Traveling around Europe holds a special place in most tourists’ hearts. While it might not have the tropical paradise islands of Indonesia or the mind-blowing wildlife of a Kenyan safari, a journey through the old-world vibes of Europe has its own unique magic and offers a vacation experience unlike any other. But while exploring the ancient ruins of long-dead civilizations in Athens or Rome, or enjoying the glorious cultural offerings of London or Paris, is an extraordinary experience, traveling around Europe can be expensive. Costs for entertainment, transportation, and dining can quickly mount up, and finding a more budget-friendly way to visit Europe is vital.
Rick Steves is one of the world’s foremost experts when it comes to European travel, and he is full of great ideas to help visitors enjoy their vacations without breaking the bank. Steves highlights accommodation as the biggest budget challenge for European travelers, stating on his website that “hotels are pricey just about everywhere in Europe.” But he has plenty of advice for thrifty explorers looking to score more affordable places to stay, and suggests booking rooms in business hotels at off-peak times as a great way to save.
Read more: Hotel Housekeepers Share The Worst Things You Can Do When Staying In A Hotel
Big discounts in business hotels
A businessman making a booking at a hotel front desk. – Antonio_diaz/Getty Images
In a list of “Thrifty Tips,” Rick Steves says that hotels that usually “cater to business travelers offer deep discounts to travelers who arrive without reservations when business traffic is slow.” While this is particularly relevant in cities that are financial or economic hubs, like Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, or Zurich, it is also the case in plenty of other European capitals and large cities where business travelers congregate. “During summer and weekends year-round, you can get a fancy business hotel room at a cheap one-star hotel price,” Steves says, adding that “it’s not unusual to score a $300 double for $100.”
Business hotels aren’t just a good source for cut-rate rooms. They tend to be smart, clean, and centrally located, and usually very accessible from local transport hubs. This makes them a great choice for savvy travelers looking for simple, no-frills accommodation to use as a base from which to explore a European city. Their convenient location also means that you’ll probably save money elsewhere too, as you won’t have to take expensive taxis to and from your hotel while exploring.
Other ways to save on accommodation
Sign with the word ‘HOTEL’ written in bright capital letters on the facade of a building in Paris, France. – Hjbc/Getty Images
Steves’ advice on choosing accommodations in Europe doesn’t end with finding discounts in business hotels. He is a huge advocate of finding your comfort zone and not overpaying for luxuries you don’t need. “A three-star place (with room service and a 24-hour reception desk) is a bad value for a budget traveler who’s satisfied with one-star services,” he says, adding “opting for the shower and toilet down the hall can save you $30 a night.” He even suggests that budget travelers should consider staying in youth hostels, as “most offer clean, functional private rooms (and hostel age limits are a thing of the past).”
If you don’t want to sacrifice authenticity and comfort, Steves has a solution. In Europe, he says, “a B&B offers double the warmth and cultural intimacy for half the price of a hotel,” and there are guesthouses and homestays all over the place that are easy to find, particularly if you know where to look. Finally, Steves suggests that it is always worth just asking for a deal! “Go direct … offer to pay in cash, or stay at least three nights,” he says, and you’ll find that plenty of hotels will be happy to offer discounts if business is slow.
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Read the original article on Explore.