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.

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.

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.

That said, the emergence of a different breed of cheap no-frills accommodation in Europe cannot be ignored, as these properties offer the ideal combination for Cheapos looking to rest their heads in a central location while spending as little as possible.

In Europe, London has seen the biggest surge in this kind of accommodation, where you pay for a private room with a bed, and any other amenity (including a window), is a costly add-on.

But would these super cheapo sleeps work for your trip? Below we explore two of the cheapest hotel chains in London. We’ll let you decide for yourself!

Orange you glad you paid less than £40 for your windowless room? Photo: Tom Meyers

easyHotel: A window will cost you

easyHotel opened its first hotel in 2005 in London and since then has opened six more properties across the capital, as well as 13 properties in Europe and beyond, from Edinburgh, Berlin, Zurich and Porto, to Budapest, Dubai and Johannesburg. Owned by self-professed “serial entrepreneur” Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the brains behind low-cost airline easyJet, the hotels follow a similar business model.

The cheapest properties are based a short drive to Luton and Heathrow airports, with room rates starting from £26 and £27 respectively, making them a good option for early morning or late evening flights, where transport to and from the city centre could be expensive and slow. The Old Street property starts at £29 per night, while rates at Paddington, South Kensington (read our review) and Earl’s Court start from £34 or £35 a night, and a night at the Victoria station hotel starts from £39 per night.

The rooms are small (between 6-15 square meters) and they all have en-suite bathrooms. Anything additional, such as using the TV or wi-fi, changing the linen in the room, extra towels etc. will incur additional charges, except at the airport hotels, where a few more amenities are included in the price. A room with a window will cost around £5 more than one without.

“Fine Tune” your stay with these extra charges from Tune Hotels. Photo: LondonHotelsInsights

Enter: Tune Hotels

The easyHotel’s monopoly on this “no frills” accommodation concept has begun to be rivaled over the last couple of years with the launch of Tune Hotels. This Asian brand has the same investors behind it as low-cost airline, AirAsia, and while it is booming in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, in Europe the group has just four properties in London and one in Edinburgh.

The London properties are all very centrally located close to major train stations in Paddington, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street and Waterloo. Windows are a bit more of a common feature and the room sizes are a bit larger than the easyHotels, between 10-15 square meters on average, all with private bathrooms.

That said, prices are also a little bit higher, with windowless rooms starting from £35 per room per night, and rooms with windows from £55 per room per night. Tune Hotels will also charge you for any extras, be it wi-fi and TV, towels and toiletries, or room cleaning – but the price is still a steal for such a central location.

Do these work for your trip?

While these no-frills options undoubtedly strip the glamour out of travel, with so much to do in a city like London, do you really plan to spend much time in your room anyway? For travelers on a budget this is a fool-proof way to get your own private room and bathroom slap bang in the heart of the action leaving some cash left over for a special meal or shopping trip.

What do you think? Would you rather opt for a “cheap as chips” no-frills hotel or pay a bit more for a family-run B&B?

Related: Also see our list of favorite budget hotels in London, many of which have a healthy dose of charm (not to mention windows).

The post London: The rise of the extreme cheapo hotel appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While these camping sites may not be on the doorstep of London’s main tourist attractions, they compensate by being situated in some of the greenest and prettiest areas of the city and, crucially, by being very cheap in relation to typical London hotel prices. What’s more, you’ll get to see a side of London that most visitors, and even some Londoners, don’t see.

Here are four recommended campsites near the center of London:

Crystal Palace Caravan Club Site

Crystal Palace Parade, London SE19 1UF
+(44) (0)20 8778 7155
Website

Situated next to the large Crystal Palace Park in southeast London, this leafy Caravan Club seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of London. But the location of this site means you really get the best of both worlds, as the centre of London is a simple bus ride away. Crystal Palace itself even has enough pubs, restaurants and independent shops to charm you away from the centre and give you a bit of a break from your hectic sightseeing schedule.

Facilities: Basic shop (there’s a large supermarket in Crystal Palace), sanitary facilities, washer/dryer facilities, phone booths, Wi-Fi, and BBQs allowed.

Costs: Prices vary with season. For two from May 1 is approximately $28 a night.

