Solo: hostels often retain the edge
For one person, paying for a bed instead of an entire room is usually the strongest saving lever. Still check lockers, linen, breakfast, noise and distance.
Two people: compare two beds with a double room
Compare two dorm beds with a room intended for two guests. The difference may be small, especially if linen or breakfast is included. Check the sleeping arrangements and charges for both guests.
Three or four people: apartments become more competitive
Splitting a whole property and having a kitchen can reduce per-person cost, especially over several nights. But fees and conditions must be included.
Headline price is not always trip cost
Booking.com notes that reservations can include applicable fees/taxes and specific payment terms. Airbnb fee structures are evolving. Compare the final total and cancellation terms.
A kitchen only saves money if you use it
A more expensive apartment is not automatically good value because it has a kitchen. Savings occur only when you genuinely replace restaurant meals with groceries.
Our method
Compare total price divided by travellers, then add local transport, meals saved or added, linen/locker extras and cancellation value. The winner can change trip by trip.
How we work
We verify information, cite sources where relevant and date our updates. Prices, availability and rules that may change should always be checked again with the relevant source or service.
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