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

Our London Guide

• Read all hotel reviews

• Read ways to save in London

8 best budget hotels in London

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

Alhambra Hotel

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

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

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

St Athans Hotel

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

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

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

MacDonald

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

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

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

LSE Bankside House (Summer Only)

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

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

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

Hotel Meridiana

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

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

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

Cherry Court Hotel

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

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

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

Celtic Hotel

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

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

Enjoy some quiet time in the courtyard at 72QT.

72QT

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

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

More hotel recommendations

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

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

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

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

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

Our Amsterdam Guide

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

Top 7 best budget hotels in Amsterdam

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

Hotel Hortus

Plantageparklaan 8
Neighborhood: Plantagebuurt
Double room average: $128

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

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

The Neighbour’s Magnolia

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

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

The lovely breakfast room at Hotel Verdi.

Verdi

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

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

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

Bicycle Hotel

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

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

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

BackStage Hotel

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

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

Hotel Museumzicht is stuffed with old-world charm.

Hotel Museumzicht

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

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

Stayokay Amsterdam is a great option for groups.

StayOkay Amsterdam Vondelpark

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

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

More hotel options

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

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

And although it is one of the top cities in the world, Madrid can still be explored on a cheapo budget.

Case in point: The abundance of high-quality cheapo-friendly hotels across the city. So brush up on your Spanish and start planning your trip!

More tips for Madrid:
• 5 Budget tips for visiting Madrid
• 8 Ways to save on drinking and eating in Madrid
• How to save time and money at the Prado Museum

The top budget hotels in Madrid

We’ve searched through our listings to find our favorite budget hotels in Madrid based on comfort, amenities, and the overall atmosphere.

Before you book, you can read up on how to save at Marid hotels.

The view from a balcony at Hostal Gonzalo.

Hostal Gonzalo

Neighborhood: Near Atocha Train Station & Prado Museum
Doubles from $89

If you want a room at the charming, family-run Hostal Gonzalo, you’d better book now! The hotel’s low rates coupled with its location near the Museum Triangle and the Atocha Train Station means it’s often fully booked. Amenities include air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. And down the quaint street, you’ll find fruit bodegas, bookshops, and neighborhood taverns. Read the full review

A charming reception greets you at Hostal Marlasca. Photo: Booking.com

Marlasca

Neighborhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Doubles from $97

Tucked away on a quiet side street in central Madrid, Marlasca is cozy and homey. The hotel has been upgraded to sport modern, minimalist-style rooms, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on amenities. You can find flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. As an added bonus, exterior rooms open up to balconies. Read the full review

We highly recommend the airy corner rooms at Hotel Plaza Mayor.

Hotel Plaza Mayor

Neighborhood: La Latina-Lavapies
Doubles from $88

You’ll be warmly welcomed at the Hotel Plaza Mayor, which is situated near — you guessed it — Plaza Mayor. You can save money in the regular rooms, and still get plenty of wonderful amenities, but we suggest the superior corner rooms, which boast floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the plaza. Read the full review

Peek out the window at Hostal La Macarena for this classic city scene.

Hostal La Macarena

Neighborhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Doubles from $85

Right across from Plaza Mayor is the Hostal La Macarena, a cozy hotel in the heart of Madrid. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of traditional restaurants and tapas bars. Plus, most rooms are complete with wrought-iron balconies, so you can peer out onto the beautiful streets below — perfect for people-watching. Read the full review

Hostal Benamar offers an excellent location at an excellent price.

Hostal Benamar

Neighborhood: Chueca
Doubles from $105

At Hostal Benamar, you’ll find clean and comfortable rooms, complete with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms also come with a view, of either the quiet street below or Hostal Benamar’s courtyard. It’s a great place to stay if you want to get a taste of the vibrant Chueca neighborhood from restaurants to nightlife. Read the full review

More recommendations in Madrid on where to stay

• Full hotel guide to Madrid
• Madrid hotels under $100
• Best value hotels in Madrid

The post The top budget hotels in Madrid for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And although prices have kept up in recent years, there are still plenty of good deals — especially when it comes to hotels. We’ve combed through our listings to find the best budget hotels in Berlin.

More tips on Berlin budget travel:

• 50 Ways to save on your trip to Germany
• Tips for saving on shopping in Berlin
• Simple tips for eating on a budget in Berlin

 The 7 best budget hotels in Berlin

From a boat hostel right on the Spree River to a charming stay in a 19th-century apartment building, our list of the best cheap Berlin hotels has something for everyone. Book and reserve your room right on EuroCheapo!

Sleep on a boat! Shipotel-Berlin is not your ordinary place to stay.