Getting into central London: The #3 bus from outside the campsite (and its equivalent night bus) will take you all the way to Oxford Circus in about an hour, with a route that helpfully stops at both Westminster and Piccadilly, or you can get off at Brixton to switch to a Tube. Trains from the local station go to London Victoria, London Bridge and fashionable spots like Shoreditch and Dalston, thanks to the East London line.

Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park

Picketts Lock Lane, London N9 0AS
+ (44) (0)20 8803 6900
Website

To really get a sense of “England’s green and pleasant land” without venturing too far away from London, this campsite makes the most of the natural attractions of its setting in the picturesque 10,000 acre Lee Valley park. There are countless activities on offer in the Valley beyond the usual London sights, including walking trails, golf and horse riding. There’s even a cinema on the site.

If you’re (wisely) concerned that camping will leave you exposed to the unreliable British weather, you can book a “cocoon” instead of a tent: a wooden hut furnished two camp beds, a small table and all the benefits of heating and lighting, even including a kettle.

Facilities: Shop, sanitary facilities, washer/dryer and ironing facilities, phone booths.

Costs: Fees for public-travelling solo backpackers start at just under $14 a night, compared to around $20 a night for camping as part of a group.

Getting into central London: Edmonton Green Rail Station is a short bus ride away. From there you can get a connecting train to the Tube, or directly into Liverpool Street station.

Abbey Wood Caravan Site

Federation Road, London SE2 0LS
(+44) (0)20 8311 7708
Website

While the Abbey Wood Caravan site is theoretically the closest option to the centre of London, it’s in a bit of a weird no-mans land geographically. While there not much to specifically recommend in the local area, the site itself is lovingly landscaped and well-maintained. Consistently favorable reviews describe it as a tranquil oasis in the city, home to green parakeets, as well as more typical British wildlife like foxes, owls and squirrels. The historical sites of scenic Greenwich are a 25-minute bus ride away.

Facilities: Basic shop, sanitary facilities, washer/dryer facilities, phone booths, Wi-Fi, although there is no electricity to the tent area. BBQs are allowed. The main gates are locked from 10pm each night but the site can still be accessed through a key pad code.

Costs: Prices vary with season. For two people from 6 May, approximately $42 a night.

Getting into central London: Trains from the nearby Abbey Wood station run to London Bridge and Charing Cross, taking about 30 minutes.

Campinmygarden.com

All over London and the UK, and beyond
Website

Seeing an abundance of green space that could be put to better use, Campinmygarden.com is an online community that supports the use of members’ gardens as alternative campsites – a kind of “coach surfing” for campers. There are now hundreds of gardens over the UK and even some in Europe signed up to the site. You need to register to use the site before booking your spot, but there are garden spaces all over London – typically in more suburban areas – that are ready to receive a tent and an eager camper.

The site also operates a rating and reviewing system so you can weigh up your options before booking. Each location will be a unique experience, and that’s all part of the fun.

Facilities: Varies from place to place. Some hosts open up their house to you, making everything from their kitchen, to their Wi-Fi, to their washing machine available, while others provide the bare basics. The varying facilities are specified on individual listings.

Costs: With the hosts setting the price, these usually range from around $15 up to $40 a night.

Getting into Central London: The world – or London, at least – will be your Oyster (card). Most hosts will be ready to advise on possible transport options.

More help

Looking for more advice on keeping things cheap in London? Be sure to swing by our guide to recommended budget hotels in London, and check out the tips and tricks in our London city guide.

The post Camp in London? It’s easier and cheaper than you may think! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

These days, the same building houses a different sort of hotel, not the one with the ugly wallpaper—a squalid place called Hotel L’Alsace—but now a Left Bank darling, a luxury hotel simply named L’Hôtel.

Cheapo picks go from “budget” to “boutique”

In the past few years, Paris has seen several instances of inexpensive hotels closing their doors, being renamed and revamped before finally reopening as full-fledged boutique properties. However, the great majority of them had not been fleabags crying for renewal—or corrective closure—but popular and beloved quality budget hotels.

Things went quickly from budget to boutique when the once cheapo Sejour-Beaubourg (top) transformed itself into the Hotel Georgette (bottom). (Top photo by EuroCheapo, bottom photo from the Hotel Georgette’s website.)

