Book smart: Where to swing added-value stays

In recent years, a host of head-turning hotel names have spawned (comparatively) affordable siblings: Slick luxury stalwarts Aman Resorts recently debuted Janu; eco-minded 1 Hotels grew Treehouse; and in West LA, the team behind Proper Hotels has launched Hotel June. It’s the smart way to book if you want the look of the big-name brand without the equally sizeable bill. Hotel June West LA takes Proper’s design-forward DNA—all breezy, West Coast, mid-century cool—and translates it into earthy, clean-lined bedrooms (terrazzo tables, sisal carpets, potted fiddle-leaf fig trees). Outside there’s the vibey, Baja-inspired Caravan Swim Club slinging shrimp tacos and margaritas. Plus, it’s only a short hop from LAX, saving you serious money on cabs and making this an ideal base for lazy poolside layovers.

Resort fees can often come as a sneaky surprise, so get savvy and compare what they include. Basic might mean free WiFi; brilliant is complimentary kayaks and more. This is what you’ll find at Loews Miami Beach, in prime position overlooking the South Beach sands, where resort-fee inclusions span everything from daily meditation classes and water-sports rentals to banana-boat rides—and even your own professional photo shoot on the hotel’s lush grounds. This place is a family favorite, too, with up to three children staying for free in a parent’s room, complimentary baby floaties and sunscreen, as well as Friday-night outdoor movie screenings (popcorn included).

The vast Battersea Power Station once produced a fifth of London’s electricity, but its rebirth as a glossy shopping, dining and drinking destination has sparked a new kind of energy, drawing crowds upstream from the heart of the city to a once overlooked section of the river. This slightly less central location means stays at the colorful art’otel London Battersea Power Station are cracking value (there are nights from less than $250)—especially when you factor in starting your day doing laps in the rooftop pool overlooking those iconic chimneys. You can also roll downstairs to all the Power Station’s fun and games, or hop on a Thames Clipper boat to whizz up to the London Eye and beyond.

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All-inclusive resorts sometimes get a bad rap on the culinary front, conjuring up images of so-so buffets. Not the case at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, one of just four all-inclusives in Mexico to feature a Michelin-starred restaurant as part of the deal, alongside its sister resort in Los Cabos. Sure, the headline price is a splurge, but it’s easy to max out that room rate on top-tier cocktails, a roster of fitness classes, the action-packed kids’ and teens’ clubs, and 24-hour room service—plus dining on some of Mexico’s finest food at Cocina de Autor every night of your stay.

Along the neon-soaked Strip, Vegas plays a high-rolling game of hotel one-upmanship. Supersized suites, glittering restaurants, pumping pool parties… The savviest bet, however, is to book one of a growing number of double-up hotels, which buys you access to the facilities of two properties for twice the fun. Up at the north end of the Strip, the sweeping bronze facade of the Wynn sits just alongside sister resort Encore. Between them you can wine and dine at numerous bars and restaurants, unwind at the award-winning spas, tee-off on the championship golf course behind the hotel, and skip the line at nightclub XS.

Staying in the very heart of New York City for under $300 a night? Dreams do come true at this stylish hotel in NoMad—especially if you book a Sunday sleepover. Made Hotel hits the sweet spot between lower prices and luxury design: The linens have a super-high thread count, the beds are cloud-like and the floors are reclaimed walnut. Opt into amenities with a $30-a-day “curation fee,” unlocking access to the hotel’s rooftop bar Good Behavior, with knockout views of the Empire State Building (guests get 10% off their bill); plus there’s a free morning coffee at Paper, a complimentary glass of wine during happy hour, and stylish tokyobikes to borrow. Come mid-March, hop on one to freewheel uptown to 44th Street and catch the start of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Fifth Avenue.