Each of these has that special combination of nightly rates at a good value, great locations, high customer ratings and enough essential amenities to ensure that you have a restful night’s sleep. Throw in a free English breakfast and we’re sold!

Our London Guide

• Read all hotel reviews

• Read ways to save in London

8 best budget hotels in London

Need to catch an early train? Alhambra offers a convenient location in King’s Cross. Photo: Booking.com

Alhambra Hotel

17-19 Argyle Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £87

The King’s Cross is filled with guesthouses, but you’ll find a budget-friendly and charming option in the Alhambra Hotel. It’s an especially helpful pick if you are getting into London or leaving super early or late. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate, and amenities abound: there’s free Wi-Fi, safes, coffee and tea facilities, flat-screen TVs, and more. (Read review)

Simple and sweet is the name of the game at St Athans Hotel.

St Athans Hotel

20-24 Tavistock Place
Average nightly rate for a double: £90

Situated in historic Bloomsbury, the family-run St Athans Hotel offers simple one-star rooms (with shared or private bathrooms) at rock-bottom rates. Most of the hotel’s 45 guestrooms share facilities and feature a sink and no other in-room amenities. A few rooms are equipped with private facilities, as well as a TV. (Read review)

Enjoy lush park views from your room at MacDonald Hotel. Photo: Booking.com

MacDonald

45 – 46 Argyle Square
Average nightly rate for a double: £93

Just a short walk from the British Library, the MacDonald is well-located in King’s Cross. Rooms may not charm you with their design, but they are clean and quiet and include TVs, fans, and coffee/tea makers. We recommend the front-facing rooms, which overlook a park. (Read review)

LSE Bankside House is only available in the summer, but rates are a steal.

LSE Bankside House (Summer Only)

24 Sumner Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £102

The LSE Bankside House is a London School of Economics dormitory, one of several open to the general public during summer months. All are well-priced for London, and Bankside has an enviable location next to the Tate Modern. Its 560 rooms are available in single, double, triple, and quad configurations. (Read review)

For a traditional English B&B experience, book a room at Hotel Meridiana.

Hotel Meridiana

43-44 Argyle Square
Average nightly rate for a double: £116

Situated in a smart, old-fashioned townhouse, this family-run two-star hotel has the charm of a traditional English B&B. The 25-room property is located on Argyle Square, a quiet street near King’s Cross Station and the British Library. Rooms are simple, but the location is convenient and the low rates include a full English breakfast. (Read review)

Cherry Court is an excellent cheapo find around the corner from Victoria Station with friendly owners that really appreciate their customers. Photo: EuroCheapo

Cherry Court Hotel

23 Hugh Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £134

With just 12 rooms near Victoria Station, the Cherry Court Hotel is a sweet and simple pick. Guests can enjoy the back patio kitchenette for prepping simple meals, plus a fresh breakfast basket delivered to your room each morning. Rooms and bathrooms can be a bit small, but they are spotless and well-equipped. (Read review)

The Celtic Hotel in Bloomsbury is one of our favorite budget hotels in Europe.

Celtic Hotel

61-63 Guilford Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £140

The Celtic Hotel is one of our favorite budget hotels in all of Europe. It boasts lovely proprietors, great rates, clean rooms, and a central location next to Russell Square in the heart of Bloomsbury. In short, it’s hard to find anything to complain about (aside from the difficulty of booking a room!). (Read review)

Enjoy some quiet time in the courtyard at 72QT.

72QT

72 Queensborough Terrace
Average nightly rate for a double: £194

The Latvian Guest House, also known as 72QT, is a surprising and somewhat hidden budget hotel near Hyde Park in Bayswater, offering 16 simple but well-maintained guestrooms. Free cooked breakfast, Latvian touches, and cheap rooms all add up to an excellent London cheapo stay. (Read review)

More hotel recommendations

Want to read more of our hotel picks for London? Check out all of our listings here, or click to see hotels in South Kensington, Bloomsbury, near Victoria Station, Paddington Station, and near Hyde Park.

The post Best budget hotels in London for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

I know, traveling to Paris has never been exactly cheap, but there have always been ways to make it more affordable. Heck, my post on 47 ways to save on your trip to Paris breaks down little tips and tricks for saving on food, museums, getting around, and so on. But the city’s hotel rates have recently gone through the roof.

We should know — my team and I have been obsessively visiting, reviewing, and ranking the best budget hotels in Paris since 2001, when I launched the site with the mission of helping travelers find the very best central hotels in Paris that are actually affordable. We’ve seen charming hotels open, close, get rebooted as private apartment rentals, rebrand themselves as 4-star hotels. We’ve seen it all.

But post-COVID, we’ve seen some of our all-time favorite budget hotels close, and others have transformed themselves into something much, much more expensive. (Ironically, the rates might double, but the location and room size always stay the same!) And we understand, to a certain degree. Running a hotel was nearly impossible for a few years, and revenues need to be recouped.

Still, over the past three years we’ve seen many of our favorite (formerly) budget-friendly hotels swing from offering rooms for about €125-150 a night to more than €250 a night.

Fortunately, there are still some hotels in central Paris with great service and affordable rates. We’ve spent a few weeks combing through and updating all of our Paris hotel listings, and testing rates to get to the bottom of what is still a great deal.

Our criteria: How do we pick our favorite budget hotels in Paris?

We’ve picked these winners by examining several criteria, including:

Hotel Location

Would most travelers consider this location to be convenient? Can you walk to popular sights and a good selection of restaurants from this hotel? At the same time, does it offer enough calm to let you sleep comfortably at night?

Our favorite locations are in the very center of Paris (Arrondissements 1-7), especially near the Louvre, the Marais, Latin Quarter, St-Germain des Prés and near the Eiffel Tower. From these locations you can walk or take a quick Metro ride to nearly all of Paris’s main museums and attractions.

Average room rate

Are rates cheaper than other hotels of the same category? To determine the “average double rate,” we compiled and averaged rates for a double room from May-August.

This one was especially hard, as room rates have skyrocketed across the city. Most of our top picks have an average room rate under $150 per night, while some truly special hotels go as high as $225. Above that amount just can’t reasonably considered “budget”. We’ve rounded up hotels with some of the best rates in the city.

Quality

How do the actual rooms and hotel services stack up with others in the same category? If this is a two-star hotel, for example, does it offer better rooms and more personal services than other two-star hotels?

User ratings and reviews

How have past guests rated this hotel? What issues, if any, have previous guests experienced with the hotel?

Room size

Yes, we’re so obsessive that we’ve compiled room size (in square feet) for all hotels and use it as a factor when choosing our list. The bigger the guestroom, the higher the hotel scores. (I mean… nearly all hotel rooms in Paris are tiny, but we’re at least able to see who the outliers are!) In Paris, we found the average hotel room spans around 129 to 140 square feet (about 12 to 13 square meters). Some of the smallest rooms squeeze in beds, desks, and even bathrooms in under 100 square feet, which makes the larger rooms (over 200 square feet) feel extremely spacious.

“Special something”

Does this hotel offer something special that distinguishes it from its competitors? Does it have a special theme, interesting owners, or fascinating history? When we’re reviewing hotels, we’re always looking for this “something special.”

And finally, we also go with our own instincts. We’ve visited and inspected hotels hundreds of times in Paris. We’re including hotels in this list that we like and feel should be shared with our readers!

Related articles: For more on hotel savings in France, check out our tutorials on how to save on your hotel in Paris, and ways to save on hotels throughout France.

The 8 best cheap hotels in Paris in 2025

Here are our picks for the best cheap sleeps in Paris, ranked by price. Read more about any hotel by clicking the “read full review” link, or click to see our complete guide to budget hotels in Paris, with more than 100 listings. If you spot something you like, make sure to review our tips on saving on hotels in France to get the most bang for your buck.

A simple but bright and clean room at Hotel de la Place des Alpes. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel de la Place des Alpes **

Neighborhood: Place d’Italie / Chinatown
Average rate: €95

If you’re looking for an affordable place to crash, consider Hotel de la Place des Alpes. This area makes accessing transportation easy and puts you in a less touristy part of the city, but that also means you may not be as close (by foot) to some of the most popular sites of the city. But you’ll enjoy the comfortable, if bare-bones, rooms and plenty of restaurants nearby, not to mention the low rates. Plus, when you’re ready to see the tourist sites, it’s easy to hop on the Metro from here.

Read full review

Inquire about a balcony room at Hotel du Pre. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel du Pré ***

Neighborhood: 10th: République / Gare du Nord
Average double: €115

With fairly spacious rooms (151 square feet) that are clean and comfy, Hotel du Pré is a solid choice that puts you conveniently near Gare du Nord. For gourmands, Saint-Lazare, an area packed with bakeries, wine and cheese shops, and other unique eateries, is also close by. Private bathrooms are sparkling clean, and some rooms even have balconies. We also loved the cozy lounge, complete with swanky leather sofas, at this hotel.

Read full review

Charming views from a super cheapo room at Hôtel Rivoli. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Rivoli

Neighborhood: The Marais (3rd & 4th)
Average rate: €119

Sure, the rooms are a bit on the basic side here at Hotel Rivoli, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find better rates in such a central location, in the Marais. Rooms face rue de Rivoli, and if you request ahead, you may just score a room with a small terrace and views of city hall. Aside from the views, location, and low rates, this hotel is pretty simple. There’s no breakfast, but you can explore the trendy neighborhood for your morning meal. Wi-Fi is free, and there are no TVs, which makes for a pretty quiet and peaceful stay.

Read full review

Private rooms are small but stylish and affordable at the Plug-Inn Hostel. Photo: Booking.com

Plug-Inn Boutique Hostel

Neighborhood: 18th: Montmartre
Average rate: €132

Part hostel, part stylish hotel, Plug-Inn offers great rates on its doubles, plus ultra-cheapo beds in its dorms. For those booking private rooms, expect bright colors and playful patterns plus spotless, if small, bathrooms. Breakfast is even included in the room rate, making it an even better deal. However, the hostel’s location in Abbesses-Montmartre puts it in close vicinity to many great places to score cheap eats.

Read full review

A charming view from a room at Hotel Audran. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Audran *

Neighborhood: 18th: Montmartre
Average room rate €141

The friendly Hotel Audran is another of our best budget hotels in Paris. It is a solid deal, offering renovated two-star rooms with private bathrooms along the café-lined rue Abbesses, one of Montmartre’s most charming stretches. The hotel’s 40 rooms were recently painted a bright blue, and all are equipped with a flat-screen TV, telephone, and free Wi-Fi.

