Traveling during shoulder season—that sweet spot between peak and off-season—has the best of both worlds: fewer crowds, enjoyable weather, and much lower hotel rates. It’s the perfect time to explore dreamy destinations without the high-season sticker shock, whether you’re soaking up the springtime in a European city, chasing autumn foliage in New York, or enjoying a quieter Indonesian coastline.
From boutique stays in must-visit towns to cozy seaside retreats, this curated list includes the best hotels to visit during shoulder season—all under $250 per night. Whether after a quick weekend escape or an extended getaway, these budget-friendly stays prove that luxury isn’t defined by a price tag.
Sina Brufani — Perugia, Italy
Located above Perugia’s historic center, Sina Brufani has been the city’s go-to luxury hotel since 1884—and it’s still the only five-star stay in town. It’s right in the middle of everything, just steps from the Cathedral, Fontana Maggiore, the National Gallery, and Corso Vannucci’s charming cafés and boutiques. One of the hotel’s best-kept secrets? The underground wellness area. The swimming pool sits under medieval stone vaults, and its transparent floor reveals ancient Etruscan ruins from over 3,000 years ago.
The lowest starting rate begins at $194/night in the spring and $229/night in the fall.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 5 Stars • Rooms: 94 • Airport: Perugia Airport (PEG) | Amenities: • Wellness Club • Restaurant • Swimming Pool • Technogym |
BOOK WITH US FOR PERKS
Le Barn — Bonnelles, France
Just 45 minutes from Paris, Le Barn is the kind of laid-back countryside escape that makes you want to slow down. Set in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, it’s part hotel, part farm, part wellness retreat. There’s a restaurant serving up fresh, seasonal dishes straight from its own permaculture garden, plus a wellness area. It was dreamed up by two open-space-loving, horse-riding enthusiasts, so it’s no surprise that the vibe is all about embracing the outdoors. Right nearby, Haras de la Cense—a well-known equestrian center—adds a special touch, making this a dream spot for horseback riders.
The lowest starting rate begins at $232/night in the spring and $244/night in the fall.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 73 • Airport: Paris Orly Airport (ORY) | Amenities: • Free bikes • Garden • Restaurants • Wellness center • Cooking and cocktail lessons (extra fee) |
Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa — Aurora, NY
The Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa is all about laid-back luxury in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes. Spread across 350 acres, this collection of historic homes gives off serious cozy-yet-stylish vibes. Whether you’re unwinding at the spa, sipping local wine by the lake, or soaking up the small-town charm, it’s the perfect place to hit pause. Cayuga Lake is the star of the show, offering everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to being the ideal spot to watch the sunset. There’s also no shortage of things to do—think yoga classes, chef’s table dinners, archery lessons, and guided hikes.
The lowest starting rate begins at $195/night in the spring and $235/night in the fall.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 55 • Airport: Ithaca Airport (ITH) | Amenities: • Yoga classes • Chef’s table dinners • Kayaking excursions • Archery lessons • Spa • Weekly activities |
Viroth’s Hotel — Siem Reap, Cambodia
Viroth’s Hotel is a stylish, laid-back hideaway in Siem Reap’s Wat Bo area, just a short stroll from the Old Market and a quick tuk-tuk ride to Angkor Wat. With its mid-century design, vibrant vertical gardens, and a massive pool, it’s the perfect mix of retro charm and tropical relaxation. With just 35 rooms, Viroth’s keeps things intimate and effortlessly cool. You can dig into delicious Khmer dishes at the open-air restaurant, enjoy dinner by the pool, or check out unique art and ceramics at the OKO Gallery.
The lowest starting rate begins at $159/night in the spring and $159/night in the fall.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 35 • Airport: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) | Amenities: • Pool • Restaurant • Gallery • City or temple tours in a vintage limousine |
Lamego Hotel — Lamego, Portugal
Tucked away in Portugal’s Douro Valley, the Lamego Hotel is the kind of place where modern comfort meets laid-back charm. The rooms are spacious and stylish, with warm wood furnishings and cozy local touches like handcrafted tapestries and Burel blankets. Plus, the hotel is packed with perks to make your stay extra relaxing. There’s a heated outdoor pool (the only one in the Douro region!), a full-service spa with a sauna and Turkish bath, and a gym.
The lowest starting rate begins at $177/night in the spring and $146/night in the fall.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 98 • Airport: Porto Airport (OPO) | Amenities: • Gym • Pools • Restaurant • Charging station for electric vehicles • Game room • Garden • Lounge |
Maua Nusa Penida — Nusa Penida, Bali
Maua Nusa Penida is a dreamy hillside escape overlooking Gamat Bay, just a quick ferry ride from Bali. This five-star resort keeps things chic yet totally in tune with nature. Each of the 25 villas comes with a private pool and stunning views, making every hour here feel unreal. The vibe here is all about unwinding, thanks to spa treatments, an infinity pool, and a bar with great sunset views. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s snorkeling, hiking, and endless scenic spots to check out.
The lowest starting rate begins at $136/night in the spring and $157/night in the fall.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 5 Stars • Rooms: 25 • Airport: Denpasar International Airport (DPS) | Amenities: • Private charter luxury boat • Spa • Gym • Library and lounge • Pools • Restaurant |
The Bath Arms at Longleat — Warminster, United Kingdom
The Bath Arms at Longleat is a laid-back countryside inn with plenty of charm. Set on the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire, it’s just a short drive from the safari park and about 30 minutes from Bath. The pub serves up delicious comfort food, great local ales, and a solid wine list, while the new Bramley Treatment Cabin is perfect for a little R&R. The 16 cozy rooms—split between the main inn and a converted stable block—are simple yet cool with rustic, countryside-inspired decor. Some rooms even have a faint soundtrack of safari animals in the distance.
The lowest starting rate begins at $181/night in the spring and $219/night in the fall.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 16 • Airport: Bristol Airport (BRS) | Amenities: • Lounge • Garden • Siberian goose down duvets • Spa • Pub |
Hotels Above Par may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links, at no cost to you.
