Colorado, with its majestic mountains, lush green forests, and vibrant cities, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, accommodation costs can be a significant concern. Don’t worry, this article will share “golden” tips to help you find cheap homestays in Colorado, making your trip both budget-friendly and fulfilling.
Colorado is not only famous for its top universities but also a paradise for those who love exploring and traveling. To make your trip even more memorable, choosing the right accommodation is crucial. Homestays, with their affordable prices and proximity to local culture, are an excellent option. Let’s discover how to find cheap homestays and fully enjoy the beauty of Colorado!
Why Choose a Homestay When Traveling to Colorado?
Traveling to Colorado is not just about sightseeing; it’s also about experiencing local culture. Homestays offer undeniable benefits:
- Cost-effective: Compared to hotels, homestays are generally more affordable, especially if you’re traveling in a group or with family.
- Experience local culture: Living with locals helps you understand their customs, traditions, and way of life better.
- Cozy and friendly atmosphere: Homestays often provide a home-like feeling, unlike the impersonal nature of hotels.
- Helpful tips from locals: Homestay hosts can share interesting dining and entertainment spots that you might not easily find on travel websites.
Steps to Find Cheap Homestays in Colorado
To find a satisfactory homestay at a reasonable price, you can refer to the following steps:
1. Determine Your Budget and Itinerary
Before you start searching, clearly define your budget for accommodation and your specific travel itinerary. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on the most suitable options.
- Budget: Determine the maximum amount you can spend on accommodation per night.
- Itinerary: Plan the details of your stay in each location, making it easier to find available homestays and compare prices.
2. Use Reputable Booking Websites and Apps
Currently, there are many online booking websites and apps, but not all are trustworthy. Here are some suggestions:
- Airbnb: A popular platform with many homestay options offering diverse prices and styles.
- Booking.com: Provides detailed information about homestays, including reviews from previous guests.
- VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner): Focuses on apartments, villas, and vacation homes for rent, suitable for large groups or families.
- Homestay.com: A website specializing in homestays, connecting travelers with locals worldwide.
When using these websites, pay attention to search filters to find homestays that meet your needs, such as:
- Price: Filter by the maximum price you can afford.
- Location: Choose the area you want to stay in, near attractions or the city center.
- Amenities: Search for essential amenities like Wi-Fi, kitchen, washing machine, etc.
- Reviews: Carefully read reviews from previous guests to learn more about the quality and service of the homestay.
3. Look for Homestays Outside the City Center
Homestays in the city center are usually more expensive than those in the suburbs or surrounding areas. If you don’t mind commuting, try searching for homestays in these areas to save costs.
- Suburbs: Suburban areas are often quieter and have many homestays at affordable prices.
- Surrounding areas: If you have a car or are willing to use public transportation, consider small towns near Colorado.
4. Book Early
Homestay prices often increase during peak tourist season or holidays. To ensure you get the best price, book as early as possible, especially if you are traveling in the summer or winter.
- Book a few months in advance: If possible, book at least 2-3 months in advance to have more options and better prices.
- Follow promotions: Many booking websites often have promotions and special discounts. Keep an eye out to not miss saving opportunities.
5. Contact Hosts Directly
Some homestay hosts may not list their information on online booking websites. Try searching for their contact information on social media or travel forums and contact them directly to inquire about prices and room availability.
- Search on social media: Use keywords like “homestay Colorado” or “accommodation Colorado” to find information on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Join travel forums: Ask questions on travel forums about cheap homestays in Colorado.
Location of Colorado state on the map
6. Negotiate Prices
Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices with hosts, especially if you are traveling during the off-season or staying for a long time. Some hosts may be willing to offer discounts to attract customers.
- Offer a price reduction: If you feel the price is too high, politely ask the host for a discount.
- Book for a longer stay: If you are staying for a week or more, ask the host about special rates for long-term guests.
7. Look for Deals and Promotions
Many booking websites and apps regularly have promotions and special discounts. Take advantage of these deals to save on accommodation costs.
- Sign up for email newsletters: Sign up for email newsletters from booking websites to receive information about the latest promotions.
- Use discount codes: Search for discount codes online and apply them when booking.
Popular Types of Homestays in Colorado
Colorado has many different types of homestays, suitable for the needs and preferences of each traveler:
- Private room: You will have a private room in the host’s house, but may have to share the bathroom and other common areas.
- Apartment: You will have a separate apartment with full amenities, including a kitchen, private bathroom, etc.
- Entire house: You will rent the entire house, suitable for large groups or families.
When choosing a type of homestay, consider the number of people in your group, your budget, and your personal needs.
Important Notes When Choosing a Homestay
To ensure a pleasant homestay experience, keep the following in mind:
- Carefully read the homestay description and rules: Before booking, carefully read the detailed description of the homestay, including amenities, house rules, etc.
- Contact the host before arrival: To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, contact the host before arrival to confirm information and ask about any necessities.
- Respect the host’s privacy: Be polite and respect the host’s privacy.
- Maintain general cleanliness: Keep the homestay and common areas clean.
- Comply with homestay rules: Comply with the rules regarding curfew, smoking, etc.
Explore Colorado: Suggested Attractive Destinations
After finding satisfactory accommodation, plan to explore the attractive destinations of Colorado:
- Denver: The capital of Colorado, with many museums, parks, and vibrant shopping areas.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: A famous national park with majestic mountains, clear blue lakes, and beautiful hiking trails.
- Aspen: A world-renowned ski town, with luxurious resorts and stunning natural scenery.
- Colorado Springs: A city at the foot of Pikes Peak, with many attractions such as Garden of the Gods and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
- Mesa Verde National Park: A national park preserving the relics of ancient Pueblo people, with impressive cliff dwellings.
Why study abroad in Colorado, USA?
Conclusion
Finding cheap homestays when traveling to Colorado is not difficult if you know how. By determining your budget, using reputable booking websites, searching for homestays outside the center, booking early, and contacting hosts directly, you can absolutely find satisfactory accommodation at a reasonable price. Wishing you a fun and memorable trip to Colorado!
Remember, traveling is not just about going to a place, but also about experiencing and connecting with local culture. Homestays are a great option for you to do just that. Don’t hesitate to try and discover the exciting things that homestays offer!