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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel Location

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

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

Average room rate

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

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

Quality

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

User ratings and reviews

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

Room size

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

“Special something”

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

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

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

The 8 best cheap hotels in Paris in 2025

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

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

Hotel de la Place des Alpes **

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

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

Read full review

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

Hotel du Pré ***

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

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

Read full review

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

Hotel Rivoli

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

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

Read full review

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

Plug-Inn Boutique Hostel

Neighborhood: 18th: Montmartre
Average rate: €132

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

Read full review

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

Hotel Audran *

Neighborhood: 18th: Montmartre
Average room rate €141

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

Read full review

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

Hotel Du Cygne **

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

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

Read full review

Hotel de Nesle **

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

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

Read full review

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

Hotel Chopin **

Neighborhood: 9th: Opéra
Average room rate €159

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

Read full review

More cheap hotels in Paris

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

• See all reviewed hotels

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

A note about reserving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: Our top budget hotels for Paris.

Our top budget hotels in Rome

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

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

Suore di S Elisabetta

Neighborhood: South of Termini Station
Average double: €108

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

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

Read full review

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

Hotel Silla **

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €126

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

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

Read full review

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

1 Step From Saint Peter

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €126

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

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

Read full review

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

The Beehive *

Neighborhood: North of Termini Station
Average double: €135

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

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

Read full review

Guestrooms at Marta Guest House have a touch of grandeur.

Marta Guest House

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €162

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

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

Read full review

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

Hotel Trastevere ***

Neighborhood: Trastevere
Average double: €163

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

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

Read full review

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

Hotel Panda **

Neighborhood: Near the Spanish Steps
Average double: €163

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

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

Read full review

Read more

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

• See all reviewed hotels

• Search hotels: Under $100 | Under $200

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

NY Moore Hostel

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

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

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

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

Book a cheapo stay at NY Moore Hostel.

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

NU Hotel

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

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

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

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

Breakfast is included in the room rate.

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

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

The Box House Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If this all sounds like a dream to you, you’re in luck! As with any city, there are certainly tourist traps and pricey hotels, but we’re always happy to be a trusted friend, scoping out the best budget hotels for you — hotels that might be low in cost but don’t skimp on everything you’ve come to expect from a comfortable vacation.

Related: Our top picks for free (and cheap) things to do in Salzburg

Our favorite budget hotels in Salzburg

Here are our top budget hotel picks for Salzburg.

Pension Elisabeth

Neighborhood: Schallmoos
Doubles from $68

With a sun-soaked courtyard and leafy plants dotted all throughout the building, Pension Elisabeth is warm and welcoming, and it’s one of our favorite budget hotels in Salzburg. Simple rooms are clean and offer flat-screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. Save even more by booking a room with a shared bathroom, or “splurge” (the rates are still very cheapo-friendly) on an en suite room. We even spied rooms with balconies and views of the Alps! Let Pension Elisabeth welcome you to Salzburg.

The bar at Hotel Drei Kreuz.

Drei Kreuz

Neighborhood: Schallmoos
Doubles from $59

We won’t lie to you, the decor at Drei Kreuz is nothing to write home about. But rooms are still clean and offer everything you need for a comfortable trip: private bathrooms, televisions, free Wi-Fi and cheap breakfast. The staff is kind, the rooms are fairly spacious, and two rooms even have kitchenettes. You’ll also find plenty of cheap eats all along the street. Score that room with a kitchenette before it is gone.

A charming courtyard at Hotel Krone 1512.

Hotel Krone 1512

Neighborhood: Right Bank
Doubles from $84

This historical charmer is located along a pedestrian-only street lined with old pastel buildings. In fact, the Hotel Krone 1512 itself is tucked into a 15th-century structure complete with vaulted ceilings and an ivy-covered patio. In the rooms, you can find modern televisions, free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms with bathtubs plus views of the city or garden. Just outside, you’ll find plenty of adorable shops and cafes. Book a dreamy room today.

We love the old-world feel of the Adlerhof Hotel.

