Cockroaches, stained linens, and maybe flashbacks to the film Hostel might have come to mind when you read this headline. Sometimes, there is such a thing as too cheap, right? What do hotels that offer up rooms at less than $10 per night year round -- not just for special promotions -- really look like?
It's easy to brush off hostel-style accommodations as subpar, but many of them have more amenities than you might expect, with nicer lodging options to upgrade to (that still end up being a fraction of the cost of standard hotel rooms). The catch, of course, is that these hotels aren't smack dab in the tourist-heavy destinations -- which could be good or bad, depending on your travel style. Pricing is also heavily location-based; most of these properties are found in Asia, South America, and Africa. And, because the savings tend to attract younger crowds, these lodgings tend to be less quiet.
Still, having to spend less for a hotel room than a McDonald's lunch for two has an obvious appeal to the savvy spenders among us. Here's a look at what's out there at these incredibly low price points.
Cosy Guest House -- Jodhpur, India
Famous for its blue buildings, Jodhpur houses both mirage-like views of the Jaswant Thada and extreme heat from the nearby Thar desert. You'll need air conditioning at The Cosy Guest House, which offers up private rooms for about $10 and up. Thanks to its elevated location, you'll enjoy great cityscape at the hotel, particularly from its rooftop bar (though this means a farther trek to some attractions). From the hotel, guests have access to laundry and massage services and a doctor on call.
Ecopackers -- Cusco, Peru
As the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year -- but insanely affordable lodging is not out of the realm of possibility here. At Ecopackers, a private suite will cost you $57.50 per night, while dorm-style beds, if you don't mind the company, run between $11 and $17.50. All guests enjoy orthopedic mattresses, a colonial courtyard, a bar, and even a movie theater.
Maverick City Lodge -- Budapest, Hungary
The frugal brother to Vienna and Prague, Budapest offers the same Middle Ages scenery, history, and delicious beers as its brother, but at a fraction of the cost. Case in point: Maverick City Lodge, located in the heart of the historical Jewish Quarter, offers free city maps, frees tours, and board games as a means to mingle with fellow guests in addition to private rooms from $35 and shared rooms from $10. The Lodge is even on the verge of opening a trendy restaurant.