Shipotel-Berlin GmbH

Neighborhood: Friedrichshain
Doubles from $82

The Shipotel-Berlin offers small rooms ranging from third-class dorms to first-class rooms with private bathrooms. Amenities like breakfast, in-room Wi-Fi and laundry service come with a small fee, but the views are hard to beat. Plus, the story of sleeping on a boat in Berlin is priceless! Read the full review

EastSeven Berlin has stylish dorm rooms and a fun vibe. Photo: Booking.com

EastSeven Berlin Hostel

Neighborhood: Mitte
Doubles from $81

With a guest kitchen, an outdoor garden, group dinners, free city tours, laundry service, and free Wi-Fi, the EastSeven Berlin Hostel offers a long list of amenities for incredibly low rates. Need more convincing? Rooms are clean and the staff is friendly, ready to give you tips for exploring the city. Read the full review

Hanging out in Circus Hostel, a fun and funky spot in Berlin.

Circus Hostel

Neighborhood: Prenzlauer Berg
Doubles from $99

The Circus Hostel’s décor is as fun and bright as the name suggests, and the hostel provides plenty of spaces and activities for extraverted travelers to mingle and make friends. Amenities might be scarce, but rooms are clean and there are plenty of opportunities for fun, including walking tours and yoga sessions. Read the full review

Enjoy streamlined rooms at Ibis Hotel Mitte in the heart of the city.

Ibis Hotel Mitte

Neighborhood: Prenzlauer Berg
Doubles from $88

While it isn’t the most charming hotel in Berlin, the Ibis Hotel Mitte provides comfortable accommodations, a central location, and friendly service for low rates. Amenities include private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. We’re not usually big fans of chain hotels, but this one passes our cheapo test! Read the full review

Motel One is a chain hotel with chic and cheap rooms.

Motel One Berlin Mitte

Neighborhood: Kreuzberg
Doubles from $111

Earthy, relaxing rooms, modern amenities, and a hip bar make the Motel One Berlin Mitte on of our favorite budget picks. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in serene rooms while enjoying perks like air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Read the full review

The rooms at art’otel Berlin are stylish and right on target with our budget. Photo: Booking.com

art’otel berlin mitte

Neighborhood: Mitte
Doubles from $116

If you love Pop Art, this is your spot in Berlin! This chic hotel is filled with Warhol (or art of Warhol). Along with the glam décor, the hotel features four-star amenities like AC, tea kettles and minibars. The hotel also features an artsy breakfast room, a sleek restaurant, a fitness center and a sauna. While it can be a bit of a cheapo splurge, this hotel offers a lot of bang for your buck. Read the full review

The entrance to Pension Funk, a Belle Époque gem in Berlin.

Pension Funk

Neighborhood: Near the Ku’damm
Doubles from $77

Pension Funk features elegant rooms and a location on the most beautiful street in Berlin. Walking into the rooms is like taking a step back in time, in the best possible way. Delicate chandeliers, printed wallpaper, charming antique furniture and oil paintings welcome guests to their splurge-worthy rooms. Read the full review

More budget hotels in Berlin

Need more options? Check out our full guide to cheap hotels in Berlin.

The post The 7 best budget hotels in Berlin for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: How to save on hotels in France.

Tips for saving on hotels in Europe

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

1. Think about location before price.

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

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

2. Be flexible with your travel schedule.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Which amenities do you really need? Really?

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

5. Know when to book.

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

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

We recommend booking well in advance if:

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

We recommend booking closer to your travel date if:

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

6. Consider first booking a hotel with free cancellation.

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

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

7. Consider renting an apartment.

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

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

8. Hostels are for everyone.

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

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

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

9. Take our hotel advice

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

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

10. Keep saving once you’ve checked in.

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

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

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

Be clear when making your hotel reservation.

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

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

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

Before you hit “book” and reserve your hotels for your upcoming trip, keep the following tips in mind in order to score the best rate possible. After all, you’ll sleep tighter when you save a few euros.

How to Save on Hotels in France

Ready to save? Check out the following advice to save on hotels in France. Note: If you’re only spending time in Paris, be sure to check out our guide to saving on hotels in Paris. You may also want to check out our larger Paris budget travel guide.

1. Your hotel budget goes much further outside Paris.

First-time travelers to Paris often gasp when they first walk into their hotel room. “That’s it?” they stutter, as the door hits the side of the bed.

Yes, for the most part, affordable hotels in Paris have very small rooms, when compared to rooms that you’ll find in smaller towns in France or even in other European capitals (the average hotel room in Berlin, for example, is much larger than in Paris).

To top it all off, that tiny room in Paris can be quite expensive. It could cost you €175 … or more … and that would still be a good deal for Paris.

Fortunately, as you head outside the major French cities (especially Paris and Nice) into smaller destinations and the lovely French countryside, things change dramatically for the better. From Brittany and Normandy to Provence, hotels for the most part offer a better value (and have larger rooms!) than what you’ll find in Paris.

