Locating your best option is straightforward—provided you know in general the type of hotel you want. This column was suggested by a recent posting of a budget hotel guide in a travel publication that offered a few “usual suspects” suggestions along with a few “well, doh” suggestions. Instead of expanding on that list, I'd like to develop my own list that I hope is more useful.
Start with the proposition that you’re looking for a true budget hotel, not an Airbnb, vacation rental, or anything upscale. There are some good suggestions for locating those accommodations, but they’re different. For now, let’s stick to budget hotels. Let’s also figure that you already know which cities or attractions you want to visit.
1. What Type of Hotel
In the budget range, you have two basic options:• A unit of a budget chain. These days, in the U.S., that means you’re likely looking at brands offered by Best Western, Choice, or Wyndham, or at Motel 6. At a chain unit, you can expect few surprises, good or bad. You‘ll have the basics of a private bathroom, an OK bed, air conditioning, and TV. In Europe, you’ll be looking first at one of the budget brands of Accor—Formule at the bottom end, more likely one of the Ibis sub-brands—or at Travelodge and Premiere Inn in the UK.
• Independent. In the U.S., many of the lowest-priced independents are scruffy or older units on highways bypassed by the Interstates. Really “charming” budget options are easier to come by in Europe, but you have to check reviews to avoid making a mistake.
