Brooklyn, with its iconic Brooklyn Bridge and seemingly endless options for cool, laid-back food, drink and entertainment, is a great option. You’re bound to find some incredible deals on accommodation here, too, and you can still access Manhattan quickly and cheaply via the subway.

To narrow down your choices of affordable hotels in this borough, we chose some of our favorite budget hotels in Brooklyn, specifically in the popular neighborhoods of Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Downtown Brooklyn, to add to our New York guide.

So choose your hotel and read up on our New York tips to have a fun Big Apple trip like a true Cheapo.

NY Moore Hostel offers great deals and a youthful, spirited ambiance.

NY Moore Hostel

Neighborhood: Williamsburg and Greenpoint
179 Moore Street
Beds starting at $40 a night

With a spirited vibe, the NY Moore Hostel will warmly welcome you to New York and situate you just a short walk to the subway into Manhattan.

Rooms here feature playful murals and artworks as well as vibrant pops of color. The grab bag of furnishings feel a bit collegiate, but fun. You can save money and make friends by grabbing a bed or reserve a private room that sleeps up to three people.

You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay: free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a library, a game room. Breakfast isn’t available, but you’ll find something delicious in the neighborhood.

Book a cheapo stay at NY Moore Hostel.

Rooms at NU Hotel benefit from trendy decor and city views.

NU Hotel

Neighborhood: Downtown Brooklyn
85 Smith Street
Doubles starting at $114 a night

The lovely three-star NU Hotel in Downtown Brooklyn is conveniently close to the subway.

Each room features a sleek design and plenty of amenities: free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations, satellite radio and a 24-hour gym. Nearly every room benefits from city views, too.

The hotel also has extras like private workstations for business travelers and an on-site bar with a great tapas menu. The hotel also offers its guests free bike rentals to explore the city.

Breakfast is included in the room rate.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, NU Hotel has a room for you.

From lobby to guestroom, The Box House Hotel welcomes visitors with attractive, industrial chic decor.

The Box House Hotel

Neighborhood: Williamsburg & Greenpoint
77 Box Street
Doubles starting at $185 a night

The industrial chic, three-star Box House Hotel is tucked into a converted factory building just a short walk to the nearest subway station.

From the lounge areas to the guestrooms, the building’s history lends extra charm to the hotel. Rooms feature attractive decor and benefit from NYC views. The spotless marble bathrooms feel luxurious, and the studio hotel rooms also include full kitchens. If you can splurge, some rooms have balconies available. The hotel also has a gym, a sauna and a business center.

Breakfast is served daily for an additional $19, or you can venture into the neighborhood and stop at a cafe.

Live luxe on a budget by booking a room at the Box House Hotel.

Looking for more cheap accommodations in this borough? Check out all budget hotels in Brooklyn.

The post New York City: New budget hotels in Brooklyn appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That being said, those budget hotels can fill up quickly with others looking to enjoy all that Florence has to offer.

To keep you in-the-know of some of the hidden gems dotted along these ancient streets, we’ve combed through thousands of hotels and recently added some of our favorite cheap hotels in Florence to our guide.

Related: 10 travel tips to help you save in Florence

Newly added hotels in our Florence guide

Here are a few excellent budget hotel options that are new to our guide.

Dante Alighieri

Neighborhood: Duomo
Rooms from $78

Located in the center of Florence just 800 feet from the Cathedral, Dante Alighieri B&B offers peaceful rooms at rates that can’t be beat.

Rooms here are styled minimally, but the historic building lends some charm in the form of frescoed ceilings. Although the decor is basic, amenities are aplenty with air conditioning, an elevator and free Wi-Fi all available.

The nightly rate includes breakfast.

Book a cheapo stay in the heart of Florence at Dante Alighieri.

Badia Fiorentina

Neighborhood: Duomo
Doubles from $88

The 3-star Badia Fiorentina offers attractive, budget-friendly rooms just a short stroll from the Cathedral.

Rooms are dressed in white from top to bottom, and the tufted headboards and chandeliers bring a touch of glamour to these cheapo guestrooms. You’ll also find flat-screen TVs, kettles, mini-fridges, toasters, free Wi-Fi and more. Ask ahead for a room with views of the city. For an even cheaper stay, opt for a shared bathroom.

A fresh breakfast, included in the nightly rate, is served every morning.

Find your home-away-from-home at Badia Fiorentina.

Hotel Por Santa Maria

Neighborhood: Duomo
Doubles from $95

The quaint, 1-star Hotel Por Santa Maria is conveniently located near the Uffizi Gallery and the Cathedral and is in an ideal spot for easily exploring Florence.

Rooms are unembellished and feature predictable floral bedspreads, wood furnishings and a framed art print here and there. The hotel stays quiet thanks to a lack of televisions, but there are still plenty of creature comforts, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and kettles. You can save even more on the nightly rate by choosing a room with a shared bathroom.

While you won’t find breakfast here, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area.

Stay in the center of Florence at Hotel Por Santa Maria.

Interested in seeing more options? Check out thousands of hotels in Florence.

The post Florence: New additions to our cheap hotels guide appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

To make the most of your trip to Marseille, you’ll want to stay in a cheap hotel that doesn’t skimp on comfort, cleanliness, amenities or location. Yes, you can have it all! As you prepare for your adventure, we’ve made it simpler by finding some of the top cheap hotels in Marseille, France.

Planning to explore more of France? Check out our favorite budget hotels in Paris, Nice, Lyon and Strasbourg.

More travel advice for France:

• 50 ways to save on your trip to France
• 22 French phrases every traveler should know
• How to find cheap hotels in France

Which Marseille neighborhood should you stay in?

So, you’re headed to Marseille, but where should you stay? Here’s a quick guide to the city’s most popular and central neighborhoods.

La Canebiere

This main thoroughfare of Marseille runs due east from Vieux Port and showcases some of the city’s 19th-century architectural achievements. Built in 1666 under orders from Louis XIV to expand the city, recent public works projects have tried to restore some of the original glory of La Canebière with new shops, restaurants and hotels. Just off the main drag, there is the “Musée d’Histoire de Marseille” and the Opera House.

Place Castellane

Place Castellane, located south of the Old Port, is a grand roundabout (complete with fountain and sculpture), surrounded by chic cafes and cinemas.

Vélodrome Stadium

The Stade Vélodrome, located south of the city’s center, is Marseille’s main soccer stadium. The home of the “Olympique de Marseille” soccer team, it’s the largest soccer stadium in France, seating more than 60,000 spectators.

Vieux Port and Panier

The historic center of Marseille grew up around the Vieux Port (Old Harbor) and the neighborhood just to the north, le Panier. Though most shipping activity has moved to the new Port de la Joliette, the old harbor is still used as a private marina. In this area, you’ll find the church La Vieille Charité and many museums. Vieux Port is a great neighborhood to stay for the views and central location, but the streets can be a bit noisy in the evenings.

