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.

Below are a few that popped out at us. To read the entire list, check out our article, “Frequently Asked Questions about Barcelona.”

1. Are hotels in Barcelona safe?

Generally speaking, Barcelona is a safe city, and that extends to the hotels. Tourists, however, should beware of the con games and thievery that take place in certain neighborhoods, including El Raval and the Gothic Quarter. The safest neighborhood, in Regina’s opinion, is the Eixample. (Read more)

2. Is breakfast included? What’s for breakfast?

Most hotels, pensions and hostals do not include breakfast in their room rates. Hotels will most likely offer breakfast, for a price, and, in the case of two- and three-star hotels, it will most likely be a breakfast buffet that costs at least €10. Cheaper pensions and hostals might offer kitchen access to guests, while this will most likely be the case in any youth hostel.

A cheaper option is usually to head off to a nearby cafe or bar to have breakfast with the locals. For much more on this, read Regina’s article on what’s for breakfast in Barcelona.

3. Do hotels have cable TVs?

While most hotels in Barcelona have TVs in their rooms, some small hotels, hostals and pensions (and most youth hostels) do not. This often has less to do with the cost of providing a TV and more to do with noise. In small guesthouses, one room blasting “The Simpsons” at midnight can be incredibly disruptive to the other guests on the floor.

4. Do most hotel bathrooms have showers or tubs?

Bathrooms in small hotels in Barcelona are more likely to be equipped with showers than bathtubs. The reason for this is space. The city doesn’t have much of it—which translates into smaller restaurants, shops, apartments and yes, hotels. Rooms and bathrooms tend to be pretty tight, and thus showers make more sense.

5. What’s your favorite neighborhood in Barcelona?

Can I choose three? I’d go with Gracia, La Ribera and La Barceloneta—and well, even though I wouldn’t want to live there, the Gothic Quarter. (To read her explanation for each of these neighborhoods, see the post.)

Read more

To read much more, read all of the Frequently Asked Questions about Barcelona.

The post Ask the Cheapos: Frequently asked questions about visiting Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Trust me, nobody wants that, so I’ve summarized my favorite central London neighborhoods for a smooth stay in the capital:

Best for night owls: Soho

If you want to limit the need to use public transport and really immerse yourself in London’s buzz then Soho is your place. The neighborhood comprises the streets running behind Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus and up to Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road and it buzzes day and night.

The area used to be renowned as a somewhat seedy, red light hub, but it has cleaned up its act and today trendy restaurants and bars stand alongside cabaret clubs and drag shows, giving it a truly unique vibe. It is certainly lively and staying here will not guarantee you a quiet night’s sleep. However, it does mean that shops, theaters, restaurants, bars and nightlife are quite literally on your doorstep so you can really make the most of what London has to offer.

London’s National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are also just around the corner in Trafalgar Square, and a lot of other areas are walkable. Regent’s Park is a short stroll away or you can head to Charing Cross and across the river to the South Bank in a matter of minutes.

Click here to read reviews of recommended budget hotels in Soho.

Bayley Street exudes a typical Bloomsbury charm. Photo: Stephane Goldstein

Best for serious sightseers: Bloomsbury

Another wonderfully central location, Bloomsbury is one of London’s prettiest and most traditional areas, filled with beautiful Georgian architecture and punctuated by tree-lined streets and large, leafy squares. Traditionally the city’s literary quarter, today the area is home to the University of London and a whole lot of museums.

Although located on the other side of Tottenham Court Road from Soho, the pace of life in this part of town feels more relaxed. While nightlife, shopping and theaters are all nearby, residents of Bloomsbury have easy access to the British Museum, the Charles Dickens Museum, the Foundling Museum and many more quirky attractions such as the Cartoon Museum. Gower Street is lined with affordable B&B’s, perfect for couples and small groups of friends, the Arosfa Hotel comes highly recommended.

Click here to read reviews of recommended budget hotels in Bloomsbury.

Best for city dwellers: Southwark

Southwark’s old cobbled streets really give a taste for what London once was. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to get a real taste of city living and wander the streets that Bridget Jones traversed in the movies. Today the area is home to an exciting amalgamation of old and new, as beautiful old buildings stand next to iconic new landmarks like The Shard.

