Whether you want to sleep on a boat, immerse yourself in art, sleep in a futuristic neon cube or surround yourself with the Red Light district adult entertainment, there is an accommodation to suit your needs.

Related: Amsterdam Hotel Advice: Read this first

Unique and cheap Amsterdam hotels

To help make your trip to “The Venice of the North” more interesting, here are four unique hotels in Amsterdam:

The modern design doesn’t mean sky high prices at citizen M. Photo: Provided by hotel

1. citizenM Hotel: Sleep with modern style

Double rooms start at $115 per night

Upon entering citizenM Hotel, your first thought will be you somehow landed on an episode of The Jetsons. In reality, you’ve actually landed in the hotel of the future. Located in the Zuid-Amstel neighborhood, technology and design-enthusiasts will love the 215 futuristic rooms that feature remote-controlled amenities and mood lighting, censor-automated showers, electronic window blinds and pod-enclosed toilets that open and close with the push of a button. Not surprisingly, free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the building.

Even the common areas reflect the rock n’ roll attitude at Backstage Hotel. Photo: EuroCheapo

2. Backstage Hotel: Sleep like a rock star

Double rooms start at $71 per night

Considered “Amsterdam’s Rock and Roll Hotel,” Backstage Hotel offers guests the chance to be a rock star for their stay. Walking down the halls, you pass vintage posters and modern cover art, while the lobby showcases a grand piano and a chalkboard talking up the city’s current shows. Snare drums and saxophones adorn the bar walls and Guitar Hero is always ready to go.

Black-and-white rooms feature high-wattage vanity mirrors, sexy artwork, drum light fixtures and even a spotlight on the bed to help you feel even more like a VIP. If you’d like to go out and paint the town red, the hotel is located near Leidseplein close to an array of music venues.

Get ready for wacky and wild rooms with artistic flair at St. Christopher’s at the Winston. Photo: EuroCheapo

3. St. Christopher’s at the Winston: Sleep with art

Double rooms start at around $110 per night

For those who want an accommodation that’s also an attraction, St. Christopher’s at the Winston is like staying at an interactive contemporary art gallery where you sleep inside the installations. Located in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, the property was the first in the Netherlands to offer an art-focused hotel, with each of the seven floors and its rooms offering a different creative theme.

Some fun rooms you may want to request include the Heineken Room, with a green-bottle theme, the Tranquility Room with black and white photographs and the Ultraviolet Room with neon works. And, don’t think this hotel is afraid to push the limits. Some rooms contain paraphernalia like kinky dominatrix photos of women.

Futuristic rooms add a come with high-tech perks for a low price. Photo: Courtesy of hotel

4. Qbic Hotel Amsterdam: Sleep in a cube

Double rooms start at $107 per night

Located south of Amsterdam’s center in the city’s financial district (and near RAI convention center and Schiphol airport), the Qbic Hotel Amsterdam offers an interesting budget accommodation option for those willing to make the hike out here. Along with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, cable TV, a restaurant, air conditioning, a restaurant and bar/lounge, this quirky hotel offers guests the chance to stay in a “cubi.” These futuristic cube-shaped rooms resemble Japan’s cubicle hotels, but with more space.

Room features include an extra-long Hastens bed, LCD TV, creative work-and-dine sets and, the best part, the options to create your own atmosphere with changeable lighting and glow, like a mellow yellow, techno-trance purple, cool blue or sexy red. The lobby also fits into the futuristic theme, with a touch screen digital kiosk acting as your local tour guide.

More hotels in Amsterdam

For many more interesting accommodation options, visit our guide to read reviews of our favorite cheap hotels in Amsterdam, all visited and inspected by EuroCheapo’s editors.

The post Amsterdam: 5 budget hotels that offer a unique sleep appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Below are five recommendations for very affordable sleeps in Venice. For dozens more options, be sure to stop by our guide to cheap hotels in Venice.

Hostel Domus Civica

Doubles from $80
Read review

One of the cheapest accommodations you’ll find in the city, the Hostel Domus Civica is a women’s college residence during the school year and becomes a hostel from June 1 to September 30. Located close to the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia train station as well as the restaurant and wine bar-littered square of Campo Santo Margherita, this hostel is popular with un-fussy backpackers.

Rooms vary in size and guests can choose between private quarters or dorm-style. Although simple, rooms are extremely clean with warm wood furnishings. For safety reasons, nobody is allowed to enter the building between 12:30 am and 7 am, although if you have a special request they will work to accommodate it. When you’re feeling social, head to the TV lounge to meet other travelers.

The San Samuele is a spunky little place with style — and some super cheap rooms.

