The Rise of "No-Star" Hotels

No-frills rooms in Costa Rica can cost as little as $20 USD/night if hot water is included. But some places have taken savings to an even greater extreme. In Switzerland, they've converted nuclear fallout shelters into no-frills hotels. In Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia has introduced rooms for as low as 20 cents per night. How is such a rate possible? These so-called "no-star" hotel rooms provide next to no amenities beyond a bed and a door that can be secured. Even simple "extras" like towels, sheets and air conditioning require additional money. But when you're starting at a base of 20 cents, these a-la-carte hotel prices can still add up to savings.