Planning a European getaway is one of the travel world's greatest pleasures. Explorers envision romantic strolling in Paris, tapas tasting in Barcelona, and museum-hopping in London. But just as daydreaming turns into legitimate agenda-forming, sticker shock often backslaps like a champion street fighter. The Euro and the Pound are a tough pill to swallow for American and Canadian vacationers, but Europe isn't all sky-high prices; we promise there are actually excellent deals to be found across the pond, especially when you plan your escape to miss peak season. We scoured our favorite cities for 3+ pearl hotels that come in under $150 a night in mid-September -- the perfectly not-too-hot, not-too-cold, not-too-crowded time to visit Europe!
Conscious Hotel Museum Square, Amsterdam
Price: $148 for a 3-pearl property
The Conscious Hotel proves you don’t have to go ultra-budget or far-flung to get a good deal in Amsterdam. This quirky, eco-themed hotel is located within walking distance of the Van Gogh Museum and local tram stations for a quick ride to the city’s historic center. The inviting hotel earns points for its large-for-Amsterdam sized rooms, natural light, and modern décor. Guests drawn by the eco theme will enjoy the organic daily breakfast, tree photo murals, and on-site bike rentals.
Condado Hotel, Barcelona
Price: $120 for a 3.5-pearl property
The family-run, boutique Condado Hotel Barcelona delivers an authentic Barcelona experience at a bargain price. Located in the commercial hub of Diagonal Avenue, it’s a bit removed from the most popular sights — but that’s nothing a short metro or bus ride can’t remedy. Rooms are comfortable, with wood floors, flat-screen TVs, and spacious bathrooms, and the hotel’s freebies, like Wi-Fi in the lobby and unlimited bottled water, secure the Condado a spot on the list of the city’s best values.
The Beacon Hotel, Dublin
Price: $124 for a 4-pearl property
Dublin‘s Beacon Hotel is a beacon of light (we never said we weren’t cheesy) for budget travelers searching for a hotel that’s cheap and chic. The hotel’s all-white rooms are decidedly fun, with fresh pops of color, fancy headboards, and hip bathrooms (some with sexy soaking tubs). The on-site Crystal Bar mixes a killer cocktail, and the hotel’s My Thai restaurant dishes up delicious Eastern cuisine. Though the hotel is located far from the city’s hottest tourist attractions, it’s close to a tram (LUAS) that ferries travelers downtown.
Best Western Victoria Palace, London
Price: $145 for a 3-pearl property
London is notorious for budget-bludgeoning prices, but there are still good deals to be had. Take the Best Western Victoria Palace, a no-frills hotel with admittedly small rooms but one of the best bang-for your buck locations in the city. Situated in the chic Pimlico neighborhood, this Best Western cozies up to the banks of the Thames River and has easy access to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral, myriad museums, awesome restaurants, and everything else a visitor could want.
VIP Executive Suites Eden, Lisbon
Price: $117 for a 3-pearl property
There are three main reasons why bargain-hunters (and really all kinds of travelers) love the VIP Executive Suites Eden. First, it has a near-perfect location within walking distance of Lisbon‘s sights and the metro. Secondly, it has an awesome rooftop pool. And thirdly, amazing views abound. The rooms are undeniably a bit lackluster, with sparsely equipped kitchenettes and dorm-room-esque décor, but the hotel is still a great deal for the central location.
Hotel Le Dauphin, Paris
Price: $105 for a three-pearl property
Not only did we squeeze London onto this list, but we found a bargain in Paris, too! The stylish city’s Hotel Le Dauphin is located on the outskirts of Paris – and that can be a good thing. The residential location nets a lower price for the same charm as the city’s more expensive hotels: rich wood paneling, an outdoor patio, and classic Parisian touches define this boutique hotel. There’s a hint of the modern — and playful — here, too, as evident in the walk-in showers with special lighting effects. When it’s time for sightseeing, the nearby metro offers a short ride into the city center.
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