How to Find Cheap Hotels When Traveling in Europe

Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget on expensive hotels. With a little planning and the right tools, you can find comfortable and affordable places to stay without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Italy, the bustling cities of Germany, or the coastal beauty of Greece, here are some tried-and-true ways to score great hotel deals.

We stay in truly nice hotels that are very affordable. And 90% of the time are right in the heart of the cities and easy to navigate to must-see locations. Our main rule is to NOT stay in the tourist sections of town…period! You are in the room basically to sleep, period, the rest of your trip time is experiencing the people, the culture and the city!

1. Use Hotel Comparison Websites

Before booking anything, start with hotel comparison sites to get a broad view of available deals. These platforms scan multiple booking sites to help you find the best price. Not all booking sites list the same deals, so checking multiple sources can lead to big savings. Some platforms also offer additional discounts if you create an account or sign up for price alerts.

• Booking.com – One of the biggest hotel search engines, offering free cancellations on many listings. It also has a loyalty program with additional discounts.

• Hotels.com – Great for earning free nights after multiple stays. Their rewards program gives you a free night after staying 10 nights.

• Trivago – Compares hotel prices across various booking platforms, helping you see price fluctuations in real-time.

• Kayak – Aggregates deals on hotels, flights, and rental cars. You can set alerts for price drops and track historical trends.

2. Check Out Alternative Booking Platforms

Sometimes, mainstream booking sites don’t always have the lowest prices. Try these alternative platforms for hidden deals and last-minute discounts. These sites often work by selling unbooked hotel rooms at a lower rate.

• HotelTonight – Perfect for last-minute travelers looking for deeply discounted rates. The closer you book to your check-in date, the bigger the savings.

• Hotwire – Offers “Hot Rate” hotels where the name is hidden until you book (usually at a lower price). These mystery deals can lead to luxury stays at budget prices.

• Agoda – Particularly useful for deals in Asia but also has competitive rates in Europe. Their insider deals are often much lower than standard rates.

3. Consider Budget Hotel Chains

Europe has a solid selection of budget hotel chains that offer clean, comfortable, and centrally located accommodations. While these hotels may not be luxurious, they are reliable and often include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and other essentials for free.

• Ibis Hotels – Found in major cities across Europe, offering reliable quality at budget-friendly rates. They have different tiers, from basic to more upscale.

• Premier Inn – A UK favorite, known for affordable rooms and comfortable beds. Locations near airports and city centers make them convenient for travelers.

• B&B Hotels – Popular in France, Germany, and Italy, offering no-frills stays at great prices. Some locations provide 24-hour check-in and flexible booking policies.

4. Try Hostels & Guesthouses (Disclaimer Alert!)

Ok….I know what you’re thinking, “I’m not staying in a hostel, I’m 50, 60 years old!” And we do not even consider it ourselves! This paragraph is for the  “Younger” travelers who may be here looking for alternative options.

Don’t let the word “hostel” scare you—many now offer private rooms and amenities that rival hotels at a fraction of the price. They also provide opportunities to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.

• Hostelworld – A go-to site for hostels and budget accommodations. User reviews help you pick the best places.

• HostelBookers – Similar to Hostelworld but sometimes has slightly cheaper rates. No booking fees make it an attractive option.

5. Look Into Short-Term Rentals & Local Stays

If you’re staying for several days, consider a short-term rental instead of a hotel. This can be especially cost-effective in expensive cities like Paris or London. Many rentals also provide kitchens, which can help save money on meals.

• Airbnb – Offers everything from shared spaces to entire apartments at competitive prices. Look for places with flexible cancellation policies.

• Vrbo – Ideal for families or groups looking for full-home rentals. Often cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.

• Couchsurfing – A great way to stay for free while meeting locals. It’s a unique way to experience a destination through the eyes of a resident.

6. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

If you have flexible travel dates, visiting Europe in the off-season (late fall, winter, and early spring) can save you a ton. Hotels lower their prices, attractions are less crowded, and flights are cheaper, too. A win-win! We usually travel in early to mid September.

7. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs

If you stick to certain hotel brands, sign up for their loyalty programs to rack up points for future free stays. These programs also offer perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, and late check-outs.

• Marriott Bonvoy – Earn points for free nights at thousands of properties worldwide.

• Hilton Honors – Get member-only discounts and perks like free Wi-Fi.

• Accor Live Limitless – Good for budget-friendly brands like Ibis, Mercure, and Novotel.

8. Contact Hotels Directly

Sometimes, booking directly with a hotel can get you a better rate than third-party sites. Many hotels offer price-match guarantees or discounts for direct bookings. Call or email the hotel and ask if they have any promotions, discounts for extended stays, or price matches.

9. Consider Staying Outside the City Center – MAIN POINT HERE!

Hotels in the heart of tourist areas tend to be pricey. Consider staying just outside the main areas where prices drop significantly. Look for hotels near public transportation for easy access to major attractions. Suburban and airport hotels often have lower rates and still offer convenient access to the city.

10. Take Advantage of Credit Card & Travel Rewards

If you have a travel rewards credit card, check if you can redeem points for hotel stays. Some great travel credit cards include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred – Great for earning points on travel and dining.

• Capital One Venture Rewards – Offers flexible points that can be redeemed for hotels.

• American Express Platinum – Provides hotel perks and discounts through Amex Travel.

Finding cheap hotels in Europe is all about knowing where to look and being flexible with your plans. Like we mentioned above, staying outside the main tourist centers is the way to go! From budget hotel chains and short-term rentals, there are plenty of ways to save. Do your research, compare prices, and take advantage of deals—you’ll be amazed at how much you can cut costs while still enjoying an amazing trip.

Do you have a go-to trick for scoring cheap accommodations? Let us know in the comments!