Read full review

The Hotel Du Cygne is an art lover’s dream where you can stroll to the Louvre. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel Du Cygne **

Neighborhood: 1st: Louvre / Châtelet
Average room rate: €141

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal smack dab in the center of Paris than Hotel du Cygne. This charming, cottage-esque hotel offers simple but cozy rooms that stay surprisingly quiet, despite the bustling location near the Louvre. Creature comforts such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms are available, although solo travelers can save big by booking a single room with a shared bathroom.

Read full review

Hotel de Nesle **

Neighborhood: St-Germain-des-Pres
Average rate: €149

The one-star Hotel de Nesle, tucked away among the back streets of Saint-Germain des Prés and steps from the Seine, offers affordable rooms that are painted with a sense of humor and history. The 18 guest rooms are individually painted and decorated by the owner and her son. Most of these boast lavish line drawings of famed moments in French history, including scenes of Egypt and the Orient, as well as some playful representations of Molière, Hugo and others who have lived in the neighborhood.

Read full review

The Hotel Chopin is tucked away at the end of a 19th-century shopping arcade.

Hotel Chopin **

Neighborhood: 9th: Opéra
Average room rate €159

Ready for something with an extra dose of charm? Tucked away inside a 19th-century shopping arcade, the two-star Hotel Chopin offers comfortable, spacious (172 square feet/16 square meter) rooms at great rates, but it’s the setting that’s sure to make romantics race to their fainting couches. The arcade, located along the Boulevard Montmartre near the Opera shopping district, is lined with picture-perfect stores selling toys, jewelry, and sweets. And then halfway down, you stumble upon the Hotel Chopin. Inside, things have a quiet, grandmotherly touch.

Read full review

More cheap hotels in Paris

But wait, there’s more! We have reviewed more than 100 affordable hotels in our guide to Paris. Find more hotels:

• See all reviewed hotels

• See hotels: Near the Louvre | Marais | Latin Quarter | St. Germain | Eiffel Tower | Montmartre

A note about reserving

It should come as no surprise that, given their exceptional value, many of these hotels are quite well known and are already quite popular with guests. As many of these are also quite small (at least compared to international chain hotels), finding availability can be tres difficile… especially during the high season, and especially if you wait until the last minute.

If possible, reserve far in advance. Search hotels in Paris

The post The 8 best cheap hotels in Paris for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve recently updated our listings of recommended cheap hotels in Amsterdam, and have singled out the following seven as our best cheap hotels in Amsterdam. It was no easy task — Amsterdam fortunately still has a long list of great, family-run properties in its city center.

However, these hotels below all stand out for their unique combination of a great location, low average rates, high user ratings, and enough amenities that you’ll be quite comfortable with your choice. Note that the rates quoted below were all found for stays one to four months in advance. Another thing to note? Hotel rates in Amsterdam and across Europe have increased significantly in recent years. We’ve narrowed down options that provide the best value.

A friendly reminder: Book as far in advance as possible. These are also among the most popular hotels in Amsterdam, and availability can be tight.

Our Amsterdam Guide

• Read all hotel reviews
• Booking a hotel in Amsterdam? Read this first.
• More ways to save on your trip Amsterdam

Top 7 best budget hotels in Amsterdam

Hotel Hortus is cheap, clean, and centrally located, making it a real Cheapo gem. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Hortus

Plantageparklaan 8
Neighborhood: Plantagebuurt
Double room average: $128

The rooms at Hotel Hortus may be on the simpler side, but they’re spotless, reliable, and right next to the Botanical Gardens. Save more by opting for a shared bath. The hotel offers a communal kitchen, so you can also save by making some of your meals here, then spend more on sightseeing. Read the full review

The Neighbour’s Magnolia features bright rooms with a dash of color.

The Neighbour’s Magnolia

Willemsparkweg 205
Neighborhood: Museums & Vondelpark
Double room average: $139

Looking for a trendy little spot near Vondelpark? The Neighbour’s Magnolia offers a friendly home base with 21 playfully designed rooms, all equipped with TV, telephone, free Wi-Fi, and modern furnishings. You’ll even find a small stuffed animal (named “Sparky”) waiting on your bed. Breakfast included. Read the full review

The lovely breakfast room at Hotel Verdi.

Verdi

Wanningstraat 9
Neighborhood: Museums & Vondelpark
Double room average: $150

Hotel Verdi is a cozy, clean, family-run establishment near the Concertgebouw, where visiting classical musicians have frequented for decades. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included in the room rate. Cheapos who want to save a little extra money can book one of the few rooms with a shared bathroom. Read the full review

Bicycle Hotel is a fun spot with affordable bike rentals (of course!).

Bicycle Hotel

Van Ostadestraat 123
Neighborhood: Pijp
Double room average: $153

Located near the heart of the trendy Pijp neighborhood, the Bicycle Hotel is cheap and cheerful, with low rates, clean rooms and (appropriately enough) cheap bike rentals for guests. The hotel’s 16 rooms are basic and no-frills, but all have a TV and free Wi-Fi, while a few have a balcony (ask ahead). Breakfast is included. Read the full review

Enjoy a cool, rock n’ roll vibe for a low cover charge at BackStage Hotel. Photo: EuroCheapo

BackStage Hotel

Leidsegracht 114
Neighborhood: Grachtengordel South
Double room average: $159

You’ll be ready to rock with the BackStage Hotel, a popular and cheapo-friendly spot on the Leidsegracht canal. You’ll find plenty of bars, performance spaces, and even the famous concert venue, Melkweg nearby. As for the rooms, they are adorned with a rock-and-roll vibe that has welcomed many musicians over the years. Like a famous rockstar, you’ll enjoy plenty of amenities here, including free Wi-Fi, LCD televisions, and more. Read the full review

Hotel Museumzicht is stuffed with old-world charm.

Hotel Museumzicht

Jan Luykenstraat 22 II
Neighborhood: Museums & Vondelpark
Double room average: $160

You can’t sleep much closer to the Rijksmuseum than the Hotel Museumzicht (“Museum View”). The hotel is a vintage cheapo pick and is great for those who don’t mind that the hotel has hardly changed since the 1960s. The hotel’s 14 rooms are decorated in a grandmotherly fashion, with old oil paintings and antique (or simply “old”) furnishings. Some rooms have private facilities, but most share toilets and showers in the hall. Breakfast included. Read the full review

Stayokay Amsterdam is a great option for groups.

StayOkay Amsterdam Vondelpark

Zandpad 5
Neighborhood: Museums & Vondelpark
Double room average: $186

Tucked into the northern tip of the Vondelpark, the StayOkay Vondelpark is a big, budget-friendly operation that appeals to students, families and other budget travelers. It’s a massive place, with 536 beds laid out in a wide variety of configurations. Triples? Quads? Eight-bedded dorm? They got ’em. While couples and single travelers certainly stay here, the StayOkay is an especially convenient option for larger groups. Read the full review

More hotel options

Want to read more about Amsterdam? We have dozens more options in our guide to affordable hotels in Amsterdam.

The post Best budget hotels in Amsterdam for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The hotels below have been selected from our list of recommended hotels in Rome. All of these have been visited and inspected by one of our editors and chosen as a “pick” based upon the following criteria:

• Location: Can you easily reach most of Rome’s central sights by foot? Most of the city’s big draws are clustered together within the historic center. How easy is it to get there from the hotel? Is the hotel easily reachable from Termini, the city’s main train station?

• Average rate: Are the hotel’s rates a good deal? We’re not just looking for the cheapest rooms in town, but the best value. When compared to other hotels in the same category, does this hotel offer a great deal? The average rate listed is compiled from rates we tested for a double room (with private bath) in May through August. Note that these rates will fall substantially in the off season.

• Quality of service, rooms and amenities: Does the quality of the hotel’s rooms and services exceed those of the same category elsewhere in Rome?

• User rating: How have past guests rated this hotel? What issues, if any, have previous guests experienced with the hotel?

• “Special something”: Does this hotel offer something unique that helps it stand out from its competition? This could be a super-friendly proprietor, an extraordinary location, or a cool history.

And finally, we also go with our own instincts. We’ve visited and inspected countless hotels (with budget-friendly rates) in Rome. If a hotel strikes us as a good value, we’re happy to share it with you.

Related: Our top budget hotels for Paris.

Our top budget hotels in Rome

Here are our seven favorite budget hotels in Rome, ranked by price. Read more about any hotel by clicking the “read full review” link, or click to see all recommended hotels in Rome.

The heavenly view from the Suore di S Elisabetta’s rooftop terrace.

Suore di S Elisabetta

Neighborhood: South of Termini Station
Average double: €108

This pristine and friendly convent, located directly next to the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, is heaven on earth for budget travelers who don’t mind an 11 p.m. curfew (or sleeping under a crucifix). The convent offers 45 tidy little guestrooms, all of which are simply furnished and super clean.

The cheapest rooms have a shared bath, while those with a private bathroom have either a bathtub or shower (our price above is for a room with private bath). Don’t miss the rooftop terrace (see photo), or the breakfast room (included in room rate), which is topped with a spectacular chandelier. Important: The guesthouse strictly enforces an 11 p.m. curfew.

Read full review

A welcoming double at Hotel Silla. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Silla **

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €126

Hotel Silla is a sweet and simple two-star hotel with some of the best rates in our Rome hotels guide. Its location on a quiet side street offers a peaceful respite without sacrificing convenience, as the hotel is a short walk from the Metro.

Guestrooms are warm and welcoming and adorned in red and gold. Creature comforts include TVs, phones, internet, and private bathrooms. You may have to pay extra for AC. Additionally, one extra sweet perk to this hotel is that it sits atop a popular pastry shop.

Read full review

Enjoy the cozy, homey vibes at One Step. Photo: EuroCheapo

1 Step From Saint Peter

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €126

While it may not be exactly one step from St. Peter’s Basilica, this cozy hotel does offer a prime location, conveniently located near transit and just a 15-minute walk from St. Peter’s.

The staff is extremely warm and welcoming, and guests here can enjoy free breakfast, a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and complimentary coffee and tea available all day. Plus, rooms are air conditioned, and the shared bathrooms are spotless.

Read full review

Don’t miss out on the relaxing garden space at The Beehive. Photo: Booking.com

The Beehive *

Neighborhood: North of Termini Station
Average double: €135

We appreciate the eco-friendly vibes at The Beehive, a hostel with both shared and private rooms available at good rates, especially for the location near Termini Station. You’ll find a garden, board games over TVs, organic breakfast foods, and for the most part, no AC, in this sustainably minded spot.

Rooms feature funky and unique designs, whether private or shared. All rooms have lockers or safes and toiletries. Two rooms have AC if that’s a must for you, just be sure to request ahead when booking.

