Hotels can be expensive, but they aren’t your only option when traveling. Here are some websites you can use to find different accommodations that fit your needs. These options are great for anyone, but they are especially good for families that would usually need to book more than one hotel room.
homeaway.com – This website lists rental houses and apartments. Most listings have a daily and weekly rate and some require a minimum length of stay. This is great for groups who like their privacy.
VRBO.com – “Vacations Rentals by Owner” is an offshoot of HomeAway. The rentals are similar and most are listed with weekly rates.
airbnb.com – Similar to homeaway, airbnb also lists rental apartments and houses. Some listings on this site are “private rooms”, which means you’ll be sleeping in the apartment or homeowners spare bedroom, usually while they still are living there. This is a good option for single and couple travelers who don’t need a lot of space and don’t mind making new friends. There are also entire homes or apartments to look at too if you like your privacy.
apartmentsapart.com – Very similar to airbnb.com, but only lists apartments.
These last options are a little more traditional, but the websites can help you save money.
bedandbreakfast.com – Sometimes a B&B will cost the same as a traditional hotel, but with a nicer atmosphere and a decent breakfast included in the price.
booking.com – This website is a good place to start your search. They have a huge selection so you can get the feel for prices in areas of the city.
NOTE: I haven’t had the chance to use all of the websites personally. Let us know about your experiences or about other helpful websites in the comments.