We’re great believers in checking and double-checking the photos, descriptions and reviews of hotels and guesthouses beforemaking a booking. What we’ve learned though is that you can’t always rely on the integrity of your research. Reviews can be faked, photos and descriptions can be misleading or out-of-date, and your budget accommodation nightmares become a reality.
Inevitably, if you kiss enough princes you’re going to find some toads… Check out some of the toads from our collection… and whatever else you do – don’tbook them!
Budget Accommodation Nightmares
Tenerife North - Puerto de la Cruz
The first thing we noticed in Puerto de la Cruz was the predominance of German tourists and signs everywhere in German. It was beginning to look like our Spanish lessons had been for nothing....
Jungla Experience Boquete 😱
As a dormitory for backpackers the Jungla Experience Boquete is fine. If you want privacy, peace or service you need to look elsewhere.
Here Comes Trouble T-shirt
While you're visiting the world, be sure to let them know what's coming! (... and going).
Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Hotel Samudra, Jepara 🐢 Central Java
Though the Hotel Samudra is close to the port for boats to Karimunjawa, there are better & cheaper options elsewhere in Jepara.
Fox & Firefly Cottages Loboc
Don't expect anything fancy at the Fox & Firefly Cottages Loboc. This is a pure backpackers place with the smallest dormitory I've ever seen.
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.
Bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro - Panama
From publicity photos of Isla Bastimentos Bocas Del Toro you might be expecting something of a treat. We left our expectations at the jetty.
Ushuaia Guesthouse Bastimentos 😱 Panama
Except for one $10 guesthouse in India, the Ushuaia Guesthouse Bastimentos rates as the worst place we've had the misfortune to experience.
Pangangan, Philippines
... not quite an Island, but certainly deserted, except during weekends and holidays, when locals rent beach huts and participate in the ubiquitous Karaoke competitions.
Sleeping in a Shipping Container
The noisy elevated gangways make you feel like your spending the night on an oil rig (or on an actual container ship).
Indian Railways Sleeper to Kochi
Though advised not to buy Sleeper tickets, destiny somehow conspired to treat us to the full Indian Railways Sleeper Class experience - (It's really not for wimps)
Paradise Inn Sigiriya
Some guesthouses - like Paradise Inn Sigiriya - overbook, and then try to fob you off with alternative (invariably inferior) accommodation.
Hotel Central Boquete Panama 🏘️
The room we were given at the Hotel Central Boquete Panama was like sleeping in a cross between a railway carriage and a goldfish bowl.
Miserable in Mersing Malaysia
Mersing is the gateway to Tioman Island, a popular destination for travellers to Malaysia. But avoid spending the night here especially at the Embassy Hotel
Fort Kochi, India
It's quite a journey from the train station to the center of Fort Kochi. In India, you don’t drive on the left of the road, you drive on what is left of the road.
Have you got any Hotel or Guesthouse Nightmares?
If so let us know. In the meantime, subscribe now to get instant notifications of our newly published articles (no spam).