The best cheap hotels in Marseille, France

Here are some of our favorite affordable hotels throughout the city.

A cheerful room at Massilia Hôtel.

Massilia hôtel

Neighborhood: La Canebiere
Doubles from $62

The Massilia hôtel offers incredibly low rates with a great location near Vieux Port and the center of Marseille, with the port being less than a 10-minute walk away.

The recently renovated hotel offers 18 refreshed rooms with warm, cheery decor to make you feel at home. Guests can also enjoy all the common creature comforts: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, kettles and more. Breakfast is available for a reasonable fee.

Stay at your new home away from home at the Massilia hôtel.

Hôtel Hermès offers lovely port views from the rooftop terrace.

Hôtel Hermès

Neighborhood: Vieux Port and Panier
Doubles from $79

With a rooftop terrace and a central location, the Hôtel Hermès is a bang for your buck considering it is just steps from the scenic Vieux Port.

The cozy guestrooms provide standard hotel decor, but the views of the port are a great bonus. Each soundproofed, en suite room also includes free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, air conditioning and more.

The real draw here is the lovely roof deck that offers sweeping views of the harbor and the city. Enjoy breakfast, available for an additional charge, or an evening glass of wine here while you take in the scenery.

Take advantage of excellent views and low rates at Hôtel Hermès.

The Europe Hotel Vieux Port is merely 50 feet from the Old Port.

Europe Hotel Vieux Port

Neighborhood: Vieux Port and Panier
Doubles from $79

The two-star Europe Hotel Vieux Port will keep you just a stone’s throw (50 feet!) from Vieux Port during your stay.

The rooms are modestly decorated but are bright and airy with views of the city. There is no shortage of amenities either: air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, video game consoles and kettles top the list of perks.

Breakfast is available for an additional charge and is served until midday — perfect for those who prefer to sleep in.

Call Europe Hotel Vieux Port home for your next trip to Marseille.

Some rooms at Hotel du Pharo even include balconies.

Hotel Du Pharo

Neighborhood: Vieux Port and Panier
Doubles from: $84

Less than a 10-minute walk from Palais du Pharo, the two-star Hotel du Pharo sports sweet and simple rooms, some of which even have balconies.

Each room includes a minimalist design scheme with a framed art print to be found here and there. You can score a deluxe double room for under $100, complete with a private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, telephones and — best of all — balconies with city vistas. Breakfast is offered for an additional fee.

Grab a balcony room at Hotel du Pharo before they are gone.

A stay at Saint Ferréol will give you quick access to the center of Marseille.

Saint Ferréol

Neighborhood: Vieux Port and Panier
Doubles from $89

Just a 5-minute walk from the port, the three-star Saint Ferréol offers unbeatable rates and quick access to the heart of the city.

The spotless hotel rooms are quiet and comforting and feature excellent views. Every room has a private bathroom, most of which also include bathtubs. From kettles to cable TV to air conditioning to free Wi-Fi, you’ll find all the comforts of home here.

If you really need fuel for the day, a buffet breakfast (available for an extra fee) includes eggs, pancakes and fresh pastries. You can also go the ultra cheapo route with the offered express breakfast, which includes orange juice, tea or coffee and a croissant for a reduced rate.

Enjoy a peaceful and budget-friendly stay at Saint Ferréol.

The modern rooms at Hôtel Belle-Vue boast port vistas.

Hôtel Belle-Vue

Neighborhood: Vieux Port and Panier
Doubles from $100

Tucked into a 19th century building, the one-star Hôtel Belle-Vue will place you just a 4-minute walk to the Old Port. The hotel also prides itself on its sustainability, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers.

The port views from the hotel rooms will leave you speechless. In addition to the picturesque views, each room also includes air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, electric blankets, board games and much more. A continental breakfast is provided for free. There is also a traditional French restaurant and a cocktail bar with a balcony on-site.

Score unmatched views of the port in a room at Hôtel Belle-Vue.

The brand new Hôtel Mercure Marseille Canebière Vieux-Port offers a touch of luxury on a budget.

Hôtel Mercure Marseille Canebière Vieux-Port

Neighborhood: La Canebiere
Doubles from $101

At the new, four-star Hôtel Mercure Marseille Canebière Vieux-Port, you’ll find stunning rooms at affordable rates right in the heart of the city near the Old Port and La Canebiere.

The stylish rooms are impressive, and this attractiveness carries over into the private bathrooms as well as the shared spaces. Guestrooms are spotless and sparkly new, as the hotel is just opening July 2019. Amenities include air conditioning, kettles, flat-screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also offer excellent views of the neighborhood.

Breakfast is available, but it will cost a pretty penny. You might be better off wandering the area for a cafe instead to save some money.

Be one of the first guests at Hôtel Mercure Marseille Canebière Vieux-Port.

The charming views from a guestroom balcony at Hôtel Maison Saint Louis.

Hôtel Maison Saint Louis – Vieux Port

Neighborhood: Vieux Port and Panier
Doubles from $101

After undergoing a complete renovation just this year, the Hôtel Maison Saint Louis – Vieux Port is ready to welcome guests into its lovely hotel located a few minutes on foot from Vieux Port. The Opéra de Marseille and La Canebière are also just a short stroll away.

It’s a bold move for a hotel to go for all-white guestrooms, but this shows the hotel is proud of just how impeccable these rooms are. The bright, updated rooms are also equipped with everything from air conditioning and soundproofing to flat-screens and free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast, available for an extra charge, is served in the hotel restaurant, which also dishes out lunches and dinners.

Stay in the heart of Marseille at the Hôtel Maison Saint Louis – Vieux Port.

Relax in the lush gardens of Le Clos du Jas.

Le Clos du Jas

Neighborhood: La Canebiere
Doubles from $101

Situated just outside the center of Marseille, this charming B&B will make you feel at home and will keep you based just a short trip to the port, the historic city center or the beach.

Dressed in varying hues of purple, the rooms are cute and welcoming. They come complete with flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and kettles for coffee or tea. Many of the rooms also offer views of the city to boot. Breakfast, consisting of homemade pastries, marmalades and orange juice, is included in the low nightly rate.

Sleep easy at Le Clos du Jas.

Studio rooms at Aparthotel Adagio Access Marseille Prado Périer are a steal.

Aparthotel Adagio Access Marseille Prado Périer

Neighborhood: Vélodrome Stadium
Doubles from $113

Nestled into a quiet, residential part of town, Aparthotel Adagio Access Marseille Prado Périer offers sleek and reasonably priced accommodations just a little over half a mile from Vélodrome Stadium.

Rooms here are bright and modern with chic furnishings and fully equipped kitchenettes for those who prefer to whip up their own meals. Aside from the perk of having kitchens, the rooms also feature air conditioning, safes, en suite bathrooms, flat-screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. A buffet breakfast is sometimes included in the room rate, or you can save more money by making something in your room.

Book a studio room for a steal at Aparthotel Adagio Access Marseille Prado Périer.

