Europe offers a wide range of lodging options, from the cheap hostel to the luxurious boutique hotel. Where you choose to stay depends on your comfort needs, your budget, and who you are traveling with.
Hotels in Europe
The go-to for travelers unwilling to compromise on comfort, hotels in Europe usually offer a good service and are particularly convenient.
Hotels are also more flexible with the check-in time. Platforms like booking.com let you book a room now and pay only once you’re at the hotel. They also make it easy to cancel a booking in case your plans change. The cherry on the cake: some hotels offer transportation to and from the airport or train station.
This level of comfort comes at a price, usually higher than that of a hostel. But if you avoid large chains and 5-star hotel, you can surely find a good hotel at a reasonable price.
Note that if you do want to stay at large chains and prestigious hotels, you’re in for a treat, with an unmatched customer service! Booking your stay with a credit card which lets you earn points and subscribing to the hotel’s membership program are easy ways to make your future stays cheaper.
Hostels in Europe
Hostels are a very divisive topic among travelers. Some, like Geri, rarely use hostels, because of “the lack of privacy and quiet”.
But for others, they are a great way to save money on one of the most costly expenditure item in your budget. Hostelworld and booking.com each have many properties in inventory, especially in larger cities.
Using the sharing economy to find a place to stay in Europe
Over the past years, the sharing economy has grown more popular, and the hospitality industry is the perfect example of that.
Airbnb is at the forefront of the trend: with over 3 million listings worldwide, Airbnb hosts have welcomed more than 200 million guests in their home. If you’re not a member yet, you can get 25€ as travel credit here.