11 Alternatives to Hotels for Every Budget

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Traditional hotel accommodation has many perks, but the thought of spending hundreds of dollars for a night’s stay is not alluring. 

If you’re a frequent traveler and would want to switch up a little, there are plenty of alternatives to hotels. These offer new experiences for different budgets, from affordable bargain options to something luxurious and grander, depending on what you want.

Here are exciting alternatives to hotels to make your next trip truly unforgettable.

#1. Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals strike a perfect balance between vacation rentals and homestays. They come furnished in many shapes and sizes, from studio apartments to private rooms and large homes, and can cater to a wide range of budgets.

What sets short-term rentals apart from hotels is having your own space and privacy. You can cook your meals in the kitchen, entertain friends in the living room, and even do your laundry, all while feeling like you have a home away from home.

To save more, find options with roommates; June Homes will even help you find one. And with many short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, you can experience a destination more authentically, away from the touristy areas.

#2. Camping or RV Rentals

If you love nature and outdoor experiences or just want to disconnect from the chaos of city life, camping and RV rentals are excellent options. Whether you prefer to pitch a tent in the wilderness or hit the open road in a cozy RV, the opportunities for adventure are endless.

Plain old camping in a tent—sleeping under the stars—can be magical. It’s also one of the cheapest options, especially if you cook your own meals. But if you’d prefer not to spend the night slapping mosquitoes, look for luxury tent camping or a cabin. 

Rent an RV or a campervan, book an RV park, and set up camp. Alternatively, some destinations have RV’s already set up and operate like normal rentals. However, even though on wheels, they won’t take you anywhere.

Both options provide a sense of freedom and flexibility that hotels can’t match and often come at a lower price.

#3. Academic Housing or Student Housing

Some colleges and universities offer their dorm rooms or apartments to travelers during the summer months when students are away. These accommodations are often centrally located and come with the basic amenities you need for a comfortable stay, such as a bed, desk, and bathroom. 

These types of accommodations offer a range of options, from private dorm rooms to furnished apartments that students living off-campus are willing to sublet. Academic housing allows you to interact with locals and students.

You can attend campus events, use the facilities, and even make new friends. Plus, academic housing is often located in convenient and central locations, making exploring a new city or town easy.

#4. Boat House

What if I tell you you don’t have to own a boat to stay in one? Exciting, right?

Boat owners often dock them in the harbor whether they are staying in them or not, and some often rent them out. You may not be able to go around, but your stay in this exciting hotel alternative will be memorable.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of the ocean or river, surrounded by stunning views and fresh sea air. From houseboats to yachts, boathouses come in various shapes and sizes, making them perfect for couples, families, or even solo travelers.

You can spend your days exploring the waterways, fishing, or simply relaxing on the deck with a good book. Boat stays are also a great option for those who want to combine their accommodation with an adventure, such as sailing or snorkeling.

#5. Vacation Home Rentals

An apartment in Chicago, a cabin in Vermont, a villa in the Caribbean, or a Greek villa with a private vineyard…vacation home rentals offer you the luxury of staying in a fully furnished home away from home anywhere around the globe.

With vacation home rentals, choices are endless, from beachside cottages to mountain chalets, beachfront condos, city townhomes, etc. And because they offer more space than a typical hotel room, you’ll have a good time with family and friends without feeling cramped.

Their equipped kitchen can save you bucks on restaurants, and you also get to enjoy privacy and seclusion that’s hard to come by in a hotel. Just ensure you read reviews from previous renters before you book a property.

#6. Couchsurfing or Homestays

If you want to immerse yourself in a more authentic cultural experience, couch surfing, and homestays are perfect alternatives to hotels.

With couch surfing, you stay on someone’s couch or spare room for free, while homestays involve paying a fee to stay in a local’s home. Plenty of homestays are offered through rental companies, such as Airbnb, ranging from rooms offered for rent by residents to apartments owned by rental companies.

Both options allow you to connect with locals and experience their culture and way of life firsthand. They are perfect for adventurous travelers open to new experiences and meeting new people.

Check out sites like Couchsurfing, Homestay.com, and Servas International. 

#7. Hostels

You’re probably already picturing a certain hostel horror film. But before you dismiss this option, just know hostels nowadays are safe and getting more luxurious and trendier.

Hostels are a popular alternative to hotels if you don’t want to sacrifice comfort and convenience at a fraction of the price of a hotel room. They’re especially perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and young adults looking to meet other like-minded travelers and make new friends from all around the world.

Most hostel settings have shared dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and shared common areas, such as kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms. Many also offer private rooms if you want more privacy but still enjoy the social atmosphere of a hostel.

Luxury hostels have amazing facilities like a sauna, swimming pool, custom-built pod beds, a cinema, etc.

#8. House Sitting

House sitting is exactly what it sounds like—caring for someone’s home while they’re away. And in exchange, you get to stay in their comfortable and often fully furnished house free of charge.

It comes with responsibilities such as taking care of pets or plants, but it’s a small price to pay for a unique and memorable travel experience. You can also sign up your house to be housesat by another person looking to visit your area.

When house sitting, you have access to all the amenities of a home, including a kitchen, laundry facilities, and perhaps even a pool or backyard.

So, if you have a nurturing personality and love pets, check out these sites.

• Trusted Housesitters
• Normador
• MindMyHouse
• HouseSit Match
• HouseCarers

#9. Cabin

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s nothing quite like a cozy cabin retreat.

Unlike hotels, cabins offer a unique and intimate setting where you can connect with nature and unwind peacefully. Imagine waking to birds chirping and the scent of fresh pine trees or cozying up next to a warm fireplace on a chilly evening.

Many cabins offer amenities like hot tubs, outdoor grills, and fully equipped kitchens so that you can enjoy home-cooked meals and quality time with loved ones. So why settle for a generic hotel experience when you can escape to your own private slice of paradise?

#10. Bed and Breakfast

B&Bs (bed and breakfast) provide a more intimate setting as they usually have fewer rooms and are family-owned. They often offer unique and cozy accommodations, such as historic homes, quaint cottages, and charming guest rooms.

From charming antique decor to homemade breakfasts, every aspect of a bed and breakfast is designed to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. With only a handful of rooms, guests can enjoy a more personalized experience and often receive individual attention from the hosts.

Besides breakfast, many also offer amenities like afternoon tea, evening wine tastings, and outdoor gardens with tables and chairs, making it easy to unwind and enjoy your surroundings.

#11. Home Swap

Home swapping involves exchanging your home with another traveler; you stay in their home while they stay in yours. It is an affordable alternative to hotels and often a culturally enriching and exciting way to see the world.

You’ll have to join a home exchange network. Besides the membership fees, there are no other charges like a nightly fee. Also, most homes are equipped with all the necessary comforts, and by trading homes, you’ll save big bucks.

Popular home exchange sites include HomeExchange, People Like Us, and Love Home Swap.

Which Hotel Alternatives Have You Tried?

Hotels are not the only option when it comes to travel accommodations. From house sitting to bed and breakfasts, cabins to home swapping, plenty of alternatives offer unique and personalized experiences. They offer a more authentic and immersive travel experience while saving money and enjoying all the comforts.

So why settle for a generic hotel room when you can choose a one-of-a-kind experience? Give one of these hotel alternatives a try on your next trip and discover a new way to see the world.