Backpack Europe: Accommodation Review and Insight

(Backpack Europe Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight 
Backpacking Europe, I have learned some simple and convenient ways to book accommodation traveling abroad.

For non peak season:-

1) If flying, check-out the recommended accommodation upon receiving the airline ticket confirmation email. Just choose one with good reviews.

2) If taking ground transport, go to any tourist information counter and asked for advice according to your preference.

For all seasons:-
Just book on-line through popular travel aggregators.  The two travel aggregators that  I found very user-friendly and credible during my Europe trip were Hotelscombined.com and Hostelworld.com.

Accommodation review on Fitzroy Hotel, London

The main entrance signage and door are way too small!. It took me more than half an hour of pulling my heavy luggage, walking up and down Fitzroy Street and asking several people before finding the hotel. Also, I have to climb down 5 floors to get to the toilet! Other than that, I’m happy with my small clean little room. This hotel was recommended by Easybooking.com through AirAsia ticket-confirmation email.

Accommodation review on Vintage Hostel, Paris

Friendly, helpful and informative help-desk service. This hostel has a nice and spacious common area for guests to interact but very poor breakfast food.This hostel was recommended by Hostelworld.com through Ryanair ticket-confirmation email.


Accommodation review on Hottel Monterrey, Costa Brava, Spain

This hotel has a beautiful beach. However it has extremely poor customer service at the counter. The hotel lady-managers were really rigid, money oriented and not helpful. I have to pay her 5euros to print my Ryanair boarding pass but instead she printed me an email notice of my boarding pass. She then refused to print the correct copy again!! This hotel was booked through Adventura.com

Accommodation review on Allesandro Palace Hostel, Rome
A very happening hostel. Guests range from all ages. Have a nice indoor bar. Very friendly counter staff. This hostel was also recommended by Hostelworld.com through Ryanair ticket-confirmation email.   Oops! I forgot to take a pic of this hostel!

Accommodation review on Backpackers Hostel, Lucerne

Very clean and spacious. Each dorm has working desks and chairs. Nice scenery, near the lake. However, breakfast not provided. This hostel was recommended by the Tourist-Info staff at Lucerne Train Station.

Accommodation review on Hotel Drei Kruz, Salzburg
 Great customer service at front desk! Very comfortable and cosy room decoration with attached bathroom. Good choice of breakfast food too. This hotel was recommended by a London friend.

The K.I.S.S Nugget :-
On the whole, I was satisfied with almost all the online recommended accomodations during my spontaneous backpack Europe travel.