UWIRE
NEW YORK, NY —For most students, studying abroad is the time to expand horizons, learn a new language and experience varying cultures. What better way to do all three than stay in the home of a local? While school typically provides semester-long housing, weekend jaunts are best planned through Homestay.com. The cost-friendly accommodation marketplace, which is a growing competitor to Airbnb, has 150,000 rooms starting as low as $8 per night in over 50,000 countries.
With a Homestay, students get the best of both worlds—an adventure in a foreign land with all the comforts of home. To ensure the best match, students can easily read transparent host reviews penned by previous guests, or use Homestay’s videocall option. Plus, groups need not compromise on their size, as many homes offer multiple rooms for easy under-one-roof bunking.
While breakfasts are always free with a Homestay, these affordably priced, five-star Homestays in European hotspots promise college students even more added amenities from Italian cooking classes and watercolor lessons to free laundry and cleaning:
• Florence, Italy ($40 per night): With its great value and central location, this Homestay in the birthplace of the Renaissance checks off all the right boxes. Students can start their days with fresh, homemade jams and fruit, and for no extra charge, host Jeanne is happy to share dinners, which they describe as “famous Tuscan specialties.” Walk on foot next door to the famous David, Ponte Vecchio, and Cathedral, or head to a bus or train station 10 minutes away to escape for a day trip to the seaside, trekking in Cinque Terre, or wine-tasting tours in the Tuscan hillsides. For an immersive experience, students can pick up a new skill including cooking classes, watercolor lessons, and Italian language classes. All rooms fit three people.
• Berlin, Germany ($16 per night): Get a glimpse into Germany’s glamorous yet gritty art scene by staying in the center at this spacious Homestay. The $16 per room, per night price includes pick-up service from the airport, washing machine usage, and Internet, so travelers can get truly get the most bang for their buck. Plus, those on a multi-stop European trip can keep their luggage stored in Anke’s home for several days. The Homestay is within walking distance of three train stations.
• Paris, France ($19 per night): In Paris, people-watch at sidewalk cafés, visit The Louvre, or practice the Language of Love with certified lessons from host Noemie for just 12 Euros. Apart from a free daily breakfast, which reviews say is always a variety and aplenty, Noemie also offers lunch and dinner for a reasonable additional cost. This Homestay has been reviewed 33 times!
• Dublin, Ireland ($50 per night): Enjoy the privacy of a studio with the facilities and warmth of a family home at Mairead’s abode, where guests get the entire third floor and an en-suite to themselves. Located minutes away from the heart of Dublin and near several colleges including University College of Dublin and Trinity College, this homestay also includes round-trip airport transfers and laundry for guests at no extra cost.
• Granada, Spain ($30 per night): Escape to Granada, one of the pearls of Spain, known for its grand Moorish architecture and Muslim influences. Here, with host Maria Teresa, students can brush up on their Spanish skills for 12 Euro per hour. Room rate also includes room cleaning, laundry, and Internet, while dinner and pickup service are available for a small additional fee.
• London, England ($26 per night): Described by former guests as “spotless, warm and inviting,” this sunshine-filled home in the quiet suburbs is two minutes away from public transportation and a quick ride away from the middle of London. Every Sunday, hosts Sue and Stuart welcome their guests to a special breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, tomatoes and toast.