Read full review

Guestrooms at Marta Guest House have a touch of grandeur.

Marta Guest House

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €162

The friendly Marta Guest House offers cozy accommodations conveniently located near the Vatican. Each room features a unique style complete with antique furnishings and original tiled floors. Guests enjoy air conditioning, TVs, mini-fridges, minibars, coffee and tea facilities, plus free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

The charming Marta Guest House can be tricky to find, so look for the address rather than a sign for the hotel. It’s tucked away on a side street off of the popular Piazza Cavour.

Read full review

Rooms on the upper floors of Hotel Trastevere have the best views. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Trastevere ***

Neighborhood: Trastevere
Average double: €163

The three-star Hotel Trastevere has a charming location near Piazza San Cosimato, a great spot full of vendors at outdoor markets in the warmer months.

Rooms feature standard hotel fare but feel light and airy. They include everything you need for a home away from home, including private bathrooms, televisions, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Guests can also enjoy free coffee and pastries from the reception bar. If room views are important to you, be sure to ask for a room on a higher floor.

Read full review

The Panda is a budget option located at the base of the Spanish Steps.

Hotel Panda **

Neighborhood: Near the Spanish Steps
Average double: €163

The Hotel Panda is a convenient little cheapo located in the heart of an area better known for its fashion boutiques than for its budget hotels. Basic, clean and welcoming, the two-star hotel is just a one-minute saunter from the base of the Spanish Steps.

The Panda’s 28 guest rooms are on the tight side and won’t win any awards for designer flair, but they’re comfortable and clean. Air conditioning is available in the summer months, and all rooms have TV, a phone, and free Wi-Fi.

Read full review

Read more

Want to see more hotel options for Rome? We’ve reviewed dozens of affordable places to stay in our guide to Rome. Find more budget hotels in Rome:

• See all reviewed hotels

• Search hotels: Under $100 | Under $200

• Find hotels: Near St. Peter’s | Colosseum | Piazza Navona | Trastevere | more landmarks

The post The top budget hotels in Rome for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The City of Light might be Europe’s most visited destination, but it doesn’t need to be the most expensive. Below you’ll find tips for saving on every aspect of your trip, updated in April 2025.

From getting in from the airport to saving on hotels, shopping, and eating out, we’re ready to help you save. On y va!

EuroCheapo’s Paris budget travel guide

Saving on hotels

At EuroCheapo, we’re passionate about affordable accommodations in Europe. Our founding mission has been to help readers find great, inexpensive places to sleep that will also get them closer to the local culture.

Our Paris hotel guide includes more than 100 hotel recommendations (including our favorite cheap hotels in Paris). In the meantime, here’s some quick advice to get you started:

Super cheap hotels in Paris don’t have to equal a boring stay. Just take a look at these guestroom views from Hotel Rivoli as proof! Photo: EuroCheapo

1. Save on transit by sleeping in a central neighborhood

Considering that it’s a world capital, Paris is a fairly compact city. If you have a central starting point, you can get to most of the city’s main sights by foot or a quick Metro ride. The city is divided into 20 districts, called “Arrondissements.”

Numbering starts with the first arrondissement in the center of town, which includes the Louvre, and spirals clockwise out. Here’s a map, in case you need help visualizing it. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central arrondissement, perhaps sticking to 1-9 (possibly skipping the 8th, which is a bit more far-flung and can get pricey).

Choosing a hotel in these neighborhoods (especially near the Louvre, in the Marais, in the Latin Quarter, near the Eiffel Tower, and near the Opéra) will put you in the center of the city. You’ll save on transportation, especially at night, when you would be otherwise tempted to hop in a taxi or Uber to get home.

2. Don’t mind a commute? Save by staying outside the center

That said, if you don’t mind taking the Metro to and from your hotel, you certainly can find cheaper hotels if you’re willing to stay a bit outside of the center of town. The Metro snakes through the entire city, so you’re never really a long ride from one side of Paris to the other.

One of the most convenient lines, Line 1, slices through the center of Paris and comes every two minutes. It’s also fully automated, so it isn’t affected by strikes, which happen frequently in Paris and can shut down the other lines. So, you could stay in an arrondissement like the 11th between Bastille and Nation, which will be cheaper than a more central neighborhood, but you’ll still be able to commute quickly to the center.

3. Don’t be afraid of these super cheap hotels

Some great Paris hotels are really, really cheap (like the Rivoli, pictured above). Many of these are inexpensive because they’ve kept things simple — some haven’t even added TVs to the rooms.

But don’t let that scare you: the simplicity of these hotels doesn’t mean that they are unsafe or uncomfortable. Rather, they give you a great place to stay while saving for the rest of your trip.

• Read more ways to save on hotels in Paris and how to save on hotels in France.

Search hotels in Paris

Search all hotels in Paris for your travel dates, through our reservation partner, Booking.com.

Getting around

Paris is a big city, with hot spots that aren’t always situated around the corner from your hotel. Here’s how to get to where you need to go, cheaply.

Boarding the RoissyBus at Place de l’Opera, heading for CDG. Photo: Alexandre

4. Take public transit in from Charles de Gaulle airport

If you’re taking a long-haul flight to Paris (especially from the U.S.), you’re probably landing in the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG). To make the 23 km trek into Paris, you have several options.

If I’m alone or just with one traveling partner, I usually take the RER train or a bus to save on cash (although not everyone at EuroCheapo agrees with me on this point). Here’s some more info on both of these options:

• Take the RER B (regional train)

It can be a bit of a grim entry to the city, but the RER takes 25-50 minutes (depending on your destination and whether or not you get an express train) and costs €13. There’s no need to reserve in advance — you can buy your ticket from one of the many machines that line the walls at the RER station attached to the airport.

These trains stop in Paris at the Gare du Nord, Châtelet Les Halles and St-Michel Notre Dame, among other stops. From here you can transfer to the Metro or possibly just walk to your hotel. (Note: Hold onto your RER tickets! You’ll need them to exit the RER and not being able to fish it out of your pocket is a lousy way to start your vacation! Not that I’ve been there…)

• Take a bus to central Paris

The “RoissyBus” is operated by the city, costs €13 per person, and takes about an hour. It departs from most terminals at CDG and drops you off at its main stop at the Place de l’Opéra.

Buses leave from CDG to Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 6 am to 8:45 pm and every 20 minutes from 8:45 pm to 12:30 am. To get back to the airport, buses leave Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 5:15 am to 8 pm, every 20 minutes from 8 pm to 10 pm, and every 30 minutes from 10 pm to 12:30 am.

5. Be careful with taxis from the airport

Yes, many people do take taxis in from the airport. It will cost you dearly (around €50-70 for a basic car, plus tip and luggage surcharge) and take about an hour, depending on your destination. But wait, there’s more! Extra charges will be added for driving during morning rush hour and on Sundays and holidays.

If you have a small group of people, however, the fare can be worth it. They’re also regulated and trustworthy, so you can feel safe and won’t get scammed (beyond the already high price). Here’s how to save on cabs from the airport and our guide for using Uber in Paris.

6. In general, avoid taxis for short distances around Paris

The starting fare for a taxi in Paris is €7. Thus, if you’re just going a short distance, hoof it or hop on a bus or Vélib’.

7. Buy a multipack or travel pass for Metro and bus tickets

Metro and bus tickets cost €2-2.50 each. We recommend buying a 10-pack, or a “carnet” (pronounced “car-nay”), to save money. Paper tickets are being phased out, so purchase the 10-pack in paperless form and load them onto your Navigo Easy pass. The 10-pack costs €17.35 for adults and €8.65 for children. Alternatively, you can buy a 5-day visitor pass that offers unlimited access to metro, buses, trains, and more for €76.25 per adult and €38.10 per child.

Note: the Navigo Easy pass currently only works on the Metro lines, so if you need to take an RER to go farther outside of Paris (e.g. Versailles, Giverny, or Disney Paris), you’ll need to ask an agent at the ticket counter for the right ticket.

8. Use CityMapper or Bonjour RATP instead of Google Maps

Google Maps is useful for getting around, as it will calculate routes that include Metro and RER options. However, it does not update quickly when one of the Metro lines is stopped or slowed for strikes, mechanical problems, or other issues — which happens frequently.

Bonjour RATP is the official navigation app for the Paris public transit network, and CityMapper is an alternative that includes bike and scooter options. Both can be used in English and will provide more up-to-date information and alternatives when lines or stations are closed.

9. Relax — the Metro machines are in English

The ticket machines in the Paris Metro are available for use in English, and they take credit cards as a form of payment.

10. Buying tickets on the bus are more expensive

Yes, you can buy your bus ticket from the driver (and make everyone behind you wait), but you’ll pay €2.50 and it won’t cover a transfer. Here are more bus tips for saving on your transportation.

11. Take a Cheapo city bus tour

There’s no need to pay for a sightseeing bus. Here are seven public bus lines that offer great sightseeing for the cost of a bus ticket!

12. Consider a “Paris Visite” travel card

If you plan to spend a lot of time getting around in the Paris Metro, consider buying a “Paris Visite” travel card, which offers unlimited travel on the Metro and bus system and various discounts from partnering businesses. Adult tickets cost €29.90 (one day), €44.45 (two days), €62.30 (three days) and €76.25 (five days).

13. Make sure your credit card has a chip!

Thankfully, the majority of American credit cards now employ the “chip and PIN” technology that has been in use throughout Europe for years. If, however, your card is still chipless and uses only a magnetic swipe, you’ll likely have problems in automatic ticket machines in France.  This includes machines in the RER stations at Charles de Gaulle and in Metro stations.

(If your card isn’t working at the machine, head to the ticket window. Old-school American cards will work fine when handed to a cashier for swiping.)

Choosing a bike from a Velib’ kiosk. Photo: Rachel Ludwick

14. Save by biking around town on Vélib’

Paris’ Vélib’ bike share program was one of the first in the world when it launched in 2007 and remains enormously popular today. With 20,000 bikes in the program available from a whopping 1,400 stations around the city, it’s truly massive. Once you join, you simply head to any Vélib’ station, enter your access code, take out a bike and ride off! Park it at another Vélib’ station, and you’re done.

A one-day Vélib’ pass costs €5 and covers a 30-minute ride (you’ll pay a small charge for going over the 30-minute limit). We recommend buying a 3-day pass for €20, as it covers 60-minute rides AND includes electric bikes (45-minute rides).

Sights & Attractions

Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous cultural attractions, many of which have their own “cheapo tricks” for saving a few euros.

