However, costly mistakes lurk around every (picture-perfect) corner. If you hit a snag that sets you back €20, €40, or even €60, well, it still stings.

Related:

• Top budget hotels in Paris
• Best time to visit Paris
• 50 do’s & don’ts in Paris

10 Paris mistakes to avoid on your trip

Here are a few tips for avoiding everyday costly mistakes when visiting Paris, many of which could be applied to visiting other cities in Europe, as well.

1. Buying a bottle of anything at dinner

When dining out in Paris, go for a carafe of wine (cheaper) and water (always free). There’s no need to plunk down €60 for a bottle of wine for a normal dinner, trust me — a €12 carafe will be perfectly fine for the casual wine drinker. Remember, this is France — the wine is good.

And tap water, I insist, is perfectly fine to drink, so don’t splash out on costly Evian (especially when it only costs a euro at the supermarket).

Related: Why you should never buy water in Paris

2. Paying for the hotel’s lackluster breakfast

Why spend €10-€15 for some coffee and croissants? Even with those cute little jars of marmalade, it’s a still a rip. Head to a café or just pick up some pastries at the local bakery and save a significant amount of money each day. The same bakeries are delivering the baguettes and croissants to your hotel — so save by going straight to the source. You might as well get them fresh from the oven!

Most bakeries have a spot where you can stand, mingle with the locals, and enjoy your breakfast. If they don’t, either keep looking around for one that does, eat it outside on a park bench, or head into a cafe where you can order the same thing at the counter.

Plus, you get to practice your French: “Bonjour, un cafe et un croissant, s’il vous plait.”

3. Waiting until the last minute to book

Whether it’s airfare, your hotel, or a TGV train ticket, it’s best to book early. TGV trains, in particular, are much cheaper when they first go on sale three months before the date of departure. Eurostar tickets to London are also cheapest when they go on sale six months in advance.

When should you book that hotel? It’s an oft-discussed topic (and we address it in detail here), and a lot depends on where you’re going and when you’re visiting. If you’re heading to a less visited destination or traveling during a slower period, you could wait and probably score last-minute deals. However, if you’re traveling to Paris during the peak summer or early fall travel season, your best bet is to book in advance (especially if you hope to book a specific hotel). Many of Paris’ best budget-friendly hotels are small properties that are quite popular — and they fill up fast.

Related: 10 best budget hotels in Paris (book early!)

4. Spending silly amounts for a cup of coffee

If you go to the terrace of a really, really nice café like the Café de la Paix (pictured above, facing the Opera Garnier), prepare for a hefty bill. The view might be great, but it’ll cost you — €6 for a cup of coffee, for example, at the Café de la Paix. Those €6 coffees can add up fast!

Instead, consider going around the corner to a smaller, more out of the way café where they’ll charge you €2-3 to sit outside and people watch (or €1 to sip at the counter).

5. Handing over money to anyone on the street

Don’t hand over cash to anyone unless they’re your waiter, taxi driver, tour guide, or selling you something. Anyone who stops you in the street and asks for money is a panhandler or scam artist. Sure, they might sport an official-looking badge or ask you to sign a petition — but they are not working for a charity. They come in all forms — some seem legit, others clearly do not — but handing over cash is a sure-fire way to throw money down the drain.

Oh, and the guys you’ll see playing three-card monte? Or trying the ring trick? No, no — you know it’s a scam, right? Keep on walking.

6. Tipping too much

And in that same vein, don’t tip 15-20%. Please don’t. Servers are paid a respectable salary in France and do not live off of their tips. You’re cheating yourself out of money by giving someone a bonus. That’s not your responsibility. Though a few euros for good service is certainly always appreciated, you don’t need to break out the calculator.

Related: When (and when not) to tip in Paris

7. Changing money at an exchange counter

Don’t ever expect to get a good deal at currency change counters. Almost all will be profiting handsomely off of the transaction by either offering a lousy exchange rate, a hefty service charge, or both. “No service charge!” the sign screams — okay, check out the exchange rate. “Best exchange rate, guaranteed!” its competitor beckons — check out the service charge.

