It's the most critical moment of planning any trip. You open Booking or Airbnb, you start scrolling photos, and suddenly every room looks like paradise on earth (thanks, photographers with wide-angle lenses and Photoshop filters).
But then you arrive, open the door, and find out that your "cosy apartment with a view" is actually a damp basement with a window facing the bin shaft, or that the "classic 4-star hotel" hasn't seen a mop since 1985.
So you don't end up crying over the spilled money, Martin has prepared the definitive, no-filter guide on where you should (and shouldn't) stay, depending on your type of trip.
The Hostel: The Social (and Cheap) Option 🎒
Forget the horror-movie idea that all hostels are filthy dens full of backpackers who haven't showered in three weeks.
These days, Europe is full of boutique hostels that look like luxury hotels (look for brands like Generator or Selina). They're the best option if you're travelling solo and want to meet people, or if your budget is super tight and you just need a bed.
The Golden Rule: Always, always read the most recent reviews focused on bathroom cleanliness and night-time noise. If anyone says "the hot water ran out at 8 in the morning", run.
The Airbnb: The Illusion of Being Local 🍳
Renting an entire apartment is fantastic if you're travelling in a group of friends (to split costs) or if you want to save money cooking your own breakfast and dinner. You get space, a fridge, and the illusion that you're a "local" living in Paris or Rome.
The Danger: Watch out for hidden fees. Often the room costs €50/night, but the "cleaning fee" and "service fee" double the final price. On top of that, pay attention to the dictatorial rules of some hosts. You don't want to pay €80 in cleaning fees and still have to wash the dishes, sweep the floor, take out the rubbish and water the plants before checking out at 10 a.m. sharp.
The Hotel: Peace of Mind 🏨
It's the classic option for a reason. Want to arrive, throw the suitcase on the floor, take a hot shower, sleep on a giant mattress and have someone make your bed the next day while you're out exploring? The hotel is your spot.
Is it more expensive? Yes. But the stress level is zero. If the TV doesn't work, you call reception. If you need clean towels, they bring them. If your flight arrives at 1 a.m., there's always someone there to give you the key (try doing that with an Airbnb host without paying a "late check-in fee").
The Universal Rule: Location Is Everything 📍
It doesn't matter if you chose a palace or a dormitory. If your accommodation is 2 hours from the city centre and you have to take three trains and a bus every day to see the monuments, what you saved on the room you'll spend on transport tickets, time and lots of patience. Stay near a central metro station and your trip will be 100 times better.
Don't Get Burned on Your Car Either 🚗
You spend hours reading reviews on Booking to make sure you don't get burned on accommodation, that the bed is clean and the area is safe. So why would you take less care with your car back home in Portugal?
Don't leave your vehicle parked on a dark street near the airport, praying no one touches it, and don't hand it over to a sketchy dirt car park you found on the internet.
At Multipark, there are no surprises, no hidden fees and no misleading photos.
Our Valet Parking service is transparent and excellent. You hand us the car at the terminal door and we keep it in a modern, clean, covered (or uncovered, you choose) car park with 24-hour surveillance.
Treat your car like you treat your sleep on holiday: choose the best and the safest. Get a quote and book your Valet Parking on Multipark's website to travel with real peace of mind!
