The "Therapy" room at Propeller Island City. Photo by Sterin.

By Sarah Silbert—

We were pleased when a copy of Bed in a Tree, published by Eyewitness Travel, came across our desk the other day. Flipping through, we couldn’t decide which magnificently unusual hotel we liked best.

The book, written by Bettina Kowalewski, surveys 27 of the world’s most unique accommodations, from giant wine barrel guestrooms in Germany’s Rhine Valley to elegant canopy beds atop an ancient tree in the South African wilderness. Each hotel description is complemented by pages of stunning photos and tips on what to do in the hotels’ locales.

Most of Kowalewski’s picks are located in lesser-known (and more interesting) destinations, and they all clearly demonstrate how hotels can be so much more than a place to sleep. While many of the hotels aren’t Cheapo-friendly (hello, $590 a night Ice Hotel in Norrbotten, Sweden!), Kowalewski thankfully includes a few budget-friendly spots.

Here are five unique sleeps featured in the book that are easy on the budget:

Capsule Hotel
Located on a canal in The Hague, though the exact location changes.
www.capsulehotel.info

The Capsule Hotel in The Hague, the Netherlands, caught our eye with its two James Bond-inspired oil rig pod rooms furnished with beds made of fisherman’s net and sheepskin rugs. (Rooms are even outfitted with karaoke machines!) It would be quite a ride to spend the night bobbing up and down on the water.
Nightly rates: €70-150

Propeller Island City
Albrecht Achilles Strasse 58
Berlin, Germany 10709
www.propeller-island.com

As long-time fans of Berlin’s many art hotels, we loved the book’s photos of the 27-room Propeller Island City, located in the German capital. Each room boasts a wildly different theme—you could sleep in a coffin (with air holes, of course), or bask in the light of the “Therapy” room’s multicolored fluorescent lamps. While we’re not sure we’re brave enough to stay in one of the hotel’s wonderfully outrageous rooms, we think it would be a blast to visit.
Nightly rates: €70-190

Pension Kamerichs
Ditzroder Weg 18
Bad Laasphe, Germany 57334
www.pension-kamerichs.de

Pension Kamerichs, located in Westphalia, Germany, is a B&B—minus the roof. The “room” consists of a white iron bed on a pretty green lawn, plus a nightstand and a chair. Sure, there’s not much privacy—though the lawn humorously boasts a door frame, but the prospect of sleeping out in the fresh air sounds pretty appealing. Marie-Luise Kamerichs, the enthusiastic proprietor, provides old-fashioned nightclothes for the guests (as demonstrated in several funny photos in the book), and breakfast is included.
Nightly rates: €35

Park Plane Hotel
Woodlyn Park
Waitomo, New Zealand
www.woodlynpark.co.nz

Waitomo, New Zealand’s Woodlyn Park Plane Hotel provides guestrooms on a 1940s Bristol B-170. The plane has plenty of history, having once carried military personnel into Thailand and Hong Kong. The rooms pictured look considerably more comfortable than economy class fold-back seats, and the cockpit unit, complete with the switches and knobs of the control panel, offers an especially unique stay. The hotel’s owner also runs a converted train wagon hotel, a Hobbit Motel, and a World War II patrol boat hotel.
Nightly rates: $85-95

A "roulotte" in La Serve. Photo by Wolf_H.

Les Roulottes de La Serve
69860 Ouroux
Rhône-Alpes, France
www.lesroulottes.com

Les Roulottes de La Serve, located in the beautiful Rhône-Alpes region of southwestern France, offers accommodation in the form of three converted roulettes, or “gypsy wagons.” Each of the three guestrooms boasts a different, dazzling décor, from Asian-inspired artwork in the Roulette des Étoiles to the rustic décor in the Roulette de Manège. The pastoral French location, combined with the novelty of sleeping in a caravan that has roamed the country, has us craving a night in any of these wagons.
Nightly rates: €50-60

About the book: “Bed in a Tree,” by Bettina Kowalewski, was published in September 2009 by Eyewitness Travel. The book also includes vouchers for a 10% discount at 15 of the 27 selected hotels. The book retails for $25.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Lakes of fun at Bos campground. Photos by Audrey Sykes.