You are better off just hitting the ATM and paying a few dollars in fees to the banks instead of losing out big to the money changers.

8. Ordering fancy drinks without looking at the price

Going out at night can add up quickly if you don’t follow the happy hours (here are my favorite cheapo happy hours). A pint of beer or, especially, a fancy cocktail can set you back €9, €12, even €15 in some places.

If you want a good drink and are willing to spend for it, do some research first on websites like 52 Martinis to make sure you’re going to a place where they know how to make good cocktails!

9. Packing poorly

If I had a dollar for each tourist I’ve known who’s arrived with the wrong clothes or shoes, I’d be on vacation right now. Pack wisely and be prepared for the weather (and yes, it’s okay to pack an umbrella) so that you needn’t spend extra money — and time — buying clothes at Monoprix when you already have the same things back home.

Related: 10 Packing tips for a two-week European jaunt

10. Using your smartphone data

When you turn on your cell phone from back home in Europe, prepare for charges. We have plenty of tips on how to avoid a huge phone bill. In short, get a data plan if you plan to use it abroad and stick to Wi-Fi when possible, or buy a SIM card in Europe to use in your phone including one of these SIM Card deals in France.

Fortunately, Paris has abundant free Wi-Fi networks available to anyone to use. So, turn off your data and settle down in a park or other public space, and look for the “Paris_WI-FI_” network. Now hop on Skype, Facebook or Instagram for free! (Or you could work. But who wants to work? You’re in Paris!)

Share your tips!

What mistakes have you made in Paris that you wish you could go back in time to do over? Let us know so we can help Cheapos have a better (and more affordable) Paris vacation.

The post Paris: 10 costly mistakes that tourists make appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Arosfa Hotel
83 Gower Street, Bloomsbury

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

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

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

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

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

This is no standard Generator. Photo: Nina Derham

2. The Generator
Compton Place, Bloomsbury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Stylotel and Stylotel Suites
160 Sussex Gardens, Paddington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theadora Brack, hotel matchmaker

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

Match point

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

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

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

The Hotel du Commerce

Now, which kind of Cheapo are you?

Hey, Jack Kerouac!

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

Take me to funky town

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

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

The Grand Hotel Leveque

Mad Men

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

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

Hotel Cluny Sorbonne

Starving poet

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

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

Hotel Prince Albert

Hooray for Hollywood!

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

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

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

Hotel Therese Paris

City slickers

You know who you are.

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

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

Hotel Royal Cardinal

Rat pack

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

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

Monsieur Eber and his Hotel Eber Mars

Road scholars

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

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

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

More help with Paris hotels

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

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

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

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

Sure, everyday small charges like cafe cremes in Paris (€2-4) and vaporetto rides in Venice (€6.50) do add up and can make a Cheapo panic. However, these are relatively minor charges when compared to the big-ticket items in your budget: flights, hotels, car rentals and train tickets.

Luckily, there are simple steps you can take right now to minimize these big expenses. Some of these tips may be old news to you, bien sur. But even if one tip comes in handy, it could save you a whole wad of euros.

Kayak’s price alert

1. Set up airfare alerts

Haven’t booked your airline tickets yet? Set up airfare alerts to find a flight deal on Web sites like Kayak.com and Airfarewatchdog.com.

On Kayak, do a search for your desired travel dates and then click “Get a price alert” on the left side of the page. Once you register, they’ll email you with daily or weekly airfare deals for your route.

On Airfarewatchdog, “Deal Hounds” sniff out the lowest ticket prices for your route and send similar email updates. On both sites, you stand a much better chance of scoring a deal if your travel dates are flexible.

2. Pack lightly

As we mentioned last week, most transatlantic airlines have introduced ridiculous baggage fees for checking a second, third or overweight bag. For flights from the US to Europe, these fees can be as high as $200 per bag (one way!).

