The truth of the matter is that where you lay your head down at night can completely make or break a trip, and we’re not just talking about a good night’s sleep.
Your choice of hotel or guesthouse has a dramatic effect on your overall travel experience. It is, perhaps, the most crucial decision you can make when planning a budget-conscious adventure. We’ve certainly had our share of hits and misses over the years, and we’ve discovered that “budget-friendly” does not have to mean compromising on atmosphere, cleanliness, or location.
We’ve compiled our recommendations for some of the best and most cost-effective places we’ve had the pleasure of staying in during our recent travels, all of which prove that you can find comfort and charm without an eye-watering price tag.
Venice for 2 Nights: What’s the cost?
A short trip to Venice is potentially one of the most costly city breaks you can take. Why is Venice so expensive?
Too touristy? or worth a visit?
Alona beach in the Philippines came as quite a surprise: If you read up about it online, you get the impression that this is an overcrowded tourist magnet.
Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka
Kandy Lake Comfort Hotel - A peaceful lakeside hotel: There were signs on the doors saying "Beware monkeys". They weren't kidding...
Madrid - Our Grand Spanish Finale
After nine days of soaking up rays in the Canary Islands, our Spanish odyssey was drawing to a close. Madrid, the grand dame of Spain, was to be our final hurrah.
Juara Beach -Tioman, Malaysia
Backed up by a mountainous rain forest, 1511 Coconut Grove on Juara beach offers several compact but comfortable raised wooden beach chalets
Langkawi Long-Term Stay
Ever considered a long-term stay in just one location in South East Asia? We did just this on the chilled-out paradise island of Langkawi in Malaysia
In-transit thru Rome Airports?
The Best Western Hotel Riviera Fiumicino is a good choice for a one-night stop-gap, with a shuttle service from Rome's Fiumicino airport.
Oasis Hotel Manila
... overlooking the green and peaceful Paco Park - but the area around the hotel is pretty grotty, with homeless, beggars and refuse. Not a place to wander around after dark.
Rome Hotels & Guesthouses
A destination in itself, Rome is also a launching pad for flights to the tropics - provided you find inexpensive and well-located lodgings
Dubai Stopover
For many travelers a short Dubai stopover is where their trip to the tropics begins, but there's plenty to do in Dubai so you must be selective…
Girona - Where to Stay and Eat
A picturesque & inexpensive city with gourmet Catalan cuisine if you choose well - One highlight of a Girona City stopover is the food.
Takes Mansion - Comfortable & Inexpensive
Close to Gambir train station, the Jakarta Takes Mansion is one of the few hotels in this price range that features a rooftop swimming pool.
SandSpice Backpack
Carry your stuff, express yourself, keep your hands free, it's win-win-win. Most standard laptops fit in the internal laptop pocket, which measures 13.5" x 10.5" / 34 x 27 cm
Ceylonica Beach Hotel Negombo
First stop in Sri Lanka? don't be put off: The beaches around the Ceylonica Beach Hotel Negombo aren't the best this island has to offer…
Georgetown - A Cultural Smorgasbord
There's even a Tesco's on the outskirts of Georgetown, but don't get too excited. This is like no Tesco's we've ever visited in Europe, with mainly unrecognizable brands.
Maspalomas Gay Paradise
What is it with Spain? Wherever you look there's a bloke sporting a jockstrap and high heels...
Moalboal, the Philippines
This is why we came to Moalboal: To relax in a secluded location with great snorkeling plus tasty local fish and exotic fruit.
Ubud Hotels & Transfers
We chose two very different styles of accommodation for our Ubud Bali hotels: A family-run guesthouse & an upmarket Spa and Gallery resort.
Maldives 3-Day Stopover
Maldives Planning a Break: The luxury of the smaller islands comes at a price - less so if used as a stopover on route to other destinations.
🦟 Bite Away Insect Sting Relief
The Bite Away Insect Sting & Itch Relief pen uses targeted heat to provide fast & effective relief from the aftermath of insect bites.
Mumbai: The 1000-Yard Stare
... 3 weeks in India should do it. After absorbing the dubious charm of inner city streetlife, expect Mumbai to trump - in aces - anything that has gone before.
Seaside Boutique, Panglao
At the Seaside Boutique our host created delicious and thoughtfully prepared 3-course dinners: We didn't consider eating anywhere else in Panglao.
Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
Outside the fort we tried what I can only describe as Ceylonese-style fast food: A posh and sanitized version of street food. Quite a change from the excellent Galle Fort Indian Hut restaurant.
Cebu city reasonably-priced guesthouse
Our Pension in Cebu city was located in a typical poor & congested Fillipino street area, with chickens & children dodging between the cars
Ramada London Stansted Airport 🛬
Ramada London Stansted is conveniently located near the Airport north of London, but does it offer a comfortable and stress-free experience?
Istanbul Eateries & Accommodation
With only 2 days in Istanbul we did our planning before leaving home, to optimize time and find the best Istanbul eateries.
Kuala Lumpur Layover 🛬
Nestled just steps away from your arrival point in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Sama-Sama hotel offers weary travelers a haven of comfort and sophistication.
Guesthouses in Karimunjawa 🏝️ Indonesia
For such a small Indonesian island community, there is a surprising number of Karimunjawa Guesthouses. Which ones are worth booking?
Palolem beach guesthouses
Negotiating a price is expected, but do this with good humour, and don't mercilessly undercut the asking price.
Lembongan Island Guesthouses
Booking ahead is usually a good idea, but you can find some exceptional guesthouses after you arrive - if you take the trouble to look.
Cost-Effective Accommodation 🎒 Your Budget-Friendly Home Away From Home
Subscribe now to get instant notifications of newly published articles (no spam).
Looking for more Inspiration? Take a look at some other highlights for the Free Independent Traveller:
F.I.T. Highlights
Discounted hotel deals & cost-saving travel itineraries