Chateau du Bois-Luzy is located within a chateau dating back to the 19th century.

Auberge de jeunesse Hi Marseille – Chateau du Bois-Luzy

Neighborhood: La Canebiere
Beds from $27

Located 4.5 km east from the city center, the youth hostel Chateau du Bois-Luzy might be a tad far-flung, but it offers extremely affordable rates and is positioned close to the bus stop for easy transit access.

Travelers will be wowed upon arrival to this 19th century chateau, which is charming inside and out. Skylights, mosaic tiles and wrought-iron balconies all add to the old world-feel. Guests can take advantage of the long list of communal spaces, including a kitchen, a TV lounge and a spacious dining room.

Book a super cheapo stay and make new friends at Chateau du Bois-Luzy.

Searching for more cheap hotels in Marseille and beyond? Check out more budget-friendly accommodations in Marseille and France.

The post The 11 best cheap hotels in Marseille, France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you want to make the most of your trip to London, you’ll want to choose a home base that doesn’t break the bank. To make this task easier, we’ve added more budget hotels to our guide in popular neighborhoods across the city.

Here are four budget hotels in London that we’ve recently added to our guide.

More London tips:
• Follow these 25 tips for a much better trip to London
• 10 ways to save on dining out in London
• 20 free museums in London

The welcoming Melbourne House Hotel.

Melbourne House Hotel

Neighborhood: Victoria Station
Doubles from $134

The three-star Melbourne House Hotel offers affordable accommodations near the Victoria Railway Station and a 20-minute walk from Westminster Abbey.

The en suite rooms feature basic hotel decor and are spotless. There are plenty of amenities, including flat-screen televisions, coffee/tea makers and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is also included in the already low nightly rate.

Book a budget stay at the Melbourne House Hotel.

Rooms at the Central Hotel feature unique decor.

Central Hotel

Neighborhood: King’s Cross
Doubles from $159

The two-star Central Hotel benefits from a great location just a 15-minute walk from The British Museum and a few minutes from the King’s Cross and St Pancras stations.

The guestrooms feature red bedding and simple framed artwork, although some rooms feature vibrant wall murals. Each room comes with an impressive list of amenities, such as flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi and kettles. There are both shared and private bathrooms available. Some rooms have balconies for just a bit more money, and breakfast is included in the rate.

Find an affordable room at the Central Hotel.

The Sidney Hotel London-Victoria features modern rooms packed with amenities.

Sidney Hotel London-Victoria

Neighborhood: Victoria Station
Doubles from $158

The three-star Sidney Hotel London-Victoria is located in a charming building with a location near the London Victoria station and just a 15-minute walk from Buckingham Palace and the Royal Court Theater.

The rooms are a bit smaller here, but each one is adorned in stylish, contemporary decor. There are all the creature comforts of home, too: private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, kettles and more. A basic breakfast is included in the room rate.

Enjoy a stylish stay at the Sidney Hotel London-Victoria.

Situated near the train station, Angus Hotel offers spotless rooms in a convenient location.

Angus Hotel

Neighborhood: King’s Cross
Doubles from $150

The two-star Angus Hotel is conveniently located just a short stroll from the King’s Cross and St Pancras train stations.

The rooms, which are decked out in blue from top to bottom, include standard amenities such as private bathrooms, kettles, flat-screen televisions and kettles. Breakfast isn’t available here, but there are many charming cafes in the neighborhood.

Rest your head at the convenient Angus Hotel.

The post London: New additions to our hotel guide appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

All the incredible attractions, restaurants and nightlife hot spots are accompanied by lovely, spotless and affordable hotels that make our cheapo hearts sing. We’ve found some of the best cheap hotels in Cologne to make your trip planning easier.

Want more choices? Click to search for all budget hotel options in Cologne.

Planning a trip around Germany? Check out our favorite budget hotels in Berlin, Munich, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt.

More travel advice for Germany:

• 50 ways to save on your trip to Germany
• The best SIM cards in Germany to save on your phone bill
• How to explore the Black Forest on a budget

Which Cologne neighborhood should I stay in?

You know you’re headed to Cologne. But what part of town will be ideal for your stay? Here’s a quick overview of Cologne’s most central neighborhoods.

Altstadt-South

South of Cacilienstrasse and west of the Rhine River, Altstadt-South (Old Town South) is part of Cologne’s first district. The neighborhood’s St. Maria im Kapitol, on Kasinostrasse, is famous for its thousand-year-old door, among other treasures.

On a small island off Holzmarkt, the Schokoaden Museum tempts visitors with the craft of chocolate-making while the Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum entertains active participants with interactive bobsled and bike race exhibits.

Center: Altstadt-North

The inspiring northern end of Cologne’s Altstadt (Old Town), known as Altstadt-North, is located on the west side of the Rhine River. The Dom, with its soaring twin spires, is situated a block south of the train station and easy to spot from all directions. The iconic Roman Arch sits just west of the Dom on Trankgasse and next to the tourist office. Gross St. Martin, a block from the river, towers over the Fischmarkt with four turrets circling its own central spire.

Messe

This neighborhood, located across the Rhine River from Old Town, is a bit more commercial than other areas of Cologne, with trade fairs taking place throughout the year at the Kolnmesse complex.

The large Rheinpark, one of several green spaces in Cologne, is also found here. Cologne’s Old Town is easily accessible from the Messe by way of the Deutzer Bridge.

Neustadt-North

This large area to the north of Old Town includes several tourist attractions. The internationally renowned Cologne Zoo and aquarium are located along the Rhine River. Just west of the Zoo, there’s the Botanical Garden.

South of the Zoo, along the Riehler Strasse, the city’s Sculpture Park includes works from such artists as Tony Cragg and Rosemarie Trockel.

Neustadt-South

Located south of Old Town, this large neighborhood is home to the city’s university as well as the main university hospital. The Volkgarten, a little more than a mile from Cologne’s central Dom, offers boat rides and a beer garden. Some hotels in this neighborhood may be a bit far from the city center.

Top cheap hotels in Cologne, Germany

Here are our favorite affordable accommodations with convenient locations in the heart of the city.

The shared rooms at Art Rock Downtown Hotel are bright and clean.

1. Art Rock Downtown Hotel

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Beds from $27

With a location within a 20-minute walking distance to Museum Ludwig, Cologne Chocolate Museum and Wallraf Richartz Museum, the Art Rock Downtown Hotel provides accommodations for the most extreme Cheapos without sacrificing comfort or amenities.

The hostel rooms here are standard fare, with white bunk beds, provided linens, en suite bathrooms (for four to eight people per room) and air conditioning. There is also free Wi-Fi for connecting with your new friends on social media, plus an outdoor terrace for dining or chit-chatting with your fellow hostel-mates.

Although there’s no breakfast offered, there is a shared kitchen to whip something up from local foods. If sharing a room isn’t your style, the hotel does offer single, double or family rooms.

Stay in Cologne for super cheap at the Art Rock Downtown Hotel.