Check out our roundup of airline baggage fees and only check one bag.

The RoissyBus taks passengers from Paris to Charles de Gaulle.

3. Take public transportation to and from the airport

Alas, how many people have we dissuaded from taking a taxi from Charles de Gaulle to their hotel in Paris! Every one of the major European cities we cover on EuroCheapo offers public transportation from the airport to the center of town, and the majority offer both train and bus options.

Whether you’re getting from Charles de Gaulle to Paris or Schiphol to Amsterdam, there’s a budget-friendly (and usually quite efficient) way into town that doesn’t involve an expensive taxi. Check out our city guides for more information.

4. Think twice before booking a rail pass

For Americans, the lure of the Eurail Pass is strong. Just reading the descriptions of the passes on their Web site can get you excited and ready to hop on board!

It’s easy to forget that these rail passes are not always a good deal. Sure, they offer some convenience and peace of mind, but they don’t always save you money over simply buying individual point-to-point rail tickets (like the millions of Europeans who take trains daily).

Aboard the Renfe train between Cordoba and Granada. No need for a rail pass.

To find out if a rail pass offers “rail” savings, compare the pass price to the point-to-point ticket prices found on the railways’ official Web site (and not the Web site of a rail pass re-seller).

For much more information on this, read these posts: Read this before you buy a European rail passes; Extra charges for rail pass holders; Deutsche Bahn fares better than rail agents; How to book French rail tickets (in French)

5. Book major train tickets in advance

If booking rail journeys directly with the European railways, like the SNCF (France), Deutsche Bahn (Germany) and Renfe (Spain), book those seats in advance. For long-distance train travel, ticket prices climb as the travel date approaches, so advance booking is essential to getting a deal. Most of these railways release tickets three or four months in advance. (Local trains for small jaunts, however, do not need to be booked in advance.)

For more information, read our post on the “three-month rule.”

The EuroCheapo gang rented this car in Berlin. We weren’t smiling two weeks later when we paid the bill.

6. Know the real cost of renting a car

How much will that rental car really cost you? When you do a quick rental car search online, the rates you see will most likely not include taxes or insurance, and certainly won’t include the price of gasoline or the tolls you’ll pay on major highways.

Read our quick guide to calculating the real cost of renting a car in Europe. Then weigh those costs against other options, like trains or budget flights.

Then, use EuroCheapo to search and compare car rental quotes from competing agencies.

While you’re at it, know whether or not to buy extra insurance for your car. (And for that matter, know if you should buy travel insurance for your entire trip!)

7. Choose your hotel wisely

Your hotel expenditure will probably be the most expensive part of your trip. Here at EuroCheapo, we’re obsessed with hotel values. That’s why our editors spend so much time snooping around hotels, taking photos and writing reviews. We can tell you that two hotels sitting side-by-side can charge radically different rates for remarkably similar rooms.

The Hotel Tiquetonne in Paris is central, clean and cheap.

When choosing a hotel, consider “losing a star,” downgrading perhaps from a three-star to a two-star hotel. Decide which amenities you require in a room: Do you need a minibar? cable TV? elevator? If you’re open to a simpler hotel, you can save a bundle and you might find the hotel to be more charming, as well.

Also, give careful consideration to the hotel’s location. If you decide upon a hotel located outside the city center in order to save money, will there be an easy and affordable way home at night? We usually opt for simpler hotels near the center, within walking distance of nighttime activities, if possible.

Read our reviews of budget hotels all over Europe and take our advice–we’ve been there!

8. Know what’s for breakfast

This may sound minor, but breakfast is a big business for hotels. Whether or not breakfast is included in your room rate can add a jarring amount to the bill or save you in the end. It’s a tad confusing, too, as breakfast offerings tend to change by city.

These water bottles in Venice are cheaper at the supermarket.

