Europe isn't known for all-inclusive accommodations, but that doesn't mean you have to hostel-hop to save on costs. There are plenty of inexpensive hotels that put you right in the thick of things, and that's exactly where you want to be, given the continent's rich culture and history. In August 2010, the rooms at these hotels ranged from $100 to $150 per night.
Stylistas will appreciate Hotel Patou's proximity to Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton stores. The boutique hotel is right in the middle of Amsterdam's high-end fashion district and only a couple of blocks from the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Plenty of natural light shines in on the posh minimalist interiors, and each room has a picture of fashion designer Jean Patou. Grab an early breakfast at the brasserie so you can get some shopping done.
Patou Boutique Hotel & Brasserie
P.C. Hooftstraat 63
1071 BN Amsterdam
011-31-0-20-676-02-32
hotelpatou.nl
MH Apartments gives travelers the Barcelona of Barcelonans. There are several MH complexes around the city, and two of them are located only a few minutes from Gaudi's still-unfinished Sagrada Familia church. The apartments are nicely furnished and come with fully equipped kitchens and washer-dryers.
MH Apartments
Pasaje Montserrat de Andrés, n°11, Bajos
08014 Barcelona
Spain
011-34-933-23-87-90
mhapartments.com
Althugh Hotel Otto is swanky, even the larger studio room is affordable. It's close to Kurfürstendamm, a cultural district full of cafes, designer shops and museums. Hotel Otto's most distinct feature is no doubt its rooftop terrace, where the breakfast buffet is open until noon, and tea and cake are served from 2 to 9 p.m.
Hotel Otto
Knesebeckstraße 10
D-10623 Berlin
Germany
011-49-30-54-71-00-80
hotelotto.com
Located across the street from the Croke Park Stadium, the hotel is a five-minute walk from the bustling city center and Temple Bar area, and a short bus ride from the airport. The contemporary décor plays second fiddle to the things that matter most: a comfortable bed, a generous breakfast buffet, and an impressive office space in each room. For a real treat, splurge on dinner at the Sideline Bistro.
The Croke Park Hotel
Jones's Road, Dublin 3
Ireland
011-353-0-1-871-4444
doylecollection.com
This hotel is designed for tight budgets. A simple principle guides its rates: Book early for the lowest price. To sweeten the deal, it sells five rooms each night for £1 (or $1.50) and five more for £29 (or $46). The Hoxton is in a picturesque Central London neighborhood near Finsbury Park, and its trendy rooms are equipped for modern living. The complimentary breakfast comes courtesy of the Pret a Manger chain, known for its fresh ingredients.
The Hoxton Hotel
81 Great Eastern Street
London, EC2A 3HU
United Kingdom
011-44-020-7550-1000
hoxtonhotels.com
Perhaps inspired by Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose," the hotel delivers on the pink without being too feminine. The intimate lodge only has 15 rooms in a renovated building set in a historic area close to Place de la Bastille, Jardin Yitzhak Rabin and scenic Parc de Bercy. Because it is in the 12e Arrondissement, there's no shortage of bistros. When you have had enough sightseeing, retreat to your rosy room for a "petit sommeil."
Pink Hotel
20 Bis, rue Dugommier
75012 Paris
France
011-33-01-43-43-47-73
pinkhotel.fr
It's not just the kitsch deco that makes for a pleasant stay. The Trastevere quarter is a big plus, with its medieval streets and art-infused environment. The Old World area is popular with tourists, so you'll find plenty of bars and trattorias. The location is also on the quiet side of the hubbub; in addition to having a colorful room, you'll also get the shuteye you need.
WRH Trastevere
Via di San Crisogono
40 00153 Rome
Italy
011-39-065-806-344
wrh-trastevere.com