Located just south of the River Thames, visitors to Southwark have easy access to everything on the South Bank, from free, open-air performances at the National Theatre in the summer, to festive Christmas markets in the winter. In terms of sightseeing, Southwark is packed with things to see, including the Tate Modern, the tasty foodie treats at Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Dungeon and the Design Museum. Without a doubt, the neighborhood’s jewel in the crown has to be the majestic Southwark Cathedral, London’s oldest church cathedral building.

Click here to read reviews of recommended budget hotels in Southwark.

Want to read about more London neighborhoods? Check out our previous article on choosing the right neighborhood for your trip.

Your favorite London neighborhood?

Do you have a favorite neighborhood for your trip to London? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Also in our guide: Heading to London and looking for an affordable place to sleep? We’ve been there. Our editors hunt down and inspect budget hotels in London and recommend only the best. To see all the neighborhoods we’ve visited in London, check out our London guide.

The post London: Which neighborhood is right for your trip? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

When I scoured the streets of London hunting down the best affordable hotels, B&B’s and hostels for EuroCheapo’s London hotel guide, I was constantly amazed by many of their brilliant locations. Most people expect to pay dearly to stay in central London, but if you know where to look, there is no reason why we Cheapos can’t also demand “Location, Location, Location!”

Here’s my pick for three cheap London hotels with truly special locations:

Parking it in the YHA Holland Park's living room.

YHA Holland Park
Holland Walk, London

While not as modern or funky as many of the other YHA hostels in London, what the Holland Park branch lacks in trendy design, it makes up for with location. It is difficult to find, because as you make your way down Holland Walk you start doubting yourself, as all the signs point you into the park. I did a few laps through the pretty green spaces, passing by happy couples strolling and groups of friends picnicking in the sunshine, all the while convinced that I was headed in the wrong direction because, well, how could the hostel actually be in the park?

And then I found it. There it was, the best-kept secret on the London hostel scene, right in the middle of Holland Park, dishing out beds to visitors from around the world from just $26 per night! Genius.

The hostel itself is basic and could do with updating, but it offers dorms and private rooms, and a communal kitchen, dining room, living room, and a lovely little terrace.

This is definitely the place to stay if you want to escape the bustle of the city without actually leaving London. The hostel is a stone’s throw from Notting Hill and the vibrant Portobello Market, as well as being just a couple of stops on the tube into central London.

Places like the YHA Holland Park always leave me thinking that budget travelers actually have the last laugh–after all, I didn’t stumble across any five-star hotels while exploring Holland Park!

Read more and see additional photos on our review of the YHA Holland Park

The Seven Dials Hotel has one busy location.

Seven Dials Hotel
7 Monmouth Street, Soho

The Seven Dials Hotel is really is the place to stay if you want all of central London at your doorstep. London’s best bars, shops, cafes, restaurants and theaters are all within easy reach.

Monmouth Street, one of my favorites, is a pretty, old-fashioned street lined with boutiques and cafes that straddles Soho and Covent Garden. It is one of seven streets which lead up to a column bearing six sun dials. The column itself serves as the seventh sun dial as it casts its shadow over the point where the seven streets converge (hence the name of the area and the hotel).

The hotel is fairly basic, with a somewhat rickety, steep staircase, but rooms are clean and breakfast is included in the price (starting at $166 for a double room). In all honesty, you are paying for the prime location more than anything else here. And with so much going on outside the front door, you probably won’t be spending too much time in your room, anyhow.

Read more and see additional photos on our review of the Seven Dials Hotel

The Mentone looks out to Cartwright Gardens

Mentone Hotel
54-56 Cartwright Gardens, Bloomsbury

It’s hard to believe that this beautiful and peaceful crescent-shaped square is slap bang in the center of London. As soon as you turn off noisy Euston Road and approach Cartwright Gardens, the car fumes and fast city pace fade away and you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something special.

The Mentone boasts an ideal location for exploring central London, perfectly placed for the British Museum and the British Library, as well as the lively Brunswick Centre in Russell Square (an obligatory stop off for dinner during your trip!). You can reach central London’s shops and theaters by foot, and Kings Cross Station, just a few minutes away, makes it easy to escape the city on a day trip.

