Accomodations: Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Hostels and more

In Europe you will pay by the person for a room. Rooms will come with twin bed, two twin beds, one or two double beds, a double bed & a twin bed and so forth. You will generally be able to find Kings in large American style hotel chains.

A lot of places operate on a cash only basis so be sure and ask when you make your reservation. If you are staying in a hotel chain or in a tourist area it will be more common to pay with a credit card. Since many places do not accept credit cards, your reservation is on the honor system. If you need to change your plans, make sure you notify the establishment as soon as possible so they can rent the room to someone else. Many are family run businesses and need to keep their establishment as full as possible.

Do NOT leave home without a tour book that has updated accommodation listings. It is a great resource for finding a good room on short notice. If you need a room and are not in a position to make a lot of phone calls, your tour book should have the tourist office number that you can call for help. They are able to tell you what rooms are available and can make the reservation for you. You may pay a small fee for this service, but it's worth it in a pinch.

This site recommends the Rick Steve's Travel books because they have great tips and are updated yearly. You can also check their website for the latest updates before you start your trip.

Important Tips:

• Local hotels and B&Bs may have shared toilet and shower facilities. You will need to request a room with a private shower and toilet if you want one.
• Air conditioning is not always available. Be sure and ask in the summer months.
• Local establishments may not have elevators. So if climbing stairs is an issue, ask what floor the room is on and if there is an elevator.
• It is customary to inspect the room before you accept it, even if you made reservations in advance. Many small establishments have rooms that are very different from each other, don't hesitate to ask if other rooms are available.
• The American five star rating system does not apply equally in Europe. European standards are lower, but you will still get a good value for your money.
• If you are staying in a German speaking country, a double bed will usually be two twins pushed together. If you want one large bed you will need to request a King. This will severely limit your options and restrict you to the larger hotels.

hotels

American hotel chains such as Marriot, Best Western & Holiday Inn are commonly found in Germany, France and some other European countries. Check their websites to see if they have hotels in the city you are visiting.

You can also choose to stay at a European hotel chain. Just remember that the rating system you are used to for American hotels may be slightly lower for a European hotel chain. Accor hotel website has affiliations with over 4,000 hotels worldwide.

Guest Houses, Pensionen & Zimmers

If you want to live like the locals, then staying in a guest house, Pension or Zimmer is what you should do. Each one is as unique as the family running it. Accommodations will vary widely, so know what you want and call and ask to find the best fit.

This is where a good tour book will help you the most, but always call and double check what is offered and the price to make sure it is the best fit for your needs. If the place you call is full, ask if they know of another place close by, many times they help each other find rooms for tourists.

As with hotels, European B&Bs are not the same as American B&Bs, but they will come with local charm, a hearty breakfast and a reasonable price.

Hostels

Hostels have traditionally been for traveling students and backpackers, but today's hostels are for everyone and can provide a unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world, travel inexpensively and stay at some VERY interesting locations!

Most hostels even have small family rooms. Expect to share toilet and shower facilities, be locked out for part of the day and cook your own food. If staying in a communal room, bring ear plugs to protect yourself against loud snoring and be cautious with your belongings.

Some hostels require that you have a membership with Hostelling International. Inquire before you make your reservation. Hostelling International is a great organization to join because you have access to an online database of hostels all over the world, travel insurance, discount phone cards and more. If you've ever wanted to stay in a castle or a lighthouse - then this is your cheapest option!

There are many online resources for finding a hostel, but you need to remember that some places call themselves a hostel and they are just a REALLY cheap hotel. Use a reputable source for searching out hostels, otherwise the amenities or pictures listed may not be reliable.