Ask ahead for a room overlooking the river at Hotel Drei Kronen.

2. Hotel Drei Kronen

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Doubles from $73

With a central location overlooking the Rhine, the three-star Hotel Drei Kronen is hard to beat with its low rates, spotless rooms and situation just a 7-minute walk from Cologne Main Station.

Guestrooms at Hotel Drei Kronen are rather plain with basic hotel furnishings, but you’ll find all the comforts of home here. Despite the low rates, there are still flat-screen televisions, coffee makers and free Wi-Fi. Be sure to ask ahead for one of the rooms that overlooks the river to get the most bang for your buck.

A continental breakfast is available each morning for an additional fee. There is also an Italian restaurant, Cosa Nostra, on-site.

Wine, dine and book a room over the River Rhine at Hotel Drei Kronen.

Staying at Hotel Engelbertz feels like staying with family.

3. Hotel Engelbertz

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Doubles from $101

We love the sweet, family-run Hotel Engelbertz, which is located just a short walk from major Cologne attractions such as the cathedral, museums and the Cologne Opera plus the convenient Central Train Station.

Rooms and common areas feel a lot like a visit to a grandparent’s house, with floral sofas, wood furnishings and simple art framed on the walls. Most of the rooms have excellent views of the city, a welcomed bonus for these low rates. Additionally, there are private bathrooms with bathtubs, free Wi-Fi and televisions.

As if the low rates, central location and rooms with views weren’t enough, breakfast is included in the price.

Stay in the heart of Cologne for cheap at Hotel Engelbertz.

The stylish Motel One Köln-Neumarkt is located in Cologne’s shopping district.

4. Motel One Köln-Neumarkt

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Doubles from $106

The Motel One Köln-Neumarkt offers rooms with a chic, laid-back vibe located in a popular shopping district of the city and just a little over a mile away from the Wallraf Richartz Museum. It sits next to the city’s former cattle market, founded in 1076, that now serves as a fashion destination.

Teal and gray rooms are attractive, with crisp, white bedding and abstract art on the walls. You can rent an iPad from the front desk or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi on your own devices. Each room includes a flat-screen television and a private bathroom. Be sure to ask ahead for a room with a view of the city.

Breakfast is available for an additional charge.

Enjoy a fashionable stay at the Motel One Köln-Neumarkt.

Breakfast is included in the nightly rate at Hotel Glockengasse.

5. Hotel Glockengasse

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Doubles from $108

A friendly, welcoming spot, the Hotel Glockengasse lies in a central but quiet spot of Cologne just a 10-minute walk from the Central Train Station and a 10-15 minute walk from major sites including the Rhine promenade and the Cologne Cathedral.

The rooms here are standard fare: basic wood furnishings, crisp white sheets and small but spotless en suites. Free Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions round out the list of amenities.

A delicious breakfast is served each morning in the cheerful dining area and is included in the already low nightly rate.

Get the rest and relaxation you deserve at the quiet Hotel Glockengasse.

Hotel im Wasserturm is located in a building that was once the largest water tower in Europe.

6. Wasserturm Hotel Cologne

Neighborhood: Altstadt-South
Doubles from $109

If you’re looking for a dose of charm, Wasserturm Hotel Cologne has it. Situated within a converted water tower (once the largest water tower in Europe, no less), this hotel will give you plenty to talk about when you return from your travels. The Cologne Train Station is a mile away, and the hotel is just a 10-minute stroll to the banks of the River Rhine.

In contrast to its exterior, the rooms are adorned in contemporary decor and complete with plenty of amenities: free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, additional seating areas, flat-screen televisions and more.

The hotel also includes the Bar Botanik, a botanical bar and terrace with food and drinks available every night.

Breakfast is available for a (pretty pricey) fee.

Stay inside a piece of history at the Wasserturm Hotel Cologne.

The Koncept Hotel zum kostbaren Blut features modern decor and plenty of high-tech amenities.

7. Koncept Hotel zum kostbaren Blut

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Doubles from $109

The Koncept Hotel zum kostbaren Blut is an attractive, modern hotel with technology at the forefront of the guest experience. This hotel is located a short stroll from the Wallraf Richartz Museum.

Rooms are outfitted in sleek decor, and there are HDTVs, Apple TV boxes, free Wi-Fi and even turntables and vinyl records that — get this — can be controlled via Bluetooth on a smartphone.

There is a room to fit every type of budget, too. The smallest Nun’s Rooms are the most affordable, while Matron’s Rooms offer views of the city. Meanwhile, Prioress’ Rooms are spacious and include kitchenettes, and the most expensive Abbess’ Rooms are even larger, many with balconies.

There’s no breakfast here, but it is easy to make it yourself in rooms with kitchenettes or start exploring the city early for something to eat.

Find the perfect room for your budget at Koncept Hotel zum kostbaren Blut.

Every room at Ibis Hotel Köln Am Dom has views of the famous Cologne Cathedral.

8. Ibis Hotel Köln Am Dom

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Doubles from $112

The Ibis hotel chain is known for its affordable rates as well as its modern decor and amenities, and this location near the Cologne Cathedral and the Central Train Station is no exception. At the two-star Ibis Hotel Köln Am Dom, you can enjoy the cathedral views from every room.

The clean and comfortable rooms feature air conditioning, televisions, free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. Each room has its own views of the cathedral and the city, and those ready to explore will enjoy all of the restaurants, bars, cafes and museums near the hotel.

A buffet breakfast is available for an extra fee and is ideal for those who wake up extra early or late, as it runs from 4 a.m. until noon.

Get a room with a view at Hotel Köln Am Dom.

Eden Hotel Früh am Dom is located directly across from the cathedral.

9. Eden Hotel Früh am Dom

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Doubles from $130

Sitting directly across the street from the Cologne Cathedral, the three-star Eden Hotel Früh am Dom offers contemporary rooms for affordable rates right in the heart of the city.

Rooms feature bright pops of red with plenty of amenities to fit your needs. Each room has a private bathroom as well as a flat-screen television, minibar, iPads, free Wi-Fi and more. Many of the rooms also offer views of the city or the cathedral.

The hotel also gets bonus points for the included buffet breakfast, Hof 18 restaurant that serves local fare, brewpub, beer garden and outdoor terrace.

Grab a room and a beer or two at Eden Hotel Früh am Dom.

The Youth Hostel Cologne Pathpoint has several communal spaces for guests to socialize with each other.

10. Youth Hostel Cologne Pathpoint

Neighborhood: Altstadt-North
Beds from $38

If you’re looking for a super cheapo stay, check out the central Youth Hostel Cologne Pathpoint, located in a converted old church building just a 5-minute walk from the Central Train Station.

With wood furnishings and white linens, the rooms here are basic but comfortable. Each shared room has its own bathroom, and guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi. The hostel supplies lockers as well.

The real draw here (aside from the low rates) are the common areas. With a lounge, garden, barbecue area, shared kitchen, ping pong and pool tables and a terrace, there are plenty of places on-site to make new friends.