The Mentone Hotel is not the only hotel on Cartwright Gardens. In fact, the gorgeous line-up of Georgian houses is home to about 10 B&B’s, all of which boast views of the communal gardens and tennis courts. However, The Mentone stands out as the friendly manager, Dale, really makes you feel welcome and offers his guests great advice for exploring the city. The hotel also offers generously sized rooms (doubles costing from $152) and a sumptuous communal living room. (Some singles, however, are a bit tight.)

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

The post London: 3 budget hotels with amazing locations 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.

It’s a longstanding and debatable stereotype that Parisians are rude. Many visitors to Paris who try to speak French, order a salad without pork, or try to ask for directions often have the impression that the local they address are anything but kind and welcoming.

It may be cultural misunderstanding, but then again, plenty of French people from outside of the capital agree that Parisians can be quite sour. In any case, no one wants to make the faux pas of aggravating a Parisian, intentionally or not.

Happily, there are some simple ways that the informed visitor to the City of Light can minimize their chances of things getting ugly. Playing the game à la française and adhering to some codes of politesse might keep things friendly – or not. Either way, these five tips are worth a try:

1.  Most importantly, mind your manners.

When you enter a store, a café, or a bakery, a “bonjour” is always appreciated, if not expected. Consider the ice broken at this point, and afterwards the rest is up to fate. “Merci,” “pardon,” and “s’il vous plait” go a long way for shop-owners and waiters, especially if those are the only French words you know.

As you leave the establishment, a “Merci, au revoir” is also appreciated, no matter how good or bad the service was, especially if you plan on returning.

2.  Kill them with kindness.

The blasé Parisian attitude is something of a cultural hallmark. The locals seem to rarely get excited about anything, which must be hard if you are a vendor or a waiter. How often does their work seem appreciated?

I find that lots of smiles, enthusiasm, and excitement, no matter how feigned, seems to abate any rudeness that might have been coming my way. Smiles are infectious even for the most jaded Parisian worker. If nothing else, you’ll have at least delayed any mistreatment for a few minutes as their Parisian brains wrap around your foreign glee. It’s worth the cheek muscle exercise.

3.  When smiles don’t work, money might.

If you plan on returning to a barber, a café, or a restaurant, leave a tip. You’d be surprised at the difference it can make. My barber actually remembers my name – after months of repeatedly asking if I’m on vacation – and I feel that my consistent tips have something to do with that. Tips to a Parisian waiter or waitress are not expected and thus carry more weight than the obligatory 15-20 percent left in America. (For more info, read our guide to tipping in Paris.)

4.  Sympathize, feel their pain, puff your cheeks.

Parisians are constantly anguished, and every task from opening an email to serving a glass of wine can be full of effort, pain and suffering. It’s always very helpful when you see a Parisian worker going through something egregiously difficult, especially with another customer, to play along.

When you finally engage them – for example, if a waiter just got chewed out by another Parisian client – give him a sympathetic look and let him know that you know what he’s going through. I often assure various cashiers and office workers that I encounter that my request will be simple as I shoot a glance at the annoying customer and puff out my cheeks and blow air through my lips. It’s the Parisian gesture for, “What a piece of work…”

5.  When all else fails, be patient.

No matter how rude the waiter is or how grumpy the concierge may be or how disagreeable the shopkeeper gets, you won’t change them. It’s frustrating, but it’s true. I’m not saying to roll over and take it whenever someone treats you badly, but instead of getting angry and starting a shouting match (which are more fun to watch than to participate in) take the higher road. Be patient, make your demands clear, and hold your ground.

Just don’t lose your cool, unless you’re Parisian…

Your tips for avoiding any rudeness?

Do you have any advice to help others steer clear of rudeness? Share with us in the comments section.

The post Are Parisians rude? 5 tips to minimize bad treatment appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Channeling photographers Robert Doisneau and Robert Capa (who often showcased France’s beloved national moments in their haute couture spreads), it’s now time to snap, crackle and pop! Shall we?

Morning Glory

1. Sacré Coeur
Metro: Anvers or Abbesses, 18th arrondissement

Color scheme: Wedding cake white
Attire recommendations: Warm tones from orange to scarlet

Avoid crowds by arriving early in the morning. Blue skies suit the iridescent basilica, though she also glows at dusk. For inspiration, climb Brassaï’s Les Escaliers de Montmartre, located next to the funicular on Rue Foyatier. Also, watch out for the pair of “living sculptures.” Donned in white and mimicking Roman statues, they’ll pose with you if you throw a few coins their way.