Adlerhof

Neighborhood: Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Doubles from $104

Whether you prefer old-world charm or something more streamlined and minimalist, Adlerhof is ready to appease you. Some rooms feature hand-painted headboards and local furnishings, while others are modernly styled. Both options are equally pleasing, and you’ll find flat-screens, private baths and free Wi-Fi. We recommend a room in the front for more privacy and better views. Breakfast is free, and there are plenty of great cafes nearby. What are you waiting for? Reserve a room!

A stylish room at the Bergland Hotel.

Bergland Hotel

Neighborhood: Schallmoos
Doubles from $118

If you’re looking for an interesting place for your home base, the Bergland is it. It’s eclectic and bright in a fun way, with splashes of bright red among the knickknacks. Even the hotel lounge feels like a destination on your itinerary, with its shelves bursting with books, plenty of plant life and a bar to enjoy your nightcap. Among the playful decor, rooms also have flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, kettles, private bathrooms (that are quite beautiful for a bathroom!) and free Wi-Fi. Initiate your Salzburg trip planning by booking a room at Bergland.

Book a budget hotel in Salzburg

Looking for more picks in the land of Mozart? Browse our Salzburg hotel guide.

The post The best budget hotels in Salzburg for 2024 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The best of these have a few things in common. For the most part, they’re small, independent affairs that have been run by the same proprietor or family for decades. Indeed, in the 20+ years I’ve been visiting these hotels, I am often received in the reception by the same friendly faces, year after year.

Many of these hotels offer simple and clean rooms, while limiting the number of extra gizmos that other hotels add to inflate the price (and star rating). As you look through the list below, you’ll note that many don’t offer a TV, although almost all of them now offer free Wi-Fi. (This also keeps things quieter.)

Finally, many of these hotels have a little something special happening. Perhaps it’s interesting decor, or an impossibly central location. What makes these hotels different is that they don’t just offer a really cheap bed, but they offer an experience that I find interesting and particulary Parisian.

If you’re looking for somewhere simple and affordable to stay during your trip to Paris, read on for some of my favorite cheapo spots.

Top Super Cheap Hotels in Paris

Here are my seven favorite hotels in Paris with doubles for under €125 a night. To read many more reviews (including fabulous sleeps that are a tad more expensive), check out our Paris guide and our favorite budget hotels in Paris.

Hotel Stella is simple and old, but it offers plenty of charm. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Stella

Doubles: €90
Read review

First up: Hotel Stella. This hotel is the cheapest of all hotels we’ve reviewed, yet it doesn’t skimp on a great experience. The one-star Hotel Stella is old, cheap and charming, and boasts a Left Bank location right around the corner from the Jardin de Luxembourg. Although it might be too basic for some (no Wi-Fi or TV in the rooms), others will revel in its quirkiness and romantic ambiance, and the general spaciousness of its 20 rooms (including one with an old upright piano in it).

Booking tips: The hotel doesn’t accept credit cards, and late arrivals should note the limited hours of the reception. There isn’t any elevator.

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

Hotel de la Place des Alpes

Doubles: €90
Read review

Hotel de la Place des Alpes may not offer much by way of style, but clean (and cheap!) rooms, kind staff, and a convenient location make it a good value. The hotel is near the Metro, but it also has an interesting location in a less touristy part of Paris, meaning you can get to experience the city more like the locals do. There are also an impressive amount of amenities for super cheap hotels in Paris; this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, breakfast (for a fee), and private bathrooms. Rooms also have flat-screen TVs, phones, and safes. There’s even an elevator (even if it doesn’t service all floors of the hotel).

The old fashioned Hotel Tiquetonne. Photo: djddz.com

Hotel Tiquetonne

Doubles: €103
Read review

The Hotel Tiquetonne is one of our favorite hotels on the site, and certainly one of the most popular with readers. Situated a couple of blocks north of Les Halles on the boutique-lined rue Tiquetonne, the creaky and old fashioned hotel provides 45 simple, clean and very cheap rooms with a feminine touch (I mean, look at that wallpaper!). While they don’t have TVs, the hotel does provide free Wi-Fi.