Several properties have followed this course of events and EuroCheapo has mourned the loss of each passing budget hotel. The Lyon Mulhouse—my very favorite Parisian hotel for years—became the Hotel Original; the Séjour Beaubourg is now the Georgette, and the Sévigné in the Marais, was reborn as the Émile.

Hotel Crayon by Elegancia, located in an enviable spot in the shadow of the Louvre, is the former Louvre Forum, now thoroughly refurbished and rechristened, while the modern and sophisticated Design Hotel Sorbonne, in the Left Bank, was the Hotel de la Sorbonne in its past life.

Also, smack dab in the middle of the Latin Quarter, two other exceedingly cheapo-friendly hotels have closed their doors. The former Delhy’s, now defunct and in cheapo-heaven, has been transmogrified into Le Clos de Notre Dame. This three-star newcomer, decorated in a design style, has announced its imminent opening, which will be celebrated with free champagne.

On the other hand, the mythic Les Argonautes, a favorite of budget-conscious bohemians and night owls, closed a couple of years ago and its ultimate fate is a mystery.

Almost all these new boutique hotels are doing very well indeed. Their quite fabulous rooms, the bold decor and excellent service have attracted a different legion of fans. The better for them!

The Hotel Lyon-Mulhouse (top) was a EuroCheapo favorite for years. It transformed itself last year into the much fancier (and pricier) Hotel Original (bottom).

Adieu to a favorite cheap sleep

However, I was shocked and saddened when the Lyon Mulhouse closed. That was a neat, utterly comfortable and welcoming place, which boasted an exceptional location—a short walk from Place de la Bastille and the magnificent Place des Vosges (and within walking distance of most of central and east Paris, either of the left or the right bank). The front staff was incredibly courteous and friendly: Nothing seemed too much trouble for them and they were genuinely helpful. The hotel prices were extremely advantageous. A real gem; one in a million.

To get an idea of what the place was like, here is the groovy description that Theadora Brack, EuroCheapo’s chronicler extraordinaire wrote a couple of years ago (“…so start packing your raccoon coats because the Hôtel Lyon-Mulhouse is the real McCoy…”).

All these losses makes EuroCheapo ever more appreciative of those hotels that resist renovating away all of their charms.

[Where else would a letter carrier from Denver, Colorado on her first European holiday, rub elbows and fraternize with some upbeat musicians from South America, or enterprising college girls from Taiwan get the first taste of the Vie de Bohème by ecstatically listening to the elocutions of a would-be Arthur Rimbaud, in search of inspiration in the university of life that is Paris? Would you picture these disparate characters in anything other than an utterly romantic, charming hotel as the ones described in detail by the EuroCheapo knowledgeable diarists?]

Deconstructing the trend

This rather recent trend of successful boutique hotels being born from the ashes of highly popular and quality budget ones (rather than from discredited and rundown sleeps, of which there are plenty) implicitly generates a couple of perverse—and wrong—corollaries.

The first is that a budget hotel and a boutique-type one are mutually exclusive. What an absurd notion. While both types have their own core constituencies, they can also sometimes overlap. You can at times book a room in some of the bijou hotels for more or less 100 euros, as Lise Charlebois-Ludot has persuasively discussed in her column “Paris: 5 Budget hotels with boutique style“, or for a little more, as in the sleek and comfortable Design Hotel Sorbonne. So, definitely, there is room for everyone in Paris.

The other notion is that the idea of a “deluxe” type hotel is indisputably a modern one, meanwhile dismissing affordable and simple sleeps as outdated and passé.

Really? We all know about the inflated costs typical of several expensive multi-star hotels, where you have to pay extra not only for the utilitarian Wi-Fi but for a myriad of useless gadgets. But, above all, you’ll be overcharged for the added decoration, at times extravagant and overdone, perpetrated by a designer with an inflated ego.