Film buffs, yes, a pivotal scene in “Amelie” took place here near the carousel. In nearby Abbesses, you’ll find Amelie’s “Au Marche de la Butte” on rue des 3 Freres and Café les Deux Moulins at 15 rue Lepic.

After paying homage to Amelie’s gnomes in the hood, take Metro line 12 from Abbesses to Galeries Lafayette at Metro Saint-Lazare.

The rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette

2. Galeries Lafayette
Metro: Saint-Lazare, 9th arrondissement

Color scheme: Blue, beige and black brought to you by Haussmann
Attire recommendations: Mercantile green or pale baby blue

When it comes to classic French backdrops, it’s all about the view and location. Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop possesses both. Avoid crowds by arriving during the morning or after lunch. Here you’ll find one of my all-time favorite views of Paris. A triple-threat photo-op, so get your cameo on with the Tour Eiffel, the Opéra Garnier, and Sacré Coeur.

While calling on the grand magasin, don’t forget to check out its ever-changing vitrines (“windows”) and the stained glass coupole (“domed ceiling”). Heaven on earth, this Belle Epoch beauty meshed with a little exquisite Byzantine styling was installed in 1912. Try gazing up without getting all weepy. Borrow my hanky. I won’t tell.

Afternoon delight

3. Opéra Garnier
Metro: Opéra, 9th arrondissement

Color scheme: Gold, beige, black and “Statue of Liberty” copper green
Attire recommendations: Gold, purple and ruby red, too

After spending time at Galeries Lafayette, jeté across the street to the Opéra. I usually photograph outside the Métro Opéra main entrance. Shining like a superstar, blue skies are this edifice’s friend, though it’s also ideal to arrive just before an evening performance in order to see the red carpet-worthy glittering garb dart across the busy rues.

Drool, much? Fashionistas, I’m talking to you. The Repetto ballet shoe shop is located just a shop, skip and a pirouette away at 22 rue de la Paix. Heaven, I am in heaven.

Reflecting on the Place Vendome

4. Place Vendôme
Metro: Opéra, 1st arrondissement

Color scheme: Beige, black and pale green
Attire recommendations: Gold, royal blue and shocking pink

After snapping a few pix at the Opéra, take Rue de la Paix to Place Vendôme. Keep your eyes peeled for Napoléon’s column. In 1935 designer Elsa Schiaparelli opened one of the first prêt-à-porter boutiques under its shadow at 21 Place Vendôme. Although the shop closed decades ago, the awning still flaps above the entryway. A promotion guru, Elsa would often unveil her collections with squads of circus performances in the middle of the square, complete with elephants and tightrope walkers!

More inspiration? Here’s where Robert Capa photographed the iconic images of poodle-toting models for Dior in 1948! Calling all cinematic fans, Billy Wilder’s “Love in the Afternoon” with Audrey Hepburn and Maurice Chevalier was shot here at the Hôtel Ritz.

5. Arc-de-Triomphe du Carrousel
Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre, 1st arrondissement

Color scheme: Black, beige, gold, and pink marble
Attire recommendations: Black, beige and one piece of bling

After your Place Vendôme photo session directly below “le petit caporal’s” watch, strut on over to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, located by the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries. The petite size of this “Mini-Me” of the big Arc de Triomphe at the far end of the Champs Elysées makes for an easy, breezy shoot. Also, this is where the infectious balloon scene in “Funny Face” with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire was filmed.

Twilight time

6. Moulin Rouge
Metro: Place Blanche, 18th arrondissement

Color scheme: red, black and white
Attire recommendations: Sequins and feathers in all colors under the rainbow

It’s now time to wind it back, wind it back, Cheapos, at the end of the day at the Moulin Rouge in historic Pigalle. Yes, we’ve come full circle back to romantic Montmartre! For your portrait taking, I’d recommend arriving around l’heure bleu (twilight). You just might spot the spirit of writer Henry Valentine Miller on the literary prowl. An avid and competitive cyclist, he’d be quite happy with the new bike lanes!

After your photo session, tempt yourself at the Musée de l’érotisme at 72 boulevard de Clichy. It’s usually open until 2 a.m. (oh, la la!). Check out their permanent exhibit on Paris’s brothels. Tired feet? Do like my Moulin Rouge dancer friends do after a long show. Prop your legs up against a door for twenty minutes. It works!