Booking tips: Call or email the hotel as early as possible, especially during high season, as it fills up. We prefer the rooms on the higher floors that face the street, as they have great views. State your preference when reserving.

The Hotel Rivoli is located across the street from Paris’ city hall. Photo: djddz.com

Hotel Rivoli

Doubles: €107
Read review

Sleeping at the Hotel Rivoli, situated across the rue de Rivoli from the Hotel de Ville, is about as central (and basic) as it gets. Doubles hover around €107 per night, even during the peak travel season. There’s no elevator, no TV, and basically no charming extras, but it’s clean, conveniently placed, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout.

The Cluny Sorbonne is located across the street from the famous university. Photo: djddz.com

Cluny Sorbonne

Doubles: €116
Read review

Studious types will dig the Hotel Cluny Sorbonne, an old fashioned hotel located across a tiny street from the Université de la Sorbonne in the Latin Quarter. And students, take note: Famed French poet Rimbaud lived here in 1872 and penned poems by candlelight in room 62. A recent renovation made the 23 rooms slightly more expensive, but also freshened things up quite a bit. All rooms with TV, free Wi-Fi and private bath.

Booking tips: Rates are slightly cheaper when you book more than three nights. We also preferred the street-side rooms on the higher floors here, as there are some gorgeous views over the Sorbonne (ask when booking).

The great neighborhood views are just the tip of the charming iceberg at La Louisiane. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel La Louisiane

Doubles: €116
Read review

While Hotel La Louisiane is considered an unrated hotel, it offers a similar experience to staying at an excellent two-star hotel. Rooms are a little aged, but clean and comfy in a great location in St. Germain des Pres. Like many super cheap hotels in Paris, there are no TVs here, but you can still access the Wi-Fi for free. As a bonus, rooms have mini-fridges to store all the fresh goodies you can find at the nearby outdoor market. But the best part is the charming views from the hotel rooms (see photo above).

You’re unlikely to find more unique guestrooms than those at Hotel de Nesle. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel de Nesle

Doubles: €117
Read review

The one-star Hotel de Nesle (pronounced Nell) has been a EuroCheapo favorite for years. Rooms feature original painted murals by the family that owns the place, and unique furnishings complement the eclectic style of this hotel. The lobby is equally quirky, while the lush courtyard offers a place of respite in the city. You’ll get a room either facing the street or the courtyard; both options are refreshingly quiet.

Booking tip: Reception closes at 2 a.m. here. After you’ve checked in, you’ll have your own key to get back in the building. But if your flight into Paris doesn’t land until the wee hours of the morning, you’ll need to wait for reception to reopen to get to your room.

More suggestions for budget hotels in Paris

But wait, I’m just getting started! For many more budget hotel picks in Paris, visit our Paris guide. And no matter where you decide to sleep, make sure to check out our tips on saving on hotels in France to get the best deals in Paris and beyond.

The post Our 7 Favorite Hotels in Paris Under €125 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.

Manhattan Basics

The long, slender island of Manhattan is broken into neighborhoods in an organized, sensible way. Uptown is north, downtown is south, the west side hugs the Hudson River (next stop: New Jersey), and the east side flanks the East River with landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge.

Each neighborhood has its own character and attracts different kinds of people. Are you right for the Lower East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, TriBeCa, or somewhere in between? Decide after consulting these neighborhood descriptions.

Staying in the blocks near Central Park South gives you easy access to the park and to Midtown. Photo: Nouhailler

Central Park South

This micro-neighborhood—squeezed between the southern edge of Central Park and the much more bustling Theater District—is just about the dead center of Manhattan. Some people will choose this locale from 55th to 59th Street for close proximity to Central Park’s bike trails or sunbathing meadows, while others want to be near landmarks like Carnegie Hall and a variety of subway lines.

For nightlife, boutique shopping, and intimate restaurants—go elsewhere.

The High Line, an elevated outdoor park, draws throngs of tourists and locals to the west side of Chelsea. Photo: Michaeltk

Chelsea

Once you’ve seen the major midtown landmarks, you might want to get a feel for local neighborhoods instead. Chelsea, on the west side just north of the West Village, is home to blocks of historic brownstones, a thriving gallery scene, and a variety of businesses that cater to the local gay community.

