[Europe Trip] On Lodging

Prior to departure, we made reservations to 7 hotels/hostels/B&Bs in London, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice, Rome, Nice and Paris. Luckily we didn't have any problems with the reservations, as in there was no case of overbooking or anything. Probably it was due to the off-peak season too. Reservation was made either via online form or through emails.

The sources of the targetted accomodations were the travel guide books and search engine. Three main things that we normally checked were the price, the location and the review. If the price was within our budget and there's room available, we would then check its location using google earth just to find out if it's not in some remote areas. the closer the place was to the city centre and train station, the better it was. and it would be a plus if good reviews were given.

According to the trip's budget, most rooms that we stayed at were with shared toilet. 2 of them were hostels with bunk beds although they're private rooms for two. We did not have any problem with that as it helped to save quite a significant amount, anyway we stayed there just for a few nights, all of the time tired after the long day.

Hostels were good, as they include breakfast as well in the price. They usually provide lockers as well as internet for rent. I think the reputable hostels that have chains in other countries are reliable. We stayed in Stay OK hostel Amsterdam and Euro Youth Hostel in Munich. We're really satisfied with the condition.

B&B are normally asking for higher rate compared to hostel, but they're still cheaper than hotel. And there's a privacy issue to as it means sharing a house with a stranger.

For hotels, the worst room that we had was in London. It is small with little space for movement and to put our bags and stuff. It fit one queen-size bed, one tv mounted on the wall, a sink, a cupboard and a small table. But for the pristine location (although it seemed that no one knows where the street was) near King's Cross-St.Pancras station and the breakfast for that price, we could not complain.

For even cheaper alternatives, of course there is the option for staying at friends' place or the newly known couch surfing project. I don't really like staying with friends for fear of disturbing them, unless I'm close enough. Couch surfing looks promising, too bad I only found this out after I return.