Unique Lodging That Won't Completely Empty Your Wallet

For some people, part of the joy of traveling is staying in the poshest resorts and most stylish downtown hotels. That's great, if you can afford it. But for others of us, budget accommodations are a must. I prefer to spend my money on local restaurants, museums, tours and fun souvenirs. 

You can certainly find cheaper places to stay than the ones on this list. The obvious choices – hostels and some bed and breakfasts – don't always appeal to travelers who want more anonymity or a private bathroom, and dirt-cheap hotels are usually so for a very good reason.

Major tourist destinations like New York, London and Paris are notorious for astronomical prices, but with a little creativity it's possible to find a place to rest your head and take a shower that will fit into just about any budget.

Non-standard options abound. Universities frequently rent dorm rooms or suites (at bargain basement rates) during the summer months when school is not in session; farms and ranches often offer low-cost accommodations, although these will be well off the usual tourist path (a bonus, perhaps!). And if you're willing to stay outside the city limits, average prices, even for the nicer hotels, tend to plummet.  

There are also some "expensive" cities where it's a snap to find accommodations that are comfortably within your budget, if not brimming with personality. Sydney, for example, has a network of ridiculously inexpensive hotels that cater especially to "backpackers" but are open to all – they're universally clean and modern, with amazingly friendly and helpful staff. Italy has several cities with convents, which offer lodging for much lower rates than surrounding hotels. If you have a week or more, you can rent a flat in London for less than a hotel stay would run, an option that's especially popular with families. The same goes for most US beaches – you can rent a condo for a week, usually for less than you'd pay at a hotel. In Prague, several local companies arrange room and apartment rentals for amazingly inexpensive rates – you may end up in a less desirable part of town or sharing a bathroom and kitchen with a family of eight, but if price is your main concern and you like to interact with locals then this is a wonderful option.

BUT....

If you really want something more hotel-like, consider the following places. These are small to medium sized hotels in major tourist cities, places that offer reliably clean and economical accommodations, often with a big dose of quirky charm.

Europe
La Rive Gauche – no trip to Paris would be complete without at least a stroll through the bohemian Left Bank area. For those with a creative bent, Hôtel de Nesle is perfect. It's situated on a quiet Left Bank side street with cafés and brasseries all around, within walking distance of several major sights and a couple of Metro stops. Each room is individually decorated in a historic theme with elaborate, beautifully painted murals – you may find yourself in an Oriental hideaway or an Egyptian retreat. Half of the 20 rooms have private bath, the other half share, and there's a lovely little garden if you need a respite from the city. Reservations must be made by phone and the process is easier if you speak at least a little French! Singles €55-65; Doubles €75-100.

Here's another utterly charming themed hotel – Amsterdam's Hotel de Filosoof. The 45 rooms are modern and comfortable, but each is decorated with a different philosophical or cultural theme inspired by the writings of a diverse group of thinkers such as Confucius, Thoreau, Spinoza and Nietzsche. Guests can enjoy the hotel's restaurant, bar and well-tended garden, and there are plenty of other dining and relaxing options nearby as well. It's a great location, within walking distance of public transportation, most of the major attractions, shopping areas and galleries. Single/double €70-165.

It bills itself as London's "fashion rock 'n roll hotel" but regular people – albeit an artier crowd than you'll find at the local Best Western – find the Pavilion quite appealing too. All 30 of the unique themed rooms run the gamut from Moroccan to Scottish décor, from traditional florals to avant garde metallics. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, the location is great (couple minutes' walk to Paddington station) and the prices are virtually unheard of. Single/double £60-120.

Berlin's Propeller Island City Lodge is not for the timid, but if you have a well-cultivated sense of adventure you'll love it! The owner is an artist and designed each of the rooms to reflect a certain motif. Slanted floors, carefully crafted furniture, vibrant color palettes, fun and funky wall hangings are all used abundantly. You can sleep in a coffin, a castle, a barn or a cage, or even completely surrounded by mirrors. Some of the 30 rooms are a bit out there for the average tourist, but many of them are cool and comfortable. Some have balconies. Single/double €79-155.

The best thing about the historic Hotel Mediodia, aside from its rates, is its location. Situated in the Golden Triangle, the area between three of Madrid's great art museums (the Reina-Sofia, Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza), it's also across the road from the Atocha station, Real Jardín Botánico and the bookstalls on Calle Claudio Moyano. Numerous cafes and bars are within a short walk as well. The hotel has 173 rooms, each comfortably furnished and clean with views out over the busy Plaza del Emperador Carlos or the Reina-Sofia museum. Single/double €79.

India/Asia
New Delhi has plenty of cheap places to stay, some good, some horrendous. The Hotel Classic is firmly in the former category. It's in Karol Bagh, a central area known for fabulous shopping and easy access to sights and attractions. The hotel itself is clean, air conditioned and (this is important, to avoid any surprises at the end of a hot day of sightseeing) has an uninterrupted power supply. There's also secure Wi-Fi and broadband, a wonderfully helpful and accommodating staff, and a convenient tour desk to help with planning your itinerary. Single INR895-2100; Double INR1145-3100.

You might not expect to find a charming eco-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok, but that's the perfect description for the Phranakorn-Nornlen. It's operated by a group of young friends, a healthy, happy, friendly bunch who had a vision and worked hard to see it to fruition. The result is uniquely comfortable: rooms are individually decorated with hand-painted murals, colorful pillows and a balcony or patio. A gorgeous Thai garden greets visitors upon arrival and is perfect for escaping the chaos of the city. Breakfast (a mostly vegetarian Thai meal) is included. BHT1961-2941 

Contemporary and sleek, Hong Kong's Cosmo Hotel is understandably popular with younger travelers. Rooms come in various configurations and are decorated in one of three citrusy colors; all are well-equipped with mini-bar, coffeemaker, broadband Internet access and flat screen plasma television. Executive rooms also have a computer. The hotel offers a local area shuttle service, and has a groovy bar where you can relax at the end of the day. Double/studio/suite CNY 708-2955.

USA
Think it's impossible to find economical accommodations in New York City? Think again! The Pod Hotel is here, and it's the answer to the budget-conscious traveler's prayers. The place is basic, to be sure, but it's modern, comfortable and enjoys a fab location on the Middle East Side. Rooms are teeny-tiny but carefully designed to maximize the limited space. Most have shared bathrooms, but in-room features are great, including an i-Pod docking station, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. Choose from queen, double, twin or bunk beds. The staff is totally in-tune with the city, ready to fill you in on all the happening hotspots and arrange tours. USD109-189

Oh, Disneyland, how we love you! The only problem is finding a more affordable lodging option. That's why the HoJo Anaheim is such a great find. It's across the street from the park, about a 10-minute walk, but the resort area shuttle is an inexpensive option too if you prefer not to hoof it. The hotel has so many features that you'll be surprised by the modest rates and stellar service. Rooms are simple but superbly clean and comfortable, and the property has a pool for grown-ups and another one for kids. Another bonus is that you can see Disney's nightly fireworks display from here! USD84-129

Obviously, your definition of "budget-friendly" may differ from ours, but you have to admit that these are some fantastic finds that won't break the bank. There are lots of other choices out there, so if thrifty travel is important to you but you don't necessarily want to slum it, do a little digging and see what else you can find!