One Chelsea highlight is the High Line, an old elevated train track that has been converted into a park with Hudson River views. This sophisticated neighborhood appeals to creative types seeking the latest in art and style.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Chelsea Inn or the Inn on 23rd.

East Village

The East Village may have shed some of its edgy reputation in recent decades, but it’s still one of Manhattan’s best hubs for cheap eats, rowdy bars, and affordable stores. These days you are just as likely to find a proper cocktail (with a proper price tag to match) as a cheap beer, but that’s part of today’s East Village appeal.

If late night pizza by the slice, noodle bars full of local NYU students, and streets with quirky characters sounds right up your alley—go with the East Village. Some streets may have been somewhat dodgy in the past, but are now safe.

Hotel suggestions: Try St. Marks Hotel or East Village Bed and Coffee.

Greenwich Village and West Village

There is a distinct energy in Greenwich Village, from the musicians playing in Washington Square Park to the cafés, used book stores, and cheap ethnic restaurants that cater to local NYU students. Late night the volume gets turned up a bit too loud around Bleecker and MacDougal streets, so visit during the day.

Or simply cross 7th Avenue into the West Village, home to some of Manhattan’s most charming (and confusing) streets, local bars, literary history, and every type of restaurant imaginable. Affordable hotel choices are slim, but worth investigating, as most New Yorkers dream of one day moving in to that perfect West Village apartment.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Jane Hotel or the Larchmont Hotel.

Hell’s Kitchen

The story of the westernmost area of Midtown is the story of ever-changing New York City: one of the least desirable neighborhoods is now red hot. The turf wars and crime scenes are gone from Hell’s Kitchen, with trendy wine bars and restaurants serving small plates taking over. If you want your New York with a bit of grit, it still exists in Hell’s Kitchen. Locals have followed the shiny new condos and promising young chefs into the neighborhood. For some of the best cheapo shopping in the city, check out the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel 414 or Yotel.

Lower East Side

A former tenement neighborhood full of immigrants, the Lower East Side is in a state of flux. Here, boutique hotels are located across the street from penny candy stores. Stylish young people share the streets with a new wave of immigrants and young families.

This is a neighborhood for the hungry: Eat your way through the Essex Street Market, tackle a huge pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli, or sample a classic New York sandwich of lox on a bagel at historic Russ and Daughters. Nightlife and live music thrive all week long here, with plenty of during-the-day things to do like exploring the Tenement Museum.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel East Houston or SoHotel.

Midtown East / Murray Hill

Stretching from Fifth Avenue east to the river, Midtown East is a neighborhood of skyscrapers filled with businesses. Visitors are drawn here by the iconic sights—Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, the United Nations—but local character is just about absent. Sure, bars and restaurants are packed at Happy Hour with people just off work, but later the streets can feel a bit deserted. Stay here for a convenient, quiet base between downtown and midtown attractions, just don’t expect charming cafés and pretty brownstones.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Pod Hotel.

SoHo and TriBeCa

Short for “South of Houston,” SoHo has morphed from an artist’s enclave to upscale shopper’s paradise, but it is still home to some of the prettiest cobbled streets in the city. Scamper down Crosby Street to browse at the Housing Works Bookstore, stop into the Balthazar Bakery for the perfect croissant, or venture into west SoHo and check out the ‘hood’s Italian background at small shops like Alidoro for sandwiches or Joe’s Dairy for mozzarella made daily.

Short for Triangle Below Canal, TriBeCa is also home to cobbled, non-numbered streets that feel like a neighborhood. Expect to see mothers pushing strollers towards the farmer’s market as well as financial types stopping into the excellent local restaurants on their lunch break. An artistic background and a sophisticated edge combine in TriBeCa, where wine bars and new restaurants are opening at a quick pace. Nearby Chinatown is great for cheap eats. Both neighborhoods offer nightlife, but aren’t as rowdy (or young) as neighboring Lower East Side or East Village.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel Azure.

