It seems that hostels are only a savings over truly expensive rooms. I see a lot of budget hotels that seem much better (especially in the accor chain) that have more amenities for the same or lesser price.
Hostelworld and hostels.com list lots of hostels, but they are per bed rather than per room. That being the case, isn't it better to stay at an Ibis, Mercure, or other budget hotel over a hostel (me and my brother are the sole travelers).
Any thoughts?
Location, location, location. Hostels tend to be better located than cheap budget hotels. In Venice, for example, finding a cheap budget place in a decent location can be a challenge but hostels are better located.
Depending on where you're going, the Accor chain's Ibis, Etap, and Formule 1 hotels (in descending order of amenities) are very good deals, with many located centrally. You can also find many towards the outskirts which are cheaper, in return for a longer Metro ride into the center of the city. Also look for budget hotels like pensiones or (in Spain) hostals. Remember, too, that the star system is more geared to what a hotel offers, and not necessarily the quality of the accommodations. A great two-star hotel will be cheaper, and better than a poor three-star one....but the 2 star one won't have a restaurant on-premises, while the 3 star one will.
Most hostels seem to be as expensive as budget hotels though. I thought hostels (good ones) in Italy would be 35-40 per person, but instead they are like 70-80. I can get a room at the Mercure without walking distance of the Colosseum for 50/person (two people 110 total for the room).
Any recommendations for Milan, Rome, Florence?
What about this mercure hotel. 64 euros for two people. How is the location?
http://www.mercure.com/mercure/fichehotel/gb/mer/3320/fiche_situation.shtml
This hotel is not in city center of Rome as their website claims. The neighborhood if fine and you can reach the center via bus but you will not be walking to any sights.
It depends where you will be travelling to.You have to search and compare.
For 2 people it might be cheaper to book a budget hotel than a hostel.
Or try hostels with private rooms or penssions. Some of them might be cheaper than hotels.
A few years ago I was able to find budget hotels in paris for 45EUR for 2. Not a bed hotel, close to the subway. The room was a bit small, but all we needed was a clean bad and towels.
Hostels are usually much cheaper than hotels. You pay per dorm bed but you don't pay for the whole room, just the beds you sleep in.
You can find beds in New York City for as cheap as $15 each. I've seen hostel beds in major European cities for as low as 6 euros.
If you are renting a private room in a hostel that is a different story though.
The Mercure hotel is about 700 meters walking distance from the Bologna metro station, so it's a bit out of the way, but a pretty good deal for a Mercure....good quality hotels. If you can stand the hike and the metro ride, it sounds like a pretty good deal!
If you will be in Rome, I have a great hostel for you. It's called the Beehive and it's in Ricks book on Italy. It is owned by an American family living in Rome. It is not only a hostel but an art space including a restaurant. It is beautiful and extremely clean. It is two blocks from the Termini train station. I paid last year $20.00 per night for a bed in an 8 bed room. I would stay again and would recommend this place to anyone traveling. Have fun and check them out on line.
Thanks Mark. I already booked the Mercure in Rome. I could use some hostel suggestions for florence