Snappy advice

Cheapos, do you have a favorite picture perfect location for a photo-op in Paris? Do spill!

The post Paris: 6 Iconic spots for the best photo-ops appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city.

1. Eat Near the Duomo

It might seem like a good idea at the time. You are walking arm in arm with a your partner who has taken on a Casanova-like persona since landing in Italy. You see the Duomo shining into the night like Pegasus and notice a quaint little restaurant with a menu posted in the window. Even better, it’s entirely in English. What next? You sit down, you order a pizza that tastes like a shoe and when you get the bill you end up leaving your Rolex for collateral.

2. Forget to Validate Your Train Ticket

So far, everything has gone to perfection. You’ve made it to the train station, you’ve figured out the electronic ticket distributor, you’ve purchased the right ticket (you think) and you’ve found the track where your train is departing. You are a champion. As an added bonus, you not only score two seats on the train, but they are even facing each other. You begin to imagine scenes of barefoot frolics on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Then the controller appears and you proudly present him your tickets which you have forgotten to validate in one of the little yellow boxes on the platform. You pay him almost 200 Euros as a fine. You feel shame. You feel alone. And cold.

3. Go Shopping for Counterfeit Goods

You are at San Lorenzo Market after reading one of my previous recommendations. You see a table of “Gucci” bags and “Swiss” watches. You pay an unbelievably low price for the same purse you once saw in movie staring George Clooney. You can’t believe the savings and buy another one for your sister back home. You figure what the heck and buy one for each of your colleagues and relatives. You high five the merchant and go on your merry way.

You are stopped by the foot-patrolling police squad with twenty counterfeit bags over your shoulder. You pay a very hefty fine. You are out of money and must return to the homeland. You are traumatized from the experience and develop an extreme fear of Italian accessories.

4. Go Swimming in the Arno

It is a 110 degrees and Florence is an inferno. This wasn’t in the travel guide. Neither was anything stating that you were not supposed to dive into the brown goodness of the Arno river. You find a nice spot and dunk your toe to test the temperature. The water is surprisingly warm. You slip down to your trunks and cannonball into the water.

When you emerge your skin feels like Tabasco Sauce. A local fisherman drags you onto his boat and brings to you to the Santa Maria Novella Hospital. You dish out lots and lots of money for a translator. You call your insurance company and they laugh at you. You count your change and use your last three Euros to buy yourself a shower.

Your advice?

Have a touristic temptation to add to our list of activities NOT to do in Florence? Add yours to the list by leaving a comment.

The post 4 major tourist mistakes to avoid in Florence appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Recently one of our Cheapo readers asked us for a few shopping tips. Emily plans to visit Paris with her teenage daughter in July, which is the parfait time because “Les soldes d’été 2011” (the big summer sales) kick off on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 and last through Tuesday, July 26, 2011. Now that’s planning.

So in celebration, I’ve fashioned a special day tour for the voguish mother-daughter team. This week, let’s visit one of my favorite shopping districts, the always hustling, bustling rue de Rennes. Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock!

The Zara location in the Félix Potin building

Getting there

Make your entrance at the Métro Rennes (line 12) sortie. Don’t forget your flats, sunscreen and sunglasses, too.

Thanks to Haussmann, this super-wide boulevard was made for non-stop walking, gawking and talking. Stealing from Capote, just like at Tiffany & Co., nothing ever “very bad” could happen to you here, but do keep a tight grip on your bags. Pickpockets like to promenade, too.

Layout of the land

Rue de Rennes stretches from the Montparnasse Tower to Boulevard Saint-Germain. Truth be bold, rue de Rennes has always been one of my favorite hot spots for window-shopping. Cheapos, I dig the mix. For the love of juxtaposition, here the trendy chains and boutiques coolly mesh with classic Parisian shops.

Documentary photographer Eugène Atget would have had a field day. Wait. Stop the presses. Actually, Atget shot a dragon here ’round 1900 at 50 rue de Rennes. Today the façade has dramatically changed, but the dragon still frolics in a land called “Paree.” Look for the perfect blue door.

