With the focus during the Christmas season on buying for others,many welcome the January sales as a perfect way to tilt the balanceback and indulge in all sorts of bargains – especially the clothingkind.

However January sales don’t necessarily have to be about shoppingand carrying big plastic bags around busy streets. What if instead oftreating your wardrobe to a makeover you treated yourself to somewell-earned rest, good food, maybe a massage and the odd spot ofsightseeing?

Great Hotels of the World are thinking a different kind of January sales this year – luxury hotel January sales.

They have selected affordable offers at 4 and 5 star hotels in some ofour most popular European destinations for you to choose from. Many ofthe hotels are offering great, discounted rates for the new year aswell as packages and deals that include luxury extras.

Just browse the list below and click through to check prices,availability and make a booking. Why not swap the bags for airplanetickets and try out a different kind of January sale this year?

The Capital's chic London package - click to check availability and book.

St James Hotel & Club- Ideally located in the heart of central London, book a stay at the St James Hotel & Club this January with rates starting at 215GBP per room, per night. You can double up - treat yourself and indulge in good old fashioned January sales at London's most famous shops, all within walking distance of the hotel.

Les Jardins du Marais- Escape to the city of lights and love this January. Leave the shopping behind with a great package that includes breakfast, entry tothe latest Crazy Horse cabaret show and an unforgettable limousine tour of the city with Champagne at the foot of the Eiffel tower. Rates forthis incredible package start at 214GBP per room, per night.

Les Jardins du Marais' Fun Paris Package - Click to check availability and book.

Victoria Palace- Head to the chic Left Bank district in Paris and enjoy discounted rates at Victoria Palace, a five-star establishment that embodies Paris' elegance, history and charm. Rates from 203GBP per room, per night.

La Villa Maillot- Hidden away within walking distance of the Champs-Elysees, La Villa Maillot provides a welcoming haven of respite, comfort and luxury amid the hustle and bustle of the French capital. Retreat into downtown Paris this January and discover a world of culture, food and more with rates starting at 123GBP per room, per night.

Hotel Barcelona Princess- With year-round clement weather, incredible art and culture and nightlife that is the envy of most European capitals Barcelona is an ideal destination for a January break. And with an incredible offer of3 nights for the price of 2 with rates starting at 64GBP per room, per night, finding excuses might be difficult.

3 nights for 2 in Barcelona - Click to check availability and book.

Kolbe Hotel Rome- Let yourself be tempted to a break in the timeless Italian capital this January with 30 percent off when you stay 3 nights at the KolbeHotel, ideally located in the city centre in the shadow of the legendary Palatine Hill.

30 percent off when staying 3 nights in Rome - Click to check availability and book.

Westin Excelsior Rome- With a prime position near Via Veneto, Rome's world famous shopping street, a stay at the Westin Excelsior this January allows for bothpersonal indulgence and a spot of shopping or two. Rates at thisopulent five star hotel start at 324GBP this winter.

Ambassador Zlata Husa- Prague is an ideal destination for a January break with a difference.Indulge in some culture or history, some warm and homely food, a fascinating walk around town and if you're still standing a dance and some drinks in the evening at one of the city's many clubs. The Ambassador Zlata Husa is offering a great city break package this winter, with 3 nights stay, breakfast, one three-course lunch and discount vouchers for various city attractions. The whole thing starts at 90GBP, a truly irresistible deal.

City Break deal in Prague - Click to check availability and book.

Boscolo Hotel Carlo IV- Housed inside a breathtaking neo-classical palace, the Boscolo Hotel Carlo IV is ideal for those seeking to treat themselves this January.Everything in this five star palace adds to the elegance, comfort and luxury that emanates from the building, and can be felt inside too.With rates starting at 148GBP per room, per night this winter, this is one luxury that is easily affordable.