Travel: Boutique On a Budget

Cheap lodging no longer means shared bathrooms and scratchy sheets. More and more hoteliers are happy to accommodate you with style, sophistication and economy.

San Francisco The Hotel des Arts, near Union Square, took a fanciful approach to its décor and commissioned local artists to paint the walls and furniture of select rooms. Spending the night in a one-of-a-kind room (with a private bath) costs $79 to $99.

Atlanta, Chicago, Houston The Hotel Indigo chain sets itself apart with hardwood floors, spa-style showers, free wi-fi and Starbucks coffee in the lobby. One caveat: guests had better like the color blue. Rooms start at $100.

Sydney and Auckland Base Backpackers, with locations all over Australia and New Zealand, offers hostels with hotel-like amenities, including saunas and...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!