Plastiques (103 rue de Rennes)

Where else in this world is it possible to fall madly for a spectacular turban window display after trying on gorgeous maillots de bain (bathing suits) at Etam? And yes, feeling all pin-uppity, I bought both (in noir, of course, Mr. Wilder. How could I not?).

Cinematic buffs, Billy Wilder made his directorial debut in Paris. Can you name the film? Hint: It wasn’t “Sabrina.” Guess again!

Designs on you

Here you’ll also find affordable chains like Etam (135-139 rue de Rennes), Zara (two boutiques, at 45 and 140), and Naf-Naf (143-145), along with Kookaï (155) and Darjeeling (152).

Zara zealots! The Zara location in the Félix Potin building is a personal favorite because it usually serves as one of last stops for the chain’s closeout clothing sales. Also, the fair sight of the stunning Art Nouveau dome topping off the bargains inside is heaven. So gaze up, but do look both ways before crossing!

Need a soda pop or a sturdy bag for your purchases? There’s a Franprix grocery store (71), along with a Fnac (136). Pronounced “fuh-nack,” the largest French entertainment retail chain discounts their inventory of books, including the latest exhibition catalogues.

Boutique Jacques Darcel

Fnac also carries cameras, camera chips and batteries (not to mention DVDs, CDs, and tons of French comic books, an art form all their own). For the love of Julia Child, three other practical and whimsical shops definitely worth a pop-by are La Vaissellerie (85), Culinarion (99), and Plastiques (103), where the umbrellas are the cat’s meow.

Here’s your hat

After strolling your heart out up and down the rue de Renne, make a beeline to Saint-Germain-des-Prés for some high-ticket boutique browsing.

Need a special gift for an equally special garçon? Check out the splurge-worthy cotton hats at the très cool agnès b shop on 6 rue Vieux-Colombier. Now in lavender, olive and black, they’re hard to find outside of France and terribly expensive online. Designer/founder Agnès Bourgois Troublé has also created inexpensive unisex red scarves (€15). Available in cotton during the summertime and wool during the winter, the profits go to various humanitarian causes, including the fight against AIDS.

Cafe de la Mairie

La vie en pêche

Afterwards, grab a café and a fromage Cantal sandwich at the Café de la Mairie at Place Saint-Sulpice.

Next door to this famous but reasonably priced café (with a view!), you’ll find one of the Annick Goutal perfume shops. Again, difficult to find outside of France, Mimosa (with a hint of peach) is this year’s featured scent. A fan for a decade, I usually buy the body cream because it’s less expensive and the scent isn’t as strong but still possesses staying power. Ask for their carte de fidélité. Return visits are rewarded!

Still in the mood to shop ’til you drop?

Well then, jump on the “95” bus line and take it to any of several other lively shopping meccas along its route, like the Carrousel du Louvre or the ’hood surrounding the Opéra (wannabe Black Swans, Répetto is just a hop, skip and a pirouette from the Opéra Garnier!), or the grand magasins along Boulevard Haussmann, or the funky boutiques, vintage shops and bargain bins in the Montmartre-Abbesses area. Pinch yourself! ALL these happy-hunting-grounds are on the scenic “95” bus line. It’s another “win-spin.”

Keep asking!

Emily, thanks for a great question! So, Cheapos, do you have other Paris shopping questions? Ask away in the comments section!

The post Paris Shopping Spree: The wonderful rue de Rennes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Ever since that first seaside jaunt, I’ve obsessively sought out funky, campy, grand and sometimes abandoned hotels and motels, leaving no historical, gossipy tidbit or photo-op with a retro roadside sign behind.

Theadora Brack, hotel matchmaker

So when EuroCheapo asked me to update the Paris hotel listings, how I could say no? I love hotels. There, I’ve said it.

Match point

Hotel reviewing is like matchmaking. It’s complicated! Goldilocks lives inside all of us. Besides, individual tastes and standards differ. So to help you find the room of your dreams, I’ve listed my favorite hotels in Paris, along with the Cheapo-types who could possibly love them.

But keep in mind a few things. In Paris, most of the rooms are small. That’s just a fact of life. So just do like the French do and don’t plan to hole up in your hotel—spend more time at a café instead!

However, if there’s a real problem with the room, always start off with a “bonjour,” and a little tenderness. As my grandmother would say, “you get more bees with honey.” Helen would also quip, “leave the baggage at home,” and, no, she wasn’t talking about the canvas or leather kind. So take heed and open both heart and mind!

