Finding the right accommodation can make or break your Bangladesh experience. Stay in the wrong area of Dhaka, and you'll waste hours in traffic. Choose a beach resort without researching, and you might end up disappointed by location or quality. Book a hill station cottage during peak season without advance planning, and you'll find everything full. But with the right information, you can find excellent accommodations at every budget level - from $10 hostels to $200 luxury resorts - perfectly positioned for your itinerary.
Bangladesh's accommodation scene has evolved dramatically in recent years. Major cities now have international hotel chains alongside boutique guesthouses. Beach destinations offer everything from backpacker huts to five-star resorts. Hill stations feature eco-cottages with stunning views. Even remote areas like the Sundarbans have comfortable lodges. The key is knowing where to look, what to expect at each price point, and how to book effectively.
This comprehensive guide breaks down accommodations by region and budget, highlighting the best options in Dhaka, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Sajek, Rangamati, Sylhet, Chittagong, and more. We'll cover budget guesthouses (under $20), mid-range hotels ($30-80), and luxury resorts ($100+), explain neighborhood differences, provide realistic price expectations, and share booking strategies. Whether you're a backpacker seeking the cheapest bed or a family wanting comfort and convenience, you'll find exactly what you need here.
Dhaka: Where to Stay in the Capital
Location matters enormously in Dhaka due to legendary traffic. Choose your neighborhood based on your activities. Gulshan/Banani for upscale comfort and restaurants, Dhanmondi for central location and universities, Old Dhaka for atmosphere (but basic options), Uttara if flying in/out frequently.
Luxury ($80-200+ per night)
Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden (Dhaka Airport area)
Modern five-star hotel near airport (15 min), excellent for business travelers and short stays. Pool, spa, multiple restaurants, efficient service. Airport transfers available.
Price: $120-180
Best for: Business travelers, families wanting comfort
Book: Official website for best rates, Booking.com
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka (Karwan Bazar)
Dhaka's landmark luxury hotel with excellent restaurants, large pool, and professional service. Central location but can be traffic-heavy. Historic property recently renovated.
Price: $140-220
Best for: Luxury seekers, long stays
Facilities: Pool, spa, gym, multiple dining options
Le Méridien Dhaka (Nikunja)
International chain standards with modern rooms, good breakfast, reliable service. Slightly outside center but easier airport access.
Price: $100-150
Best for: Reliable international standards
Mid-Range ($30-80 per night)
Best Western Plus Maple Leaf (Gulshan)
Excellent value in upscale Gulshan area. Clean, comfortable rooms, good breakfast, helpful staff. Walking distance to restaurants and shopping.
Price: $50-80
Best for: Great location-to-price ratio
Note: Book directly for sometimes better rates
Hotel Ornate (Gulshan)
Boutique-style hotel with comfortable rooms, rooftop restaurant, good service. Popular with business travelers and tourists. Central Gulshan location.
Price: $60-90
Amenities: Restaurant, conference facilities, airport pickup
Hotel Sarina (Banani)
Reliable mid-range option in upscale Banani. Clean rooms, helpful staff, restaurant on-site. Good base for exploring Dhaka.
Price: $45-70
Location: Near restaurants, shops, diplomatic zone
Budget (Under $30 per night)
Hotel 71 (Gulshan)
Best budget option in good neighborhood. Basic but clean rooms, AC works, hot water reliable. No frills but safe and well-located.
Price: $15-25
Best for: Budget travelers wanting Gulshan location
Book ahead: Popular with backpackers and budget business travelers
Hotel Al-Razzaque International (Dhanmondi)
Basic budget hotel in central Dhanmondi. Clean enough, functional AC, restaurants nearby. Don't expect luxury but it's safe and cheap.
Price: $12-20
Location: Central, near Dhanmondi Lake and restaurants
Alternative: Airbnb in Dhaka
Growing Airbnb market with apartments in Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi. Can be excellent value for groups or longer stays. Expect $25-60/night for decent places.
Pros: Kitchen, living space, often better value than hotels
Cons: Variable quality, verify location carefully
Cox's Bazar: Beach Hotels & Resorts
Location is crucial: Kolatoli Beach area offers best balance of beach access and facilities. Laboni Point is central but crowded. Inani Beach (30 km south) is quieter and more scenic.
Luxury Beach Resorts ($100-300)
Sayeman Beach Resort
Cox's Bazar's premier resort with direct beach access, multiple pools, spa, and excellent facilities. Large property with various room categories.
