Solo travel is having a major moment, and honestly, I’m here for it! More people are embracing the freedom of solo travel—whether due to conflicting schedules with friends, a desire to experience something incredible, or simply the need for quality time alone.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or heading abroad for a full-on solo adventure, finding the right travel accommodation is key. With the rise of solo travel, more hotels are stepping up and offering special setups just for solo travelers.
To help you plan your trip—whether it’s your first solo adventure or your tenth—I’m breaking down everything you need to know about booking hotels for solo travelers, so you can pick the perfect spot and feel 100% comfortable while exploring on your own.
Hotel Booking for Solo Travelers: Insider Tips for a Safe and Affordable Stay
When you’re traveling solo, feeling safe and comfortable in your accommodations is everything. In my opinion, the best move is to stay in a reputable hotel that’s actually prepared for solo travelers.
But not all hotels are created equal, and there are a few key things you should consider before booking. In this blog post, I’m diving into exactly what to look for so you can book your solo stay with total confidence. No second-guessing, just smooth, stress-free travel!
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How to Book a Hotel as a Solo Traveler
Step 1: Decide your priorities.
The best part about solo travel? You call all the shots. No compromising, no group decisions—just you, doing exactly what you want.
So, what’s your vibe? Are you sticking to a budget so you can stretch your trip as long as possible? Or are you ready to splurge on some luxe amenities and a little extra comfort? Do you want a social atmosphere where you can meet other travelers, or are you craving a peaceful retreat to fully unwind?
Figuring out what matters most will make choosing the perfect solo stay so much easier.
Step 2: Search reliable hotel booking sites.
The easiest way to find the perfect hotel for your solo trip? Use a reliable hotel booking site! Instead of heading straight to a hotel’s website (where you’ll only see their options), booking platforms let you compare tons of accommodations all in one place—so you can find the best fit for your trip and your budget.
Here are some of my go-to hotel booking sites:
If you’re open to a more social or local-style stay, I also recommend checking out Airbnb for unique stays and Hostelworld if you want a budget-friendly, community vibe. Whatever your style, there’s a perfect place out there for you!
Step 3: Prioritize safety and security.
When you’re traveling solo, safety and security should be at the top of your priority list. The best move? Book a hotel in a central location—somewhere close to the main attractions and areas you’ll be exploring.
Also, check that your hotel has 24/7 reception and security. Having staff at the entrance (especially at night) ensures that only guests can enter the building. Bonus points if the hotel has keycard access for rooms and elevators. It’s an extra layer of security that’s totally worth it.
Step 4: Check reviews.
Not sure if a hotel is solo-travel friendly? Reviews are your best friend!
Before booking, dig into the reviews, but don’t just skim. Use the search bar (or COMMAND F on your keyboard) to look for key phrases like “solo traveler” or “traveling alone” to find the most relevant experiences.
Pay attention to what past solo travelers say about:
- Safety – Did they feel secure in the area and inside the hotel?
- Location – Was it in a good spot, close to attractions and public transport?
- Staff – Were they friendly and accommodating, especially when it came to safety concerns?
If multiple reviews mention that the place felt safe, well-located, and welcoming for solo travelers, that’s your green light!
Step 5: Research the area.
Before locking in a hotel, grab the exact address and do a little research on the area, because as a solo traveler, location matters.
Look up what’s nearby. Are there restaurants, cafes, metro stations, or bus stops within walking distance? Is the area pedestrian-friendly? Having easy access to food and transportation is key.
It’s also a good idea to use Google Maps Street View to take a virtual “walk” around the neighborhood. Are the streets well-lit? Are there shops, restaurants, or lots of people around? A lively area (especially at night) is usually safer than a quiet, isolated street.
Pro tip: Check Snapchat’s Map feature to see what people are posting in the area to get a real-time, authentic feel for the vibe. You’ll know if the neighborhood is buzzing or if it’s a little too deserted for comfort.
Step 6: Book with free cancellation when possible.
Always. Book. Free. Cancellation. Seriously, you never know when plans might change, especially when you’re traveling solo! Having the flexibility to switch things up (without losing money) is a must.
Whenever possible, choose hotels with free cancellation, so you’re not locked in if something comes up. Booking.com is amazing for this. They usually have plenty of options that let you cancel without a fee. Better safe than sorry!
How to Get the Best Hotel Deals as a Solo Traveler
Be flexible with your travel dates.
One of the best parts about solo travel? Ultimate flexibility. No coordinating with anyone else, just you, deciding when and where to go!
If your travel dates aren’t set in stone, use that to your advantage. Being flexible can help you score amazing hotel deals and even snag better stays for less. A little wiggle room in your schedule could mean major savings. I almost always begin the trip planning process by researching flight and hotel prices for varying dates before landing on specific ones.
