Let’s face facts, while we love to show off pictures of the loveliest examples of hospitality, sometimes the real value is in just a clean, soft, crisp pillow and a smile. Or to be blunt, “who can really afford five star luxury, after all?” To this end, we decided to show off some three star hotels around Europe.

Headed to Rome? On a budget? The surrounding hills around Italy’s capitol feature many a wonderful little bed and breakfast affair. Like the pensions of Germany, Italy’s accommodating smaller hoteliers offer that smile we discussed, plus two and three star value that leaves money left over for souvenirs and fantastic Rome cuisine. Marco e Laura Bed & Breakfast is just such a B & B. Mind you, expect no frills, but what you get is location, location, location, cheap too.

Interestingly, or luckily, this little hotel is not outside the city, but smack in the middle of town. Prices here range from €40 to €50 per night in the low season, to only about €90 to €120 at high season. Free WiFi, AC Conditioning and TV, all the usual suspects are here plus additional services at a modest cost. As economy hospitality goes, you could do far worse in Rome, we assure you. Interested readers can contact the B & B via phone at: +39 06 63 81 236, visit the website, or check them our via Facebook here.

To be completely fair on the Rome vacation issue, one trip over to airbnb shows even cheaper deals in the central city, but for a few dollars or euro more, some near four star accommodations. One I found is this apartment at just €69 euro per night near the Vatican and 10 minutes from just about everything else. Here you get 3 bedrooms and 2 baths fairly lavishly appointed, and including your own furnished kitchen.

This flat is 10 minutes walk from St Peter’s Basilica, and as the images from airbnb show, the 135 square meter apartment seems like a steal for the family headed to Rome for Christmas. The place costs only €483.

Did you ever dream of Austria for Christmas? What better place to spend the holidays than in Salzburg, one of Europe’s most picturesque, even awe inspiring cities? Be advised, Austria is not exactly the budget accommodation capital of Europe, but there are some deals for the traveler in need of a pocketbook break.

Situated right in the thick of things in Salzburg, NH Salzburg City is as picturesque as it is convenient and cheap. Rates starting at €90.75 buys a lot, and there’s some deals as low as € 44.50 make this three star attractive even more. While HH Hotels could use some better images of their Salzburg contingent, the value is the same. The hotel is a few steps from wonderful Mirabell Palace and the rest of Salzburg’s city treasures. To contact the hotel call +43 662 8820410, visit their site, or check NH out on g+ here.

If you are thinking of Salzburg, and have a little bit more to spend, then another good selection is Hotel Villa Carlton, just steps from the River. For about €90 for a single, or €120 for a double (with many deals available) potential guests might agree this is one of the prettiest hotels in the city. Lavishly reappointed recently, the hotel offers a nice mix of the Avant–garde and classic decor. I have included two images just because the owners did such a spectacular job. (one at the very top & one below.

Of course the hotel also offers free WiFi, Bath or shower / WC, Phone, iPod docking station, Satellite-TV (flat screen), Desk, Hairdryer, Safe, and etc. Other services are available with bigger rooms and suites, or upon request. To get in touch dial +43 662 88219, visit their site, or check them out on Facebook.

What about Madrid? Okay, not everyone thinks of Spain for a Christmas getaway, but never the less. Looking at Spain’s capital, there are so many great deals to choose from. What the casual European tourist may not know, is just how spectacular Madrid’s Christmas market is. Right in the middle of things, visitors can enjoy a real four star accommodation in Vincci Soma, and at the price ($89 not euro) of a lesser establishment.

This wonderful hotel is located right across the street from Parque del Retiro, and within walking distance of many Madrid attractions in the city center. As for amenities, free WiFi, 24 hours reception, Daily newspaper, xpress check-in/check-out service, Currency exchange, Car hire, Fax/fotocopiadora, Ticket sales, Gymnasium, Sauna, SoMa Restaurant, Library, Alquiler de bicicletas, Parking, Personal shopper, Room service and bell service, and Gluten-free breakfast products.

A last note, I am not even sure the above deal can be beat given the quality of this hotel accommodation. Please feel free to let us know if your experience tells otherwise. To contact this hotel call +34 914 357 545, or visit their sites as indicated. Here is the Vincci Hotels Facebook. Meanwhile I leave you with a scene from Madrid. Plaza de Cibeles at Christmas. (down the street from this hotel)

Photo credits: Salzburg – courtesy © Nikolai Sorokin – Fotolia.com, Plaza de Cibeles – courtesy PictFactory & Wikipedia, others – courtesy the hotels themselves.