The quirky lounge of the super cheap Hotel Les Argonautes in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The hotel has now closed, its fate uncertain. Photo: EuroCheapo

Consequences of the boutique craze

As a result of all of this, there are fewer decent budget hotels available to budget-conscious tourists. Consequently, we will have to conform to pay more, now for rooms in properties with lesser quality/price ratios than those of our old favorites. In this scenario of spiraling costs, it’s we who pay in the long run, indirectly bearing the costs of the (usually unnecessary) designers’ oeuvre—as well as playing a part in the overall swelling of property values and real estate speculation.

Many of these reforms are made in the name of “modernity.” However, there is nothing remotely avant-garde or modern about the restrictive concept that sees being wealthy as a prerequisite for being able to travel. On the contrary, this is an archaic—and rather offensive—assumption.

Nor is there anything particularly new about paying a fortune for sojourning in a room that recreates the stuffy ambiance of the “Thousand-and-one Nights'” tales. Maybe that’s cute and extremely exotic, but modern? Maybe it was breathtakingly innovative during the Orientalists’ heyday, a century and a half ago…

In today’s world to be truly modern is to empower the cost-conscious and adventurous travelers, especially young people, to reach their varied goals and broaden their horizons. Budget-savvy travel is a mindset, and goes hand in hand with its natural companion: slow travel.

This is a notion that Wilde would have happily espoused. Now, that is a modern concept!

Share your thoughts!

Who do you think wins when hotels go from budget to boutique? Is this trend perfectly normal and, in fact, good for the consumer? Have you been heartbroken by the closure of your favorite budget hotel? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.

The post Paris: Who wins when budget hotels go boutique? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While these properties may be too far away from the traditional touristic routes for some tourists, other travelers (mainly practical and independent souls) do purposely seek out a sojourn in a quiet and safe neighborhood, and a sleep undisturbed by the droves of tourists and night owls that literally take over some prime downtown locations.

Staying in the 19th or the 20th means, in other words, being as far away as possible from the rue Cler and the crowds that overflow these and other quarters!

As you may have read, I enjoy keeping my eye on Paris’ budget hotel scene. Below are six hotels in less touristic neighborhoods not yet chosen by EuroCheapo’s editors as “picks” that I think deserve consideration.

Hotel Nadaud
8 Rue de la Bidassoa

One of the most notable up-and-coming hotels in the 20th arrondissement is the Hotel Nadaud. Seasoned travelers rave about the exceptionally welcoming staff, pristine rooms, convenient location and affordable prices. After her sojourn in this hospitable and ultra-serviceable hotel one patron wrote: “I had not been to Paris since many years and this visit even changed my opinion of the Parisians.” A laudable feat for the Nadaud! Doubles from €65.

The Hotel de la Perdrix Rouge is another pick near the Parc de Bellville.

Hotel Paris Villette
56 Rue Curial

Located in the 19th, the Hotel Paris Villette has seen its popularity skyrocket, with its clientele routinely praising the friendly and multilingual staff, the neatness of the rooms, the quiet neighborhood and the excellent quality/price ratio. With singles starting at €58, doubles at €65 and triples at €70, this property would be a worthwhile candidate for EuroCheapo’s “Classic Cheapo” category.

Abricotel
15 Rue Lally Tollendal

A group of convenient and unpretentious budget hotels dot the northeast of the city. The Abricotel, also located in the 19th, has recently been renovated and offers rooms all equipped with a salle de bain, as well as a 24-hour front desk, direct telephone and Wi-Fi at prices starting as low as €55.

Hotel de la Perdrix Rouge
5 Rue Lassus

Currently riding a wave of popularity, the Hotel de la Perdrix Rouge (“Hotel of the Red Partridge”), another 19th arrondissement sleep, lies in the vicinity of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont and the Parc de Belleville. Guests commend the quietness of the quarter, the hotel’s cleanliness, value for money, proximity to the Metro and the decent breakfast. The reasonable rates (€86 for a single and €93- €103 for a double) have earned it quite a bit of attention.

Hotel Crimée
188 Rue De Crimée

The Hotel Crimée was refurbished not long ago and, as a result, earned a third star. However, it didn’t let it go to its head. Indeed, with nightly rates starting at €85 (singles) and €95 (doubles), the property has amassed a well-merited reputation among budget-savvy travelers. It offers free Wi-Fi, an Internet station in the lobby and air-conditioned rooms. The Crimée is located in the 19th arrondissement not far from the Parc de la Villette and about 50 yards from a Metro station. Guests praise the clean and functional rooms, the comfortable bedding, the friendly staff and especially the excellent quality/price ratio.