Related:

• Heading to Paris? Read our guide to saving on hotels in Paris.
• See our recommended budget hotels in Paris
• France itinerary: 10 days from Paris to Marseille

The Vieux Relais et Commerce, a Logis hotel in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire. Photo: cjp24

2. Sleep in a village inn or on a farm.

When traveling through France’s smaller towns, villages, and countryside, you’ll see plenty of hotels, but you’ll also see signs for other types of accommodation, including “chambres d’hotes” (guestrooms), “gites” (guest houses), and “Logis” (a network of small inns).

Logis (formerly Logis de France) is an association of independently-run rural inns, most of which offer fine regional meals in addition to accommodation. Logis sends undercover auditors to test out the guestrooms and restaurants at participating hotels, and classifies them by assigning a number of chimneys (for the hotels) and pots (for the restaurants). Logis serves a wide variety of budgets, offering everything from tiny cheapo-friendly village properties to extravagant chateaux, but nearly all have an abundance of charm.

Another French favorite is the “farm stay”, a sort of rural bed-and-breakfast option (although many offer delicious dinner options, often with locally sourced food). The best part? These can often be booked for less than a standard hotel! Check out the Gites de France website for more info. (I once spent a week at a gite in the Charente region of France and loved it so much I nearly moved in.)

3. Stars can be overrated.

I’ve written about this before, but it’s worth repeating: Be savvy when considering a hotel’s star rating. Stars are a classification given to the hotel by a tourism board or government agency, and reflect the services, amenities, and room size — they do not reflect the quality of the hotel or its user rating.

Many hotels game this system by adding lots of extra “stuff” to the room in order to get bumped up to the next star category. For example, a standard two-star hotel can throw in a hairdryer, cosmetic mirror, and safe in the closet… and suddenly get bumped into a three-star. But it doesn’t mean it’s any better.

And conversely, there are some perfectly good hotels can’t add certain services (like an elevator or a breakfast room) because of zoning laws, and thus get stuck in two-star territory.

So be smart about this and don’t strictly limit your options to only one star category. A charming two-star hotel may very well offer a much better experience than a hum-drum three-star hotel.

A cheapo-friendly Hotel F1 located north of Avignon. Photo: catorze

4. Try a French budget hotel chain for a surprise-free night.

Sometimes you simply need sleep for the night. In France you’ll find several budget hotel chains competing for your reservation. Unsurprisingly, many of these are located outside the center city, in industrial-feeling shopping districts, or just off major highways. We’re not talking cobblestone streets here.

Two of the largest budget chains are:

Ibis: The largest economy hotel chain, by far, is Ibis, which is owned by French mega-hotel operator, Accor. There are about 1,800 hotels around the world (mostly in Europe). Ibis operates three categories of hotel: regular old perfectly-pleasant Ibis, swankier Ibis Styles, and super cheap Ibis Budget (formerly Etap Hotels). I’ve stayed at all of these and am happy to report that they’re clean and do the job.

Hotel F1: Accor now owns and operates the even cheaper F1 hotel chain (short for “Formule 1”) that line the main French highways, near aiports and city outskirts. When we’re really just looking for a clean bed, we’ll stay at an F1, as rooms are clean and seriously cheapo… from €22, with free parking. Note that many of the cheapest options share bathrooms and may require you to bring your own towel (or buy a cheap one from the reception).

5. Watch out for extra charges.

When searching for hotels in France and comparing your options, be sure to see what’s included in your room rate.

• Is Wi-Fi free? It should be at this point, but there are still some hotels charging for it.
• Is Breakfast included? (Usually the answer is no. See my next point.)
• Do you need a late checkout? Compare the hotels’ policies.
• Is parking offered? Is it free? (More on this below.)

Note that in France a tourism tax, called the “taxe de sejour“, is charged per person per night. This charge is almost never included in the room rate that you see when you book your room, but is mandatory for hotels located in most tourist destinations in France.

6. Ask what’s for breakfast before you pay for it.

A hotel breakfast in France is usually a bit less robust than what many North American travelers are expecting. (Unlimited waffles for breakfast? Ha! Dream on!)

A typical French hotel breakfast includes a choice of pastry (usually croissant, sometimes also pain au chocolat) and part of a baguette, butter and jam, coffee or tea, and juice. Possible additions include fresh fruit, yogurt (and muesli), hard boiled eggs, cheeses, and fruit. In all but the ritziest four-star hotel buffets, you can forget about omelets, bacon, sausage, etc.

You’ll be asked at check-in if you’d like to have breakfast. As the options are usually pretty limited and breakfast is almost never included in the room rate, it’s best to ask in advance what the breakfast consists of before committing to it. Or, at the very least, only commit to one day of breakfast if you’re staying for several days. You can test it out, and then see if you can do better elsewhere. You’ll most likely find a nearby cafe that offers something even better at a more reasonable price.

Related:How to save on breakfast in Paris.