Visit the Musee d’Orsay on Thursday night to save time — and avoid crowds. Photo: Pierre Blache

15. Get into museums for free

If you are under the age of 26 and a resident of the European Union (this includes non-citizens with student visas, au pair visas, or any visa longer than 3 months), you get free admission to most museums and cultural sites, including the ones we’ve listed below.

If this doesn’t apply to you, most of these museums are also free on the first Sunday of every month. However, you’ll have to beat some serious crowds to get in.

16. Saving at the Louvre

• Normal admission: €22 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday. Be sure to book through the official Louvre ticket site.
• Tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, but entry is not guaranteed — and may be refused due to overcrowding. Take this seriously. When visiting in January 2024, I wasn’t able to get into the Louvre for an entire week due to crowds. I won’t make this mistake again!
• Admission is free on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m., except in July and August.

17. Saving at the Eiffel Tower

• Adult admission to the tip-top: €36.10, cheaper for lower level.
• Save time by buying your tickets online in advance, and avoiding the ticket line.
• During peak travel times, online tickets (especially to the top) will likely be sold out. However, they may still be available at the tower for immediate use. You’ll just have to wait in that ticket line…
• You can pay a cheaper price (€27.50) if you take the stairs up to the second level, then the lift to the top (if it’s available).
• If you’re not interested in reaching the top and just want a nice picture, get off at the Metro stop Trocadero on lines 9 or 6, which is directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. There you’ll find a large public plaza that faces the tower, and gobs of tourists posing for their fridge pick. Warning: There are also likely to be a gaggle of shady characters and shell-game con artists hanging about. (Walk on by…)

18. Saving at the Arc de Triomphe

• Regular admission to enter the Arc and see the view from the top is €16.
• It is completely free to walk under and around the Arc at the ground level, where you’ll also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Go at night. It’s open until 11 pm (10:30 pm in fall and winter).
• Access the Arc by taking the underground walkway. You may see other tourists trying to dodge traffic and running across the busy roundabout to get to the center. This is incredibly dangerous — don’t do it.
• More tips on visiting the Arc de Triomphe

19. Saving at the Musée d’Orsay

• Regular admission: €16 when pre-booked online, which allows priority entry during your designated time slot, and allows you to avoid the ticket line. Tickets purchased at the museum are €2 cheaper — but you’ll have to wait for tickets and for entry.
• Closed Monday. The museum closes most days at 6 pm and is “cleared” at 5:30!
• On Thursdays, however, the Musée d’Orsay remains open until 9:45 pm. Buy a “Late Opening Ticket” to enter after 6 pm for €12.
• First Sundays of the month are free (but packed and require online reservation).

20. Saving at the Palace of Versailles

• Buy the Versailles Passport (€32) for access to all major parts of the palace grounds, or pay €21 for Palace only. Add another €11 for the musical fountains show.
• Pre-booking online is required for entry.
• Save by picnicking along the Grand Canal just outside the gates.
• More tips for visiting Versailles

21. Avoid crowds whenever possible

During the high season (May – September) the lines at the city’s top attractions can be overwhelming. But it is possible to plan your day so that you show up outside the peak visiting hours.

In general, go first thing or late to the biggest sight of the day, and stick to smaller sights from late morning to early afternoon. You can also use Google Maps, which updates in real time forecasting how busy a location will be. Check out our tips for beating the crowds at top attractions.

22. Culture fanatic? Buy a Paris Museum Card

Tourist cards aren’t always worth the money, but if you plan on spending lots of quality cultural time in Paris’ museums, consider picking up a Paris Museum Pass. The card offers free and discounted admission to over 50 museums and monuments around the city, and it lets you skip the ticket lines! Prices: €70 (2 days); €90 (4 days); €110 (6 days)

Spend a free day relaxing, sleeping or picnicking on the grounds of Jardin du Luxembourg. Photo: Phillip Capper

23. Don’t forget free sights!

The city boasts a long list of places that are free to visit. From museums operated by the city like the Musée d’Art Moderne, Maison de Balzac, and Maison de Victor Hugo (free to visit permanent collections) to most churches and parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg and even an ancient Roman amphitheater (Aréne de Lutéce), admission is always free.

24. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours of Paris’ central sights are available from several tour companies (who do, however, expect a tip at the end). A less publicized option is the Paris Greeters program, in which local Parisians lead you on a free guided tour of their Paris.

25. Save on boat rides

Taking a boat ride along the Seine is an experience that manages to strike us as both romantic and overly touristy. However, these bateaux mouches offer a unique vantage point from which to see the city and can give your legs a break. We recommend the Vedettes de Pont Neuf, as they offer a live (not prerecorded) commentary and great discounts when booked in advance on their website.

Eating and drinking

Paris has some of the best food in the world, but it can get pricey quickly. Here are a few ways to enjoy authentic French cuisine without breaking the bank.

26. Think twice before tipping

Whether you’re dining in a restaurant or enjoying a coffee on a sidewalk cafe, a service charge has already been included in your bill. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave a little extra as a nice gesture, but you certainly shouldn’t leave 15-20% of your bill. A simple €1 or €2 is perfectly acceptable as an extra tip in Paris. Here are some more thoughts on tipping.

27. Save on breakfast

The breakfast that will be offered by your hotel will likely be an underwhelming and overpriced affair (think baguette, jam, and hot drink for €8-€10+). You can get the same thing (but fresher) at almost any bakery or patisserie in your neighborhood. Shop around for breakfast.

Oh, and when you’re in a café, the cost of your coffee depends on where you’re sitting. If you stand at the counter or bar, that coffee will frequently be one euro less than if you take a seat at a table. Strange, but true.

28. Water and bread are free in restaurants

No need to order bottled water. The local stuff is great and gets plunked down on your table in a cute carafe, free of charge. If not, just ask for it. “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.” (“Oon car-aff doe, see voo play”) Ditto for the bread.

29. Splurge on a prix-fixe lunch

Go heavier at lunch and enjoy a two- or three-course meal with the locals. It’ll be cheaper than a big dinner.

Why? Restaurants throughout town offer “fixed price” deals — just look for the chalkboard out front or a sign in the window with the day’s menu (“menu du jour”). With prices that hover between €15-25 for two or three courses, you’ll even have some money left for a little vin (if it’s not already included in the deal!). Here are a few of our favorite Paris lunch menus.

Pick up everything you need for a great picnic lunch (or gourmet dinner) at any of Paris’ outdoor food markets. Photo: The LEAF Project

30. Pick up lunch at outdoor markets

Foodies will be in pure heaven in Paris, and not just for the mouth-watering restaurants and to-die-for patisseries.

Don’t neglect the outdoor food markets that overflow with fresh produce and local delicacies. Whether picking up for a Seine-side picnic or stocking up for a long train ride, Paris’ outdoor markets have you covered. Read more about our market shopping tips.

31. Go light at lunch with a baguette sandwich

The city’s bakeries (“boulangeries” and “patisseries)” do more than bake bread and pastries. They also do a brisk lunch business, selling hot-and-crusty baguette sandwiches and delicious homemade quiches, which can also be bundled up with a drink and dessert for an extra Cheapo-lunch deal. Here’s a list of our favorite sandwich shops.

32. Opt for a light dinner with a crepe or falafel

If you opt for a big lunch, you might want to go a little lighter (and cheaper) at night. Opt for a classic crepe, Paris’ ultimate street food, or grab a tasty sandwich at L’As du Fallafel in the Marais. Check out other ways to eat your way through Paris for less than €20 a day.

33. Head to the grocery store for basics

When you do need to buy a bottle of water, don’t touch that hotel minibar! Head to any of the local grocery stores. A 1.5-liter bottle of water at Monoprix or Franprix costs less than €1. The same rule applies to wine, candy, soda, etc.

And if you can’t find a single bottle, just break up the shrink wrapped plastic on a multi-pack to grab a bottle for yourself. This is common practice in France, so don’t worry about a store clerk chasing you down!

Better yet, bring a refillable water bottle and top it up from the tap. Tap water is perfectly drinkable in Paris, and there are public water fountains all over the city (more on that in tip #35 below).

34. Wine from the supermarket? Oui.

Don’t assume that the wine being sold at the grocery store isn’t up to snuff. Some of it is quite good, and yes, quite affordable. Here are some tips for buying wine in Paris.

35. Fill up your water bottle around town

Paris has more than 1,200 drinking water fountains located throughout the city where you can easily fill up your water bottle for free. And if you’re a fan of sparkling water, there’s no need to run into the store for a few bottles. The city has fountains that even dispense the bubbly stuff!

Every summer the banks of the Seine transform into a lively beach scene complete with real sand! Photo: sergio_leenen

Entertainment

There’s always something to do in Paris, and quite a bit of it won’t cost you a dime! (Or, rather, a centime!)

36. Get happy for cheap drinks

Wine might be cheap, but a cocktail in Paris can easily cost you €15. Don’t worry, be happy! Keep your eyes peeled for “Happy Hour” deals (pronounced “‘appy ‘ow!-ers”).

You’ll typically see it posted on a sign outside most bars, and they run much later than the Happy Hours you may be used to — sometimes as late as 10 or 11 p.m.!

37. Enjoy free summer festivals

When the temperatures start to climb, so do the number of free events around Paris. Free entertainment is easy to find on almost every night of the week, including music series like the Paris Jazz Festival (late June through September) to outdoor film screenings like Cinéma en Plein Air (July and August). Head to Parc de la Villette which is packed with culture come summertime.

38. Hit the “beaches” along the Seine

Every summer the Seine and the Canal St-Martin transform into “Paris Plages,” one of Europe’s coolest urban beaches. Yes, in a city hundreds of miles from the nearest stretch of coastline, you’ll find Parisians lounging about in their hottest swimwear soaking in the rays.

39. Get cheap (or free) seats to opera, dance, and classical concerts

Love world-class opera and classical music? Grab a cheap seat at the Opera Garnier and Opera Bastille, and find cheap and free concerts around town by checking out L’Officiel des Spectacles or a Wednesday edition of Le Figaro’s insert “Figaroscope” listings magazine at any newsstand: also available online!

Shopping

If you’re looking to return home with suitcases full of souvenirs, here are some methods to do that in a wallet-friendly way.

40. Serious shoppers, don’t forget your tax refund!

Do you plan on doing some serious shopping? Non-EU citizens who spend at least €100 at any one store, may qualify for up to a 12% cash refund! This is available, with different requirements, throughout Europe.

41. Hit the flea markets for cheapo souvenirs

Paris is home to several fabulous flea markets. Selling everything from new clothing to vintage cookware, these outdoor markets offer unique shopping and souvenir opportunities, often at low prices. Here are some tips for flea market success and a guide to the best flea markets in Paris.

