I recommend using some of the Fairmont hotels on your travel circuits. If you become a President’s Club member, deals for the shoulder seasons are often sent to your email, making the rooms affordable. I have stayed in the properties in Hamburg, Dubai, Shanghai, and Beijing for >$200 (taxes included), with other benefits such as workout gear, free internet, helpful concierge, etc. I also recently booked a small boardroom and held student meetings, which the agent felt was a classy way to spruce up the whole student recruitment process.
http://www.fairmont.com/fpc