Learn more about booking at the Youth Hostel Cologne Pathpoint.

Looking for more cheap hotels in Cologne and beyond? Check out more budget-friendly accommodations in Cologne and Germany.

The post 10 Best cheap hotels in Cologne, Germany appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

You can easily find plenty of nice modern hotels for under $75, but I wanted to stay in the Old Town (Stari Grad) where the hotels and surrounding streets have a little more character. One affordable hotel stuck out when I began looking at reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor — Old Plovdiv Guest House. The enchanting neighborhood is also great for exploring Plovdiv with a good location for visiting the ancient Roman theater, the lively Kapana district, and one of the best views in the city.

Related: A budget travel guide to Plovdiv

I was happy when I walked up to the front door and found a handsome historic house. After a quick snapshot of the front entrance, I stepped into the lobby and was greeted by a sweet little cat on the rug. A self-described “boutique hostel”, Old Plovdiv has a friendly staff running the show. The clerk behind the front desk pointed out the handmade sign they had made for me that I totally missed on my way in. As we sat out on the patio to talk about the details of the hotel, she grabbed me a glass of cold lemonade. Later on, I met the very friendly owner and we exchanged tales about New York. He also told me how the hotel was once the home of a wealthy tobacco merchant and dates back to 1838.

Guest House Old Plovdiv offers a charming location in the heart of the old city. Photo: Craig Nelson

Spacious rooms with historic touches

The private single room I stayed in cost €30 (including tax) for the night. It was more than spacious with two twin beds on either side of the room, hardwood floors that are over 130 years old, and free Wi-Fi. I was traveling on my own, but if you had two people, there was more than enough room to spread out and enjoy a bit of privacy. The shared bathroom was clean and right outside the door which was very convenient for washing up at night or an early morning shower.

The antique furnishings are a very nice touch, and the bed was surprisingly comfortable. Photo: Craig Nelson

True to its name, there were old furnishings and touches everywhere you looked. I loved the antique details such as the old-time radio and period sitting chairs. On the walls, there were framed historic photos and newspaper clippings from years ago.

When I visited Plovdiv in June, there was a big heat wave across the country with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees. Luckily, my room had one amenity that was very modern — efficient air-conditioning! It came in handy as I popped back in and out to cool down throughout the day.

Cheapo tip: If you want to save even more, you can get a bed in a dorm room for around $10.

A personal greeting was a wonderful way to start my visit. Photo: Craig Nelson

Beautiful common spaces

The 2nd-floor common room felt more like an elegant library in a private club than a space in an budget hotel. Spending a few minutes during the heat of the day reading about Plovdiv was an excellent use of my time. You can also connect to the free Wi-Fi from here.

The elegant common room at Guest House Old Plovdiv. Photo: Booking.com

Free breakfast on the outdoor patio

Your stay comes with a traditional European breakfast that offers a Bulgarian twist. The nice spread of items included your basic meats and breads but also local delicacies like feta cheese and olives. The coffee machine is always on, so you can grab an espresso or latte at any time of day. When I first arrived in the afternoon, it was nice to get a little shot of caffeine before heading out to explore Plovdiv.

Free breakfast on the patio is a perfect way to start your day in Plovdiv. Photo: Craig Nelson

If you have time, it’s worth ordering a beer or glass of wine at the bar to sip on the leafy patio. It’s just one of the many features that makes this hotel an excellent value for your money. Yes, I have a major crush on Guest House Old Plovdiv!

The patio is open all day, and you can order a cold beer from the bar for less than $1.

Want to enjoy your own adventure in Plovdiv Old Town? Search for available dates and book a room at Guest House Old Plovdiv.

The post Bulgaria Hotel Crush: Guest House Old Plovdiv appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But then you try out your dates, only to find that it’s €149 a night during your stay. You bump the trip back a week and try—and now it’s €189 a night. Just for fun, you try out tomorrow. It drops to €89.

What’s going on here? Why do the hotel’s rates swing so dramatically from week to week? And does that mean you should wait for the rates to fall before you book it? Aren’t you supposed to book hotels far in advance for the best rates?

Rate expectations

Remember when hotel rates were predictable? Back in 2001 when I started reviewing hotels for EuroCheapo, I’d ask a hotel’s receptionist for their room rates and usually get a pretty standard response. There were “high season” rates, generally from May through mid-September, and then cheaper “low season” rates for the rest of the year (excluding holidays and special events).

Back then, our advice was simple: Book your hotels (especially popular ones) far in advance to secure a room. Rates, for the most part, didn’t change much during the season. Sure, you could snag same-day discounts by simply showing up at a hotel and asking for a deal, but that was about it. If you wanted to stay at a popular hotel, you booked it months ahead of time.

Rates at hotels with dynamic pricing are difficult to predict. Above, the rate card for the Grand Hotel des Balcons in Paris. It’s one of our Editor’s Picks… when it’s cheap!

These days, with increasingly few exceptions, hotels play a game of dynamic pricing that can make it difficult to know if you should book a room, or hold off and wait for a better price. They’re changing their room rates daily based on all kinds of factors. In fact, many are changing their rates several times a day!

Why? They change the rates according to the hotel’s supply and demand, and they’ll raise rates if rooms start filling up, and drop them as the check-in date draws near… if they still have availability.

But that’s not all: They’re also constantly monitoring their competition, lowering rates if their competitors do the same. I know a proprietor in Rome whose hotel shares a building with another hotel. They both obsessively monitor each others’ rates, rising and falling almost in step with each other.

Dynamic pricing is nutty pricing, and the whole situation makes it increasingly difficult on our end to say in advance if a hotel is a “good deal” or not. After all, it’s quite difficult to say that a hotel is a great value if it offers rooms one day for €89, and three days later for €189. Is it a good deal? Uh, well, on which day?

And even if a hotel is, generally speaking, a good value, there’s always the impression that you might score a better deal if you wait. Is that a good strategy?

Not everyone is dynamic

But wait—not everyone plays the crazy room rates game. There are still some hold-outs, mostly independent properties, usually with a small number of rooms. Many of these hotels still do not work with online reservation agencies, and thus require travelers to contact them directly to reserve (or book through their own website).

Rates at the Residence du Palais in Paris vary only slightly during the year.

Because they’re not showing up in the search results of giant booking sites, they’re not being directly compared to their competition, and thus feel less pressure to inflate or deflate their rates to match those of the other hotels in town. They also save quite a bundle by not paying out commissions.

Some of the most popular hotels that we recommend on EuroCheapo don’t work with reservation agencies and don’t change their rates from day to day. The incredibly popular Celtic Hotel in London, for example, offers rooms at the same rate, year-round. There’s not even a high/low season change. Same thing at the Residence du Palais in Paris (rate card, pictured at left).

Still, the majority of European hotels (and a majority of properties listed on EuroCheapo) do indeed work with at least one reservation agency. And yes, most of these employ some sort of dynamic pricing.