Where you gonna park? Driving into the pedestrian heart of Angers, France. Photo: alainrouiller

7. Driving? Think about parking when choosing your hotel’s location.

When choosing your hotel’s location, consider your parking options. I’m always a fan of sleeping in the old center cities of French towns. In Avignon, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Chartres, Aix-en-Provence… I tend to look for hotels that are in the historic old town (“centre ville”), and sometimes within the old walls, too. It’s where all the action is, including the top sights, restaurants, and activities.

While these central spots are often convenient for those arriving by train (many stations are within a quick walk of the old center cities), those arriving by car might have an expensive surprise awaiting them. Be aware that many of these historic centers are pedestrian-only zones, and hotels in these areas almost never offer free parking for guests.

This shouldn’t dissuade you from choosing a hotel here, of course, as parking options will be offered by the hotel — however, you’ll most likely have to pay top dollar for it. Garages inside the “old centers” tend to be the most expensive anywhere. When comparing hotels, you might find hotels within a quick walk of the old center that offer free onsite parking. It might be worth the walk to avoid an overpriced garage.

Related:Tips for renting a car and driving in France

8. Should you book early or last minute? It depends.

As I wrote in my article about when to book hotels for the best rates, if you have your eye on a particular hotel, book it. If it’s a popular, top-rated property, or you’re visiting during the high season, you should just go ahead and secure a room as far in advance as possible.

However, if you’re more flexible about where you stay and you’re not traveling during peak travel times or when a local festival or business conference is happening, you could take a chance on scoring a last-minute deal. It only makes sense to play “wait and see”, however, if you do preliminary hotel searches and see lots of availability for your travel dates. If you see only a few hotels available, you’d be better off booking something right away, as waiting could force you to stay in a far-flung location or pay through the nose.

Another option is to book a fully refundable hotel, and then play wait and see. You’ll be able to upgrade to a better option as your travel dates approach if one presents itself, and cancel your old reservation.

9. Finding super high rates? Be wary… and be flexible.

If your hotel searches are turning up surprisingly expensive rates, you might have stumbled into festival or conference dates. (This is a regular issue travelers face when unwittingly booking Paris trips during fashion weeks.)

Try adjusting the dates back or forward a week. If you see a big change, visit the website of the city’s official tourism office to determine if your visit is coinciding with a special event or business conference. If you have flexibility with your itinerary, it might be wise to change course and visit at another date.

10. Book on EuroCheapo!

Naturally, we can’t wrap up the article without mentioning that EuroCheapo offers reservations at thousands of cheap hotels in France through our reservation partner Booking.com. Sleep better knowing that you’re not blowing your budget in your sleep.

• Do a search on our homepage for your destination or in the search box below.
• Check out our recommended hotels in Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg.

Your tips?

Have a tip about ways to save at hotels in France? Share with us in our comments section below!

This article was edited and updated on April 30, 2024.

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

Affordable hotels near popular sights in Paris

Head to our Paris hotel guide for reviews of dozens of our favorite hotels in Paris. However, if you already know what you’d like to be near, consider the following six hotels in our favorite areas.

Eiffel Tower: Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche

Doubles from €129

If you’re looking to see that tower thing, know that it’s not in the center of the city. Another thing to note? Staying by a landmark as iconic as the Eiffel Tower can cost a pretty penny. You can get the most bang for your buck at Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche, which sometimes offers rates under €130 in winter. Rooms are small, but some offer a great view of the tower.

Mama Shelter puts you near the famous cemetery and hip spots in the 20th. Photo: Booking.com

Père Lachaise: Mama Shelter Paris East

Doubles from €95

If you’re looking to get away from all of the tour buses and cameras, you can try your best out in the 20th arrondissement by shaking it up at Mama Shelter, a super-chic and budget-friendly hotel. Wander the Père Lachaise cemetery in isolation, hanging out in one of the world’s most famous cemeteries with stars like Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.

The Absolute Paris Hostel is an artsy hostel in a trendy neighborhood. Photo: Booking.com

Canal St-Martin: Absolute Paris Hostel

Doubles from €115

If you want to play a proper hipster in Paris, or if you just need a place to stay that’s not far from the Gare du Nord on your way to London or Amsterdam, check out the Absolute Paris Hostel. Close to the now-famous Canal St-Martin district, it’s one of Paris’ trendier neighborhoods where you can forego Chanel and Vuitton for a pair of beat up Chucks and any brand of skinny jeans. The hotel has shared rooms if you’re looking to meet fellow travelers, or doubles if you want privacy. No matter the room, there’s a funky, artsy vibe that matches the neighborhood’s trendiness.

The Hotel Du Cygne makes it easy to stroll to the Louvre. Photo: EuroCheapo

Louvre: Hotel du Cygne

Doubles from €148

You’re in Paris for the art? Don’t look farther than the Hotel du Cygne, a cute little two-star hotel with wood-beamed ceilings and a friendly staff. A quick walk to the Louvre and the Pompidou, it’s a great starting point for those looking to get a quick and easy dose of paintings and sculptures while not paying too much for accommodations. The galleries and museums of the Marais aren’t too far away, either. That makes this a good base for multiple days of inspiring visits.

