Articles Mentioning Budget

Tullia & Prisca Relais

More like a guest house than a hotel, the Tullia & Prisca Relais is a budget boutique property offering eight rooms on the first floor of a building. The main draw here is the exceptional location in the heart of Rome, in walking distance to restaurants, shops, public transit, and tourist attractions, like the Colosseum, just a six-minute walk. Rooms are more stylish than the pearl-rating indicates — clean and well-sized for the location with wood floors, modern bathrooms, and amenities like gently stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The biggest downside here is lack of common spaces, with just a reception area open during limited hours and no breakfast room or lobby lounge. Profumo Maison d’Hôtes is a comparable property nearby, and it adds a stylish terraced breakfast room. 

A Room In The City

This stylish budget hostel in a former convent occupies a prime location that’s three blocks from La Concha Beach and a 10-minute walk from the bus and train stations. Inviting common areas include homey living rooms, a charming courtyard, and a rooftop terrace, while fun daily activities like pintxo tours encourage camaraderie among backpackers and other budget travelers. Kitchens are a downer, however, as they lack stoves/ovens, plus breakfast isn’t available here, but a selection of free snacks and coffee/tea throughout the day is a convenient touch. Guest rooms, both private rooms and shared dorms, are clean and minimalist in style. Guests particularly rave about the bunkbeds with privacy curtains, usb ports, and power outlets. For an alternative in the old town, check out Kaixo Hostel.

Puerta del Mar

The two-and-a-half-pearl Puerta del Mar is an inviting Ixtapa hotel with Colonial Mexican decor and relaxed family-friendly ambience. All 45 guest rooms are one- or two-bedroom suites with separated living rooms and spacious private terraces with lounge chairs. The spacious suites also feature full kitchens, dining tables, and TVs. The hotel is an ideal choice for couples and families, with two pools (one with a slide), an open-air restaurant, and two casual bars. The gated hotel has beautifully manicured soccer fields and grounds with lovely tropical flowers. The biggest downside is that it’s a 15-minute walk to Playa el Palmar. For those looking to be closer to the beach, consider the Park Royal Hotel. It has similar amenities and a lively vibe — but at a higher price. 

Bahia del Sol Resort

Wedged between mega-resorts and modern time-share condominiums, Bahia del Sol Resort is one of Nuevo Vallarta’s few budget options. Bahia del Sol doesn’t offer much besides dated rooms (some with full kitchens), an icy cold swimming pool, and spotty Wi-Fi, but its cheap rates and prime beachfront location keep attracting guests year after year. One highlight is the on-site Italian restaurant, Guido’s, which is often regarded as one of the best in the area. Travelers willing to shell out a bit more cash might prefer Samba Vallarta All-Inclusive, a nicer property with more amenities (like free kayaks and a game room) but a rowdier atmosphere.