Travelling around Europe

[rach912]

I am looking into using the inter-rail to travel around europe, which works on a system whereby you buy one ticket and are entitled to travel around a number of countries within certain zones. Are there any hotel chains that do a similar system? we are not keen on staying in hostels and it would be great if we could buy one ticket to enable us to stay in places along the way - I didn't know if one of the big european chains like Novetel did anything like it?

[dzug]

I've heard of this with hotel chains in the US (you buy a book of vouchers, though they are often poor value compared with normal rates, and getting refunds on unused vouchers can be a pain). It may exist in Europe but I can't recall seeing it.

Some of the chains have a loyalty card - stay 7 nights, get one night free - that sort of thing.

Best Western sell a prepaid card that you can load with cash and pay your bills with, but unless they have a special offer (eg �100 card for �50, which they did a few months back) it offers only convenience, no saving - plus the possibility of a poor exchange rate.

[kovac]

I'm not too sure...but when travel in Western Europe and wanting cheap and easy accommodation I tend to book IBIS Hotels. Some of them are excellent value - with very cheap room rates. eg. France and Portugal.

They may have system in place for pre-booking nights at a standard rate. I think they are part of the Accor chain, who I think also own Novotel....(I could be wrong though).