The funky Hotel Esmeralda offers an incredible location along the Seine. Photo: EuroCheapo

Notre Dame: Hotel Esmeralda

Doubles from €121

Whether you’ve dreamed of studying at the Sorbonne or just want to be as close to Notre Dame as possible, look no farther than the Hotel Esmeralda, located along the left bank of the Seine. Rooms look out onto views of the city’s two islands and the world’s most famous Gothic cathedral. The entire Latin Quarter, featuring medieval and Roman architecture as well as the Pantheon and the main building of the Sorbonne, are a quick walk away.

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

Marais: Hôtel Rivoli

Doubles from €106

You want to be trendy, but central. You want to be touristy, yet also stay near some locals. Basically, you want it all. Well drop your luggage in the Marais at the Hôtel Rivoli, a very sweet and simple hotel right across the street from the city hall. The Marais is a great place to call home. It has free museums, an array of shopping for all budgets, and some of the best cheap eats in Paris.

More Paris affordable hotels

To see many more budget hotel picks for Paris, including more recommendations for each of these neighborhoods, see the hotel reviews in our Paris guide. If you want to save more on your accommodations, you can also check out our tips for saving on hotels in France.

The post Paris Affordable Hotels: 6 sleeps near popular sights appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ll show you how to find the perfect hotel at the right price. Read on!

A quick love letter to small hotels in Paris

First, a quick personal note. I love Paris’ small family-run hotels. Even in this age of globalized, normalized and homogenized travel experiences, Paris is still home to a good crop of independently owned and operated hotels. I’ve been visiting and reviewing these hotels since we launched EuroCheapo in 2001, and you can read all of my hotel recommendations here.

On EuroCheapo, we really dig smallish hotels with a unique sense of style, a fun history, interesting proprietor, or other unique angle. And while the city is also filled with standard chain hotels, an ever-increasing number of boutique hotels, and countless apartment rentals (all of which can be great, if that’s your thing!), Paris also still offers a wide array of interesting and independent small hotels that won’t blow your budget.

How to save on Paris hotels

So, how can you save on these hotels? Read my 13 tips below!

Related article: Also be sure to check out my tutorial on how to save on hotels throughout France. There are lots of budget options once you get outside Paris!

Summer travel means long lines in Paris, including outside Notre Dame. Photo: djddz.com

1. Know your seasons

While you’ll always find tourists in Paris no matter what time of year you visit, some seasons are simply busier than others and thus, more expensive. The city’s three main tourist seasons are, roughly speaking:

• Low season: November – March (excluding the holidays)

• High season: May – July, and September

• Shoulder season: August, October, and April

Low season, as we discussed in this article, is obviously the cheapest time to visit, although it also has the dreariest weather. However, hotel occupancy is way down in the city, leading to great deals on hotels that would normally be way to rich for our cheapo blood. Other advantages include no lines at museums, wide-ranging cultural offerings, and the chance to see everyday Parisians at work and play.

High season, running from early May to late July, and September, is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is usually sunny and, quite frankly, because many visitors simply don’t have a choice. Given vacation and academic schedules, this is the only time they can come. If this is your situation (and it is for the majority of our readers), make the best of it. Hotel rates will be at their peak, and lines will be long at top attractions. (Here are some tips for beating those lines.) But hey, the weather will probably be great and you might wind up with a nice tan. Note that September is also considered high season, as it’s a very popular time and the weather tends to be perfect.

Shoulder season, the transition period between high and low seasons, is an excellent (and cheaper) alternative to high season travel. Kids are back in school, lines are far shorter (or nonexistent), and the weather mild and comfortable. Hotel rates also drop considerably, as they compete for fewer travelers. If you have flexibility in your schedule, but still want decent weather, try coming during this period.

Crowds thin out a bit in August, and hotel rates drop accordingly. Photo: EuroCheapo

2. Find lower rates in August

August in Paris is a peculiar time to visit, as many of the city’s residents bolt from town on the first weekend of the month, taking off for several weeks of vacation. This leaves behind a city of tourists (along with some locals who either couldn’t or didn’t want to leave town). The hotels, however, remain open, but lodge fewer tourists than the earlier summer months and are thus forced to lower their rates.

The feeling in town is a bit odd. Everyday shops, food stands, and restaurants pull their grates down and lock up for several weeks, leaving behind just a handwritten message about the date of their return. Tourists wander the streets, many of them just fine with the fact that the tourist/local balance has been upended. (Read more about the pros and cons of visiting in August.)

Visiting Paris in August can be great for budget-conscious summer travelers, as deals abound. The same hotel room can be had for quite a bit less in August than it would have cost in June or July.

