 per night.
Image credit: Volve Hotel
Volve Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
19/30This intimate, 28-room designer hotel ticks all the boutique boxes. Situated just off Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit Road, Volve Hotel offers a quiet respite from the city’s frenetic energy. The lobby doubles as a coffee shop and gathering space while also hosting each morning’s breakfast (which you can add on to your room rate for an extra $20). For a change of pace, stepping outside the front door will land you directly in the buzzy Thonglor neighbourhood. Expect hip bars, chic concept stores and more hole-in-the-wall eateries than you can poke a stick at. From $140 per night.
Image credit: DAVID ST LOH
Eythrope Boutique Villa, Malaysia
20/30Once an Art Deco private residence on Malaysia’s Penang Island, this family-owned boutique guest house is reached after a scenic 10-minute ride on a modern funicular up Penang Hill. Suites are pared-back and kitted out in a neutral palette, allowing the views across the surrounding UNESCO Heritage Reserve to take centre stage. Breakfast is included in the rate, and there’s a large, fully-equipped gas kitchen on site so you can cook up a feast using fresh vegetables and fish picked up at the famous Air Itam Market in downtown Penang. From $250 per night.
Image credit: Club Med
Club Med Cherating, Malaysia
21/30Adventure is the name of the game at this all-inclusive resort, which is cocooned by lush jungle and private access to a tranquil stretch of Chetaring Beach. You’re only a 55-minute drive from Kuantan Airport in Pahang, which lies 200 kilometres northeast of Kuala Lumpur, but – with all meals accounted for, bar inclusions and over 60 sports and activities to keep you busy – you’ll feel a world away. Make time for a complimentary sailing lesson to learn the ropes on the calm crystal-clear waters. From $350 per night per person, all-inclusive.
Image credit: Sakis Papadopoulos
Velassaru, Male, Maldives
22/30Overlooking the surrounding blue lagoon, this perk-packed resort on Male island in the Maldives promises maximum bang for your buck. Enjoy breakfast poolside before borrowing the property’s gear and exploring the reef on a guided snorkelling tour. Make the most of your time in paradise by taking advantage of the complimentary ice-cream cart that putters around handing out free scoops; morning ocean cruises; tennis court; and sunset yoga classes, then float back to your coastal-chic bungalow or villa. From $318 per night.
Image credit: Ifuru Island
Ifuru Island Resort, Maldives
23/30A 40-minute flight from Male lands you at Ifuru Island, where turquoise water, palm trees and balmy 25 degree temperatures are standard. This all-inclusive resort is the only one on this independently-owned island. Between the six eateries, kids club and complimentary library of watersports gear including kayaks and SUPs, the whole family will be entertained. The nearby skydiving centre offers solo, tandem and group dives, too, if heart-racing thrills are more your speed. From $350 per night.
Image credit: Hotel Des Artes
Hotel des Artes, Saigon, Vietnam
24/30Herringbone timber floors and glittering views across downtown Saigon make a stay at this old-school-inspired hotel an opulent experience. The Social Club on the 23rd floor hosts jazz night every Friday, transporting you to the Art Deco era of the Hotel des Artes’ design. Nibble on croissants and sip on phở for breakfast, then indulge in a steam session at the spa. Afterwards, lace up your walking shoes – you’re a 20-minute walk to the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and a 10-minute walk to the solemn War Remnants Museum. From $275 per night.
Image credit: Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake
InterContinental Hanoi, Vietnam
25/30Smackbang in the middle of Vietnam’s bustling capital, this luxurious hotel delivers cosy comfort and warm hospitality with a side of sophistication. From the hotel’s position overlooking Tay Ho Lake, you’re a four-minute walk to the historic Chua Kim Lien pagodas and a 10-minute drive along the water to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, stilt house and surrounding gardens. The property’s buffet breakfast at the French-inspired Café Du Lac restaurant is a crowdpleaser (an additional $30 to your room rate) and the ideal start to a day of adventure. The lake-bound Sunset Bar calls for toasting the end of the day with a Hanoi Breeze – a refreshing confection of mint, lemongrass and rum – in hand. From $250 per night.
Image credit: Pandanus Beach Resort and Spa
Pandanus Resort, Mui Ne, Vietnam
26/30A three-hour train ride from Ho Chi Minh, this waterfront retreat in Mui Ne – known for its exemplary windsurfing conditions – is a tropical escape that promises next level relaxation. Buffet-style breakfast and complimentary yoga sets the mood for the day; capitalise on the energy boost by borrowing a bicycle and riding into town to experience the colour and noise of the famous Mui Ne Fishing Market. Back at Pandanus Resort, explore 10 hectares of verdant gardens that surround a swimming pool and massage pavilions, or enrol in a cooking class to master Vietnamese classics. From $180 per night.
Image credit: Lotte Hotel
Lotte Hotel, Seoul, South Korea
27/30Sharing the name (and origin story) of the famous South Korean business conglomerate, this upscale hotel is slick, modern and refreshing. An hour from Incheon Airport and within a 15-minute walk of the eclectic Namdaemun Market, this grand hotel features a spa, high-tech gym (with bookable personal trainers) and an indoor pool overlooking the city, as well as a golf driving range. There are even cartoonified rooms for little ones. Pick up a slice of mascarpone coffee cake at the Delica Hans bakery on your way out to visit the Seoul Museum of Art and Myeongdong Shopping District. From $350 per night.
Image credit: Mj Resort
MJ Resort, Jeju Island, South Korea
28/30Famed for its lush landscapes and quality produce, Jeju Island has more than earned itself the label of “South Korea’s Hawaii”. From this 24-room beachfront resort, you can watch the haenyeo (female divers) set out in the morning while you enjoy a leisurely complimentary breakfast. Rooms are clean, minimalist and bright, with views over the ocean. Once you’re ready to head outdoors, the concierge team will organise snorkelling and fishing equipment so you can make the most of the surrounding waterways. From $280 per night.
Image credit: Royal Heritage Haveli
Royal Heritage Hayeli, Jaipur, India
29/30Built in the 18th century as a family home, the Royal Heritage Hayeli lies in the heart of Jaipur’s historical district, bookended by the verdant Tajeli Temple on one side and Hanuman Vatika Public Park on the other. Manicured courtyards give a taste of opulence, hand-painted frescos offer colour and charm, and a daily breakfast served by the service-focused team will make you feel like a maharaja yourself. Settle into a lounger beside the tiled pool and watch the sunlight filter through the fronds of towering date palms for maximum bliss. From $300 per night.