In Paris, for example, most hotels do not include breakfast in the room rate. When you pay for breakfast, you’ll often be disappointed by what’s set down in front of you: a croissant or piece of baguette, butter and jelly, coffee and juice–for about €10. You’d pay about half that if you headed to a neighborhood cafe, stood at the bar and enjoyed breakfast with the locals.

In London, meanwhile, hotels and B&B’s pride themselves in their included breakfasts, which often come with eggs, bacon, sausage, beans and toast. It’s not necessarily healthy, but it’s good for your budget! (It also helps you eat a lighter and cheaper lunch.)

In many cities, hotels sometimes include breakfast in the room rate, depending upon conditions when booking. The only way to really know if it’s included is to check when reserving your room.

There’s another easy way to eat a healthy breakfast and pay a fraction of the price: Head to a neighborhood supermarket after checking into your hotel to pick up the essentials (bottles of water, oranges, bananas, etc.). If your room has a mini-fridge, you could store yogurt, milk or juice. Bon appetit!

9. Be careful with American iPhones

Americans heading to Europe should be careful before powering up their iPhones abroad. AT&T offers various European travel plans, and almost all of them are too expensive to be a serious option for budget travelers.

We recommend leaving your iPhone set to “Airplane Mode” throughout your trip, and only using it when connected to a Wi-Fi network. Read more in our guide to “Using an American iPhone in Europe… without going broke.”

10. Understand bank fees before using your credit cards or an ATM

How much will your bank charge you to use your credit or debit card abroad? How about withdrawing money from an ATM? When’s the last time you checked?

American banks have “adjusted” their fee structures during the past few years, so we’d recommend checking in with your banks before heading to Europe. If you have multiple cards at your disposal, chances are that they’ll charge different foreign transaction fees. Knowing who charges what will save you money in the end.

Read our quick overview to ATM, Debit and Credit Card charges abroad.

Your tips for saving on European travel

What tips do you have for saving on your “big ticket” items when traveling in Europe? Have a question about any of the tips mentioned above? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

The post Cheapo Basics: 10 ways to save on the “big items” in your travel budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Affordable London stays

There has been a revolution at Travelodge and now the brand, while not forsaking its roadhouse roots, has moved boldly into city centers across Britain to offer a creative alternative to overpriced established urban brands like Holiday Inn and Hilton.

Travelodge has built new properties in British city centers, converting old office blocks into hotels and has even taken over hotels run by flagging rivals. Thus the Travelodge Covent Garden, in the heart of London’s tourist and theatre district, was until 2004 a well-known 3-star (some say 4-star) hotel called the Drury Lane Moat House.

With its three-fold development plan (new-build, conversion and acquisition) Travelodge has expanded to become one of London’s premier room providers, and now offers almost 5 percent of all rooms in the capital. Travelodge has 44 hotels within the M25 ring and seven more London hotels are under construction.

Covent Garden

Many travelers to London reconcile themselves too easily to extortionate hotel rates but, for those prepared to book well in advance, Travelodge offers some incredible bargains.

Rooms at Travelodge Covent Garden, just a very easy walk from the eponymous piazza (with its galaxy of chic cafés and boutiques) really can be booked for as little as £29 per night (about $47 USD). The best bargains are on Sunday and Monday nights.

If, on first checking the Travelodge Web site, no “bargain saver” rooms are available, but only the more expensive flexible rates, it is always worth checking back a few days later. As the date approaches, if bookings are light, the company often releases a new block of rooms at saver prices.

Best deals

Our experience is that about four months in advance is the best time to pick real bargains. You can use the Travelodge booking facility to explore room availability at a number of different hotels in the same area for any given night.

No-frills does not mean down-market. Rooms are simple, stripped down to bare necessities, but very clean and well presented. There is an emphasis on security and privacy while the quality of the pillows and duvets is first class.

The down side? Well, if you get a sudden craving for a club sandwich at two in the morning, you are not going to get anything on room service. That said, a lot of us just don’t need such creature comforts. That, at least, is the view of some British senior citizens who have found that living long-term in a Travelodge may be much cheaper and more convenient than having their own home.