3. Watch out for fashion week and conferences

If you’re searching around for hotels for your dates and everything is coming back sky-high, you might be planning your trip during a fashion week or while a big convention is in town. While it can be fun to see the city packed with models and industry types, they also drive up hotel rates (and tend to take over museums with their special events!).

Avoid these upcoming fashion weeks:

• Menswear: June 20-25, 2023
• Womenswear: September 25-October 3, 2023
• Haute couture: July 3-6, 2023
• Learn more about Paris fashion week dates here.

4. Book early, last-minute or both

These days, it can be difficult to know whether or not to book your hotel in advance or wait around until the last minute to snag a deal. As we discussed in this post on when to book your hotel, it really depends on when you’re traveling and what your priorities are. Here are a few tips:

• Visiting during low or shoulder season and just want the best deal? You could probably wait until the last minute for rates to come down. This would be a good strategy if you just want to find a last-minute deal on any three- or four-star hotel.

• Visiting during high season? Book in advance for the best selection at the best rates, especially if you’ll be in town from May-July. Waiting too long runs the risk of limiting your options, and could cause you to book something expensive in a less-than-ideal neighborhood.

• Visiting anytime and have a specific hotel you’d like to stay in? Book it in advance to secure your room. Especially if you plan to book any of the city’s most popular hotels (like those on our list of the “top best budget hotels“), they will fill up.

• Feel like playing the game? Another strategy that’s recently become popular: You could also book a hotel well in advance with a refundable rate that allows you to cancel. As the travel date gets closer, you could continue to search around for a better deal. However, take note: You often pay a premium for these refundable rates, as the non-refundable rates for the same room might be 10-15% less. Also, be sure to read the terms for cancellation, as many “refundable” reservations actually become non-refundable several days before check-in. If you’re going to play this game, know the window during which you can cancel.

5. Understand that stars are not user ratings

Most of the hotels that we’ve reviewed on EuroCheapo are two- or three-star hotels. Note that these stars don’t reflect a customer rating, but rather the hotel’s category, from 0 to 5, given to the hotel by the city’s tourism board. The more services and amenities a hotel offers, the higher the star rating. Tourism officials regularly visit the hotels, inspect and check off the amenities: elevator, breakfast room, air conditioning, safe… check, check, check, check!

However, as I wrote about in this article, star ratings can offer a lopsided view of hotels, especially in Paris where it can be difficult or impossible to obtain permits to do renovations (like adding elevators or expanding bathrooms). This can limit the star power of properties in old buildings, and keep perfectly fine, spic-and-span hotels stuck in the one- or two-star category. Meanwhile, other properties sloppily game the system, adding a long list of ho-hum amenities and services that you’re unlikely to use (laundry services, telephones, DVD players) in order to inflate their star rating.

In short: Don’t corner yourself into thinking that you absolutely need a four-star or three-star hotel. If possible, be flexible, fall back a star, and you could find some great savings.

Check out this list of recommended two-star hotels in Paris. Many actually offer better hotel experiences than “fancier” and (more expensive) three-star hotels.

6. Be comfortable, but don’t pay for amenities you don’t need

At the same time, understand what you need in order to be comfortable. Find the right balance: Choose a hotel that offers those things you need, but don’t pay for services and amenities that you won’t use. Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Are you willing to share a bath with another room (or several rooms)? If so, you can sleep very cheaply at these one-star hotels.

• Do you need an elevator? Private bath? Free Wi-Fi? It’s possible to find all three in a well-run one-star hotel (like the Hotel Tiquetonne). However, these three amenities will generally put you in two-star hotel territory, where you’re also likely to find rooms with TV and nicer bathrooms (with hairdryer).

• If you need air conditioning, you’ll almost certainly have to bump up to the three-star category, where you’ll also likely find a minibar, safe, and other extras. Keep in mind, however, that you’re really only likely to take advantage of the air conditioning during the warmest summer months (July and August). Some AC systems won’t even work during non-summer months.

The Hotel La Louisiane is located in the heart of the St. Germain des Pres neighborhood. Photo: EuroCheapo

7. Consider budget-friendly hotels in the center

I visit Paris several times a year to stay on top of our hotel listings. When I do, I tend to sleep in the city center. I’d actually rather choose a one- or two-star hotel in the center, than have a three- or four-star hotel in the outskirts of town. Why? I like being able to walk out the door of my hotel and get to the Louvre, or dinner, or a park quickly. I love to walk in Paris or take a Velib’ bike — and a central hotel makes getting around easy and limits the number of times I take the Metro (and makes cabs unnecessary).

My favorite sleeps in the center include:

Central Right Bank:

• Popular and cheapo pick: Hotel Tiquetonne
• Marais splurge-worthy country cottage: Hotel Jeanne d’Arc
• Gilt-y pleasure in the Marais: Hotel de Nice
• Hidden romancer: Hotel Chopin
• Upper Marais and reliable: Hotel Paris France

See more Right Bank picks near the Louvre and in the Marais.

