From Rick Steves’ Europe.

The best of these places offer comfort and character at affordable prices in smartly renovated older buildings that still retain their Old World feel. You’ll climb lots of stairs, as a hotel’s lack of an elevator and AC is often the only reason it can’t raise its prices. And you’ll be given a front-door key because the desk is not staffed all night.

As Europe’s big cities are gentrifying, Europeans are coming to expect what were once considered "American" standards of plumbing and comfort. Centrally located, old-school hotels are being bought out, gutted, and turned into pricier modern places. But you can still find good values at the remaining budget hotel that structurally can’t fit showers in every room or an elevator up its spiral staircase. Prices are regulated, and regardless of how comfy and charming it is, with no elevator and a lousy shower-to-room ratio, it is — and will remain — a cheap hotel.

Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.

*Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:*
• “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show
• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio
• European tours: https://www.ricksteves.com/tours
• Guidebooks: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/guidebooks
• Travel gear: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/
• Travel classes: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks
• Rick Steves Audio Europe app: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-europe

Rick Steves, America’s most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.