European Cities Where You Can Get A Hotel Room For Less Than An Airbnb

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A few of us are on the fence when it comes to Airbnb. For some, it represents the democratization of travel, a chance to escape the old-world model of hotels, lobbies, and maroon-clad bellhops. For others, it is a blight on the industry itself with its self-clean philosophy, sideways glances from neighbors, and the dehumanizing numbness of being greeted by a key-lock combination text.

Still, whatever its merits, Airbnb is clearly here to stay. Its unique selling point is, after all, a bit of a doozy. You rent a room on the understanding that you are going to forgo most, if not all, of the services you might expect from a hotel. Your bed sheets won't be turned down, there'll be no chocolate on your pillow, and your "concierge" is going to lie at the far end of a Google search. In return, you get better rates per night. At least, that's the theory.

In reality, there are reasons why you might want to avoid renting an Airbnb in France. New laws have stripped landlords of some of their tax breaks, making it more difficult to offer the highly competitive rates Airbnb customers are used to. Across Europe, similar legislation is coming online, the net effect of which is predictable enough. The hotel sector is once again able to compete on price. The list below was compiled using a few simple metrics, using a hypothetical three-day weekend city break in September for two people as the basis for our search. Surprisingly enough, our research turned up some affordable hotel rooms that could compete with Airbnb prices in highly desirable European destinations. Here's what where we suggest planning your next trip to get the most bang for your buck.

Warsaw is a city of many accolades. Marie Curie, the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize and still the only person to ever receive one in two separate scientific fields, was born there. After World War II, its magnificent old town was rebuilt brick by brick in such meticulous detail that, in 1980, it was granted UNESCO world heritage status.

Warsaw remains to this day one of the top-ranked city vacation spots in Europe. Still, as tourists flock to sample some of its many Michelin-starred restaurants, attend open-air Chopin recitals, and soak up its history, the need to keep one eye on the purse strings is a pressing matter. From experience, it's not as cheap as it used to be — a natural consequence of its increased popularity.

There are, however, affordable Airbnb options within walking distance of Warsaw's main attractions. But such places are not only few and far between, but they are also a tad on the dismal side and tend to be a challenge to book. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $141 and $206 for a three-night stay at a Warsaw Airbnb using discounted rates that may or may not be available. Meanwhile, you can find the odd "aparthotels" available for just $131, and most budget, inner city hotels are competitive with the upper-range Airbnb offerings. So, naturally, your wallet might thank you if your broaden your search to include both Airbnb and hotels.

Any attempt to describe all that Vienna has to offer inevitably falls short. One of Europe's most beautiful cities — and one of the friendliest cities out there — Vienna is a place of exquisite architecture, Instagram-worthy confectionery, and seamless mobility. Its historic center is a mixture of medieval grandeur and Baroque extravagance, and the city's café culture is so fundamental to the Viennese way of life that UNESCO named it an intangible cultural heritage.

While the capital's world-famous Naschmarkt is alive with the scent of sizzling strudel and Middle Eastern spices, during the weekend, it transforms into one of the best flea markets in Europe. In summer, city dwellers flock to the nearby Wienerwald reserve — a breathtaking slice of central European majesty squeezed between the Northern Alps and the Pannonic Basin. During the winter, Vienna is home to one of the best Christmas markets you'll find anywhere on the continent. Best of all, it's less crowded than London, Paris, Prague, or any of the other usual suspects, as well as being easier and cheaper to book.

That said, finding accommodation becomes less of a hassle than you might expect. You can absolutely find yourself a city center Airbnb for less than $70 a night, with one location close to the city's largest street market on offer for $147 for a three-night stay. The titular Easy Book-In Hotel, however, can do better. For as little as $128, you 'll get three nights in a standard double room with a shared bath situated in the heart of the fabulously multicultural Sechsaus district.

Amsterdam is one of those places that needs little in the way of an introduction. The capital of the Netherlands, visitors flock to the city to unwind in its relaxed café culture, enjoy the ambience of its canals, or immerse themselves in its rich history. Art lovers are well served here. The Rijksmuseum contains some 8,000 works of Dutch art, including items by Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt.

There is a wholesome, outdoorsy feel to the place that is not easily replicated elsewhere, whether you're picnicking in Vondelpark, browsing the fresh-cut flowers of the Bloemenmarkt, or exploring the butterfly pavilions and ancient trees of the 17th-century Hortus Botanical Gardens. A city of cyclists, Amsterdam is best explored where you can more easily access the café and boutique museums of the Jordaan region. The city is so full of life that deciding what you should do on a day trip to Amsterdam requires an awful lot of forward planning.