Central Left Bank:

• Kooky Notre Dame neighbor: Hotel Esmeralda
• Jazz Age favorite: Hotel La Louisiane
• Mural-filled fun: Hotel de Nesle
• Friendly and family pick: Hotel Marignan
• Academic and quiet: Hotel des 3 Colleges
• Blvd St-Michel old timer: Hotel de Suez
• Balconies a-plenty: Grand Hotel des Balcons

See more Left Bank picks in the Latin Quarter and in St. Germain des Pres.

8. Head outside the center to find a deal

The counter argument to this, of course, is that if you’re willing to ride the city’s efficient Metro system to and from your hotel, you could choose a hotel situated farther afield, including in the nearby suburbs, and find an excellent deal (including on three- and four-star hotels).

For more about this, check out these posts on cool hotels in the 12th arrondissement, and recommended hotels in the nearby ‘burbs.

Use those filters to drill down and find the best values!

9. Drill down when you search

This might seem a bit obvious, but it’s worth mentioning to those new to searching for hotels online: When doing a hotel search for your travel dates, whether on EuroCheapo or any other site, use search filters to drill down to find properties that works for you. Don’t just assume that the hotels on the first page are going to be the best bet for your trip. In many cases, these might be too expensive or not fit your needs.

Instead, use filters strategically to limit hotels to those in your preferred neighborhoods, star rating, price range, and user review score. The deals are there, but they might take a bit of clicking to uncover.

10. Consider a trendy new hostel

While we’re at it, why not consider sleeping in a hostel? They’re not just for “youths” anymore — most don’t have any age limit, and many offer rooms with private bath. Here’s a list of reviewed hostels in Paris.

Also to consider, the newer Generator Hostel, with swanky new rooms and a cool location near the Canal St-Martin.

11. You might need to call to reserve

Paris is unusual in that many of the city’s most popular small budget hotels are actually not bookable through online reservation websites (for example, Booking.com, which powers EuroCheapo’s online reservations). Look at the list above of my favorite central hotels. More than half of these are not actually available to book through our system.

So why are we listing them? Well, because we still think they offer an extraordinary value. However, you’ll need to call or email them directly to reserve, or book through their own website. (We include phone numbers and websites in our reviews.) Don’t want to mess around with that? Then simply stick to our “bookable” hotels. Do a city-wide search from the search box above (or on our Paris homepage) to see what’s available to book immediately.

This hotel breakfast is cute—but check the price tag before signing up for it! Photo: Craig Nelson

12. Watch out for extra charges

When searching around for your hotel, read the fine print to see what’s included.

• Wi-Fi: It should be — and is free in most, but not all, hotels in Paris. If it’s not included, be wary.

• Breakfast: It almost certainly is not. Check to see how much it costs. More about this below.

• Safe: Most hotels will let you leave valuables in the hotel’s safe or will provide you with a safe in your room. Check to see if it’s free to use. Most are, but some hotels will nickel-and-dime you here.

• Water: How thoughtful of the hotel to leave bottles of water for you in your room! Watch out, it isn’t free. In fact, it probably is exorbitantly expensive and should only be gulped down in the direst of circumstances. Instead, head to the grocery story to buy water as soon as you check in, and pick up other goodies and snacks.

• Minibar: Please, for the sake of your budget, resist. Pick up snacks at the grocery store.

13. Just say “non” to overpriced breakfasts

In Paris, hotel breakfasts are a huge up sell for hotels and tend to be not worth the cost. When you’re checking in, the receptionist will ask you if you’ll be joining for breakfast every morning. Take the opportunity to ask what’s included and how much it costs. Is it just a piece of baguette, croissant, jelly, juice and coffee? (This is likely.) You can get the same thing at a neighborhood cafe or (better yet) bakery for much cheaper. In the case of the bakery, it will still be warm!

Conversely, some hotels will offer a full buffet, but usually with a hefty price tag (some up to €20!). We’d rather start with something cheaper outside, and then splurge one of these budget-friendly prix-fixe lunches a few hours later.

Search for and save on Paris hotels

To see hotels available for your travel dates, do a search in the box above or from our Paris homepage, where you can also see a list of our reviewed and recommended budget hotels.

The post Simple ways to save on your hotel in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Located in beautiful San Diego, California, La Jolla has a lot to offer budget travelers looking to save on a beach vacation. Best of all, the weather here is ideal year-round with temperatures almost always warm. Just pack a jacket if 60°F winters bother you.

Interested in exploring more beaches nearby? Check out our guide to the best beaches along the West Coast.

What to do at La Jolla Cove

One of the things I love most about La Jolla are the sea lions and seals! You have to take care to not get too close, but it’s amazing to watch the marine life bask in the sunshine and play with one another. Best of all for cheapos, it’s completely free to watch these creatures thrive in their natural habitat.

