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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: How to save on hotels in France.

Tips for saving on hotels in Europe

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

1. Think about location before price.

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

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

2. Be flexible with your travel schedule.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Which amenities do you really need? Really?

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

5. Know when to book.

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

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

We recommend booking well in advance if:

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

We recommend booking closer to your travel date if:

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

6. Consider first booking a hotel with free cancellation.

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

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

7. Consider renting an apartment.

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

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

8. Hostels are for everyone.

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

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

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

9. Take our hotel advice

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

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

10. Keep saving once you’ve checked in.

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

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

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

Be clear when making your hotel reservation.

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

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

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

Every hostel on this list offers free Wi-Fi for its guests along with a few other fantastic perks at little or no extra cost. Solo travelers, couples and small groups will all find pocketbook-pleasing options in this list, including private rooms at low prices.

But as with every bargain that’s not too good to be true, you’ll want to book early to get the best prices and save yourself from last-minute disappointment.

Hamburg’s best hostels and budget hotels

Here’s our overview of our favorite centrally-located hostels and hotels in Hamburg:

Jugendherberge Auf dem Stintfang

Alfred-Wegener-Weg 5 (Map: A)
Rates: From €20 (shared room / person); €70 (private double)
Booking and Reviews | Official site

Jugendherberge Auf dem Stintfang is one of Hosteling International’s (HI) premiere properties. The hostel’s 8-bed panorama dorms offer a harbor view at a bargain price. Expect the amenities typical to most hostels, including facilities for cooking and communal public spaces for leisure activities such as foosball or TV.

Small print: Breakfast and linens here are included at no extra charge. Non-HI members are charged an extra membership fee per day, and adults over 27 also pay a €4 daily surcharge. Credit cards accepted.

Room decor at the Hostel Kiezbude is the wildest of the hostels on our list.

Hostel Kiezbude

Lincolnstraße 2 (Map: B)
Rates: From €25 (shared / person); €56 (private double)
Booking and Reviews | Official site

Hostel Kiezbude has the wildest décor of the five, with rooms befitting its location in the heart of Hamburg’s red light district. Kiezbude has a few 4-bed hostel rooms for solo travelers, but offers a good value to couples or groups seeking private accommodations.

Small print: Note that towels and linens may be charged separately and breakfast is not included. Cash only.

Generator Hostel Hamburg

Steintorplatz 3 (Map: C)
Rates: From €18 (shared / person); €25 (private)
Booking and Reviews | Official site

Housed in a former recording studio the Beatles once used, the Generator Hostel Hamburg has beds in 6- or 8-bed rooms, and women’s-only rooms are available as well as private rooms. The design is very modern with bright colors popping around every corner. Especially notable is the airy lobby with a cafe and bar that is a welcoming place to hang out.

Small print: Inexpensive laundry facilities are available on site. Bed linens are included, but continental breakfast is an additional €4.50. Note that special conditions apply for anyone under 18, and that all guests must show photo ID at check-in. Credit cards accepted.

Each room at the Pyjama Park has been individually designed and screams urban cool.

Pyjama Park Hotel and Hostel

Reeperbahn 36 (Map: D)
Rates: From €22 (shared / person); €55 (private double)
Booking and Reviews | Official site

Pyjama Park Hotel and Hostel doesn’t toss travelers together like most other hostels. Instead, it books rooms of various sizes, more like a hotel, making this a great deal for couples and small groups. The design screams urban cool, and each room is individually decorated with a unique Hamburg theme and comes with a flat-screen TV. Each room has a sink, but WC and showers are communal.

Small print: Linens are included, but the breakfast buffet is an additional €9. Credit cards accepted.

Meininger Hotel has efficient rooms starting at very low prices. Photo: Courtesy of Meininger

Meininger Hotel City Center

Goetheallee 9-11 (Map: E)
Rates: From €14 (shared / person); €30 (private double)
Booking and Reviews | Official site

Meininger Hotel City Center is located near Altona train station and offers 8-bed hostel accommodations in mixed or women-only rooms; doubles and group rooms are also available for great prices. Meininger has laundry facilities for guests and offers bicycle rental.