San Samuele

Doubles from $53
Read review

Located near the Campo San Steafano, Albergo San Samuele is a 1-star boutique hotel showcasing a variety of rooms to fit every budget, from single rooms with private bathrooms to doubles with shared facilities. (And yes, you read the “Doubles from $53” correctly. That’s for a double with shared bath.) The vibe of the hotel is eclectic, with a mix of period furnishings, stone courtyard entry, modern art and rooms with marble floors and bright pink walls.

Budget-travelers will love the property’s free Wi-Fi as well as its central location, near St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, the Accademia and the Palazzo Grassi. For something unique to do in the city, the hotel offers rides with Venice’s first female gondolier, Alexandra Hai. For a Cheapo breakfast, head over to their sister property Hotel Salieri, which offers a continental buffet for €5.

The Gazzettino is an affordable three-star charmer that can be hard to find.

Al Gazzettino

Double rooms starting at $135
Read review

For something a bit more upscale but still affordable, the Hotel Al Gazzettino is a three-star hotel centrally located in Venice’s San Marco area between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Rated as “Excellent” by our staff hotel reviewers, the property features 10 rooms all with satellite TV, telephone, air conditioning, spacious modern bathrooms and either a street- or canal-view. Moreover, decor is in a romantic Venetian style with baroque prints, antique mirrors and period furniture.

Those on a budget will love the complimentary Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast spread of fruits, meats, cheeses, fresh croissants and Italian coffee.

The Centauro is a budget-friendly three-star hotel.

Hotel Centauro

Doubles from $90
Read review

Located in Venice’s historic center near St. Mark’s Square and the Great La Fenice Theatre, Hotel Centauro is a 16-century Venetian palace transformed into a three-star accommodation. Although budget-friendly, the hotel doesn’t skimp on comfort. All guest rooms feature satellite TV, telephone, air conditioning and Venetian-style furnishings.

Moreover, budget-travelers will enjoy free perks like one hour of Wi-Fi, a complimentary pass for the Venice Casino and a guided tour to the island of Murano to visit glass factories and view ancient art. They also offer reduced parking around the city. And for those who don’t want to leave their furry friends at home, the hotel allows guests to bring pets for no extra change.

In their sunny breakfast room, a buffet of warm croissants, cereals, yogurts, meats, cheeses, eggs, tea and coffee can be enjoyed. We recommend asking for a room with a canal view to enhance your stay even further.

The San Lio is located in a 14th century building near many of Venice’s biggest sights.

San Lio Tourist House

Double rooms starting at $139 per night
Read review

For travelers looking for an inexpensive accommodation in a central location, San Lio Tourist House is an excellent choice. As it’s located just a short walk from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, as well as restaurants and nightlife, you’ll save money on transportation. Rooms are clean and simple, with baroque print linens, television, air conditioning and private bathroom.

Additionally, the building itself gives guests a look into Venice’s history, as it dates back to the beginning of the 14th century.

Want more suggestions?

To read many (many!) more reviews of budget hotels in Venice, check out EuroCheapo’s Venice Guide. All of our editor’s picks have been inspected, photographed and reviewed by our editors.

The post Venice: 5 very cheap sleeps (considering it’s, you know, Venice) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In our guide to cheap hotels in Rome, most of our hotel picks are located right in the center of the city. Here are some of our favorite budget hotels in Rome with impressive locations:

Hanging out at the Hotel Smeraldo.

Hotel Smeraldo
Campo de’ Fiori
Doubles: From €78

Another pick in the historic center near the Campo de’ Fiori, the three-star Hotel Smeraldo offers bright and cheerful rooms, free Wi-Fi, spacious bathrooms and a peaceful roof terrace with views of Rome’s historical architecture.

Cheapos take note: The Smeraldo includes an expansive Italian continental breakfast (fruits, meats, cheeses, breads, croissants, juices and coffee) in the room rate.

Hotel Mimosa
Piazza Navona
Doubles: From €69

The one-star Hotel Mimosa may be a simple place, but it offers budget travelers a clean home base steps from some of Rome’s most famous squares. The Mimosa places you one block south of the Pantheon, just minutes from Piazza Navona, five minutes from Campo de’ Fiori, and a 15 minute-walk to the Spanish Steps.

While rooms don’t offer TV, the Mimosa does provide free Wi-Fi, a basic breakfast and air conditioning.

Look out over Trastevere at the Hotel San Francesco.

Hotel San Francesco
Trastevere
Doubles: from €67

Located across the river in the hopping Trastevere neighborhood, the Hotel San Francesco is a comfortable and reasonably priced three-star hotel. While the San Francesco is located near some of Rome’s best bars and restaurants, it’s still a couple of blocks removed from the “main scene,” which keeps things quiet. The hotel may be across the river from most of the city’s most famous sights, but it’s still a surprisingly quick walk over to the Campo de’ Fiori, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Piazza Navona — even the Vatican is only about a 30-minute walk (and what a walk!).