42. “Friperies” offer cheap vintage shopping

“Friperies” are inexpensive secondhand clothing shops where you have to dig through piles of cast-offs to find a vintage pearl. Here are a handful of addresses where Parisians go for a wallet-friendly vintage fashion shopping spree.

Miscellaneous

Finally, a few extra points about Paris to keep in mind.

43. Avoid sketchy situations

With millions of tourists visiting every year, Paris also attracts more than its share of con artists and shady types. Fortunately, they’re usually pretty easy to spot. A stranger approaches you to sign something, hold something, pick something up that they’ve dropped… Just say no and walk away from these common Paris scams. No drama. Just move on. No story is better than endlessly kvetching about it later.

If a stranger approaches you speaking French, do not reply with “I don’t speak French” because they will start speaking English to you. It’s better to ignore them and keep it moving.

To avoid pickpockets, it’s good practice to keep all your valuables in pockets, pouches, or bags that zip, snap, or close! In crowded places, many pickpockets get away with your things before you even realize they were there.

44. Be smart with your phone

Plan on using your smartphone? Either get a sensible data and international calling package from your carrier back home or buy a SIM card in Paris for use in an unlocked phone. It’s simple and can potentially save you nightmarish data roaming charges.

45. Bring a guidebook!

Here’s some retro advice (ironically conveyed via the Web): bring along a Paris guidebook! Go deeper by studying up on Paris before you get there. Underline away!

46. Find free Wi-Fi

Even with a good international data plan or a SIM card, we still appreciate free Wi-Fi. Fortunately, it’s easy to find in cafes, fast food joints (all McDonald’s), parks and museums. When you’re in a Parisian café or restaurant, don’t be shy. Ask the waiter for the Wi-Fi password. If you’re a paying customer, they will happily give it to you!

47. Talk to your bank before you go

Call your bank before you leave to let them know that you’re heading on a trip to Paris. You don’t want them to block your card when they see international charges pop up.

While you have them on the phone, ask about foreign transaction and ATM cash withdrawal fees. They might have a partnership with a bank in Paris that avoids ATM fees. (Here are some questions for your bank.)

• Read more about practical ways to save in Paris

Your tips?

Have tips to add to our list? Please contribute your thoughts on ways to save when visiting Paris in the comments section below.

Note: This article was updated with additional information, research, and fact-checking by Julia Hamilton in Paris in March 2023 and by Paige Bennett in April 2025.

The post Paris Budget Travel Guide: 47 ways to save on your trip (2025 Update) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

For starters — read through our guide!

Using data? Get a plan.

If you’re an AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile/Sprint iPhone customer and are planning, at any point during your trip, to use a data network to access the web or use emails, you are strongly advised to get some sort of plan (unless you plan to buy a SIM card in Europe for your phone). Otherwise, it will cost you. (AT&T, for example, charges a hefty $2.05 per MB without a plan. Sure, that sounds like pennies, but it gets ugly quickly!)

Click through to read more about international data and phone plans for AT&T customers and for Verizon customers.

T-Mobile (and former Sprint) customers who have signed up for one of the carrier’s “Go5G” plans are in much better shape, as the carrier offers free text messaging and data use throughout Europe and phone calls for $0.25 per minute. Note that T-Mobile does not have individual plans for international use. Instead, its usual “Go5G”, “Go5G Next”, or “Go5G Plus” plans are suitable for using abroad for data, texts, and calls and are already set for international roaming.

If you are a T-Mobile customer with a Go5G plan, congrats. You don’t really need to follow the rest of this article or change the way that your phone is set up. Just know that those phone calls will be billed at an additional $0.25 per minute.

How much data do you need?

Let’s imagine that you’ve signed up a plan that comes with 1 GB of data, unlimited texting, and phone calls at $0.35 per minute. What exactly does 1 GB represent?

As I mention in this post, here are some data use estimates:

• Sending or receiving an email (without attachment): Approx. 20 KB per email; (with attachment) Approx. 300 KB per email

• Loading 1 webpage: 1 MB per page

• Streaming music: 500 KB / minute (30 MB / hour)

• Streaming video (standard quality): 2 MB / minute

I’m going to assume that we’re all steering clear of streaming music and video while traveling (when not connected to Wi-Fi), and that your data use primarily consists of checking emails, using Google Maps and pulling up an occasional web page.

If you just stick to emails (and don’t open any large attachments), you could download or send thousands of normal-sized emails with the 1 GB plan! That’s, um, quite enough for me (especially while on vacation!).

But hey, everyone’s data needs are different. Check out AT&Ts handy data calculator to estimate how much data you require. This is especially handy if you plan to browse the web or (heaven forbid!) fire up your apps.

How to set up your iPhone for international travel

Okay, you’re ready to configure your phone. The following is how I set up an older iPhone for travel. Note that new phone models may have different locations for some of the settings listed below. We’ve included instructions for older and newer models.

Also, please note: Buying a European SIM card for your phone or an unlocked phone you purchase for travel is a relatively simple and cheaper alternative to all of this. Be sure to read our guide to this option, as well.

1. Turn off data roaming.

First things first. Turn off your data roaming to stop your phone from hooking up with a data network while traveling.

Chances are your carrier doesn’t operate cell towers in the country you’re visiting. Thus, if you need to access a data network, your phone will need to roam around and find a network with which it can work. By turning this off, you’re effectively blocking your phone from joining these partner networks.

Note: When you do want to use your data plan and access these data networks, you’ll flip this button back on. But remember, as a default, it’s best to keep this off.

Older iPhones

Go to: Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming. Turn off.

(To make it easy, the iPhone even says “Turn data roaming off when traveling to avoid charges when web browsing and using email and other data services.”)

Newer iPhones

For newer models, go to: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming. Turn off.

2. Turn off Cellular Data.

When I’m traveling in Europe, I usually turn off my cellular data, as well. Even if I’ve been assured many times by AT&T that I only need to turn off Data Roaming, I still turn off cellular data, just to make sure that my phone is blocked from using data until I want it to use data. (Apple also suggests turning both off when traveling abroad.)

By turning off your cellular data, you effectively block your phone from accessing all data networks, restricting its use to placing calls and sending SMS text messages, although you can use all of your other features (apps, email, Internet, iMessage) when you connect it to a Wi-Fi network.

Note that if you flip the order of #1 and #2 here, turning off your cellular data first, your data roaming will also turn off. You can’t roam for data if you’ve already turned off your phone’s access to data.

As with data roaming, if you want to use your data package, you’ll need to turn cellular data back on, then turn on data roaming.

For both old and new iPhone models, go to: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Turn off. (Note that “Enable LTE” will also disappear as soon as you turn off Cellular Data.)

3. Cut off your apps’ cellular data connection.

Your apps can’t work without a data connection or a Wi-Fi network. Even so, you should go in through your cellular settings and manually turn your apps off to prevent them from hogging your data plan.

But wait, if you’re planning to already turn off your cellular data (by following the two previous steps), isn’t this a bit redundant? Not necessarily.

Don’t forget that many of us allow our apps to send us push notifications and to run on their own in the background. If you keep all of them activated, the moment that you turn on your data roaming in Paris to check your emails, they could kick into gear, tearing through your data allotment.

To prevent this, take a moment to scroll through your list of apps and turn off their data connection, one by one. (Note that you’ll need to do this prior to turning off your cellular data, as turning off your cellular data makes these buttons inaccessible.)

Once these apps have had their cellular data access turned off, they will still be usable over a Wi-Fi network. If you wish to use cellular data for these apps (for example, using Google Maps over cellular data, which I do all the time from abroad), simply turn them back on when you need them!

Older iPhones

Go to: Settings > Cellular > Use Cellular Data For. Turn off apps, one by one.

Newer iPhones

Go to: Settings > Cellular. Scroll down past the “Add eSim” section to the apps. Turn off apps, one by one.

4. Reset your statistics and monitor your data usage.

This one is fun and essential. At the very bottom of the “Cellular” page is a simple little link that states, “Reset Statistics”. Once you’ve arrived abroad, click this link and start tracking your international data usage. You’ll see your total data usage and your telephone usage at the top of the “Cellular” page (under “Cellular Data Usage”).

Keep track of your usage here and you shouldn’t come home to any unpleasant billing surprises, especially if you’ve purchased the right data package for your trip.

The only hiccup with this, unfortunately, is that the stats aren’t always totally up-to-date. It turns out that AT&T can have delays in reporting international data usage (as international carriers are actually providing you with the network and then, later, reporting it back to AT&T). I’d suggest erring on the side of caution here.

For both older and newer iPhone models, go to: Settings > Cellular > Reset Statistics. Click it.

5. Turn “Fetch New Data” to “Manual” to stop automatic email downloads.

When I’m traveling, I also turn off my phone’s ability to automatically check and download emails. Even if my data roaming is almost always set to “off” (preventing me from accessing emails), I still don’t like my phone automatically fetching anything the moment I turn the data roaming to “on”.

Older iPhones

Go to: Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data. Switch “Push” to “Off” and click “Manually” at the bottom of the screen under “Fetch”.

Newer iPhones

Go to: Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data. Switch “Push” to “Off” and click “Manually” at the bottom of the screen under “Fetch”.

Once switched to “Manually”, you’ll be able to check and send emails by turning on your data roaming and cellular data, then opening your mail program. Simple.

6. Turn off iMessage.

This one drives me crazy. iMessage has made it quick and easy to send messages to other iMessage users on Apple devices over a Wi-Fi network without being charged for sending a text. That’s great, but iMessage uses a Wi-Fi network to send and receive your messages, so if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, it won’t work. Your message will just sit out there, and not get delivered until you connect to Wi-Fi.

The solution? I choose to send old fashioned text messages (through SMS) when traveling. AT&T’s International Pass includes unlimited SMS texting, so these texts don’t cost me anything extra to send.

To force your phone (any model) to turn off iMessage, go to: Settings > Messages > iMessage. Turn off.

Note that you might still encounter iMessage problems, even with it turned off. Others might send you an iMessage, but it won’t be delivered until you connect to a Wi-Fi network. When I’m traveling and expecting a text from a friend and suspect that iMessage is to blame, I sometimes send them a text to say, “If you’re trying to text me, make sure your iMessage is turned off!”

Call home for pennies (or free) with the Skype iPhone app.

7. Paranoid? Put your phone in airplane mode.

If you’ve followed the steps above, you’ve now turned off your data roaming, cellular data, apps and email from running in the background. What’s still working?

Well, for starters, your phone! You will now still be able to make and receive telephone calls (provided that you’ve called your carrier and have activated your phone for international use). You will also be able to send and receive regular old SMS text messages (if you’ve turned off iMessage).

