Hi, <BR> <BR>I've done a search, and no one really seem to have answered this question - which is weird. But I couldn't find it in a search. There is a similar post a few days ago, but that concentrated more on the UK. <BR> <BR>Boyfriend and I are going to Europe in mid-Sept for 6.5 weeks. <BR> <BR>We're going to Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne, Bacharac,Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Lucerne, Lauterbrunnen, Montreaux, Florence, Venice, Siena, Rome and Naples. <BR> <BR>Question is - shall we prebook our accomodation or get it from there? WE're both below 26 and wouldn't mind spending approx US$50.00 for our accomodation - (prefereably, double room & bathroom). It's not a strict budget, we could probably go up to $100.00 but only for a few places, though if push comes to shove..... <BR>We probably would be hesitant to spend a night on a park bench. But, by the same token, from what most people have told me about our itenerary, it's very packed and so there is a good chance that we might start changing things here and there. So we're not 100% sure that we'll be in this place at this time. <BR> <BR>We will be booking our accomodation in Paris (for when we land, first day) and Munich (oktoberfest). What about the rest of the places? Is it easy to get that sort of accomodation and are there plentiful? <BR> <BR>What would you suggest? <BR>

$50 per room is not much to spend on accommodation in European cities. In some cities, you MAY be able to find cheap places by looking around. They would be most likely two or three blocks from the train station. They are not going to be the kinds of places which make a big deal about reservations (or maid service, coordinated decor, or much of anything else.) You can reduce your costs by 1) Staying in youth hostels. 2) Visiting smaller towns, where you can stay in Bed and Breakfasts. 3) Slowing down your trip. Moving around is expensive in all kinds of ways. If you do get a room for under $50, stay there a few days. 4) Sleeping some nights on the train. <BR>I think you are right to have reservations in Paris, which fills up with conventions at unlikely times, and certainly in Munich during Octoberfest. Otherwise, it's a time of year when we routinely travel without reservations. So far, we've never had a problem. It seems to me that your constraints will come more from a tight budget and tight schedule than from lack of reservations. Good luck. Whatever happens, it will be a great adventure!

Wow, that is a whirl-wind tour of europe in 6.5 weeks! I spent a week in Paris and was exhausted! You definitely should think about slowing down on the number of cities you'll see during this trip. I only know about Paris so, you can find cheap hotels there by looking on hotelboulevard.com and then clicking on "best buys" or "best deals," something like that. Hotel Telemaque is a good choice, but you would definitely have to book ahead for that hotel. I would expect that the chaper hotels that are decent, are the ones you would have to make reservations for. A lot of people like making reservations when they get to the city, but personally I'd feel really nervous about doing that. Like you, I'm also not a person who would consider sleeping on a park bench at night just to save some money. <BR>

I can only speak from experience regarding Paris, Florence, Venice and Rome, but I would be very surprised if you could find double rooms with private bath for $50 per night in any of those cities. (And I've been told that Switzerland and Austria are even more expensive.) We stay in inexpensive hotels, but for the most part expect to pay about $100 per night in those cities. This is what we have paid for 2 star hotels in all of those cities. And to find those rates, we had to do a lot of research and book well in advance. The inexpensive, nicer places seem to fill up quite quickly. We did find a 1 star hotel in Florence for about $60 per night, but again, they seem to be booked well in advance. Unless you are willing to stay in hostels (we're not), I would make reservations in advance. Given your constraints of budget and time, you could find that you end up spending a great deal of your time tracking down acceptable hotels. Probably not the way you want to remember your trip.

Amanda; We (4 of us) are going to Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Venice, the Riviera, Chamonix, Annecy, Beaune and Paris in mid September. I wanted to keep the room cost to an average of $100 per night for a double with a good location and private bath. Even starting in February a few places we wanted were booked (Venice). Vienna we got what we wanted but they mentioned it is a very busy time. Usually there are conventions in Europe in the Fall, this complicates the accomodations. You should also consider that most places, other than France include breakfast in the price. Make sure prices quoted include all taxes. Also, ask for a WC and shower, rooms with a bath are generally more and a double bed is usually cheaper than 2 twins. We are also staying at a couple Bed and Breakfasts in France which at least are less money and include breakfast. Bacharach has a great hostel but you must get there early and Bahmers (spelling) in Interlaken is wonderful (according to my daughter who was 21 when she stayed there and went rafting and repelling). Many people say going without reserverations gives you more flexibility but if location, price convenience and amenities (bath) are important, booking in advance takes on greater importance. Also, if a place you pick is booked, ask them if they can recommend a comparable location. Most places try to help. Have a wonderful trip.