The hotel itself, once a seminary, now sports a Mediterranean vibe, and offers comfortable and clean rooms, a picturesque courtyard and a rooftop terrace. Wi-Fi and an expansive breakfast are included in the room rate.

Guest House Trastevere
Trastevere
Doubles: From €77

Also located in Trastevere, the Guest House Trastevere is a budget-friendly bed and breakfast with a cheerful, make-yourself-at-home atmosphere. From here its a short walk to major sights like Saint Peter’s Basilica, Santa Mara in Trastevere Church,  Campo de’ Fiori and many other central spots.

The Guest House Trastevere features only four rooms, which allows guests to get to know the owners and learn about local life in Rome. Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the room rate.

More hotel suggestions: Looking for more hotel suggestions? Stop by our Rome guide for a complete list of our editor’s picks.

The post Rome: 4 cheap hotel locations that will make you scream “Ciao Bella!” appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

This is the common response I receive when telling people about my favorite Swiss destination of Gimmelwald. While not many people have heard of it, it’s more because of its remote location than its lack of offerings. Located in the Bernese Oberland, the tiny mountain village sits at an altitude of 4,500 feet and overlooks the UNESCO world heritage listed Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn.

Leaving the adrenaline-pumping Interlaken, I made my way to this car-free and quiet retreat by taking the cable-car from Stechelberg. Drifting higher and higher into the mountains, the buildings on the ground become like Monopoly pieces as you gently glide into the clouds. And when you step foot into Gimmelwald, it’s like heaven.

Gimmelwald isn’t a place you go for nonstop action, world-class restaurants or bustling attractions. Instead, it’s where you go to experience the quieter side of the Swiss Alps. Cozy timber homes and flower-rimmed guesthouses line the streets, which are actually footpaths since there are no vehicles allowed.

Gimmelwald offers easy access some of Switzerland’s most scenic and challenging hiking trails.

Things To Do

Because the village sits high in the mountains, you get the feeling you can fall off the edge if you stray too far. In reality, wandering beyond the wood buildings will lead you to some of Switzerland’s most scenic and challenging hiking trails. There are also easy hikes for beginners and families looking for something more leisurely than heart-pounding. Once you’re in the forest, you’ll see trail signs pointing in the direction of the nearby villages so you don’t have to worry too much about getting lost.

If you like waterfall hikes, head two hours downhill toward the powerful Trummelbach Falls, noted as Europe’s only subterranean waterfall, which sits at the base of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. There’s also the challenging Gimmelwald to Tanzbodeli hike, a steep 90-minute climb commencing in a bird’s-eye vista of the Swiss Alps. And for something leisurely, opt for the Gimmelwald to Chilchbalm trek. With no notably difficult sections, it’s two hours of caves, wild Alpine flowers, rivers, lush greenery and panoramic mountain and village views.

Say hello to Erica, the "Cheese Lady.”

It’s also worthwhile to visit one of the 13 farms in the village, selling eggs, milk, sausage and cheese. During my visit, my friends and I visited Erica “The Cheese Lady.” She brought us into the small wooden building where she ages her cheese and sausage and let us sample some of the varieties. Because there aren’t many restaurants in Gimmelwald – aside for the ones in the guesthouses – it’s a great opportunity to purchase some fresh local foods for a picnic.

The main thing to take advantage of when in Gimmelwald is the ability to relax. Read a book by the fire, play a game of Jenga with new friends, sip local wine while indulging in some Swiss cheese or chocolate or stare off at the white-capped peaks while breathing in fresh mountain air.

Playing Jenga and drinking wine with new friends at the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald.

Where to stay in Gimmelwald

If you’re on a budget, Mountain Hostel is a backpacker favorite and costs about $30 per night. There are single-sex dorms as well as one mixed dorm ranging in size from 6 to 16 beds. While there isn’t any nightlife in the area, this is the closest you’ll come, as travelers share bottles of Swiss wine and cheese and play board games until late hours in the cozy common area. It also doubles as a popular restaurant serving everything from pizza to fondue to homemade lasagna.

Esther’s Guesthouse also offers cozy accommodation in the form of two apartments and seven rooms with one to four beds. Each morning an expansive homemade breakfast as well as the chance to socialize is offered for $16, and there’s a community kitchen if you want to buy groceries from nearby Murren for cooking. In the summer, you can barbecue in the garden. Rates start at $59 per night, although you receive an $11 discount when paying in cash for three nights or more.

For those who want something rustic and romantic with breathtaking views from their room, Hotel Mittaghorn provides just that. Hosts Walter and Tim provide a welcoming ambiance, with Tim giving great advice on hikes and Walter whipping up delicious homecooked meals each night with dessert and wine accompaniments, all for $16. There is also a free breakfast of hearty breads, jams, cheese and coffee included in the $90 per night room rate.