However, this might still make you uncomfortable. Perhaps you don’t want people to be able to get in touch with you. (Don’t forget that you’ll be charged for incoming calls and for listening to your voicemail.)

If this is you (and it was me for many years, so there’s no shame), you can place your phone in “airplane mode” and simply rely upon Wi-Fi networks to use the web, send emails, and use apps. This is a great solution if you want to place calls through your Skype app, for example, and never want to pay for a call.

Traveling through Europe on airplane mode does offer peace of mind, as it takes away any insecurity that your phone is secretly drinking up your data plan. However, it can also feel quite limiting, as you won’t be able to send and receive text messages in real time (except through iMessage or Facebook Messenger when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network), or place standard phone calls.

If this is for you, go to: Settings > Airplane Mode. Turn on.

If using your phone in Airplane Mode, note that you’ll need to then switch “Wi-Fi” to “On” and choose a Wi-Fi network.

Also in our Guide to using an American iPhone in Europe

Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke

Tips for AT&T Customers

Tips for Windows and Android Customers

Tips for Verizon Customers

AT&T vs Verizon: A comparison of international plans

Note: This article was updated in December 2024 with extensive new information.

The post How to set up your American iPhone when traveling in Europe to avoid a billing “surprise” appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve been reviewing hotels in Paris for more than 20 years, and are here to tackle some of the most common questions. We’ll show you what to expect, and how to save big on hotels in Paris.

How much are hotels in Paris?

The average nightly room rate in 2023 in Paris was €198,80, or about $215, according to the a recent report by the city’s tourism office.

But that’s only an “average rate”. And has anyone ever actually seen an “average hotel”? It’s more helpful to consider the three main criteria that determine these hotel rates:

• What’s the hotel’s category? (5-star / 4-star / 3-star / 2-star / 1-star / unrated)
• Where is the hotel located?
• When are you visiting Paris?

Taken together, you can better understand how much to expect to pay.

The Hotel Chopin in Paris is a charming 2-star hotel.

What types of hotels are there in Paris?

What’s the difference between a three-star hotel and a four-star? And can you stay comfortably in a two-star hotel?

We’ve written quite a bit about the differences between hotel categories, but in short, hotels with higher categories generally offer more amenities and services, and may offer larger rooms. Obviously, with more amenities and services come higher room rates.

Most of our recommended hotels in our Paris hotel guide are two- and three-star hotels. This means that they have most of the basic amenities that most travelers are accustomed to, including private baths with showers or tubs and TVs. Rooms in three-star hotels may also include a mini-fridge, iron, and more amenities and products in the bathroom. (Note that even three-star hotels in Paris may not be equipped with air conditioning.)

And as you can see in the list below, there are more three-star hotels in Paris than any other category of hotel.

How many hotels are in there in Paris?

According to the Paris tourism office, the 2,184 hotels in the greater Paris region are divided into the following categories:

• 5-star: 101 hotels – average rate: €274,30 ($297)
• 4-star: 551 hotels – average rate: €274,30 ($297)
• 3-star: 780 hotels – average rate: €132,70 ($144)
• 2-star: 182 hotels – average rate: €89,20 ($96)
• 1-star: 44 hotels – average rate: €62,60 ($67)
• Unrated: 526 hotels

Where should I stay in Paris?

The hotel’s location also has a major impact on the room rate. Most tourists want to stay in the center of the action — or at least a quick walk or short Metro ride from the city’s most popular museums and attractions. And you’ll pay for that.

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, and generally speaking, arrondissements 1-8 are the most central and priciest. Conversely, budget travelers can often find cheaper hotel options farther from the center of the city, which is a great budget option if you don’t mind spending more time on the Metro.

Our favorite neighborhoods include the 3rd and 4th (Marais), 6th (St. Germain-des-Prés), and 9th (Grands Boulevards), as these are all central, but still feel like neighborhoods (although both the Marais and St. Germain have become extremely popular and are often very expensive).

Read more about Paris’ neighborhoods here.

What are the best cheap hotels in Paris?

We’ve got a long list of favorite budget hotels in Paris. But if you’re short on time, check out this list of our top budget hotels in Paris. We have recommendations for all types of hotels, and all of them are centrally located.

If you’re really strapped for time…

• Best one-star hotel: Hotel Tiquetonne
• Best two-star hotel: Hotel Chopin

Ready to see hotels? Search all hotels in Paris here.

It’s easier to relax in September in Paris. (Photo by Tom Meyers)

When should I go to Paris?

Finally, the timing of your trip is also key. Be sure to read this overview of the best time to visit Paris, but in short:

During the high season (May – July and September), the weather is at its most agreeable, and the city is packed with tourists. Room rates are also, unsurprisingly, at their highest.

Conversely, during low season (November – March, excepting holidays), rates are low, although the weather is unpredictable.

We generally encourage readers to travel during “shoulder season” — between high and low season (in spring and fall, and August), when prices are low and the crowds are manageable.

More ways to save on your hotel in Paris

We’re just getting started. Be sure to check our my article on how to save on your hotel in Paris for more tips, including:

• Visit in August (most of the locals are out of town)
• Avoid fashion week and other special events
• Book early for preferred hotels, or last-minute to find deals
• Don’t pay for amenities you don’t need
• Consider a hostel
• Avoid breakfast charges
• And watch out for extra charges!

Read more in our guide to saving on Paris hotels.

Your tips

Have suggestions for more ways to save on your hotel in Paris? Share with us in the comments section below.

The post How much are hotels in Paris? And how can you save? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

From hotels to flights, rental cars, and train tickets, there are several things to keep in mind before you hit “book”. Regular readers might recognize a few of these tips from posts in previous years (including “10 Ways to Save Before Leaving for Europe”). They’ve been included below if they’re still important today, and if they represent a budget travel faux pas worth avoiding.

Related: The best budget hotels in Paris, Venice, Barcelona, and London.

Note: This post was updated in September 2024 with new information and current pricing.

1. Don’t over-pack your itinerary with too many destinations.

American travelers (myself included) tend to over-pack our itineraries when planning trips to Europe. It’s understandable — for many, vacation days are scarce and trips abroad infrequent. There’s a natural tendency to try to jam as many cities and countries as possible into our trips, as we don’t always know when we’ll be back!

However, this can be costly (not to mention exhausting), as over-packing trips with too many destinations in too few days leads to more time on the road, and more gas or train tickets. In extreme cases, it can sabotage a trip, turning it into a blur of hotel check-ins and check-outs (with constant packing and unpacking), while watching a never-visited landscape race past the car windows. If possible, slow down. You’ll save on transportation and gain more time to explore your destinations.

Looking for a helpful itinerary? Check out our 10-day itineraries for Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

On Kayak, click into “Multi-city” to search for flights into one city and home from another.

2. Don’t race back to fly home.

When searching for flights from North America to Europe, don’t forget about “multi-city” and “open jaw” tickets. These are flights into one destination and home from another. These tickets often cost about the same amount as simple round-trip flights, but, depending on your itinerary, can save you the hassle and expense of returning to your arrival city.

For example, imagine you’re flying from Atlanta to Paris and then spending 10 days visiting France and Italy, winding up in Rome. You might instinctively book round-trip tickets from Atlanta to Paris, and then try to figure out how to speed from Rome back up to Paris at the end of the trip to fly home. Instead, click into “multiple destinations” or “multi-city” when researching flights, and search for Atlanta to Paris, and then Rome to Atlanta. You can often find a flight for about the same price as the simple round-trip airfare.

Note: If you’re planning to rent a car, “open jaw” flight can make rentals a bit trickier and more expensive. It’s almost always cheaper to pick up and drop off the car in the same location, and dropping off in a different country can add a huge fee to your rental (we’re talking about hundreds of euros). However, you could still book an “open jaw,” rent a car for travel in one country and then switch to train tickets for reaching the last leg of your trip.

3. Don’t assume you need to rent a car from day one.

Many travelers renting a car for their trip instinctively start their rental on the day they arrive, picking it up at the airport. However, if you’re planning to spend at least one day visiting your arrival city, you shouldn’t rent that car until you’re leaving town. This will help you save on the rental and parking, and help preserve your fragile jet-lagged sanity.

For example, imagine that you’re flying into Rome, spending two days visiting the city, and then heading off to explore Italy by car for a week. Start the car rental on the third day of your trip (the day you’re leaving town, not arriving). You’re going to be visiting Roman ruins and the great sights of the central historic city and the Vatican—the last thing you’re going to want to think about (or pay for!) is parking. You’ll be getting around by foot, bus, and Metro, or taxi.

The same holds for Paris, Amsterdam, London, Barcelona… really any major city with a well-preserved historic center. Driving your way around the town’s big sights isn’t going to happen (or at least it’s not going to happen twice). That car will wind up in an expensive garage.

Get the car on your way out of town. This will also give you flexibility in terms of pickup location, as rental car agencies offer a wide variety of pickup spots in most major cities, often with many options around the major train stations.

Related: Search rental cars in Europe | How to calculate the “real cost” of renting a car

The Hotel de Nice in Paris won’t show up on page one, but it’s worth filtering for.

4. Look past page one for that hotel.

So you’re searching, and searching, and searching for that perfect hotel. Remember when researching on most major hotel reservation websites that the hotel results are often ranked by those that the website wants you to book. In most cases, these “page one” results are hotels that pay the site the highest commission. It’s in the website’s best interest to show you these hotels first.

For budget-minded travelers, this often means looking past these “page one” results, no matter how many bells, whistles, and “Only 1 room left!” freak-out messages they throw at you. Filter by guest rating, neighborhood, and price, and start digging around to find the good stuff.

On EuroCheapo, we’re a bit different as we’ve already done this filtering and ranking for you (and we don’t believe in freak-out messages). We list our hotels by “CheapoFactor,” which is a formula that presents the top-rated hotels (including those reviewed by our editors) that have the lowest rates in the most central neighborhood. If you do a hotel search (in the box above or from our homepage) you’ll see these hotels by default.

Related: Our favorite cheap hotels in Paris packed with old-world charm

5. Don’t sacrifice location for small hotel savings.

If you’re struggling to decide between hotels that are within your budget, I recommend giving preference to the hotel with the more central location. Budget travelers, in particular, have a tendency to choose a hotel in a far-flung location that’s €10 cheaper than one in a more central neighborhood. I’m a strong proponent of paying a bit more for something more central, as you’ll save time and money on transportation (especially if you wind up taking taxis).