The post London Travelodge: Bargain rooms from £29 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

A Russian Journey

The real adventure, however, starts the following Saturday, January 24, when I’ll be flying to St. Petersburg, Russia. I’ll spend eight days in the culture-rich city, sleeping at a friend’s apartment. As the St. P. visit will be mostly vacation, I haven’t decided whether or not to do a “mini-guide” to the city’s budget hotels, although I’ll certainly write some blog posts.

I had originally decided to follow St. Petersburg with a quick two-day trip to Moscow. I posted last month about the difficulties I experienced in finding an affordable hotel in the Russian capital and asked for advice. Readers responded — mostly directly to me via email, with very helpful suggestions.

The Moscow hotel search

I had some demands: As I will be traveling with a computer and a couple suitcases, I wanted something more secure than a hostel. As I’ll be hitting the road on my own and don’t speak Russian or read Cyrillic (yet), I wanted to find a hotel that was easy to find. And as much as I love B&Bs and small pensions, those in Moscow that I found didn’t have any user reviews. The thought of buzzing up to an unverified apartment in Moscow gave me the chills.

Every central hotel I could find, however, charged more than $300 per night. The room rates were simply outlandish. Seriously, if you want a good laugh, do a quick search and see what you come up with!

I rejoiced on January 1 when I found a “small single” room in the Kebur Palace, a 4-star hotel, for about $155 a night. I booked it right away on a Russian hotel reservation website. My celebration was cut short, however, when the agency emailed me a “reservation declination” stating that, in fact, the hotel didn’t really have the “small single” available for my dates, but did have a “superior single” for $285 a night available… Throw in Moscow’s steep hotel tax, and the total came out to about $672 for a two-night stay.

I told them, nyet, it was simply too expensive.

They wrote back with another “affordable” option, the Peking Hotel. The Peking is a well-known 3-star hotel, built in 1955 and sports an impressive Communist exterior. Today it offers renovated rooms of both “standard” and “deluxe” categories. The reservation service offered a single for $190 a night. I wasn’t happy, but it was far cheaper than any other central hotel I had found. With tax, the total came to $450. Ugh.

Yet… it wasn’t really a reservation. My “request” had to be confirmed by the hotel. That should have taken a day. Five days have passed and still no confirmation. No word. No hotel.

And that’s where I find myself today, dear reader. I admit it, Moscow has proven to be a bigger challenge than I expected.

The solution?

I called Continental Airlines this morning and was told I could change my flight for $150. I’m seriously considering dropping the Moscow adventure altogether, and instead heading to Tallinn, Estonia from St. Petersburg. Tallinn is already known as a budget-friendly destination with its own rich history.

I could spend several days in Tallinn for a fraction of the cost of the Moscow hotel alone, and even put together a “mini-guide” while I’m there!

What do you think?

Should I make the most of  Moscow or drop it and head for Tallinn? Please leave your comments and advice. At this point, I’m open to anything! Thanks!

The post Planning: Paris and St. Petersburg, done. Moscow, well… appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

I’ll be in St. Petersburg for eight days–exploring the city, camping out at the Hermitage, and visiting some hotels for the site. I’ve got the lodging covered in St. Petersburg.

Moscow hotel quandary

However, from St. Petersburg I’ll be heading down to Moscow for three days. This requires two nights in a hotel. As you may know, Moscow hotel prices are quite steep.

Here’s what I’ve found so far:

* Hostels are available with bunks for $30 a night.
Problem: I don’t want to stay in a hostel. (And I really shouldn’t, considering I’ll have a computer, cameras, and such. And I haven’t found any hostels with private rooms.)

* B&Bs run about $135-200 a night.
Potential problem: Will I be able to find it? Will I feel completely safe staying in a B&B in Moscow? Most of the B&Bs I’ve found don’t have any guidebook or user reviews. Yikes.

