EuroCheapo's Alternative Accommodations Articles

Paris: Bike Rentals for €1 a Day

Mar 26 Photograph by Julien Hery Paris city administration will launch an ambitious bike lending program this summer called “Velib.” The curious name is a hybrid of the French words for bicycle (“velo”) and freedom (“liberte”). A fleet of 14,100 bicycles will be made available at 1,420 hiring spots for daily, weekly or yearly rentals. The rates? » Read more

Posted in Alternative Accommodations, France, Paris

Hungary: Pampering for a Pittance

Hungary: Pampering for a Pittance

Mar 12 Kiskunmajsa in the south of Hungary. Here you can relax in 20 hectares of landscaped park, bathe in both clear and brown mineral waters, swim in the sandy-shored lake, strengthen your immune system in the sauna and jacuzzi, enjoy the four large water slides, and even play giant chess or mini golf—all for the unprincely » Read more

Posted in Alternative Accommodations, Hungary, Local Customs

Ask the Cheapos: How to Rent an Apartment in Paris?

Ask the Cheapos: How to Rent an Apartment in Paris?

Mar 08 Q. I’ve heard that it’s possible to rent an apartment in Paris for much less than you’d pay for a hotel. Is this true? Where can I find these apartments? Do you recommend this option? Thanks for your help. Joe H., Washington, DC. A. You’re on to something, Joe! Apartment rentals throughout Europe can be » Read more

Posted in Alternative Accommodations, Ask the Cheapos, France, Paris

France: B&B in the Vineyards of Gascony

France: B&B in the Vineyards of Gascony

Mar 05 photograph by Eric Scherer Chateau du Bascou is located amidst the vineyards of the Gers in southwestern France, atop a hillside with commanding views stretching as far as the Pyrenees. The 19th century chateau offers three rooms at €74 per double room, including breakfast. The rooms are all beautifully decorated and named after little-known grape » Read more

Posted in Alternative Accommodations, France

Gîtes d’Etape: Rustic French Budget Lodging

Gîtes d’Etape: Rustic French Budget Lodging

photograph courtesy of lludovic Renting a gîte (a private French country residence) doesn’t usually sync up with the budget-minded agenda. Luckily, there is a rustic getaway option for Cheapos, too. Gîtes d’etape are the budget counterpart of the traditional French gîte. While you won’t have a house all to yourself, you should be able to » Read more

Posted in Alternative Accommodations, France

Cheapo Castles in Ireland? Occasionally.

Cheapo Castles in Ireland? Occasionally.

Feb 22 Sheila Flynn’s dreamy story in yesterday’s USA Today about Irish Castle rentals made us green with envy. After all, when we last visited Dublin we stayed in a youth hostel. It was a friendly place, but it certainly wasn’t a castle. Ireland is full of centuries-old stone castles, offering rooms for travelers who want history and romance. Think heavy » Read more

Posted in Alternative Accommodations, Ireland