Finding a Bargain Bed in Europe

Last week, we suggested alternative lodgings in Europe that were affordable but also had some whimsy and character. Now, our readers offer their recommendations on where to catch some shut-eye across the Atlantic.

Il Milograno (13 C. da Fonte Trufo, 011-39-0735-72371, http://www.ilmelogranobb.it), in the hills of the Ascoli Piceno region, is only 15 minutes from a mountain hike or a day at the beach. The affordable B&B ($95 low season, $114 high season), about 30 minutes from the beautiful city of Ascoli Piceno, is my favorite in Italy. The English-speaking hosts make you feel at home with a lovely homemade breakfast and gorgeous, spotless rooms. The value can't be beat!

Jessica Sapalio, Springfield

We stayed in Venice at the Hotel American Dinesen (628 Accademia, 011-39-041-520-4733, http://www.hotelamerican.com), near the Accademia. We had a canal-view room with small balconies and a huge bathroom, a great breakfast and free Internet in the lobby and the room. Our total for three nights was $649.

In Florence, we stayed at San Gallo Palace (2 Via Lorenzo Il Magnifico, 011-39-055-463-871, http://www.sangallopalace.com), about a 20-minute walk from city center. Three nights and a dinner at the hotel were $790.

Paula Miller, Kitty Hawk, N.C.

Last summer, I stayed at Il Rosario Convent (10 Via Sant'Agata dei Goti, 011-39-6-679-2346; from $127) in Rome. The convent was very clean and within easy walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, etc. The rooms are rather spartan, but there is a lovely garden and a good breakfast (included). Some of the sisters spoke English. As usual with convents, the doors were closed at 11 p.m.

Bob Giannett, Adelphi

In Paris, try furnished apartments. I have used Rental France.com (011-33-6-1465-0933, http://www.rentalfrance.com). Agent Pascal Zytomirski is very helpful with planning your trip. His apartments, which range from studios to two-bedrooms, are in the best neighborhoods. His site is easy to use and shows lots of pictures of each apartment to help make a good choice.

Tom Regan, Adelphi

I found Hotel de la Place du Louvre (21 Rue des Pretres St. Germain l'Auxerrois, 011-33-1-4233-7868, http://www.esprit-de-france.com; from $215) in Paris seven years ago and stayed with my aunt, brother, grandmother and infant. My aunt has since returned many times and referred numerous friends -- all have loved it. The staff is so friendly and helpful (restaurants, shopping), and it's walking distance to the Louvre and three Metro stations. Wonderful breakfasts, especially the bowls of hot chocolate my grandmother and I loved. I recommend paying more and getting one of the larger interior rooms.

Dominique Rychlik, Bethesda

My wife and I just returned from a 16-day trip to Spain and France, with 11 of those days spent in "cheaper" (hostels and bed-and-breakfasts) accommodations. In Madrid, we stayed for two nights at the Hostal Adria Santa Ana (Calle Nunez de Arce, 011-34-91-521-1339, http://www.hostaladriasantaana.com) for about $100 a night. It is a brand-new hostel on the third floor (with no lift) down the street from Plaza de Santa Ana and a 10-minute walk from Plaza del Sol, with many bars and cafes right around the corner.

In Seville, we spent four nights at Hotel Puerta de Sevilla (2 Puerta de la Carne, 011-34-954-987-270, http://www.hotelpuertadesevilla.com) for about $130 a night. The hotel/hostel was in the Santa Cruz area, in the middle of everything.

Brian W. Conway, Alexandria

I nominate the architecturally beautiful, friendly and impeccably clean Zajazd Josef Pension (305 Albrechtice Jizerskych horach, 011-420-483-381-538). Located outside rural Witow in Poland and adjacent to Tatra National Park, it seemed to magically appear out of nowhere, just as a friend and I were about to run out of steam after cycling through the Tatras Mountains of Slovakia and into Poland.

In October 2005, we stayed there for about $23, which included dinner with beer, a full breakfast and spacious, private en-suite rooms with TV.

David French, Alexandria