That old adage 'you get what you pay for' generally holds true, especially when it comes to luxury hotels -- you pay a premium for lush accommodations, attentive service, and upscale amenities. But, for an average nightly rate of less than $250 (double occupancy), we've found ten upscale lodging choices which are sure to give you the VIP treatment and surroundings without the VIP price tag.

Up Next: The Grand Hotel

Location: Mackinac Island, MI
Room Rate: $225
Details: No two rooms at the historic Grand Hotel are alike, and that's just the start of the charm at this graceful hotel. With its sweeping porch, views of the Mackinaw Straits and incredible service, the Grand is open only a few months of the year -- from May through October -- and the daily rate includes a bountiful breakfast buffet and elegant five-course dinner. During the summer season rates are a little higher, but in the beautiful spring and fall seasons, rates drop as low as $139.

Up Next: Hotel Madison

Location: Memphis, TN
Room Rate: $240
Details: The Madison is situated downtown, within walking distance of the blues clubs on Beale Street and the Mississippi Riverfront. The sleek lobby d?cor offers a stunning contrast to the traditional architecture of this former bank building, while the intimate feel of the hotel promises a luxurious hideaway. A charming rooftop garden with views of the Mighty Mississippi is a romantic spot any time of year, and a hopping scene during the warmer months when the rooftop bar is open, and the cozy street-front bar and restaurant offers casual fine dining.
Up Next: Amelia Island Plantation

Location: Amelia Island, FL
Room Rate: $229
Details: A full-service resort, the average nightly rate at Amelia Island Plantation gets you more than just roomy accommodations; access to world-class tennis, beachside golf, charming boutiques and varied dining means there's no time for lounging in your room. Add in the wide, Atlantic-side beaches for relaxing and sunning, Segway tours and bike rentals, or simply meandering through the trails while you revel in your affordable yet luxurious getaway.

Up Next: Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Location: Hoover, AL
Room Rate: $249
Details: The castle-like Ross Bridge Resort inspires fairy-tale like lodging dreams, from the carpet-like greens of the challenging, par 72 Robert Trent Jones designed course (reasonably priced at $115) to the wooded views from each room's balcony, where at sunset you can listen for the mournful notes from a bagpiper whose job it is to call the golfers in from the course. Add in some downtime at the European-inspired spa for a weekend retreat that's fit for royalty.
Up Next: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Location: Destin, FL
Room Rate: $239
Details: With everything from hotel-type rooms to luxury condos that can sleep the whole family, Sandestin's array of lodging options are affordably priced and even better when part of a package, like for the resort's annual WineFest in April. Free bicycles are available for guest use, with beach or bay activities -- fishing, kayaking, jet-skiing and para-sailing also available; the Village area includes boutiques and restaurants featuring live bands and a street party atmosphere at night.

Up Next: Renaissance Arts Hotel

Location: New Orleans, LA
Room Rate: $185
Details: It's eye candy as far as the eye can see at this furniture factory-turned-artsy-hotel, featuring original art glass in each bathroom, gicl?e prints in the bedroom, and an offshoot of the original Arthur Rogers Gallery in the lobby. The exposed brick walls of the guest rooms are offset by the fine linens and sleek furniture, and a hip lobby lounge is the perfect starting point for an evening out on the town. During the day, the excellent galleries of the warehouse Arts District are just a short walk, as is the French Quarter.

Up Next: Le Richelieu

Location: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA
Room Rate: $138
Details: The small, boutique-y Le Richelieu has just 86 rooms and is a surprisingly affordable find in the heart of the Quarter. A small caf? and lounge are a welcome respite from the craziness of the Quarter, while the courtyard boasts a swimming pool. Chandeliers and fine art fill the lobby; much of the staff has been at the hotel for over a decade, so service is impeccable from start to finish. Former Beatle Paul McCartney lived for more than two months in the hotel's huge VIP suite, that's now named after Sir Paul.
Up Next: Ginn Reunion Resort

Location: Orlando, FL
Room Rate: $249
Details: A sumptious one-bedroom villa features all the comforts of home, except with daily housekeeping service: A master bedroom, balcony, living room with a queen sleeper, even a soaking tub and granite-topped vanity in the oversized bathroom. If cooking on the stainless steel appliances in the fully stocked kitchen isn't your thing, head to one of the six restaurants or order room service. A water park with float river, a full service spa and three pro-designed golf courses (by Nicklaus, Palmer and Watson), offer plenty of recreational options.
Up Next: Casa Laguna

Location: Laguna Beach, CA
Room Rate: $230
Details: Tucked into a hillside with a view of the Pacific Coast Highway and the sparkling Pacific, Casa Laguna entices with lush landscaping, quiet courtyards and traditional Mission-style architecture. Paths of pretty tiles bring one to fountains, the pool, and a variety of accommodations. All rooms are luxuriously outfitted with feather bed or pillow-top mattresses, comfy chairs and whirlpool tubs. Many rooms also feature fireplaces. All have a view, whether of the Pacific sunset or the pretty courtyards.

Up Next: More Hotel Features

It's tempting to fill your days with activities and such, but few things feel as fabulous as finding a patch of deck somewhere away from the mel?e of other vacationers and soaking up some sun. Bonus points if you fall asleep ... just don't forget your sunscreen!


Up Next: Don't Do Everything

There's a ton of things to do on a cruise ship, from events and activities to stage shows to contests ... it can leave your mind reeling, especially if you try and cram it all into one trip. And if you try to do that, what will you do on your next cruise?


Up Next: Repeat Trip

Because really, you will want to do another one so you can repeat all the things you loved doing on your first trip and try all the things you didn't get the chance to on your second. Some people love cruising so much they don't ever get off the boat! A bonus? Sometimes if you book when you're on the trip or shortly thereafter, you can score some deals for being a repeat customer!

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