The Hotel du Commerce

Now, which kind of Cheapo are you?

Hey, Jack Kerouac!

For example, do you see yourself as a Jack Kerouac seeking “Satori in Paris?” Well then,
Grand Hôtel du Loiret, the Hotel du Commerce and the Hôtel Cluny Sorbonne offer rooms that are basic but affordable with central locations that can’t be beat for a big revelation and a little revelry.

Take me to funky town

Backpackers, times are a-changing. Paris’ current crop of hostels sports a new-fangled, club-like attitude but with a funky, playground twist.

Pinching from Donna Summer, I definitely “felt the love” at the shabby-sleek Hôtel Absolute and the Plug-Inn Hostel.

The Grand Hotel Leveque

Mad Men

Get Draper on the horn, and Peggy Olsen, too. Advertising is based on one thing: happiness.

And you know what happiness is? Happiness is the sweet, gentle swagger of the Grand Hôtel Lévêque’s deluxe rooms. It’s freedom from fear. It’s their mod Philippe Starck-worthy chairs and leather headboards that scream reassurance that whatever you are doing is okay. You are okay. Here in its swanky lounge room, you’ll also be able to change the conversation, if don’t like what they’re saying. Touché, Mr. Whitman.

Hotel Cluny Sorbonne

Starving poet

And you know it? Pack your fountain pen. We want you, and Lonely Hearts, too. Like visionary poet and globetrotter Rimbaud, head to the Hôtel Cluny Sorbonne straightaway, where the Vie de Bohème can still be found in its reflection-inducing garret rooms.

Here in room 62 is where Rimbaud composed the ultimate break-up, “he’s just not into you” opus, upon his fiery return to Paris in 1872. And speaking of another Rimbaud poem, “Eternité,” do keep a watch for spirits! The hotel is rumored to be haunted.

Hotel Prince Albert

Hooray for Hollywood!

With an exotic lobby resembling a glamorous movie set, the Hôtel Prince Albert had me yearning for rhinestones and Bogart on my arm.

Playing it again and again, their Casablanca-worthy bars also got me half-expecting an old flame to walk through the door, muttering on about all the gin joints in the world—while Sam (Dooley Wilson) played on as time goes (sigh).

And speaking of soft focus Hollywood endings, the Hôtel du 7e Art is a fantastical shrine to cinema.

Hotel Therese Paris

City slickers

You know who you are.

Demand a little three-star polish and refinement in your room? The Hôtel Saint-Thomas d’Aquin offers elegant, graceful, and splurge-worthy rooms, so let the saints go marching in!

Honeymooners and paramours: the three-star Hôtel Beaubourg also seduces, but with décor that is so deliciously frou-frou and inviting that you just might not want to leave the room forever and ever.

Hotel Royal Cardinal

Rat pack

Stepping out with your baby, along with a coveted copy of the June 1961 issue of Paris Match with Jackie Kennedy on the cover in a yellow pillbox hat, the still swanky Hôtel Royal Cardinal’s 1960s exterior signage certainly will catch your eye.

Setting the ring-a-ding scene from the get-go, you’ll also get a kick out of the joint from top to bottom. Its rooms are perfect for good old-fashioned postcard writing and crazy witchcraft. Stop. Was that Frankie?

Monsieur Eber and his Hotel Eber Mars

Road scholars

Lastly, are you a teacher or traveling with a family obsessed with the Eiffel Tower?

Here’s a tip: The 1930s-inspired Hôtel Eber Mars, named after the Champs de Mars Park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and Monsieur Eber (the charismatic proprietor and resident curator, historian and former bellhop) is the place for you. Ask about the special family rate!

Monsieur Eber is not only an expert on the Eiffel Tower (and the rest of Paris), but he’s also a flea market guru, so feel free to ask him anything you want to know!

More help with Paris hotels

But wait! We’re just getting started. For more help choosing the right hotel for your trip, be sure to check out these articles:

How to find the right hotel in Paris: From 1-star to 4-star (not to mention no-stars), we’ll break down the differences in types of hotels in Paris, and help you choose the right neighborhood.

Read this before you book: 20 things to consider before booking your hotel room.

The post Paris Hotel Matchmaker: Which kind of Cheapo are you? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.