Staying near Times Square gives you easy access to theaters, Central Park, and lots of subways. Photo: Gane

Times Square / Theater District

Congestion is the best single word to describe Times Square and the Theater District. Many visitors think they want to stay here—especially with sights like the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway theaters nearby—but clogged streets might make you think twice.

A better option might be to plan a visit to see the neon lights and electronic billboards, but choose a more local neighborhood instead. That being said, depending on the time of year, there are great deals to be found in the Times Square area, and the escape of Central Park is close by.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Ameritania or the Milford.

Union Square / Gramercy

If you want upscale, local, and somewhat quiet, set your sights on Union Square or Gramercy. Union Square is home to one of New York’s most beloved greenmarkets, a source of both delicious picnic supplies and entertaining people watching. Victorian townhouses line the leafy streets of Gramercy, along with a few historic pubs and dependable, small restaurants. With the East Village on its fringe, nightlife isn’t too far away from this quiet area.

Hotel suggestions: Try Ye Olde Carlton Arms Hotel.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is truly its own world, one where wealth is pretty normal and every block is home to a Chanel, Armani, or similar caliber store. However, beyond this façade is a local neighborhood, with small coffee shops, excellent bakeries, and some of the city’s best museums along Museum Mile. If you want to spend your days between the sunny paths of Central Park and the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Upper East Side is a decent choice, but nightlife is pretty nonexistent and restaurants can be pricey. Keep in mind, the UES is a few short express subway stops away from a downtown neighborhood.

Upper West Side to Harlem

On the opposite side of the park, the Upper West Side is the down-to-earth sibling of its eastern neighbor. This residential area has historic bagel shops and classic food stores like Zabar’s, along with landmarks such as Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum. Central Park is never too far away, and unlike the Upper East Side, affordable restaurant choices like Shake Shack are firmly rooted in the neighborhood.

At the northern stretches of Central Park is Harlem, a changing neighborhood that is attracting ever-more attention for its restaurants. These brownstone-lined streets often offer good bang for your buck.

Hotel suggestions: Try Harlem Flophouse.

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

Shop along Friedrichstrasse, stroll through Zoologischer Garten, tour the historic and important Reichstag (for free!) or take in the most incredible, unobstructed views from the iconic TV Tower.

Between your hopping from attraction to attraction, stay in one of these excellent cheap hotels in Berlin that we’ve added to our guide. All of them boast a friendly staff and excellent locations along with our favorite attribute — low rates!

New cheap hotels in our Berlin guide

Ready to book your vacation to Berlin? We’ve recently added a handful of centrally located and budget-friendly hotels to our Berlin guide. Below are five of our picks.

Each room at Arte Luise Kunsthotel is unique.

Arte Luise Kunsthotel

Neighborhood: Mitte
Doubles from $73

The Arte Luise Kunsthotel offers artsy, original rooms at low rates a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate. Each room at the Arte Luise Kunsthotel is decorated in a unique way by a renowned artist. Outside of the eye-catching decor, amenities are scarce, but this keeps costs low. Opt for a spotless shared bathroom to save even more money.

Breakfast is available for a fee. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant serving up both German and Mediterranean dishes.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz is an eco-hotel with excellent views.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz

Neighborhood: Kreuzberg
Doubles from $97

Eco-conscious travelers will enjoy the 4-star Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz, a sustainable hotel in the entertainment district of Potsdamer Platz. Minimalist rooms feature an occasional art piece, but massive windows steal the show here with their views of Berlin. Amenities are aplenty: air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, kettles and more.

Breakfast, an extra charge, offers organic, gluten- and dairy-free offerings.

The surprisingly modern Hotel Allegra is situated inside a 19th century building.

Hotel Allegra

Neighborhood: Mitte
Doubles from $96

The 3-star Hotel Allegra boasts a fresh, contemporary design despite its position inside a 19th-century building that is steps from Friedrichstrasse. Rooms here are attractive and modern, and you’ll find plenty of 21st-century amenities to match: televisions, minibars, free Wi-Fi. Each room has a private bathroom, and despite the hotel’s popular location, the rooms are quiet.

Breakfast is available each morning for a fee.

