Luxury & Budget Friendly Hotels
Looking for high quality accommodation or : you do not need to sacrifice on luxury and your creature comforts just because you are travelling on a certain budget.
So, as you plan your trip, why not use our handy guide to cheap places to stay or the world’s most luxurious hotels? We’ll tell you all about what this accommodation is like, as well as giving you an insight into the hotel’s guest rooms, amenities and features.
Many hotels are generally good quality, and they operate a star system. A three star hotel will have all of the creature comforts that you require for a great stay, whilst four and five star hotels offer you real luxury.
You may be surprised to learn that many budget hotels are three stars in rating – this gives you an idea of how much comfort you can get for a low price. Accommodation is very varied, ranging from 5 star hotels, to classic ski style chalets, to city apartments, romantic rustic villas and budget brands that you can always rely on to provide you with great quality accommodation in many different countries.
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Property Types
Different Accommodation Options
Luxurious or Budget Accommodation
Hotels vary from luxury 5-star options with loft apartments and private poolside hotel rooms, to well appointed 4-star hotels and comfortable 3-star hotels. They offer the latest technology, spa services, pools, room service and other facilities such as on-site gyms and restaurants.
There are also many budget and cheap hotels which offer all the facilities you need. Cheap hotels offer all basic amenities during your stay and are an ideal option if you want an affordable stay.
Bed and Breakfast ‘B&B’s)
B&B’s in Europe are smaller than those in the US. They offer more intimate, private places to stay, in family-owned homes. Often the owners live there, or nearby. Rooms may be en suite or offer shared bathrooms and include breakfast.
A stay can include simple breakfasts or elaborate fry-ups. They are very common in Ireland, Holland, France, Hungary and the UK. They are moderately priced, budget B&Bs offering cheap accommodation but there are also high-end B&Bs.
Hostels
Hostels are still the cheapest option but are more modern and offer better facilities than they did a decade ago. Youth hostels tend to consist of dormitory accommodations with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. There are about 8 to 10 beds in each.
There are also small, cheap hostels that offer 4 beds per room. Some are co-ed and some aren’t and common areas include kitchens and dining areas. There are usually lounges with couches and comfortable chairs. Hostels often include an on-site bar. Hostels are a very affordable way to see different countries on a budget.
Boutique Hotels
These are frequently encountered in Europe and are smaller sized than regular hotels. They offer more personal services and are a great option if you want a more intimate, affoordable experience with all the hotel amenities and perks.
They are often individually owned and run. There are usually local dishes on offer, the latest technology and while some are offbeat, others are modern and luxurious.
Self Catering Apartments, Holiday Homes and Villas
Larger accommodations, perfect for longer stays and when travelling in a larger group of friends of family. You have your own kitchen facilities to make breakfast or dinner at home, instead of eating out all the time.
Pensions
These are small homes converted into rooms where travellers can stay for a night or two on a budget, similar to a B&B and often run by a family. They usually serve breakfast and most often include lunch and/or dinner (half board or full board options)during your stay.
Pensions are a great option for those on a moderate budget. As an added bonus there is a sense of personality and history about these homes and owners are friendly and knowledgeable about local cultures and customs. These types of accommodation are very common all over Europe and in Turkey.
Inns
In Europe, inns are small houses where travellers can find cheap lodging, food and drink. They are sometimes called an “auberge” in France. They are still modelled on the old English inn and usually located in the countryside along busy roadways.
It is similar to budget motel accommodation but more rural in nature. Accommodation is usually quite cheap, basic and generally comfortable and there is a restaurant on site. Often an inn is a great choice for a single night’s stay en route to your destination. Inns often have a sitting room for reading or relaxing.
Cheateaux/Castello/Parador
These are called castles in the UK and Ireland, but in France, they’re called chateaux. The Italian version is called a Castello. In Spain they are known as paradors and are a very popular choice. These are slightly more expensive places to stay but you will get to live like royalty for a few days.
Most offer breakfast and have on-site restaurants. There are large and small versions – for those with a limited budget and many function similarly to hotels, with spa facilities.
Agriturismo
Found only in Italy, these are farmhouses on working farms. The owners derive income from farming and additional funds from renting out budget or luxury accommodation on the farm.
In order to be a true agriturismo, the farm must be a working farm and bring in a certain percentage of income from farming. They are usually family owned and run. They are often very comfortable and romantic and even luxurious homes to stay in.
Many will have pools and most of them are located in areas with great natural beauty. Breakfast is included in your stay and sometimes dinner in an on-site restaurant, often including farm-grown produce and wines.