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam—

Travelers who prefer a tent to a hotel room are in luck when visiting green, camping-friendly Amsterdam. Cheap, clean, safe, and relaxing, the city’s campsites serve as a haven for those who wish to indulge in Amsterdam’s city life by day, but retreat to a peaceful, natural setting by night.

Here are my top four picks for pitching a tent in Amsterdam:

Camping Zeeburg
Zuider Ijdijk 20
+(31)(0) 20 6944430
email: info@campingseeburg.nl
website: www.campingzeeburg.nl

Situated just east of Amsterdam, Zeeburg (”Seacastle”) is unique for its beachy location on the nearby island of Ijmeer. Camping Zeeburg is open year-round and serves as a trailhead for a number of hike and bike routes.

Facilities: Supermarket (with fresh baked goods), sanitary facilities, bar, restaurant, washer/dryer facilities, phone booth, bike rental, canoe rental, pool, internet, night security, and BBQs allowed.

Perks: During the high season, the campsite offers a range of daily activities and excursions (including a trip to the petting zoo for the kiddies).

Cost: From €6.50 per person per night. Two, four and six-person furnished cabins are also available. Extra charge for parking.

To Amsterdam: Trams 14 and 26 run frequently and are a 10-15 minute ride from the campground to the heart of Amsterdam. Bus 22 runs during the day, and bus 359 runs at night. By bike it will take about 20 minutes to reach the city center.

Ready to canoe at Bos Campground.

Camping Het Amsterdamse Bos
Kleine Noorddijk 1
+(31)(0) 20 6416868
email: info@campingamsterdamsebos.com
website: www.campingamsterdamsebos.com

Located inside Amsterdam’s largest protected park, Amsterdamse Bos sits peacefully within 900 acres of natural lakes, canals, and greenery just south of the city. Open year-round.

Facilities: Camping shop with fresh baked rolls, guest kitchen, dining room, lockers, washer, dryer, canoe rental, and BBQs allowed.

Perks: A natural playground for families, the park has unlimited recreational possibilities: canoe and kayak rentals, picnic areas, cafes, and even a woodsy section where buffalo roam!

Cost: From € 5 per person. A variety of cabins and hostel rooms are also available to rent. Parking is free.

To Amsterdam: Bus 172 and 171 runs daily to Amsterdam Central Station, and bus 271 runs through the night. Bus 199 heads from Schipol Airport directly to the campground. Metro 51 stops at Amstelveen, plus a 15-minute walk to the campsite. Biking from the city center takes about 30 minutes.

Vliegenbos
Meeuwenlaan 138
+(31)(0) 20 6368855
website: www.vliegenbos.com

Nestled between 62 acres of woodlands and small fishing harbors to the north of Amsterdam, Vliegenbos is a blend of parks and forests, just a stone’s throw away from the city center. The campsite is seasonal, open from early April through late September.

Facilities: Camping shop, sanitary facilities, lockers, dishwasher, bar, restaurant, washer/dryer, phone booth, bike rental, canoe rental, internet, night security, and BBQs allowed. No dogs.

Perks: Affordable “Dirk van de Broek” supermarket is a short walk away. Nearby parks offer tennis courts, swimming pool, sport fields, and more.

Cost: From €8.30 for a one-person tent. Extra charge for parking.

To Amsterdam: Bus 32 and 33 run daily and are direct to Central Station, and bus 361 runs through the night. By bike, a five-minute ride and a quick trip on the ferry will bring campers to the North end of Central Station.

Gaasper Camping
Loosdrechtdreef 7
+(31)(0) 20 6967326
website: www.gaaspercamping.nl

Located in southeast Amsterdam, Gaasper is Amsterdam’s largest campsite, offering more than 400 plots in scenic spots, including lakes, parks, and woods. Gaasper is open annually from March 15 to November 1.