The one downside to all this splendor is the sheer expense. Amsterdam is the fifth most expensive city to visit in Europe. Finding affordable accommodation is an essential part of keeping costs down. Airbnb is undoubtedly one way of doing that, but there is a rather significant caveat. You'll be hard-pressed to find anything close to the center of action. There is a strict 30-day limit on private rentals in the city, meaning that no property is available year-round. An occasional bargain can be found for less than $280 per weekend, but they're at least one bus ride from town. On the rare occasion that a central location is available, expect to pay a premium. Meanwhile, the cheapest hotel is hardly that, but at least they are readily available. The Camp Inn offers a double room for a shade under $400 for three nights.

For some, Athens is all about history. Exploring the Acropolis and its surrounding monuments is enough of a trip all by itself. For others, it's the chaos of the city's nightlife: the rooftop bars, the hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and the sheer thrill of the unexpected. Foodies flock there to sample the very best of one of the world's favorite cuisines. Sunseekers get a taste of the good life alongside the Athenian Riviera.

Meanwhile, the city's historic center is a microcosm of distilled wonder. The Varvakios Market is a sight to behold. The Neoclassical trilogy — including Athens Academy, the University of Athens, and the National Library — are bucket list worthy. The majesty of Omonia Square has to be experienced in person, while the shops and bazaars are filled with mystery, hidden treasures, and unexpected delights. And all of it acts as a precursor to further exploration. Athens is a transport hub with few peers, a gateway to the Cyclades islands to the south and the Balkans to the north. Yes, there are reasons why you need a guide to packing for a trip to Greece.

Airbnb rates are variable. You'll find prices hovering around the $260 mark for a weekend break. Further east of the Acropolis, prices come down, but not by much. Thankfully, any number of budget hotels offer more competitive rates. The Sparta Team Hotel — with its admittedly average review score, for example — is just a short walk from Omonia Square. Three nights here in the shoulder season can be snapped up for as little as $115.

Italy is the ultimate European destination because its attractions extend far beyond the capital city. Venice — one of the continent's most expensive tourist traps — steals its fair share of the limelight. For breathtaking camping trips, veteran travelers head to Tuscany. Florence is for art lovers. Naples reeks of coastal charm. Frankly, up and down the peninsula, you'll find underrated destination after underrated destination. Which is not to say that you should skip a weekend city break in Rome. The capital does, after all, have a charm of its own.

To start with, Rome is blessed with layers of history that few other places can compete with. It is a city of grandiose piazzas, a place of iconic cuisine, and one of the last bastions of urban gardening left on the continent. The Italian capital is home to terrifyingly ancient catacombs, aqueducts, and mausoleums that stretch back millennia, as well as modern shopping districts that are considered some of the best in Europe. Locals gather at the Porta Portese markets, tourists line up for a chance to experience Opera under the stars, and everywhere the city is alive with infectious energy.

Still, finding an Airbnb near the center is a challenging proposition. Close to the Vatican, you're unlikely to find anything for less than $150 a night, even during low season. A room in a well-rated hotel, such as the Hotel Euro Quiris, clocks in at around $142 per night, offering an admittedly marginal saving but coming with all the perks of a regular hotel.

For a landlocked country, Hungary has an unusual relationship with water. Nowhere is this more self-evident than in the capital city itself. To begin with, the mighty Danube dominates the town to the point where a cruise is perhaps the perfect way to take in all Budapest has to offer. Some 15 bridges span the waterway, and the imposing Buda Castle is visible from every single one of them. It is also a city of thermal baths, and a place where skin care and beauty parlors are as prolific as bars and cafes.

But the city is also home to much in the way of culture. Its Neo-Gothic legislative building rivals the Houses of Parliament for sheer architectural splendor. The subterranean labyrinths are as extensive as they are exquisite. The city is filled with ecclesiastical marvels: Great synagogues, churches, and cathedrals lurk around every corner. Street art is world-class. The much-cherished opera is the near-equal of Vienna's. And, lurking just outside the city, the cool calm of limestone caves provides relief from the summer heat.

Those wishing to spend a weekend in the city find themselves spoiled for choice. Most Airbnbs are found on the east bank of the river close to the center of town. Prices fluctuate depending on the quality of the accommodation, but few are unreasonable: Three nights can be found for as little as $207. Still, you might find yourself paying as much as $380 for something with a little bit more pizzazz. Meanwhile, hotels definitely cater to travelers on a budget. The Classic Hotel lies on the west side of the Danube, meaning you'll have to cross the river to reach the main tourist hub. The upside, however, is that the three-night price is only $162 for a standard, if passable room.

There is a notion that Helsinki is something of a maudlin place blighted by long nights, harsh winters, and a population indifferent to tourists. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, the winter nights are long and the skyline is at times reminiscent of something from a Shakespearean tragedy, but the people are unequivocally warm. Finland is not only an underrated country well suited for outdoor activities, its capital also just so happens to be one of the happiest cities in the world.

