Spent 45 minutes trying to find a hostel in Lisbon that wasn't a scam

Every cheap place had fake photos or weird extra fees, and my friend just texted 'maybe try a real hotel?'. Anyone else have a trick for spotting the real budget spots online?

3 comments

3 Comments

olivia3802mo ago

Oh man, "maybe try a real hotel?" is the most useless travel advice ever. I feel your pain. Skylercooper has the right idea with cross-checking photos, but honestly sometimes you just have to accept that a place with a perfect rating is probably fake. My trick is to only read the three-star reviews, they're the only ones that mention the weird stuff like the bathroom light that only works if the door is closed.

skylercooper2mo ago

Ever check the reviews on a site besides the booking platform? I found my last spot by cross-referencing Google Maps photos with hostelworld comments.

angelac631mo ago

Ever think the problem is just that Lisbon is crazy popular now? (I swear it was easier ten years ago.) Honestly, sometimes you just have to book the place with the slightly worn-out lobby photo and hope for the best.