Compare prices and fees.
Always compare before you book. Checking multiple hotel booking sites (like my favorites above) lets you quickly compare nightly rates, extra fees, and taxes—because no one likes surprise charges at checkout.
Sometimes, the exact same hotel is cheaper on one site than another, so don’t just book the first price you see! A quick comparison could save you serious cash, so you have more money for fun stuff on your trip.
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs.
Hotel loyalty programs mean major savings! Even hotel booking sites like Booking.com have their own perks. Sign up, and you could score huge discounts, free nights, and extra perks just for sticking with certain hotels or platforms throughout the year.
So basically, the more you travel, the more you save… do I smell a new solo trip in your future?
Take advantage of last-minute booking apps.
Spontaneous solo travelers, this one’s for you! If you’re the type to go with the flow rather than stick to a strict itinerary, last-minute booking apps like HotelTonight and Priceline Express Deals can hook you up with huge discounts on unsold rooms.
Perfect for when you randomly have a free weekend and feel like booking a last-minute getaway or if you just love the thrill of traveling on instinct. Either way, these apps can save you some serious cash!
Consider alternative accommodations.
If hotels are looking a little too pricey, don’t worry—there are plenty of other awesome (and budget-friendly options)!
Airbnb and Vrbo let you rent an entire apartment from locals. This gives you extra space to spread out and relax. But make sure it has solid security measures for solo travelers. (Think: good locks, safe location, and solid reviews.)
If you’re down to save money and meet fellow travelers, hostels are such a great option! You can go full social mode in a dorm or book a private room for extra comfort. It’s totally up to you!
What are the Best Hotels for Solo Travelers?
YOTEL
YOTEL is the solo traveler’s dream stay—compact, high-tech, and ridiculously convenient.
If you love a minimalist, no-fuss vibe with smart features, YOTEL is where it’s at. Their sleek, space-saving “cabins” come with adjustable SmartBeds, mood lighting, and self-service check-in kiosks (because who wants to wait in line?)
With prime spots in major cities and airports, YOTEL is perfect for digital nomads, layovers, and solo explorers. Many locations even have co-working spaces, gyms, and social lounges, so you get just the right balance of socialization.
Yotel New York City | Yotel Washington, DC | Yotel Miami | Yotel San Francisco
Ibis Hotels
Ibis Hotels are reliable, budget-friendly, and perfect for solo travelers who want a comfy stay without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a clean, modern, no-frills hotel in a prime city location, Ibis has you covered. Their rooms are simple but comfortable, with cozy beds, free wifi, and 24/7 reception—AKA solo traveler peace of mind. Plus, they’re always near public transport hubs, making it easy to get around.
Ibis also has different tiers to match your vibe and budget:
- Ibis Budget – Basic, ultra-affordable, gets the job done
- Ibis Styles – Trendy, colorful, and a little more playful
- Classic Ibis – A solid mix of comfort and price
No matter which one you pick, Ibis is all about affordable, hassle-free stays.
Pod Hotels
Pod Hotels are basically the ultimate solo traveler hack—modern, affordable, and designed just for people who want comfort without the crazy price tag.
These hotels keep things compact and efficient with smart storage, cozy beds, and high-speed wifi. Let’s be real, you don’t need a massive hotel room when you’re out exploring all day. Unlike hostels, Pod Hotels give you a private room at budget-friendly rates, so you get privacy and a social vibe thanks to their communal lounges and rooftop bars.
With locations in New York, D.C., and Philly, they’re perfect for urban adventurers who want a stylish and budget-friendly stay in the heart of major cities.
Selina Hostels
Selina Hostels are basically the go-to spot for solo travelers who want an affordable stay without sacrificing vibes and community.
Unlike the standard hostel, Selina has gorgeous private rooms and stylish dorms, usually set in cultural hotspots or stunning nature-filled locations. But the real magic? The built-in social scene. Think: on-site cafes, co-working spaces, yoga classes, wellness activities, and community events—AKA the easiest way to meet like-minded travelers.
Whether you’re soaking up the energy in Mexico City, Lisbon, Bali, or Costa Rica, Selina gives you that perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Book your next solo trip with confidence!
Ready to take the leap and book that solo trip?! Now that you’ve got all the insider tips, you can confidently snag a safe, budget-friendly hotel that fits your vibe. So you can relax, explore, and make the most of your solo adventure.
If you are interested in more resources for planning your solo trips, check out my other blog posts, including my guide on New York travel tips and booking flights for beginners. And you can always follow me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity!