Hotel du Moulin
3 Rue Aristide Bruant

Finally, in the 18th, the Hotel du Moulin is quite popular among fans of the Montmartre area, who praise its spotless rooms, good location and convenient rates (singles from €100, doubles from €110).

More options

Stay tuned for more hotel suggestions that should be up for consideration by EuroCheapo’s editors. Next week I’ll jump down to the 10th and 11th arrondissements. Of course, for many more hotel recommendations, visit EuroCheapo’s guide to cheap hotels in Paris.

Your favorite hotels in Paris

Do you enjoy staying in the 19th and 20th arrondissements? Tell us about your experiences and favorite hotels in our comments section.

The post Paris: Popular budget hotels in less touristic neighborhoods appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Related:Cheap hotels in Venice with canal views | 5 Cheap and charming hotels in Venice

1. Hotel Ai Do Mori 
Neighborhood: San Marco
Doubles from: €40

Remember that sleep across from St. Mark’s? Couldn’t be a Cheapo, right? (Wrong.) In addition to its hard-to-beat location, the darling Hotel Ai Do Mari offers rock-bottom rates. Plus, most of its 11 guest rooms (with or without private bath) boast bell tower views.

2. Hotel Galleria
Neighborhood: Dorsoduro
Doubles from €80

Oh, what a crush we’ve got on this sweet one-star hotel. Rooms are simple (and some are comically small), but you’ll be hard-pressed to find cheaper accommodations on the Grand Canal. The historic charmer (poet Robert Browning enjoyed the views from these windows) is situated right next to the Accademia Bridge and offers views galore.

3. Albergo San Samuele
Neighborhood: San Marco
Doubles from €40

The super-Cheapo San Samuele strikes that rare balance: It’s oh-so-central (within easy walking distance from the Opera House, Rialto Bridge and more), but its quiet location near Campo San Stefano manages to feel off the beaten path.

Get a square deal at the Locanda Fiorita. Photo: EuroCheapo

4. Albergo Doni
Neighborhood: Castello
Doubles from €50

The 16th-century building that houses this quiet one-star hotel sits on a canal, just two corners away from St. Mark’s Square. Rooms are basic (no air conditioning here) but cozy, and they look out over the canal or a back garden.

5. Locanda Fiorita
Neighborhood: San Marco
Doubles from  €80

We’re not sure what we like best about this friendly one-star hotel: its wisteria-covered entrance or its location on the quiet square, Campiello Novo o dei Morti, near Campo San Stefano. Ask for a room on the Campiello (you’ll be glad you did).

Want more? Check out our full list of cheap hotels in Venice.

And tell us: What’s your favorite place to stay in Venice?

The post Venice: 5 cheap hotels with great locations appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

When in Paris last month, we happened upon the Hotel du Nord, a small one-star hotel tucked away on the tiny rue Albert Thomas, just north of Republique. With a style that charms and rates that will woo a Cheapo (€71-84 a night for a double with private bath), this is one hotel worthy of a crush.

The Hotel du Nord is an enchanting sight from the street, with vines covering the exterior and flower boxes in most windows. Note the bikes: They’re free to use for all guests.

The lobby seems posed for a photo-shoot, with antique tchotchkes, low lights and framed prints. Oh, and an adorable pooch named Pluto who orbits around the reception desk.

Upstairs, the hotel’s 24 rooms have a bright and bold style, and the amenities you’d expect: flat-screen TV, telephone and free Wi-Fi. The only potential downside? The reception closes before midnight, although guests are free to come and go as they please.

To read more (and see more photos), check out our review of the Hotel du Nord. Read more advice on where to stay and see some of our favorite affordable Paris hotels.

The post Paris Hotel Crush: The Hotel du Nord appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Choosing a budget hotel in London can be a truly daunting task. But fear not, Cheapos; it is possible if you know where to look!

