Sure you can get lucky sometimes, but most people won’t be spending their summer vacations in the lap of luxury without having to pay through the nose for it.

Unless… you can find solid deals from luxury hotels that offer 5-star luxury and comfort at a 4-star or lower price tag. Here’s a few samples.

LHW luxury hotels

LHW: The ‘Save the Date Sweet Dreams’ offer includes steep discounts at luxury properties all over the world that are part of the Leading Hotels of the World Group.

You can get 15-20% off on the best available rate at luxury hotels like the Taj Campton Place in San Francisco; Setai South Beach in Miami Beach and the Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Miami; Hôtel Plaza Athénée in New York; and the The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu.

The only catch is that you need to book early. More details here.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of New York: The Ritz properties in NYC are offering a ‘Summer in the Park’ deal which includes a 2-night stay and add-ons like free full day bike rentals, a picnic and a private gondola ride or a a tour of Manhattan by sail. More details here.

Waldorf Astoria: “Best of Waldorf Astoria” summer promotion includes a complimentary daily breakfast for children 18 and under and a daily resort credit at any one of the brand’s 24 hotels across the globe, including the original and legendary legendary Waldorf=Astoria New York and the new Waldorf Astoria in Orlando.

The offer is valid for stays booked between 5/1/2011 and 9/5/2011 and completed between 5/27/2011 and 10/2/2011. Use promo code PBBWS1 or call and ask for the “Best of Waldorf Astoria” promotion.

Starwood Resorts: This is for SPG members only, but it’s worth a mention since there are so many millions of them and you can always sign up. From now until July 31, registered SPG members who stay three times at any of the more than 1000 Starwood hotels or resorts worldwide will earn one free resort night award.

The stay can be redeemed at over 200 resorts including stunning resorts like the St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kaua’i and the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Vermont. More details here.

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas: This was until recently a Ritz which has reopened under new management, and it’s still a luxury hotel. To make it even more attractive, they’re offering a 50% summer escape discount with free breakfast for two adults and two children included.

So what you’re getting is a brand new luxury hotel stay that’s on paper a 4-star property with a 2-star price tag. Offer valid until September 30, 2011. More details here.

Photos courtesy LHW

Watching the Waterford Crystal Ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve is a drop in the bucket list for people from all over the world. The dream-come-true event should be celebrated in luxury as only The Plaza hotel can provide. Ring in the New Year staying at one of New York’s best 5-star hotels.

Situated in the heart of Manhattan on the southern end of Central park and just blocks from Times Square, The Plaza and its timeless elegance welcomes guests into opulence at the entrance.

A New Year’s weekend set in luxury is available at one of a select room types from the Plaza King with a street view or inside courtyard view, but even with this quaint room, none of the splendor is spared. As with all of the guest rooms a The Plaza, even the Sherle Wagner faucets are plated in 24-carat gold. It is extravagance at its finest in New York City near Times Square.

A glimpse into the King Plaza room at The Plaza Hotel, New York

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I’ve been asking around Twitter for my friends’ favorite hotels they’ve ever stayed in, and I have a nice variety of hotels from which to choose. I saw The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, come up as a suggestion, and just by the name, I knew it was going to be fancy.

I didn’t think it would be jaw-droppingly amazing. Breath-taking. Dream vacation-making. Five star everything.

The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado

WOW.

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The time around Thanksgiving brings the best weather to Central Florida. Cool evenings and clear, mild days make for tremendously enjoyable days at the theme parks. If you’re in the Orlando area whether it’s to visit Disney World, SeaWorld, or just enjoy our Fall weather, Thanksgiving holiday hotel and vacation deals are abound.

Package deals and discounted hotel room rates are available at many Orlando-area hotels and resorts during the holidays.

Bohemian Hotel Celebration, Orlando, FL

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