La Jolla Cove is also, as its name implies, a cove, which makes for great exploring. The cove is safe enough to traverse for beginners and kids but still feels adventurous. You can also snorkel here. Stop by the tide pools to watch smaller marine life like crabs and fish — you’ll have the best experience from December through March.

Exploring the cove is completely free. Photo: Paige Bennett

Affordable restaurants in La Jolla

San Diego is a hot spot for Mexican food, fresh fare and wine. Duke’s La Jolla is a popular local spot where you can get fresh fish and traditional burgers and salads plus beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails. If you’re in the area for Taco Tuesday, you’ll get deals on tacos and margaritas, too. Cove House offers seasonal menus, so you know you’re always enjoying something fresh. Stop by for brunch for crab egg’s benedict, or grab grilled fish tacos. Are you a beer-drinker? Stop by Karl Strauss Brewing Company for beers and grub focused on sustainability.

A sunset view over the Pacific Ocean as spotted from Inn by the Sea. Photo: Booking.com

Budget Hotels in La Jolla

Beach Haven Inn

Double rooms starting at $99

Just a block from the beach, the Beach Haven Inn is a safe and affordable bet. Rooms include full kitchens, so you can save money by whipping up something at your home base. Don’t feel like cooking? The nearby boardwalk features 3 miles of restaurants. Crystal Pier is also nearby, and the cove is a few miles away.

Residence Inn La Jolla

Double rooms starting at $110

Positioned further from the beach but still in a great location, Residence Inn La Jolla offers sunny suites complete with kitchens, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included for free. The Birch Aquarium is close by, and La Jolla Cove is only 2.5 miles from the inn.

Inn by the Sea

Double rooms starting at $129

You can walk to the cove from the charming Inn by the Sea. Simple, blue-and-yellow rooms are air conditioned and include free Wi-Fi, TVs and balconies or patios. Be sure to book in advance to get the best rates.

Big windows means big view! Photo: Booking.com

La Jolla Cove Suites

Double rooms starting at $142

You can’t get closer to La Jolla Cove than the beachfront La Jolla Cove Suites. Such a premium location comes at a price, but booking ahead of time (and considering off-season travel, although the weather is perfect all the time!) can make this hotel an affordable option. Rooms are sleek and modern with amenities including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and ocean-facing balconies.

The post Budget travel guide to La Jolla Cove appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Exploring more of the western U.S.? Here’s our guide to the best West Coast beaches.

What to do at Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is great if you’re looking for a no-frills destination. First and foremost, just enjoy the clean, uncrowded beach! You can also walk along the pier to take in the views, with ocean on one side and mountains on the opposite side. Fishing is free, or pole rentals and bait are available along with kayak and paddleboard rentals. You can also visit Veteran’s Park, a massive local park, where you can picnic, jog, or just soak in the sunshine. On Thursdays, stop by the farmers market at the park for delicious local produce.

A huge, warm churro? Yes, please! Photo: Paige Bennett

Affordable restaurants in Redondo Beach

As soon as you have arrived, head straight for Churros Pier Bakery at the pier. Here, you’ll find huge, foot-long churros for cheap, but make sure you have cash, as this is a cash-only establishment. Paired with caramel, strawberry, or chocolate sauce, these churros are a must.

Aside from the churros, there are several dining options along the pier. Oriental Breeze offers affordable sushi and other Japanese fare. Old Tony’s has fresh seafood dishes and cocktails. For delicious, fresh local Thai cuisine, visit The Shrimp Lover, or indulge in tacos by the beach at El Cinco de Mayo.

Take in salty ocean breezes at Grandview Inn. Photo: Booking.com

Budget hotels in Redondo Beach

Ready to book your stay? Here are some surprisingly affordable hotel options in the Redondo Beach area.

Seaside Motel

Double rooms starting at $99

Located just 10 minutes from LAX, the Seaside Motel is an unassuming option with easy access to the beach via car (a 5-minute drive on a good traffic day), bike or public transit. Rooms offer basic amenities like fridges, TVs and Wi-Fi, plus enough room to stretch out.

Grandview Inn

Double rooms starting at $119

With a modern design and beachfront access, the Grandview Inn is a solid bet if you plan to hit the beach from sunrise to sunset. Rooms are sleek and spacious with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and movie rentals and fridges. Rates tend to fluctuate, so book well ahead if possible; for a bit extra, you can score a room with ocean views, too.

Chill out by the pool at Redondo Beach Hotel. Photo: Booking.com

The Redondo Beach Hotel

Double rooms starting at $149

Just a short walk to the pier and a plethora of restaurants, the inviting Redondo Beach Hotel includes extras like a hot tub, heated pool and fitness center, although you could just walk out the front door and swim, soak or run along the beach. Either way, you’ll enjoy this hotel’s modern, comfortable rooms; check when booking to grab a room with marina or city views.

The post Budget travel guide to Redondo Beach appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.