Related: How to save on hotels in Europe

You can almost always save by not using a rail pass. Above, Munich’s main station. Photo: jseita

6. Don’t assume that you need to buy a rail pass.

As we’ve mentioned in several posts throughout the years on the blog, European rail passes sold to American travelers usually don’t save you any money. Unless you’re spending most of your travel days taking long-distance high-speed trains, buying a rail pass is probably going to be an unnecessary expense.

These days, the official websites of Europe’s main railways (SNCF in France, Trenitalia in Italy, Renfe in Spain, and Deutsche Bahn in Germany, among many others) are easily searched in English and offer great deals on high-speed and long-distance trains when booked a few months in advance. Buy these tickets like the locals: Book early and get great discounts.

For example, during a recent to Paris, Munich, and Venice, I took two trips by train, one high-speed (TGV and ICE) from Paris to Munich, and one Intercity train from Munich to Venice, on a romantic voyage straight through the Alps. Booked directly through the official rail websites about two weeks before the trip, the first ticket cost €74, while the second trip was only €69. These two trips covered several countries and cost only €143 for first-class travel. A rail pass would not have made these more affordable.

Having said that, there are still some reasons why you might want to book a rail pass. They do allow for greater flexibility in your schedule — you can determine your schedule at the last minute and not worry about paying more for the ticket (although you still risk sold-out trains). And yes, if you plan to take a great number of long-distance trains, it can pay for itself. They come with some other benefits, as well, like a family discount that allows two children to travel for free with a Eurail pass-carrying adult.

Related: Read previous posts about booking rail tickets, how to book slower trains in Europe, the three-month rule for high-speed tickets, how to save on French rail tickets, and booking German rail tickets.

7. Don’t pre-book the small stuff.

It’s now easier than ever to pre-book activities in each of the cities you’ll be visiting. You can book museum tickets and passes, walking tours, boat cruises… The list is endless and quite tempting. However, try to remain calm and limit the number of smaller activities that you pre-book, as you risk wasting cash and causing disappointment.

In the fun lead-up to your departure, there’s a tendency to forget about the unplanned realities that always creep into a trip. Things happen, people get tired, blisters form, the weather doesn’t cooperate. Making plans and compiling itineraries is a great idea — but pre-booking every small attraction puts you at the risk of burning out, skipping things, and wasting money. You’re not going to know what speed you’re able to travel at until you get on the ground.

Having said that, a couple of high-profile sights are worth pre-booking, especially during high season when their lines could lead to long waits, or worse, not being able to get in (I’m looking at you, Louvre…).

These include:

• tickets to the Eiffel Tower (book in advance through the tower’s website)
• tickets to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
• tickets to the Alhambra in Granada,
• the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam
• tickets to the Vatican museums
• tickets to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (again, skip the ticket line)

8. Don’t write off guidebooks.

Okay, I know that I’ll hear from detractors on this one, as it’s now fashionable to ditch heavy guidebooks in favor of apps and free information that you can pull up on your phone, tablet, and laptop. But I’m here to say that the best guidebooks out there can greatly enrich your trip and yes, can help you save time and cash by allowing you to put away your electronic devices.

When I was in Athens on a recent trip, I spent several days running around town with my Rick Steves‘ guidebook, following their informative (and often humorous) walking tours, getting restaurant advice, and gaining an understanding of how the city worked. That book was my companion, folded, dog-eared, and often tucked under my arm. Its value became doubly-obvious when I witnessed a couple in the ancient Agora trying to read information off of their iPad in the blazing hot sun. It wasn’t happening.

Relying on electronics is risky and can be unnecessarily costly. Batteries die. Sun makes it hard to read. And data charges are incredibly expensive. Don’t underestimate the value that a $20 guidebook provides.

9. Don’t forget to call your phone carrier.

As we have written in several previous posts, if you plan to use your phone abroad, call your carrier before leaving to discuss your international options. First, you should make sure that your phone works abroad and has been activated for international use. Secondly, you should discuss with your carrier the costs associated with using your phone to place calls, send texts, send emails, and access the internet.

AT&T, for example, has recently changed their international packages, and now offers an “International Day Pass”  that bundles together unlimited texting, data (to send emails and use the Web), and cheaper calling rates. These packages start at $12 per day and make good sense for anyone considering using their phone while traveling. (Verizon offers similar plans.)

“Winging it” without knowing how much you’ll be charged is not recommended. Call your carrier, get a plan if you plan to use your phone, and then make sure you set up your phone to avoid accidental data charges (in brief: turn off cellular data and restrict the number of apps that can use cellular data). And, as a plan, stick to free Wi-Fi networks for downloading and sending emails, checking the Web, and using apps.

Another option? Buy a SIM card for your phone when you get to Europe. Here’s our handy guide: Buying a SIM Card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone while traveling. We have also done the research to find the best SIM Cards to use in France, Spain, and Germany.

Withdrawing cash from ATM machines like this one in Berlin is almost always cheaper than converting dollars on your own. Photo: skohlmann

10. Don’t waste money getting euros before the trip.

Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe? Travelers waste a lot of money purchasing euros from their bank (or worse yet, from a currency exchange counter) before arriving in Europe. In most cases when exchanging money from home before a trip, you will pay dearly in fees, lousy exchange rates, or both. If exchanging a bit makes you more relaxed, go for it — just don’t overdo it.

I often arrive in Europe without a euro in my pocket. I head straight away to an ATM at the airport and withdraw cash using my American ATM card. It’s simple, and the exchange rate that I’m getting for the transaction is almost certainly better than any rate I’d get from my bank back home (especially once fees are factored in). Call your bank before you leave to ask about international ATM transaction fees, as they vary widely depending on the bank, the type of account you have (banks often wave transaction fees for premium accounts), and the type of ATM accessed abroad (your bank may have international locations or partnerships with local banks).

What if there isn’t an ATM at the airport? I’ve never experienced this. I have experienced long lines at the ATM, which has led me to use my credit card for purchases (rail or bus tickets into town, for example) until I found an ATM in the city without a line.

Related: Questions to ask your bank before you leave.

Your tips?

Have another mistake to avoid to add to our list? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Planning a trip to Europe? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

I had a bad feeling when I checked into my second hotel on my trip to Lisbon. While in town for the week to review about 50 hotels for our Lisbon guide, I’d be spending three nights at this hotel.

I had just spent three nights at another hotel, the Metropole, several blocks away. My room had been wonderful—a spacious double on the fifth floor, with a small balcony opening to sunny city views. (And yes, it was quite affordable, given the off-season rates.)

But as I checked into this second hotel rather late in the afternoon, I grew nervous. The receptionist tapped away at his keyboard, apparently trying to find something open for my three nights. He frowned a lot. Finally, he handed me a keycard with a sigh and said, “I’m sorry, but this is the only room available.”

Minutes later I opened the door (which banged into the bed) of a very small room that hardly offered enough room to enter. It goes without saying that there was no desk (annoying, as I was in town for work), nor was there room to put away my luggage.

I had to face the facts: I had landed the worst room in the hotel.

Related: When should you book to get the best hotel rates?

I was partly to blame for ending up with this room. After all, I knew better. Here are a few pointers to avoid getting stuck with the “worst room”.

1. Be clear when making your reservation.

Receptionists have all the power. Pictured: The friendly owner of La Macarena Hostal, Madrid.

What exactly are you looking for in a room? Do you prefer one on a high floor overlooking the street? Are you looking for something on a lower floor with windows opening to the courtyard? Do you want one of the rooms with a balcony? Perhaps you need a bathtub instead of a shower?

Mention these preferences in your correspondence with the hotel at the time of making your reservation (but keep in mind that you’re requesting them, not demanding them). Sure enough, when I booked my room (through EuroCheapo, naturally), I did request a “room on a high floor with a view, if possible.” Well, I did get a room on a high floor…

Related: 10 Ways to save time & money before you go to Europe

Joking aside, your requests will usually be considered. When I’m inspecting rooms, I often notice certain rooms with little extras, like terraces, extra-large bathrooms, or great views. I often ask the manager or owner if I can write about the special perk—and if guests can request the room in advance. They almost always say the same thing. “Sure, mention it when reserving. If it’s available, there’s no problem.”

Which brings us to…

2. Show up early.

Although rooms are usually assigned in advance, there’s often a bit of juggling that goes on during the check-in process. Maybe another guest checked in and had an issue with their room. (For example, perhaps two friends had been given a double instead of a twin room. It happens all the time.) Check-in is never flawless and problems surface. People switch rooms. Get to the hotel as early as possible to minimize your chances of falling into the last place of a chain reaction.

However, remember that if you arrive before check-in hours (typically noon or 2 p.m.), you will probably have to leave your luggage in a storage room and come back once your room is ready. If this happens to you…

3. Make sure that you check in.

What? Didn’t you just check in? Not necessarily. Just because you’ve exchanged pleasantries with the hotel receptionist and left your luggage, doesn’t mean that you’ve actually “checked in.”

Ask if you can go through the process of checking in. That way, you’ll probably see a room number associated with your name on all the check-in paperwork.

When checking in, it’s also a good idea to ask nicely about the room. For example: “Could you please tell me if this room faces the back courtyard? I’m a light sleeper and just wanted to make sure.” When you ask nicely, with a smile, this can be the moment that changes everything.

4. Come back early to inspect your room.

So, you’ve left your luggage, checked in, and hit the town. Now what? I’d recommend, if possible, returning to the hotel early in the afternoon to move into your room. (This isn’t just about making sure your room is adequate. It’s also about leaving your possessions in a luggage room that’s shared by countless others.)

By moving into your room early, you can inspect it to make sure that it fits the bill. Does it?

5. If the room isn’t satisfactory—act quickly.

Upon entering the room, look around. Does it work? Be fair. Remember that most European hotel rooms (and especially bathrooms) are small. However, if the room doesn’t work for you and you get the impression that a better room may be available, act quickly.

Very important: Do not open your luggage, flop onto the bed, or (especially) use the bathroom. If, for some reason, you want to change rooms, you’ll need to act quickly, without disrupting anything. In many small hotels, after all, the cleaning staff leaves during the afternoon. In the case of a “sold out” hotel, you will only be able to swap rooms if you haven’t touched anything.

The other reason to act quickly is that as others check in, your chances of changing rooms diminishes.

6. Be nice and offer a good explanation when asking for a new room.

This is rather obvious, but if you return right away to the reception and ask to switch rooms, be as courteous as possible. The receptionist, after all, has all the power in this situation.

Explain why you’d like to switch rooms. Had you requested something else when reserving? Are you afraid of bathtubs and need a shower? Do you prefer a quieter room on the courtyard? Offer some sort of explanation—and smile.