So, when’s the best time to book?

Knowing when to book for the best deal depends on several factors, including whether or not the hotel changes its rates frequently. How can you tell if it “plays the pricing game”? When you search for multiple dates for the same hotel, do you see a wide range of rates? Are you seeing €50-100 rate swings from one week to the next?

If so, the hotel is definitely playing the game. Some things to consider for these hotels:

1) The rates will probably drop as the date gets closer… if they still have availability.

This is, obviously, the hitch. If you hold off, the hotel might very well book up, leaving you looking elsewhere. How large is the hotel? I’m much more comfortable holding off on bigger hotels than on small properties that can sell out much faster.

2) How busy is the city for your dates? Look at the competition.

How’s the competition when you do a search in the city for your dates? If you see lots of other similarly priced options that look good to you, you might want to hold off. This could be a sign that there’s still a lot of availability throughout the town for your dates, which will ultimately result in great last-minute deals (see my next point).

If, on the other hand, you don’t see many other attractive options and the rate seems fair, it would probably be a good idea to go ahead and book it now to secure a room. If you get the sense that a lot of the good options are disappearing, get something decent while you can. If searching for peak travel periods, pickings could get slim the closer you get to your date.

3) Last-minute deals are easy to find during slower seasons.

Waiting until the last minute to book a hotel can result in a steal. This is especially common during slower months when hotels are competing aggressively to fill their rooms. Generally speaking, in Europe, this is from October – April, excluding special events and holidays. The drearier the weather, usually the longer you can wait to book the room!

I booked a three-star hotel in Venice (two blocks from Piazza San Marco) back in April for less than €80 (the posted rate was about twice that). It’s likely that the same room would have been more expensive booked months in advance.

But doing that a few months later, during high season, would have been dicey and could have led to a different ending. Yes, I could have wound up with a freakishly good deal, but I could have also wound up paying more than I’d budgeted for a room in a far-flung neighborhood. Or without a hotel at all.

4) Consider using “free cancellation” to secure a room.

Hotel are increasingly offering free cancellation policies to grab your attention on booking sites. If you find a hotel rate that seems fair and the hotel offers free cancellation, you could go ahead and book the room in order to secure it, giving yourself the option of cancelling it if a better rate (or a better hotel) comes along.

Do note the cancellation policy, however, as they can vary between sites and hotels. On our partner Booking.com, for example, some hotels offer free cancellation up to 7 days before check in, while others allow you to cancel the day before. Also, note that many hotels charge more for the rooms with free cancellation policies, and thus steer more guests into lower priced rooms that they can’t cancel. Think (at least) twice about paying more for a refundable room just so you can cancel it if something cheaper comes along!

5) Don’t be afraid to actually make a call.

If you’re seeing rate fluctuations online, you could always get offline and try to score a deal the retro way–by speaking with someone on the phone. Call the hotel directly and explain that you’ve found the following rates for your dates, and you were curious if the hotel could offer a better deal directly.

You’ll probably find that smaller hotels are more open to this sort of wheeling and dealing, but even larger hotels have been known to cut a deal. We’ve heard of hotels throwing in free breakfasts, room upgrades and lower rates.

6) If hotel rates don’t change, compare rates with similar hotels.

But what about hotels that don’t change their room rates dynamically? Let’s consider another popular hotel from our guide, the Hotel Tiquetonne in Paris, which offers singles or doubles with private bath throughout the year for €65. The Tiquetonne doesn’t work with any reservation websites; you have to email or call them directly to book a room.

Is €65 a night a good deal? That’s easy to figure out: Do a quick search for Paris hotels for your dates. You probably won’t find anything (with any charm, at least) for that rate in central Paris with a private bath. Is the hotel’s rate going to change if you wait? Not this hotel—it doesn’t play the game. Rather, the only thing you’ll find if you wait will be a sold out hotel.

With this sort of very popular hotel, you’re strongly advised to book as early as possible. In this case, there’s no such thing as “too early”. Email or call them now to reserve, even for a trip 10 months from now.

On the other hand, sometimes you’ll find that a hotel’s “fixed rates” seem too high or out of step with offers you’re seeing from other hotels in town. If you’ve got your eye on a two-star hotel in Paris with a set rate of €130, for example, and you do a “sanity search” for your dates and see lots of other options for less, you could give the hotel a ring and ask if they can beat the offers you’ve seen online. (Or just book one of the cheaper hotels!)

7) If you love a hotel, secure it now.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, if you love a particular hotel, don’t play around with it and hope it’s rates will drop. Book it. Chances are that if you love a hotel, many others love it, too, and for many of the same reason you love it. Book it before somebody else does.

Your booking advice?

When do you find is the best time to book your hotels? Have any tips to share? Share your advice by leaving a comment below.

The post When should you book hotels for the best rates? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We combed through the budget hotel recommendations in eight of our popular cities looking for unique places to sleep. Some are more unusual than others. Let’s face it, some cities have a bit more “edge” than others.

Still, all of these picks struck us as interesting. After all, why have a normal night’s sleep?

How many hemp products can you spot in this room? Photo: EuroCheapo

Amsterdam: Hemp Hotel

Doubles €70-80

Perhaps the name already gave it away. But yes, from the linens and furnishings in the guestrooms to the refreshments served in the hipster bar downstairs, everything that can be made out of hemp at the Hemp Hotel is. This appreciation for all things hemp allures hemp aficionados the world over, as does the (obviously) smoke-friendly bar downstairs. Rooms are otherwise pretty basic, but you won’t remember, anyway.

(Read review | See all recommended hotels in Amsterdam)

Breakfast in the Belle Époque dining room of a silent movie star? Welcome to the Funk. Photo: EuroCheapo

Berlin: Pension Funk

Doubles €52-109

Film buffs traveling to the German capital should certainly consider a night spent in silent film legend Asta Nielsen’s 1930’s apartment. Located on one of Charlottenburg’s most beautiful streets, the Funk (meaning “radio”) is a Belle Époque dream, and rooms are as pristine as a museum’s. A great deal.

(Read full review | See all recommended hotels in Berlin)

Even the bikes are flawlessly color coordinated at Brussels’ Pantone Hotel. Photo: EuroCheapo

Brussels: The Pantone Hotel

Doubles €69-189

Those literally looking for a “colorful” night’s rest should look no further than Brussel’s Pantone Hotel, which holds the distinction as being the only hotel in the world built according to the Pantone color categorization system. Rooms sport rather swanky modern furnishings and the hotel attracts a fashionable (and color-coordinated) clientele, but hey, it’s still pretty affordable… for Brussels.

(Read full review | See all recommended hotels in Brussels)

Sleep “al fresco” at Florence’s lovely Bavaria. Photo: EuroCheapo

Florence: Hotel Bavaria

Doubles €39-98

Okay, things don’t get too funky in Florence. However, those looking for something special should consider the sweet, family-run Bavaria. This one-star hotel is located in a 16th-century building and offers 17 large and simple rooms, some of which have restored frescoes on the ceilings and walls. Given the artistry, location and ultra-low rates, we’d consider the Bavaria quite unusual.

