The Information Center

I have written extensively about sleeping in hostels for very little money. I have told you about joining Servas and sleeping for virtually NO MONEY in people’s homes. There is still a third alternative if the previous two do not appeal to you.

Every European city, town, village, has an “i”… or better known as the Information Bureau. These are normally located in the town centers (zentrum = center), are easy to find and is indicated by an italicized “i.” These centers are wonderful places and find one inexpensive accommodation. They seldom deal with hostels, but mainly with B&Bs as well as pensions.

This is how it works: Once you get to a particular city, you find the “i” where you tell the person in charge what you are looking for, and how much you are prepared to pay per night. They will call the establishment, you will pay a 10% deposit at the “i” (which is deducted from the total price) and you will get approximately one hour to get to your destination. Once you arrive at your destination, you will pay the balance (you will hand your hospice the receipt that you received when you paid your deposit) and voila, you are all set.

I have stayed in some wonderful B&Bs or pensions, the most notable ones are Pension Merlin in Cesky Krumlov and Mariella in Levanto, Italy. Granted these places charge more than hostels, but sometimes you just feel like a break. Although these institutions charge more, they are still considerably cheaper than hotels.

When we got to our B&B in Peschiera at Lago Garda, the owner invited us to go and inspect the room (a very good sign). We did so, but could not find the shower in the bathroom. All I could see was a basin and a toilet and I said to my traveling buddy, I need a shower. We headed downwards, intended to tell the owner we could not have a bathroom without a shower when my traveling companion said: “Let’s go and look once more.” And there it was. A hole in the tiled floor with a curtain that one pulled around it … thus, every morning when one took a shower, the floor got one too. Once again, a case of different strokes for different folks.

P.S. These information centers do not specialize in accommodation only. You can also find wonderful advice here about where to go, what to do, the cheapest way to travel, etc., etc. Simply a wealth of information. To your left, you will see Pension Merlin (Cesky Krumlov). Incredible place, with an incredible garden, great view and all of this for $17 per person/per night. Simply cannot beat it. To your right is the outdoor area at Mariella. That is where we congregated with Enzo, Mariella, and Mama. They could not speak English and we are still attempting to learn Italian. We had great conversations, especially when Enzo pulled out the Limoncello!