Finding the perfect accommodation as a solo female traveller can make or break a trip. After years of travelling solo across the world, I’ve stayed in countless hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs, each with its own perks and pitfalls. Some were incredible, offering safety, comfort, and a welcoming atmosphere – others? Let’s just say they weren’t quite what I expected.
Whether you’re looking for privacy, security, or a social vibe, choosing the right place to stay is essential. In this guide, I’ll share my best tips for finding safe, comfortable, and solo-friendly accommodation, plus some insider tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
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I use Booking.com to find great solo-friendly stays. Check out their latest deals here!
What to Look for in Solo Female Travel Accommodation
When choosing accommodation as a solo female traveller, certain factors can make all the difference between a comfortable stay and a stressful one. Here’s what to prioritise:
Safety & Security – Look for highly rated reviews from solo travellers, secure locks, and well-lit entrances. Some hotels and hostels even offer female-only dorms or floors.
Social but Not Overwhelming – If you want to meet people, hostels and social guesthouses are great, but if you need downtime, a private room in a hostel or a guesthouse can be the perfect balance.
Central Location – Staying close to the main sights, restaurants, and transport hubs means you’ll spend less time navigating unfamiliar areas alone at night.
Amenities That Make a Difference – Free breakfast can save you money, laundry services are a lifesaver for long trips, and co-working spaces are useful if you work remotely.
Types of Accommodation & Pros/Cons for Solo Travellers
Not all accommodation is created equal, especially when travelling solo. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options and what to consider before booking.
Hotels
Pros: Private, secure, and often have 24/7 reception.
Cons: Can be expensive, especially in city centres.
Best for: Solo travellers who prioritise privacy and security.
Hostels
Pros: Great for meeting people, budget-friendly, often have social events.
Cons: Dorms can be noisy, mixed-gender rooms might not be ideal.
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who enjoy a social atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Book the family room! You get the privacy of a hotel while keeping the social benefits of a hostel.
Guesthouses
Pros: Often run by locals, giving a homely feel. Usually quieter than hostels.
Cons: May not have 24/7 reception, and facilities vary.
Best for: Travellers who want something more personal than a hotel but quieter than a hostel.
Airbnb
Pros: Great for long stays, often includes kitchens.
Cons: Less security than a hotel, and some listings can be misleading.
Best for: Travellers who want more independence or are staying in one place for a while.
Pro Tip: Book a whole month! Many Airbnbs offer huge discounts for monthly stays, making it cheaper than booking week by week.
How to Find & Book the Best Accommodation
Read the reviews. Every single one. If there are no reviews, I don’t book – simple as that.
Check the rating. Anything below an 8 on Booking.com is a no-go for me. Ratings tell you far more than the price does about whether a place is worth it.
Use filters wisely. Solo traveller ratings, safety mentions, and location filters are key.
Look for free cancellation. Plans change, flights get delayed, and bad vibes exist – always have an escape route.
My Best Advice After Years of Solo Travel
After staying in countless hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs, I’ve learned that choosing the right accommodation isn’t just about price – it’s about safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Here’s what I swear by:
Spend extra for safety. A few extra pounds or euros for a better location, secure entry, or a higher-rated place is always worth it.
Reviews are everything. A place with no reviews? No stay. A rating below 8 on Booking.com? I keep scrolling.
Hostel hack: Get the family room. You get the privacy of a hotel while keeping the social benefits of a hostel.
Don’t assume cheap is good value. Sometimes a £5 difference is what separates a comfortable stay from a nightmare one.
Check for free cancellation. Plans change, flights get delayed, and bad vibes exist – always have an escape route.
Finding the best accommodation as a solo female traveller is about balance – comfort, security, and a space that fits your travel style. Hopefully, these tips help you find your perfect stay – and stay tuned, because I’ll be adding specific recommendations soon!
Before You Go…
If you’re planning your own solo trip my Solo Travel Lifeline might come in handy. It’s like having a travel buddy in your pocket – without the awkward small talk.
Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
Need a place to stay? I’ve got some handy affiliate links for Booking.com and Expedia to make planning a bit easier. If you book through them, I may earn a small commision – at no extra cost to you – so you’d be helping a fellow traveller out.
And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.
If you’re interested in Southeast Asia, you might also enjoy my posts about Koh Lanta and Siem Reap.
Looking for more solo travel tips? Check out my last two blog posts:
Best Luggage for Solo Female Travellers
Best Travel Insurance for UK Solo Female Travellers
Have any solo travel accommodation tips of your own? Drop them in the comments – I’d love to hear your experiences!
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