A smile and friendly hello can go a long way with a hotel receptionist. Photo: Paulien Osse

7. Regardless of the outcome, thank the receptionist.

Perhaps the receptionist will bump some things around and offer you another room in the house. Or, perhaps they’ll sigh and apologize, and you’ll be stuck with your room. Either way, you’ll be seeing them for the rest of your stay, so be nice and thank them for their effort.

8. Stuck? Offer to switch the next day.

If you’re stuck in your room and staying for multiple nights, ask if it might be possible to switch rooms the next day. This often works, although it requires that you repack your bags after your first night. (Often the cleaning staff will move your luggage to the new room for you. Thank them with a tip upon departure.)

9. Really stuck? Chill out.

In my case, I was really stuck. The hotel had no vacancies, and there was no possibility of switching rooms on the second day. At first I was upset. My room was tiny, my bed was small and not comfortable, and I really wanted a desk. As I walked the halls, I could see much larger rooms being cleaned—and they had probably paid the same amount that I had.

And then I relaxed. I was focusing so much attention on wanting a larger room, that I wasn’t fully enjoying my evening in Lisbon. That night, I was strolling the Bairro Alto‘s web of narrow streets, looking for a spot for dinner, but still miffed about a room I wasn’t even in at the moment. That was my fault.

After all, my travel experience should be about more than just the size of my hotel room. Yes, it’s nice to attain the best room possible, but I’d caution against letting our accommodation desires (“I asked for a balcony!”) get confused for the reason we travel. If I was just traveling to pamper myself with comforts, I could just check myself into a spa for the weekend—back home.

Part of traveling is about not always being in control. That is what I told myself, at least, as I relaxed and settled into my funny, lumpy, little room.

Which is also why I showed up—and checked in—to my next hotel bright and early.

Your advice?

Do you have any tips on how to avoid getting stuck with a stinker of a room? Share them with us in the comments section.

The post Strategy: How to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether you’re planning to travel for two days or 20 days, where you stay can have a big impact on both your budget and your trip experience.

We’ve spent the past 23 years hunting down the best hotel values in Europe’s priciest cities. While we’ve seen some big changes, good and bad, over the years (finally, free Wi-Fi!), there are certain bits of “Cheapo advice” that remain the same today as in 2001.

Before we get started, remember: Don’t panic.

High-season rates in particularly expensive destinations (London, Venice, all of Switzerland…) can cause great anxiety and all-out panic. Remain calm and remember that many websites (not including EuroCheapo, of course!), rank the hotel results to show you what they’d like you to book first. (These are often the hotels that are paying them the highest commission.)

So don’t just stare at those first results and quickly assume that the city’s going to be too expensive for you to visit. It might take a little digging and further research (using tips on this page and throughout EuroCheapo), but chances are you’ll be able to find a great little hotel, B&B, or hostel in town for your budget.

Bottom line: Don’t panic. But be prepared to do some digging for a deal.

Related: How to save on hotels in France.

Tips for saving on hotels in Europe

Here are our 10 top tips for saving on accommodation and on finding the perfect hotels for your trip.

1. Think about location before price.

We often hear from travelers who do a hotel search, and then book the cheapest hotel they can find, only to realize it’s located far outside the center (or in a neighboring town!), and isn’t easily accessible to areas they want to visit. This can cause an undue expenditure of both time and money, not to mention often a crummy hotel experience.

Fortunately, this can be avoided with advance planning. Really zoom in on the hotel’s location when researching. How far is it from a subway or bus line? Consider paying just a bit more for something more central or closer to public transportation.

2. Be flexible with your travel schedule.

If your trip itinerary spends quite a bit of time in one geographic area, flexibility with your itinerary can help save money. Once you start searching for hotels, you might find that one stop is more expensive on certain dates than others. Juggling around your itinerary can allow you book hotels when they’re at their cheapest.

For example, say you’re spending a week in Belgium, visiting both Brussels and Bruges. Once you start searching for hotels, you’ll likely find that hotel rates in Brussels are lower on the weekends (because there are fewer business travelers and Eurocrats booking them). Thus, why not visit Bruges during the week, and spend the weekend in Brussels, when hotels are at their cheapest?

3. More stars do not always make a better hotel.

Hotel star ratings in Europe are confusing. Every country has their own standards and system of classification, usually set by a government-run tourism board. Thus, what qualifies as a three-star hotel in the Netherlands will probably be different from a three-star hotel in Italy.

In short, the more amenities and services a hotel offers, the higher the star rating. Inspectors visit with clipboards and literally check off everything they see in the lobby, hotel room and elsewhere. The more stuff to check off, the higher the star rating. But obviously, more “stuff” doesn’t always make a better-run, friendlier or more memorable hotel.

You can be fairly certain that a four-star hotel offers elevators, room service, private baths, cable TV, Internet, air conditioning and so forth. But it doesn’t say anything about the room décor, the hotel’s location or the helpfulness of the staff. A four-star hotel may actually be far less charming than a two-star hotel.

We’ve visited many hotels that are stuck, for reasons outside their control, with a low star rating. A two-star hotel located in a historic neighborhood in Paris, for example, will probably have restrictions placed upon its ability to do renovations. This might make adding an elevator impossible, which would prevent the hotel from achieving three-star status, no matter how lovely the rooms or how cordial the management.

Also, note that one-star hotels will often offer things for free (like Internet access) that four-star hotels might still charge for. Read more about star ratings in Europe.

4. Which amenities do you really need? Really?

If you can reduce the number of amenities you need, and reduce the star rating, you can probably score a better deal. Consider which room amenities you really need to enjoy your visit. Do you need air conditioning in Vienna in early June? Do you need a safe? Hairdryer? Toiletries? The difference between a one-star and a three-star hotel might be more noticeable in your wallet than in your room.

5. Know when to book.

When’s the best time to book to save on hotels in Europe? Unfortunately, it depends. Booking in advance helps you arrange your travel plans before you take off, but you miss out on the possibility of last-minute travel deals. Booking at the last minute (even same day!), can result in amazing deals, but it can also lead to stress… and finding yourself without a place to sleep.

I wrote an entire post about when to book hotels for the best rates. But basically, it boils down to this:

We recommend booking well in advance if:

• You need to secure a favorite hotel. Book it before it fills up.
• You see very limited availability when you search. Book now — it’s only going to get worse. (This is especially the case during high season.)
• You just want to get everything checked off your list and relax.
• You have a pretty rigid schedule.

We recommend booking closer to your travel date if:

• You see lots of availability and cheapo options when you search for hotels. You can hang back and see if prices come down. (This is often the case when traveling during the off season.)
• You want more flexibility when you’re traveling. Are you the kind of traveler who likes to switch your itinerary at the last minute? You may just want to hold off. (Or at least book refundable rates! See next point.)

6. Consider first booking a hotel with free cancellation.

Another option is to book a hotel right now that offers free cancellation, and then cancel the reservation later if you find a better deal. This can at least calm your nerves (hey, you’ve got a place!), and allow you some flexibility in terms of finding something better later.

One warning: Most hotels now charge a bit more for free cancellation (so you’re actually spending money to have this flexibility). Also, be aware that the definition of “free cancellation” varies widely. Free… until when? Are you free to cancel until the day of your reservation… or only free to cancel up to one week before check-in? There’s a big difference — pay attention to the details.

7. Consider renting an apartment.

Even though we have a special love for small hotels, we can’t deny that apartments can be handy and sometimes even more affordable than hotels, especially for longer stays or when traveling with a family. You can browse apartment listings by searching on our partner, Booking.com, or on any number of apartment search sites, like VRBO or (of course) Airbnb.

Be aware that some European cities, like Paris and Berlin, are cracking down on illegal apartment rentals on these sites, so double-check before booking that it’s legal! Also make sure that all of the check-in logistics are squared away in advance, and that you know exactly how to get into the apartment, and how to contact the apartment’s owner for any questions or emergencies.

8. Hostels are for everyone.

Hostels in Europe aren’t just for “youth” anymore. In fact, in the past 10-15 years scores of stylish and hip hostels, like the Generator chain, have reinvented what it means to be a hostel. Today’s “hip hostels” often offer fresh design themes (often developed by local artists), low-cost group activities, healthy food options, and lots of shared space.

As you’ll see when you search and filter by “hostels”, the bedroom situation ranges widely depending on the hostel, but most offer both private rooms that are cheaper than you’d find in most hotels (you’ve got the room to yourself, although you might share a bathroom) and really cheap shared rooms (you’re probably sleeping in a bunk with others in the room). Regardless, rooms tend to be simply furnished, but often hostels make up for it with extensive public rooms meant for reading, hanging out, and meeting other travelers.

That said… the hostel landscape still includes plenty of more traditional “youth hostel” options, as well, especially those official and non-profit hostels affiliated with Hostelling International.

9. Take our hotel advice

We’ve spent a lot of time inspecting hotels and rounding up the best affordable hotel options in Europe’s priciest destinations. We especially like small, family-run and independent hotels that really capture the spirit of the destination — and we try to stay away from recommending big international chain hotels. I always say that I prefer to wake up in Rome and immediately feel that I’m in Rome — and not next to the Milwaukee airport.

You can easily save on hotels in Europe by booking one of our picks in Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice or any of these cities. We’ve already done the hard work for you!

10. Keep saving once you’ve checked in.

Once you arrive, there are still ways to save on your hotels in Europe even after you’ve checked in. These include:

Head for the nearest grocery store: Don’t touch that minibar! As soon as we plop our things down in our room, we typically head out to a nearby supermarket for some essentials: Bottles of water, fruit, snacks, missing toiletries, and anything else that would cost us a small fortune if purchased from the hotel or (double yikes!) taken from the mini-fridge.

Think twice about breakfast: When you check in, the receptionist will probably ask you, “Are you taking breakfast?” Don’t be shy here — ask for more specifics before committing to their breakfast offerings. How much does it cost? And what exactly does it consist of? (You might be surprised!) If you’re staying in the middle of a city or town, chances are you can easily walk to a cafe or restaurant and get a better deal.

Be clear when making your hotel reservation.

One final word of advice (from an article I wrote about how to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel): Be as clear as possible when reserving your room. What exactly are you looking for in a room? Do you prefer one on a high floor overlooking the street? Or perhaps you like lower floors with windows opening to the courtyard? Maybe you dream of a room with a balcony? Do you need a bathtub instead of a shower?

Mention these preferences in your correspondence with the hotel when reserving. (When reserving through EuroCheapo, there is a field in the reservation form to add any special requests). Your requests will almost always be considered. The hotel wants you to be a happy guest (and they especially want you to write a glowing review). They’ll try hard to accommodate.

The post How to Save on Hotels in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.