(Read full review | See all recommended hotels in Florence)

Even the hallways at the Goldman 25hours in Frankfurt are an art installation. Photo: EuroCheapo

Frankfurt: Goldman 25hours

Doubles €69-150

In a city known more for its conference rooms than hotel rooms, the Goldman 25hours delivers some welcome artistic flair. Each of the hotel’s 49 rooms was designed with gusto by a local artist, and the result is a hotel with a wide range of styles: funky, eclectic, shaggy, bright, conceptual, etc.

(Read full review | See all recommended hotels in Frankfurt)

The view from Lisbon’s enchanting Ninho das Aguias. Photo: EuroCheapo

Lisbon: Pensao Ninho das Aguias

Doubles €35-50

Travelers in search of a view who are willing to climb (and climb… and climb…) to reach their bed will feel right at home at the Ninho das Aguias, the “Eagles Nest.” Perched high over Lisbon next to the castle, this old-fashioned spot may not be modern or luxurious, but from the moment you fling your windows open to “that view” over Lisbon, you’ll be enchanted. Built in the late 19th century as a private house, the Ninho has only been lightly converted into a guest house. You’ll appreciate that when hanging out in the garden, reading on the patio, or chatting with Filomena, the friendly proprietor.

(Read full review | See all recommended hotels in Lisbon)

The bedrooms at the Hotel de Nesle are really something for the history books. Photo: EuroCheapo

Paris: Hotel de Nesle

Doubles 7euro;75-12

The charming little Hotel de Nesle seems plucked from a storybook, with most of its 18 guest rooms boasting a history-themed wall mural. David, who runs the St-Germain hotel with his mother and is an artist in his own right, painted these fantastic depictions of French history, including scenes with Moliere, Hugo, and famous residents of the neighborhood.

(Read full review | See all recommended hotels in Paris)

There’s definitely something convent-ional about sleeping at the Suore di S. Elisabetta. Photo: EuroCheapo

Rome: Suore di S. Elisabetta

Doubles from €64

For those who don’t mind a curfew or sleeping under a crucifix, the friendly nuns of Santa Elisabetta present a fine (and spotless) budget option. Things are obviously kept quite simple in the rooms, and some share facilities while more expensive rooms have their own. Breakfast is included and served in an ornate dining room.

(Read full review | See all recommended hotels in Rome)

For more budget hotel recommendations (including many that are sadly quite a bit more conventional) visit our hotel guides for dozens of cities throughout Europe.

The post 8 cheap and unusual hotels in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If your answer is “well, I’m not sure just yet” and you’re wondering if a spontaneous getaway could still be in the cards, we’re right there with you. We’ve been madly searching through our 10 most popular cities on EuroCheapo to see if any still have reasonable rates and the results are fascinating.

But first, our methodology and a necessary disclaimer:

To trying to establish where the deals are, we used EuroCheapo’s hotel search engine to compare “normal” hotel rates for this time of year (i.e., winter), with hotel rates for one night in a double room on New Year’s Eve.

Specifically, we wanted to know whether room availability plummeted in each city on New Year’s Eve and by what amount, how much availability remained in our two main cheapo price categories (under $100 and $100 – $200), and whether the hotels that do have availability for New Year’s Eve are centrally located.

That said, in general we consider “cheap” rates to hover around $75 – $100 / night. But New Year’s Eve gets special treatment and expands our definition a bit and we’re considering centrally located hotels for less than $200 to warrant a look.

So where are the deals? Read on…

Amsterdam

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Getting, um, “festive” at Dam Square‘s beer tents. For a calmer scene to view the fireworks, pick a bridge over one of the city’s many canals.

Typical hotel availability: 324 hotels; 229 for under $100; 201 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 39 hotels (12% of normal availability); 0 for under $100; 8 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal: No deal. With only 12% of the normal hotel inventory available on New Year’s, the hotel options are sparse and are primarily located far from the action.

Barcelona

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Stuffing grapes into your mouth on Las Ramblas as the clock strikes midnight.

Typical hotel availability: 561 hotels; 500 for under $100; 239 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 242 hotels available (43% of normal availability); 15 for under $100; 180 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal: Deal. No stranger to offering travelers low rates all year long, Barcelona still has plenty of rooms for budget travelers on New Year’s Eve. We recommend the Hosteria Grau in El Raval, where rooms are $170.

Berlin

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Germany’s biggest party, between the Victory Column and Brandenburg Gate, attracts more than a million visitors. Yowza.

Typical hotel availability: 605 hotels; 509 for under $100; 237 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 40 hotels available (7% of normal availability); 0 for under $100; 13 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal? This is a toss up. Everyone seems to want to be in Berlin for New Year’s Eve – and we don’t blame them! – but this really drives down hotel availability. However, of the limited number of hotels that are available for under $200, several of them are in Kreuzberg and other fun neighborhoods, which sounds like a great place to be. So, okay…DEAL!

Florence

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Line the banks of the Arno to take in the city’s fireworks display.

Typical hotel availability: 461 hotels; 327 under $100; 296 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 76 hotels available (16% of normal availability); 0 for under $100; 11 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal: No deal, since nearly all available hotels are located outside the center of town. But again, one small exception: the Hotel Globus, which is one of our Florentine faves, is available for $234 on New Year’s Eve. Sure, that ain’t super cheapo, but it’s the best deal in the city on New Year’s Eve.

London

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Catch the royally impressive fireworks display at the London Eye on the South Bank.

Typical hotel availability: 714 hotels; 90 for under $100; 596 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 206 hotels available (29% of normal availability); 1 under $100; 28 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal: No deal. Sure, there are a couple dozen hotels that can be snagged for under $200, but nearly all of them are located on the outskirts of the city. This would make getting around town after midnight a frustrating (and pricey) experience for even the most patient Cheapo.

Madrid

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Once again, stuffing your mouth with grapes (it’s just a thing in Spain).

Typical hotel availability: 451 hotels; 407 for under $100; 169 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 261 hotels available (58% of normal availability); 93 for under $100; 173 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal? Deal, deal, DEAL! There are tons of fantastic budget gems available in Madrid on New Year’s Eve. Have a look at the Cason del Tormes in the The Puerta del Sol where rooms start at $120.

New York

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Ryan Seacrest. Times Square. Laughably humungous crowds.

Typical hotel availability: 232 hotels; 2 for under $100; 77 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 23 hotels available (10% of normal availability); 24 hotels available; 0 for under $100; 0 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal: Seriously? Let’s put it this way: An 3-star hotel in the Lower East Side (that shall not be named) that is usually $88 / night is charging $348 / night. And that’s the best deal we can find.

Paris

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Watching fireworks sparkle around the Eiffel Tower.