Your visit to Gimmelwald

Have you visited Gimmelwald? Tell us about your experience in the tiny village in our comments section below.

Also in our guide: Visiting Switzerland can be hazardous to a Cheapo’s budget. If you’re planning your Swiss trip, swing by our guides to budget hotels in Geneva and Zurich. Yes, Cheapos, it is possible to enjoy this famously pricey country on a budget.

The post Gimmelwald, Switzerland: A visit to the tiny mountain village appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

For those looking to experience the lesser-known side of the country, here is why Spain’s southernmost port should be added to your itinerary.

It’s The Epicenter Of Kite Surfing

While once just a tiny fishing village, water sport enthusiasts began flocking to Tarifa once they realized how strong and steady the winds were. Today, it is one of the most popular destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Europe.

When visiting Tarifa, the first thing you’ll notice are the myriad kite surfing schools littering the town, as well as the hundreds of colorful kites zipping over the water.

Relax at night with a table of tapas.

Easy Access To Morocco

For those who wish to step onto the African continent, you can take a speedy ferry from Tarifa in about 45 minutes. Several ferries leave daily, and are €31 (about $40) each way. You’ll land in Tangier, where you can hire a local guide at the ferry terminal or just wander the streets on your own.

Fresh Seafood

You know you’re getting fresh seafood because you’re right on the coast. Additionally, the small local restaurants of this laid-back Andalusian town use traditional methods to create high quality tapas. Some worthwhile restaurants serving fresh Spanish seafood and tapas include Restaurant Morilla and Bodega La Casa Amarilla on Calle Sancho IV el Bravo and Bar Los Melli on Guzman el Bueno.

Alternatively, Tarifa is also home to many non-Spanish restaurants, like Ali Baba for Middle Eastern, Rosso Pomodoro for Italian and Surla for Sushi, crepes and burgers—for when you’re in the mood for something else.

Hit the beach—and take a kit-surfing class!

Both Atlantic And Mediterranean Beaches

When visiting Tarifa, you’ll be able to swim in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean in one day. There’s Beach Playa Chica which sits on the Mediterranean, while less than a 10 minute walk away is Beach Playa Los Lances on the Atlantic.

In the Old Town, you can also walk out on the dock to have the windy Atlantic on the north side, and the calmer Mediterranean on the south side.

Active Pursuits

Along with being the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of Europe, it also features opportunities to horseback ride, surfski, surf, scuba dive, stand up paddle board, cycle and hike.

While water sports and horseback riding can be enjoyed at the many beaches, cycling and hiking can be done at one of the local parks or nature reserves. For example, Los Alcornocales Nature Park showcases untouched mountain, beach and forest landscapes, an array of bird and land-animal species and lookout points providing views of Andalusia beyond Tarifa.

Take a ride on a zipline.

Rich History

Tarifa has a rich history that is still visible today. At the end of Tarifa’s main road, Batalla del Salado, you’ll see a giant arch letting you know you’re passing into the old town. Narrow cobblestoned streets, Moorish architecture and whitewashed buildings create an Old-World atmosphere, while sights like Guzman Castle, medieval ruins and 10th-century Arabic city walls are a reminder of the city’s Muslim rule from 710 to 1292.

The Castle of Guzman El Bueno was built in 960 AD and is the site where General Guzman el Bueno’s son was held hostage by the Moors in 1294, wanting him to surrender the castle. The general refused, even tossing his own dagger down to his enemies to show his bravery. Unfortunately, the Moors used the dagger to kill the boy.

Getting There

If you’re flying, you’ll arrive in Pablo Picasso Airport (AGP) in Malaga. From there, you can either rent a car and drive to Tarifa, or opt to take a bus from the city center. To go straight to Tarifa, the bus comes three times per day, at 7:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Your other option is to take a faster bus to Algeciras, which is only 12 miles from Tarifa. There are about 15 buses per day leaving from Malaga to Algeciras. In Algeciras, you’ll walk about 10 minutes to get to the COMES bus station, where you can catch a bus to Tarifa. For more information on how to get to Tarifa, click here.

Cheapo Accommodation

Tarifa is home to many affordable and comfortable accommodation options. The Melting Pot is popular with backpackers, and is right in the center of town walking distance from all activities and attractions. If you don’t want to share a dorm, which costs €13 (about $17) per night, they also offer a double room for €35 (about $45) per night. All rooms include breakfast.

For something a little more upscale but still affordable, Hotel Misiana is a charming, 21st-century hotel that starts at €39 (about $50) per night, including breakfast. And while you won’t find over-the-top luxury hotels in Tarifa, one that comes close is Hotel Copacabana, located just opposite Valdevaqueros Beach and in front of Los Alcornocales National Park. Room rates start at €85 (about $108) per night.

The post Tarifa: Spain’s oft-overlooked destination appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.