Money Doesn't Buy Style

[trip style = any]

If there's one thing I've learned from life and trip styling around the world, it's that money doesn't buy style {unless you can afford the everyday styling services of Brad Goreski}. Putting this into a travel context, money doesn't always buy a stylish hotel, either. Aka, you don't have to spend $500+ a night to land in a cool pad.

Case in point: some of the most stylish hotels I've stayed in have been $150 or less. Moreover, hit-up über stylish {and exclusive} hotels like the Banyan Tree Mayakoba in shoulder season or on a super sale, and you're singing your way to your vacay.

I get it, stylish means different things to different people. But if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that style is not run-of-the-mill nor head-to-toe one-branded; style is curated, style is personal, style is local, style is unique.

Stylish Hotels {all $150 or less in low season} *If you're considering jetting away for the fall, take note: style can come with a small price tag. You don't need to have a Ritz Carlton budget to wear Roberto Cavalli.

Thailand - x2 Kui Buri note: an all-villa hotel with wifi and champagne breakfast included.

Venice - Hilton Molino Stucky note: I got this hotel on hotwire for $110, the rooftop pool is its crowning glory.

Bonaire - Sorobon Beach Resort note: wifi and an azure bay the temperature of a hot tub included. BYO soap.

LA - Thompson Beverly Hills note: dark and sleek interiors lead to the 'bev hills beach' urban rooftop pool.

Palm Springs - Viceroy Palm Springs note: a multi-pool garden party to cool off in the desert heat.

Scottsdale - Saguaro note: bright, central and savvy with a coffee shop, whiskey lounge and mexican restaurant on-site. done.

NYC - Ace NYC note: up-cycled urban.

PS - if you're interested in finding high-style hotels for less, check out our curated list of travel websites in TS Recommends.

[photos by @tripstyler except hilton and ace, both sourced online]