With plentiful amenities and unobstructed city views, the rates at Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin are a steal.

Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin

Neighborhood: Mitte
Doubles from $98

The Maritime proArte Hotel Berlin is a 4-star hotel packed with amenities at value rates with a location on the popular Friedrichstrasse. Rooms offer standard-but-classy decor and excellent city views. Perks include air conditioning, televisions, free Wi-Fi and more. The hotel has two on-site restaurants, a bar, a spa with a sauna, a pool and a gym.

Breakfast is available for an additional charge.

Despite its central location near the hustle and bustle, the Albrechtshof remains cozy and quiet.

Albrechtshof

Neighborhood: Mitte
Doubles from $102

For a quiet stay, the elegant, 3-star Albrechtshof is an ideal spot. It also offers rooms near Friedrichstrasse in the heart of the city. Simple en suite rooms are adorned in light, neutral tones and feature creature comforts like flat-screen TVs, minibars, telephones and free Wi-Fi.

Breakfast is served each morning for a fee.

More budget hotels in Berlin

Interested in seeing more cheap hotels in Berlin? Check out all budget hotels in our guide.

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

But how do you do it without breaking the bank? Considering that average nightly hotel rates during Thanksgiving in New York can reach well above $500 per night, getting a deal is no small task.

Good news, Cheapos, we’ve been keeping an eye on hotel prices for Thanksgiving’s big-ticket nights (Wednesday, November 27th through Sunday, December 1st) and were pleasantly surprised by the number of affordable hotel options still available.

Let us preface this by saying that hotels in New York, by and large, aren’t always cheap. In fact, during peak times the rates have a tendency to become fairly outrageous. Fortunately, our editors have scouted out dozens of budget hotel options that are central, cheap, clean and perfect locations to explore this wonderful city.

Hotels for an affordable Thanksgiving in New York

Here are four of our favorites that have availability and reasonable rates for this Thanksgiving holiday. Note: Rates quoted are based on double occupancy for searches conducted on Thursday, 10/10/19. Rates will likely increase as we get closer to the holiday.

#1: The Jane Hotel

113 Jane Street in Greenwich Village / West Village
Thanksgiving Weekend Price: From $125

Perk: Charming neighborhood and free bicycles for guests

From our review: “Part SRO (Single Room Occupancy) and part hipster den, the Jane Hotel is a beautiful beast, a glammed-up flophouse in a gorgeous ‘hood. And best of all for visiting Cheapos, the Jane offers twin rooms with shared bath for low prices.”

Staying in the West Village is a treat that will usually cost you a bundle. If you’re looking for something that’s a little bit quirky and fun, The Jane might be for you.

Pod 51 Hotel makes a fun and affordable Thanksgiving stay.

#2: Pod 51 Hotel

230 East 51st St. in Midtown East / Murray Hill
Thanksgiving Price: $189

Perk: In the heart of Midtown near the subway

From our review: “The two-star Pod Hotel is an appealing and affordable option in the heart of Midtown East, offering well-designed (if tight) rooms with seriously low rates.”

The rooms might be really tiny but they’re also well-designed with a modern look. If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, you’ll have a great location near Grand Central Terminal and the United Nations. The famous Fifth Avenue stores and holiday window displays are also a quick stroll away.

A clean and comfy room at Seafarers & International House.

#3: Seafarers & International House

123 East 15th St. Broome Street in Union Square / Gramercy
Thanksgiving Price: $102

Perk: Near Union Square’s holiday market

From our review: “The Seafarers and International House is run by the Augustana Lutheran mission as, officially at least, a sanctuary for sailors and sojourners… In addition to its great location, a stone’s throw from Union Square, and affordable rates, the Seafarers and International House provides a friendly — if undeniably religious — atmosphere.”

Rooms might be basic, but with an incredible location like this for such a cheap price, we’ll happily hop on board!

Which one would you choose, Cheapos? 

Are you headed to New York this Thanksgiving? Tell us about your hotel! Also, if you’re planning a visit, be sure to read our previous post on the best spots to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The post 4 Cheap New York City hotels for Thanksgiving visits appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.