Typical hotel availability: 1,035 hotels; 153 for under $100; 930 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 233 available (22.5% of normal availability); 0 for under $100; 16 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal? Deal. Sure, the number of available hotels shrinks dramatically on New Year’s, but there are still more than a dozen to choose from in central Paris for less than $200.

Rome

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Huge crowds, live music, fireworks and parties throughout the city, centered in Piazza del Popolo and near the Colosseum on Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Typical hotel availability: 1,068 hotels; 709 for under $100; 566 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 484 hotels available (45% of normal availability); 9 for under $100; 203 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal: Deal. Rome’s hotel inventory is much less jarringly affected by New Year’s Eve rate spikes, compared to many of our other popular cities. Want to be a stone’s throw from the Colosseum and be in the center of the action? Have a look at the Hotel Paba, which still has rates for $198 on New Year’s Eve.

Venice

Iconic New Year’s celebration: Music and fireworks in St. Mark’s Square, then join locals to watch the sunrise and take a dip at Lido Beach.

Typical hotel availability: 325 hotels; 259 for under $100; 164 for $100 – $200
New Year’s Eve availability: 42 hotels available (13% of normal availability); 0 for under $100; 2 for $100 – $200

Deal or no deal: No deal. But there’s a hitch: one of the two available hotels for less than $200 is the Locanda SS. Giovanni e Paolo (say that three times fast), which is one of our Editor’s Picks, housed in an 18th century palazzo and has rooms for $183 on New Year’s Eve.

Where will you be for New Year’s Eve, Cheapos?

Let us know your plans! Tell us where you’ll be and what you’re up to!

The post Deal or No Deal: Cities that still have hotel deals for New Year’s Eve appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

European hotel star ratings can be quite confusing. To help you out, we have six things to keep in mind when considering how many (or few) stars a hotel possesses:

The Grand Hotel du Loiret in Paris has simple rooms with private bath, an elevator, and two stars. (Doubles €70)

1. Star ratings reflect the hotel’s category.

Let’s start with the basics: In many European countries, tourism officials inspect hotels and assign them a star rating based upon a long list of criteria, mostly concerning the services and amenities offered. The more criteria met, the higher the score and higher the star rating.

The star rating is really a tally of all these features. These inspectors visit the hotel with a check-list of services and amenities, and check off what they see. Elevator? Check. Full bathtub in each room? Check. Cable TV? Check. No minibar? No check. The scores are tallied and stars are awarded.

These inspections are not always obligatory. In France and Germany, for example, the star ratings are voluntary. Meanwhile, the Spanish and Italian governments require the ratings. (Read Travel + Leisure’s article on the differing governmental criteria.)

The Castex Hotel in Paris has private baths, elevator, extra comforts—and three stars. (Doubles €100-155)

2. Hotel star ratings are not like other ratings.

A restaurant given a three-star rating is usually considered “better” than a restaurant that has received only a one-star rating.

Hotel star ratings don’t work this way. The tourism officials who inspect and rate the hotels are not making judgment calls here — it’s a straight-forward process of checks and tallies. The hotel’s star rating doesn’t tell you how the inspector feels about the hotel. It’s not a review.

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

You can be 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 decor, the hotel’s location or the helpfulness of the staff. A four-star hotel may 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 certainly have restrictions placed upon its ability to do renovations. This might make adding an elevator impossible, which would the prevent the hotel from achieving three-star status, no matter how lovely the rooms are or cordial the management.

4. Some hotels game the star system.

Many hotels would like to increase their star rating. For one thing, it often permits them to charge more for their rooms. Thus, it should be no surprise that some hotels look for a speedy way to inflate their star rating.

While in Europe reviewing hotels for EuroCheapo, I’ve often visited a property already on the site only to find that they’ve “gained a star.” Perhaps it’s a two-star hotel that’s suddenly become a three-star. How? Many times they’ve simply gone on a shopping spree, throwing a hairdryer and cosmetic mirror into the bathroom, a mini-safe and iron into the closet. And of course, they sport new rates to match.

This is fine and all, but often the hotel experience hasn’t actually improved. First off, you may not need any of those “extras.” Secondly, in many cases, the property had previously offered all of these things to anyone who asked at the reception. (Well, maybe not the cosmetic mirror — but those things just get in the way anyhow, and seldom flatter.) You wind up paying more for a largely unchanged experience.

5. Star rating criteria change by country.

To make it all a tad more confusing, rating standards change by country. A three-star hotel in Spain does not have the same criteria as a three-star hotel in Italy.

So how are you supposed to make any sense out of the ratings? I’d recommend just making some assumptions…

6. Star ratings should be used to make assumptions.

I would recommend using the star ratings to assume certain things about your room. The more stars, the more amenities and services. The more stars, often (but certainly not always), the larger the room, as well. Just please don’t assume that more stars necessarily offers a “better” hotel experience, as they won’t tell you anything about the criteria that I find absolutely essential to choosing a hotel for my own travels.

Here are some guidelines that I would generally follow regarding hotels in Europe:

One-star hotel: Most likely offers smallish rooms with simple furnishings. Might have a fan, radio and sink. The rooms probably do not have air conditioning or TV, and may or may not have private bath. The hotel probably doesn’t have an elevator. (Note: Some family-run one-stars have antique furnishings and large rooms — so take these as generalizations!) The reception may be closed during certain hours, and may even be in another building.

Two-star hotel: Rooms probably have a TV (maybe with cable), and probably have private baths. Rooms may have air conditioning or at least a fan. The hotel may have an elevator and may offer Wi-Fi or some sort of Internet access. The reception will probably be open 24-hours.

Three-star hotel: Rooms will almost certainly have cable TV, minibar, safe, iron, air conditioning and private bath (with hair dryer). The hotel will have an elevator, probably Wi-Fi, and certainly 24-hour reception.

Four-star hotel: All of the above, plus many extras. These may include room service, office center, meeting rooms, fitness room, laundry service, restaurant and concierge services.

Important note: Some of these extra services may not be free. For example, a four-star hotel may charge you a ridiculous hourly fee for Wi-Fi access, while a two-star hotel may offer the same service for free.

My advice

When I travel, I usually stay in one- and two-star hotels that have been favorably reviewed (often by this site), are centrally located and have some element of charm or history. I sometimes bump it up to a three-star hotel (especially if I need air conditioning or, if I’m working, desk space with reliable Wi-Fi access). But I almost never stay in a four-star hotel.

I’d rather stick to the lower stars. I would gladly trade a cable TV or minibar in Rome for a helpful proprietor whose family has been running the hotel for decades and offers a wealth of advice. I’d trade in an elevator in Amsterdam for a top-floor view, even if it means lugging my suitcase up a startlingly steep staircase.

Let the stars guide you when choosing a hotel. But take them for what they are: hotel categories that tell you which services to expect. To know what the hotels are really like, you’ll have to dig deeper.

Star crossed?

Have any thoughts about hotel star ratings in Europe? Share your thoughts or experiences with us in the comments section.

The post Hotel Star Ratings in Europe: What’s in the stars? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.