Great Urban Inns on a Budget
By Andrew Collins

Hotel rates have doubled and even tripled in a number of U.S. and Canadian cities over the past 15 years. It can be awfully challenging to find a decent yet affordable place to stay in a number of popular urban gay destinations. There is, however, one excellent way to save money while also enjoying a more personal experience than you're likely to at a large hotel: book a room at a gay-friendly bed-and-breakfast inn.

In many world-class cities, standard rooms at big hotels - especially those that cater to business travelers - easily command $250 or more per night. In these destinations (i.e., New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago), it's fair to call a stylish inn with rates under $150 a bargain. Consider a charming, upscale property like Boston's gay-owned Clarendon Square Inn, a sophisticated retreat whose rooms have CD players, phones with automated voice mail, high-quality bath amenities, and in some cases a working fireplace. Rates here start at $139, which may not sound super low - but for comparable accommodations in one of Boston's top hotels you'd easily shell out $250 or even $350 per night.

If you're truly looking to spend as little money as possible, staying at a bed-and-breakfast in which some or all of the rooms share baths can save you a big bundle of cash. You'll rarely find a better bargain than Washington, D.C.'s Bed and Breakfast at the William-Lewis House, which comprises a pair of neighboring late 1800s town houses replete with Oriental rugs, period-style wallpapers, and fine antiques. There's also a lush and secluded deck and yard out back with a hot tub. Rates are a generous $69 to $159 nightly - the only catch is that all rooms share baths (but they're extremely clean and attractive bathrooms at that).

You'll find a similarly great deal at the gay-owned Willows Inn, a 1903 Edwardian house that's steps from the trendy restaurants and gay bars in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood. For as little as $95 nightly, you can book one of the warmly furnished rooms with Wi-Fi, TVs and VCRs, small refrigerators, private sinks, top-of-the-line bath amenities, and kimono robes. Rates also include a pleasant Continental breakfast (fresh fruit, yogurt, fresh-baked treats, and such). Just keep in mind that the 12 guest rooms share eight bathrooms. Considering the inn's loyal clientele, plenty of gay and lesbian travelers out there don't mind the slight inconvenience.
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