Saunas lie at the heart of Finnish culture. There are approximately 3.2 million of them in Finland, almost one per every second resident. Meanwhile, Helsinki — a UNESCO city of design no less — blends old-world heritage with cutting-edge modern architecture in ways few other cities have managed to master. It's also a city well suited for families. Children delight in the joys of Moomin World and its associated museum. Adults can island hop using the municipality's excellent ferry service or else retreat into the city's nightlife, one of the finest you'll find north of Berlin.

Price-wise, things are also less steep than you'd find in other Scandinavian territories, although it is far from the most inexpensive place in Europe. Centrally, you're unlikely to find a private Airbnb rental below $230, and even further out, prices are not much better. Meanwhile, the Forenom Aparthotel — armed with a 7.6 rating on Booking.com — is able to advertise three nights for just $182 in a location that is only a few metro stops away from the central hub.

The Baltic nations are often overlooked by would-be holiday makers, usually thanks to the region's long, brutal winters. Over the summer months, however, things get surprisingly toasty. Baltic beach holidays are definitely a thing, and an excellent way to avoid the crowds of Southern Europe. Latvia, sandwiched between Estonia and Lithuania, is often considered the greenest country in Europe. Over half its land mass is covered in forests.

Still, its capital city, Riga, is a must-visit location for those interested in exploring the Baltic area. There you will find Europe's largest market, a most excellent location to sample Latvian delicacies such as dark rye breads, exotic cheeses, and smoked fish. Architecturally, the city is something of a shining beacon. From the 14th-century former warehouse known as the House of Blackheads to the reclaimed industrial land of the Spīķeri Quarter, Riga is a technicolor patchwork of competing styles, history, and charm. The city also sits on the crossroads of the EuroVelo network, a popular cycle route that traces the outline of the Baltic Sea. At slightly over 5,600 miles in length, few manage to complete the entire course, but the more manageable section of the Latvian coast is a personal favorite.

Airbnb offerings are plentiful here, with prices all clustered around the $80 a night mark. Still, while occasional bargains costing $205 for a three-night stay crop up from time to time, they cannot compete with some of the budget hotels you'll find. Hotel Multilux, for example, is well-located and a pleasant enough place to stay. At just $102 for the weekend, it's also excellent value.

For those in the know, Bulgaria is a place that feels designed for a secret vacation. Its Black Sea coast is the equal of anything you'd find on the Mediterranean, but at a fraction of the price. Skiing holidays enjoy a similar reputation for discounted trips: Bulgaria occupies second and third place when it comes to its value proposition.

Meanwhile, the capital city of Sofia is a real hidden gem. With a population of slightly under 1.3 million people, it is a place of wide boulevards, crisp architecture, and stunning mountain views. On the foothills of the Vitosha Massif mountain just outside the city limits, you will find a true wonder of the world. Boyana Church was built sometime in the 10^th century, and sheltered within its ancient walls are some of the finest frescoes you will find anywhere in the world. Seriously, words cannot do them justice. Elsewhere, you'll find the usual collection of museums, nightlife, eateries, and urban gardens. Sofia rarely finds itself on bucket-list locations, but once discovered, it's an inexpensive and pleasant place to spend a few nights away.

Such affordability extends to accommodation. An Airbnb apartment in a central location can be found for as little as $120 for a weekend stay. Certain inner-city hotels, however, manage to undercut the private rental market, although only just. Hotello is located less than half a mile from the city center and can offer three nights for just $109.

Albania is, in many ways, as overlooked as Bulgaria when it comes to summer vacations. Greece lies to its south and Italy to its west — and both tend to soak up much of the limelight. It's a genuine shame. Albania has 125 miles of Adriatic coast to explore, and its sheer beauty has created a natural world paradox: Although it rivals Greece when it comes to coastal getaways, it manages to do so without attracting horrendous crowds.

As seen from one of the city's cable car gondolas, Tirana looks like a flat plateau fringed with verdant hills, crystal lakes, and imposing mountains. Down at street level, it more closely resembles a patchwork of technicolor buildings, green spaces, and curvaceous city planning philosophy. Visitors can spend time wandering around the ultra-modern and appropriately named New Bazar or else take a moment to enjoy the vibrancy of the city's street art. Accommodation is cheap. An Airbnb flat is only going to set you back $146 for the weekend. Hotel Deja, however, with its impressive 7.1 rating on Booking.com, is situated only 1.3 miles from the city center can be had for an even more wallet-friendly $95.

The prices listed are taken directly from Airbnb and Booking.com, covering a hypothetical stay in September for three nights for two people sharing a room. Occasional wildcards, those odd Airbnbs that show up for $20 or less than the city average, were dismissed from the data since they are often random and heavily dependent on demand and timing. Such prices are generally the result of last-minute cancellations or else represent lowball properties rented for reasons probably best left undiscovered.

All prices were accurate at the time of writing. Locations too far out of the city center were omitted as outliers, as were the occasional hotel or private rental with rates well below the regional average.