Facilities: Supermarket, dishwasher, bar, restaurant, phone booth, night security, and BBQs allowed.

Perks: The restaurant provides a cafeteria-style food selection and outdoor terrace.

Cost: From € 5 per person. Parking fees apply.

To Amsterdam: Central Amsterdam is about 20 minutes away via public transportation. Bus 53 runs daily to Amsterdam’s Central Station, as well as Metro 53 and night buses 355 and 357 (weekends) to Gaasperplas Station. A bike ride to the center takes about 20 minutes.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Edinburgh by night, a gorgeous scene from Calton Hill. Photo by Andy Hayes

With the pound dropping significantly against world currencies, it’s a great time to check out the British Isles! More specifically? It’s about time you got your kilt to Edinburgh!

Sure, accommodations can still be a bit of a budget-buster, especially in those year-round tourist hot spots like Scotland’s capital city, but with a few local Cheapo tips, you’ll be enjoying old world charms with money to spare.

First things first – What not to do

There are two times of year when you cannot get cheap accommodations in Edinburgh:

• Hogmanay (that is New Year’s Eve to you non-Scots)
• August. Yes, the entire month. Have you heard of the Edinburgh Festival?

If you absolutely must join us for one of these two events (and why wouldn’t you?), book in advance to get a reasonable price. Say, six to nine months in advance. Really.

So, what are the great budget hotels?

One of my personal favourites is the Edinburgh Central, a member of the Scottish Youth Hostels program. It is one of the few hostels in the world that’s rated higher than some 3 or 4 star hotels – with ensuite rooms, a bistro with fresh and tasty breakfast fare that even attracts some locals, and all of the typical amenities you would expect in a good hostel. With rock-bottom rates, the Edinburgh Central is centrally located on the top of Leith Walk, just a ten minute walk to the busy Prices Street, but also surrounded with local pubs and kitsch restaurants.

I had guests in September (2008) who stayed near me here in the Old Town at the brand, spankin’ new Holiday Inn Express – Royal Mile. It’s not on the Royal Mile but only one block away; it actually sits on the Cowgate, which is full of late-night pubs and clubs, but thankfully the noise never drifts down this direction. The rates are reasonable, especially considering the top-notch facilities and very friendly staff.

Lastly, I would suggest checking out the Premier Inn Edinburgh. It is near Haymarket Station in the West End, a ten to 15 minute walk into the center of town. This part of Edinburgh is great for food and drink; there is also plenty of that timeless Georgian architecture for enjoyment.

How about some great, unexplored neighbourhoods?

The great thing about Edinburgh is that it is so easy to get around, either by walking or taking one of the efficient and inexpensive buses. There are a couple of great areas to check out that have budget accommodation options. Unfortunately, these neighborhoods are often overlooked by tourists:

Newington. This is just south of the Old Town and sits in between Holyrood Park and the Meadows. The main street here, Clerk Street, is full of fun costume shops, boutique restaurants, and nearby you can find a really great wine and whisky shop, The Great Grog. The further away from the city centre you are, the better the deal you’ll get. So, this is a great budget-friendly option with flair.

Stockbridge. Most people think of the trendy, posh side of Stockbridge, but a closer look reveals that this neighbourhood extends up into Inverleith Park, as well as west along the Water of Leith. Get away from the main street and you’ll find a deal.

If you go…

My absolutely favourite part of Edinburgh is the Water of Leith. Catch Bus #26 or 31 and have the driver let you off at Roseburn Terrace. Join the trail here and walk the scenic, peaceful two to three miles back into Stockbridge, where you can finish off the stroll with a coffee or a nice glass of wine in a nearby café.

Tell me, Cheapos: What’s your top tip for Edinburgh?

Andy Hayes is a freelance travel writer and one of Edinburgh’s top local Cheapos. For more travelogues and inspiring travel ideas, visit his website called Sharing Experiences.

Popularity: 17% [?]