I recently spent several weeks visiting budget-friendly hotels, B&Bs and hostels in London for EuroCheapo’s London hotel guide. It’s hard to pick three favorites, but, if pressed, these would be my top three budget places to stay in London:

Relax in the Arosfa's garden. Photo: Nina Derham

1. Arosfa Hotel
83 Gower Street, Bloomsbury

Basics: The Arosfa is a truly charming and unique accommodation. Nestled amongst a large number of other B&B’s and student digs, the Arosfa stands out as a place that has truly been cared for. Owner Nicolas, is rightfully proud of his creation. Each room has a different color scheme and all are equipped with flat-screen TV’s and fantastic en suite bathrooms (complete with luxurious fittings such as rainfall showers).

Extras: Home-cooked breakfast is included in the price and there is also an ultra-modern living room where guests can catch up on emails and relax on comfy sofas after a busy day of sightseeing. Nicolas encourages guests to make use of his beautifully manicured garden, a very unusual thing to stumble across in central London!

Location: The hotel is slap, bang in the middle of Bloomsbury, making sightseeing by foot easy. The British Museum is within easy reach and a quick walk through Soho will take you to the National Gallery. The Arosfa is just a few minutes walk from the shops of Oxford Street. Some of London’s best theaters are just around the corner and fashionable Charlotte Street is also nearby, offering an excellent range of restaurants and pubs.

Read more and see additional photos on our review of the Arosfa Hotel.

PRICE: $109-$234
BEST FOR: Couples looking for a romantic London break in stylish surroundings, and families looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation.

This is no standard Generator. Photo: Nina Derham

2. The Generator
Compton Place, Bloomsbury

Basics: Hands down one of the craziest hostels I have ever visited, The Generator sits somewhere between nightclub and hotel. Take, for example, the bouncer stationed at the door of this 800-bed monster of a hostel and the UV lights in the metal-plated entrance hall. The staff all wear bright blue and fluorescent green uniforms and dance music plays throughout the day.

All beds are in dorm rooms and are pretty basic, with red metal frames and blue walls, but visitors here shouldn’t be planning on doing too much sleeping, so the simplicity of the rooms shouldn’t be a problem. There are some newer girls-only dorms which are painted pink and come with a mirror and dressing table for each girl–perfect for girly trips to London on a budget.

Location: The hostel is located close to Russell Square, so all the amenities of the lovely Brunswick Centre are nearby, including a foreign language cinema. The hostel is also perfectly placed for the British Museum and the West End; London’s shopping and theatre district.

Extras: The hostel boasts its very own nightclub with different theme parties each night (when I was there it was a “London tube” party, and everyone had to dress up as the name of a tube stop). There is also a large dining room where buffet breakfast and dinner are served each day, as well as a chill-out room with a big TV screen, sofas and Internet.

Read more and see additional photos on our review of the Generator Hostel.

HOW MUCH: $24-$126
BEST FOR: Lone travelers looking for a truly sociable environment, and big groups of girls or guys who want to party hard.

A very well-equipped Stylotel Suite. Photo: Nina Derham

3. Stylotel and Stylotel Suites
160 Sussex Gardens, Paddington

Basics: The Stylotel’s sleek new suites are quite a rare sight for the average budget traveler. While the original Stylotel sets itself apart with a spaceship-like design, minuscule bathrooms and metal-plated walls, the newly opened suites are an altogether classier affair. Located above the Stylotel’s very own pub, The Sussex Arms, the suites offer a selection of sleek studios and one bed apartments for 2-4 people, perfect for travelers looking for more independence.

Suites: The steep staircase leading up to the suites is adorned with somewhat futuristic neon lighting, but the suites themselves boast dark wood floors, chrome kitchenettes and plain white linen on the beds. Whilst breakfast isn’t included in the price, guests do have the necessary basic amenities to prepare food themselves, which for many, is a real added bonus.

Location: The location is ideal for exploring Hyde Park, and the shops of Oxford Street can be reached by foot. But the real draw has to be the proximity to Paddington station.

Read more and see additional photos on our review of the Stylotel.

HOW MUCH: $150-250 (for double room and for 1-bed suite)
BEST FOR: Single travelers on work trips, families and couples – anyone looking for a bit more space and independence on their trip to London.

The post Cheap London Hotels: Our favorite budget places to sleep appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.