Small print: Bed linens are included (towels extra), and breakfast is an additional €6 per day. Credit cards accepted.

The post Hamburg Cheap Hotels: Our favorite budget stays appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Unlike other European capital cities, you don’t have to stay outside of the center to find good prices, especially if you’re open to staying in one of the city’s hostels. Wondering what to expect in Dublin hostels? Keep reading for everything you need to know before you book your bed.

Hostel Overview

Dublin is home to a handful of popular, central hostels with solid reputations. They all have some things in common, such as free Wi-Fi, free linens, and often a free continental breakfast (that includes hot tea in Ireland) but be sure to read the fine print:

• Some hostels offer only dorm-style rooms (with as many as 12 or 16 beds), while others have private rooms for one to four people.

• Some hostels only have shared bathrooms while others do have a few private bathrooms (all the more reason to make reservations in advance).

At almost every hostels, you can expect a common space for meeting fellow travelers. In Dublin, this is often a bar or lounge, and in the case of one unique property, an upscale coffee bar. Though metal bunkbeds seem to be the norm across the city, hostels are generally clean, safe, and offer lockers for easy storage of your backpack.

Enjoy a hot cappuccino at Isaacs Hostel.

EuroCheapo Hostel Picks

Isaacs Hostel
Read review
From $19

Located near the River Liffey on the north side of Dublin, Isaacs Hostel might surprise visitors with its charm. The hostel is housed in a building that was once a wine cellar and warehouse, so expect lots of stone walls and vaulted ceilings throughout.

Both dorms and private rooms (for one to four people) are available here, and an exterior courtyard bar is a fun touch. While all bathrooms are shared, there’s a nice basement lounge with a pool table and guest kitchen for meeting fellow travelers. Both Wi-Fi and continental breakfast are included in the room rate.

Avalon House
Read review
From $16

Walking by the Victorian building that is home to Avalon House, it is hard to believe this could be a hostel. The beautiful building is located on scenic South Great Georges Street, a central south-of-the-Liffey spot that is both quiet and near the pub action.

In addition to free Wi-Fi and some private bathrooms, Avalon House is also home to the Bald Barista, a coffee bar that draws locals off the streets with a perfect espresso. A comfortable basement lounge area is also another bonus.

The Globetrotter Tourist Hostel offers more comforts than your standard hostel.

Globetrotters Tourist Hostel
Read review
From $16

While many of the other hostels in Dublin offer metal, almost barracks-style dorm beds, Globetrotters focuses a little more on comfort. Both dorms and private rooms are available here, with cozy beds and linens included.

A big breakfast is served in a bright, cheery space where it will be easy to meet other travelers. Globetrotters has genuinely appealing spaces to relax after a day of pounding the pavement in Dublin, including a Japanese garden.

Jacobs Inn
Read review
From $19

One of the most contemporary options in Dublin is Jacobs Inn. Although this is one of the largest hostels, it is also one of the most bright and modern with a fresh paint job and spacious rooms with large closets. Here you can choose between dorms or private rooms (for one to four people).

Unlike other properties, all rooms at Jacobs Inn have their own private bathroom (and they are new and clean to boot). Wi-Fi and breakfast are free and a number of social events, such as pub crawls, are frequently organized.

Other Super Cheap Options

For Cheapos, hostels are often the default bare-bones-budget option. In Dublin, there are some other choices depending on the time of year you visit. During the summer months (when students aren’t in session), dorm rooms at Trinity College Dublin can be rented. These rooms are clean, comfortable, and offer an incredible central location along with free continental breakfast (or full Irish for an extra few euro).

Outside of the summer months, Cheapos will want to investigate guesthouses and inns. Particularly in the low season, a charming room in a privately owned guesthouse can run the same price as a private room in a hostel (and include a big, filling breakfast too). To see all hotels recommended by EuroCheapo’s editors, please visit our Dublin hotel guide.

The post Youth hostels and other super-cheap sleeping options in Dublin appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.