A weekend at a 5-star hotel is out of reach for most people, yet everyone dreams of a peaceful getaway every once in a while.
In the rare event that you have enough money saved for a luxurious weekend getaway, you can either splurge on a 5-star hotel and leave yourself with no money left over to explore the area, or you can choose a 4-star hotel and still have plenty of money left over to see all that the area has to offer.
Wherever you travel, you will find four-star hotels that can easily compete with the best options in the same city.
If you’re not particularly picky about the specific amenities and features of the hotel you stay at, the price difference between a 4-star and 5-star establishment may be more significant to you than the star rating itself.
When compared to similar 5-star hotels, some 4-star establishments actually provide more amenities at a more reasonable rate.
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Also, since a four-star rating is the highest for the hotel grading body that controls a given region, some four-star hotels are the best in that region.
However, take note that hotel prices also vary depending on how far they are from the city’s or town’s central business district; generally speaking, rates drop as one moves away from the core.
Your deluxe weekend break should take into account how much of the city core you want to see. After all, the money you save on lodging could easily be spent on additional transportation to get to the sights you want to see.
Since most four-star hotels feature business centers and meeting rooms, they are also ideal for corporate trips.
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Even business travelers can enjoy the 5-star amenities and services of a 4-star hotel, as these establishments are well-equipped to handle both business and leisure guests.
Some, especially those with private, soundproofed rooms and spa amenities like in-room massage therapists and a Zen garden, can even serve as a source of inspiration and peace.
Some of these four-star establishments might be nice choices for a weekend getaway. Hotel Forum in Rome, with a roof-garden restaurant overlooking the Venice Square.
The Colosseum Elite Hotel Praha in Prague, located in a quiet, yet scenic part of town, and featuring a day bar with a small leisure garden and a grill club that showcases local cuisine.
The Sofitel Paris Porte de Sevres, with wireless Internet access in some rooms, three restaurants catering to different tastes, and the option to stay on one of its eight non-smoking floors.