* Hotels start at about $200 and shoot up to over $500 a night!
The cheaper hotels tend to be Soviet-era concrete structures (which have their own special charm), located at some distance to the city center. Recognizable chain hotels start at about (gulp) $300 a night and quickly become much more expensive.

So what’s a Cheapo to do in Moscow? Where does an independent traveler stay?

I’m realizing that this isn’t like planning a trip to Europe. Aside from the slightly spooky formalities (hello mandatory tourist visa!), it’s also quite a bit harder to find helpful advice online.

I’m obviously a proponent of independently-run small hotels, and thus this dilemma doubly concerns me. Perhaps Moscow demands a different approach. I’m wondering if I might want to splurge on a three or four-star hotel in Moscow. Or would it be cheaper to book a hotel through a travel agency in the States?  Join a tour package (double-yikes!)?

Tell me: Have you been to Moscow? Where did you stay? Do you have any advice? Thanks!

The post Moscow hotels: What’s a Cheapo to do? Advice needed! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That’s right Cheapos:  sometimes we take pictures of budget hotel ghosts!

Think we’re kidding? Just have a look at the photos below and see if you notice anything peculiar… mwaaahaaahaaa!

#1.  Creepy toilet

This bathroom shot was taken on a sunny day, in a room filled with natural light. So why does this toilet give us the creeps? Because it’s haunted!

#2. Floating leg in shower!

Looks like a typical bathroom scene in a trendy London hotel, right? Everything looks up to snuff, until you notice the floating GHOST LEG in the shower!

3. Haunted London bedroom!

This was nearly a “hotel crush,” until we developed this shot and noticed the menacing ghost orb floating above the bed—and the greenish pillow stains of guests long gone… (Editor’s note:  This hotel did not make our final cut…)

4. Phantom in Brussels!

This photo was taken by Meredith while making her rounds in Brussels last spring. So who’s that man in the corner? A G-H-O-S-T!

5. Ghost orb in Dublin bathtub!

Another orb appears… this time in a Dublin bathtub. We shouldn’t have been surprised. ORBS TAKE BATHS!

6. Pioneer man in Paris pension!

We swear, we were alone in the room when snapping this shot in the Latin Quarter. Who gave him a key? GHOSTS DON’T NEED KEYS!

7. Maverick looking out the window!

Imagine our shock when we studied this shot of an un-named London youth hostel (located “steps from the British Museum”). How did she get there? No wait, she’s just a figment of our imagination, VANISHING BEFORE OUR EYES!

SEND US YOUR CREEPY SHOTS!

Have any spooks shown up unexpectedly in your photos? Email them, we’ll post ’em! Happy Halloween, Cheapos!

The post EuroCheapo’s Spookiest Hotel Ghosts (7 photos!) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Doubles €55-68

We love scouting out small, quirky hotels in Paris. Happily, the city is full of independent, charming hotels that offer rooms at very reasonable rates. One that we have an especially deep “crush” on is Hotel les Chansonniers (“The Singers”). Located a bit off-the-beaten path, this cheery hotel has a whole lotta heart and soul, and 40 clean and cheap rooms.

If you stay at Les Chansonniers, be sure to say hello to the lovely owner, Madame Sellam. She has a passion for music and takes pride in rooms touting the lives of great songstresses like Edith Piaf. The minute you step inside the note-worthy lobby and hotel bar, you’ll swoon.

What do we mean when we say “off the beaten path”? The property is in the Republique neighborhood, a bit northeast of the main sights, but very well connected by the Metro. The area is busy and working-class. It’s not Latin Quarter touristy, but brims instead with local activity. In short, it may not be right for first-time travelers to Paris who want a hotel steps from the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame.

Read our full review of Hotel les Chansonniers.

Cheapo tip: Try to stay in one of the two top-floor rooms that come with Jacuzzis!

Find more budget hotels in Paris and read our budget guide to traveling in Paris.

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