Price: $150-250
Location: Kolatoli Beach
Best for: Families, honeymooners, luxury seekers
Long Beach Hotel
Established hotel with beachfront location, pool, multiple restaurants. Reliable service and good facilities.
Price: $100-180
Amenities: Beach access, pool, spa, restaurants
Mid-Range ($30-80)
Hotel Sea Palace
Good value with sea-view rooms, restaurant, and helpful staff. Walking distance to beach and restaurants.
Price: $40-70
Location: Kolatoli area, 2-minute walk to beach
Hotel Kollol
Clean, comfortable rooms with some sea views. Restaurant on-site, friendly staff, reasonable prices.
Price: $35-60
Note: Book sea-facing rooms early
Budget (Under $30)
Hotel Mishuk
Basic but clean budget option near Kolatoli. AC rooms, hot water, walking distance to beach.
Price: $15-25
Best for: Budget travelers accepting simple accommodations
Hill Station Cottages & Resorts
Bandarban
Nilgiri Resort (on Nilgiri Hill)
Stunning hilltop location with cloud-level cottages. Basic but clean rooms with incredible views. Book months ahead for peak season.
Price: 3,000-5,000 BDT ($30-50)
Must book: 2-3 months ahead for winter weekends
Hill View Resort Nilach
Comfortable cottages with valley views, restaurant, organized tours available.
Price: 2,500-4,000 BDT ($25-40)
Sajek Valley
Sajek Resort
The main resort with various cottage types. Prime location but can be crowded. Restaurant on-site.
Price: 3,000-6,000 BDT ($30-60)
Peak season: Book 2+ months ahead
Runmoy Resort
Smaller, quieter option with good views. Simple cottages but peaceful atmosphere.
Price: 2,000-4,000 BDT ($20-40)
Rangamati
Parjatan Motel Rangamati
Government-run hotel with lake views, comfortable rooms, restaurant. Best location in Rangamati.
Price: 2,500-4,500 BDT ($25-45)
Booking: parjatan.gov.bd (often slow - call directly)
Other Regional Accommodations
Sylhet & Tea Gardens
Grand Sultan Tea Resort (Srimangal)
Beautiful tea garden setting with comfortable rooms, pool, and organized tea estate tours.
Price: $60-100
Perfect for: Tea lovers, nature enthusiasts
Tea Heaven Resort (Srimangal)
Eco-friendly cottages in tea gardens. Simple but charming with authentic experience.
Price: $30-50
Sundarbans
Most visitors stay on boats (liveaboard tours). Some forest department guesthouses exist but are basic. Book through tour operators for boat accommodations.
Boat tours: $50-150 per person per day (includes accommodation, meals, guides)
Chittagong
Peninsula Chittagong
Best hotel in Chittagong with modern facilities, multiple restaurants, and professional service.
Price: $80-120
Practical Booking Tips & Advice
When to Book
- Peak season (Nov-Feb): Book 2-3 months ahead, especially for Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Sajek
- Shoulder season: 2-4 weeks ahead usually fine
- Off-season: Can often book same-week or walk-in
- Major holidays (Eid, Pohela Boishakh): Book 3+ months ahead, prices spike
Booking Platforms
- Booking.com: Best international platform, many Bangladesh hotels listed
- Agoda: Good selection, competitive prices
- Direct hotel websites: Sometimes better rates, especially for chains
- Local agents: For hill stations and remote areas, local travel agents often necessary
- Phone booking: Many smaller hotels prefer phone bookings (WhatsApp works)
Price Expectations by Season
- Peak (Dec-Jan): Expect 30-50% higher than listed prices
- Shoulder (Nov, Feb-Mar): Standard rates
- Off-season (Apr-Oct): Often 30-40% discounts available
- Weekends: 20-30% premium at beach/hill destinations
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Stay
Bangladesh offers accommodations for every budget and travel style, but success requires planning. Book ahead for peak season and popular destinations. Be realistic about budget options - "budget" doesn't mean uncomfortable, but don't expect luxury at $15/night. Location matters enormously, especially in Dhaka where traffic is brutal.
For first-timers, stick to established hotels in good neighborhoods. For adventurous travelers, budget guesthouses and local homestays offer authentic experiences. Families should prioritize resorts with pools and activities. Solo travelers can find excellent hostels and budget hotels throughout the country.
Remember that prices listed here are approximate and fluctuate with seasons and demand. Always verify current rates, read recent reviews, and book cancellable rates when possible. With proper planning, you'll find excellent accommodations that enhance rather than detract from your Bangladesh adventure.
Happy booking, and enjoy your stay in Bangladesh!
