Hotels for the Chic and Cheap

It's springtime for budget travelers, even if the calendar still says winter.

The economic recession has dampened travel, resulting in smaller crowds and lower room rates. Boutique hotels, luxurious and chic, are opening across North America, offering unique accommodations at a discount. There's never been a cheaper time to book a getaway. Check out the deals:

Ace Hotel and Swim Club; Palm Springs, Calif.: Portland, Ore.'s hippest boutique hotel recently opened up shop in this oasis city. The small chain renovated a former Howard Johnson hotel in the Deepwell neighborhood, which has been home to Eva Gabor and Elizabeth Taylor. Known for its mix of modern furnishings and abstract decor, the hotel's bright white facade and swim-club pool (seen above) have made it the new playground in town.

The hotel's minimalist rooms, which start at $89 a night, feature aluminum paneling and plasma TVs suspended above metal wardrobes. Inside, simple wooden chairs give a nod to '70s design. If you have money to spare, the hotel offers suites with furnished terraces and fireplaces that make them perfect for a romantic getaway.

Hotel Basico; Playa del Carmen, Mexico: It looks like a factory from afar, but it's actually a chic hotel for party-minded jet-setters. The hotel used recycled material like spare tires and pipes to furnish its 15 rooms, which run as low as $160. Not-so-fluffy beds are elevated on platforms and surrounded by whimsical chairs and artful bric-a-brac from local shops.

Hotel Basico is within walking distance to the beach, but guests can also relax in its two refurbished water storage tanks that overlook the azure-blue Caribbean. Later, they can lounge at the Azotea Bar on the roof, where entertainment varies from DJs to the occasional film noir.

Hotel Valley Ho; Scottsdale, Ariz.: This 1950s motor lodge strikes a balance between retro and luxury. The six-story main building features balconies and exterior stonework inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. The hotel offers two in-house restaurants, including an outpost of the tiki chain Trader Vic's. The best part of the resort is its sexy and curvaceous swimming pool, which is surrounded by tented cabanas. The hotel's 156 rooms start at $207.