Quick Guide to Europe’s 8 Cheapest and Cleanest Hotel Chains

While planning your trip to Europe, iconic landmarks and mouthwatering cuisine might top your list of priorities–and rightfully so–but don’t overlook the importance of a clean, comfortable place to stay. Trust me, after a day of sightseeing, you’ll be thanking your past self for choosing the cleanest hotel that doesn’t make you want to sleep in your clothes.

This guide breaks down the cleanest hotel brands known for their unwavering commitment to cleanliness across the continent. Whether you’re a neat freak who packs your own UV light (no judgment here) or simply appreciate a hygienic environment, these chains will help ensure your European adventure is memorable for all the right reasons–not because of mysterious stains on the sofa.

Nowadays, booking the cleanest hotel room isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. After all, who wants to spend their vacation worrying about whether the remote control harbors more bacteria than a petri dish? Beyond the obvious health benefits, a clean environment can significantly enhance your overall travel experience.

It allows you to relax fully, sleep better, and focus on making memories rather than worrying about the state of your accommodations. Because let’s be honest, there’s no better feeling than stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a fresh, clean hotel towel—its softness and delightful scent are a comforting reminder that you made the right choice for your stay.

Dirty Rooms Are So Annoying

From our experience (and trust me, we’ve seen it all), nothing dampens a trip more than arriving in a foreign city, jetlagged and hangry, only to discover that your room looks like it hosted last night’s party. While there are simple ways to prevent jetlag and boost your immunity, a messy room can make it even harder to recover and enjoy your trip. It’s a major inconvenience that not only wastes precious vacation time resolving but also makes you lose trust in the hotel’s ability to handle other important details.

Moreover, if they can’t handle basic cleaning, how can you trust them with your luggage, properly managing food, or suggesting a fun local tour to go on? It’s enough to make you want to build a fort out of your own suitcases and sleep in the lobby.

Europe’s Cheapest and Cleanest Hotel Brands

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the cleanest hotel brands, each accompanied by a brief description of what sets them apart. We’ve also included a link to one of their more popular locations, so you can easily check availability and start planning your stay!

1. AC Hotels by Marriott

If you’re tired of hotels that look like your grandma’s living room, AC Hotels is your jam. These places are so sleek and modern, you might think you’ve stepped into the future. Just don’t expect much hand-holding–they’re all about efficiency, not coddling.

• Found in: Spain, Italy, France
• Vibe: Sleek, modern, and impeccably maintained
• Cleanliness factor: Their minimalist design isn’t just aesthetic—it facilitates thorough cleaning and makes it easier to maintain high standards.

🏨 AC Hotel Venice > Check Availability

2. citizenM

citizenM is like the cool kid of hotels–all style and high-tech gadgets. Their rooms are tiny, but so well-designed you won’t care. If you’re the type who’d rather talk to a robot than a human, you’ll love their self-check-in system. Just don’t expect to swing a cat in your room.

• Found in: Netherlands, UK, France
• Vibe: Tech-savvy with a focus on efficiency and cleanliness
• Cleanliness factor: Self-check-in kiosks and digital room controls minimize high-touch surfaces.

🏨 citizenM Amsterdam Hotel > Check Availability

3. Ibis

Ibis is the Toyota Corolla of cleanest hotels – not exciting, but damn reliable. You know exactly what you’re getting: a clean bed, a clean bathroom, and not much else. But hey, when you’re stumbling back after a night out in London, that’s all you really need, right?

• Found in: France, Germany, the UK, and across Europe
• Vibe: No-frills but consistently clean
• Cleanliness factor: Their “15-minute satisfaction guarantee” extends to cleanliness issues, ensuring quick resolution of any concerns.

🏨 ibis London Canning Town > Check Availability

4. Motel One

Motel One is like that friend who always looks put-together despite shopping at discount stores. Somehow, they’ve managed to make budget hotels feel kind of fancy. The lobbies are usually nicer than the rooms, but hey, at least you can pretend you’re living large while sipping coffee in the morning.

• Found in: Germany, Austria, UK
• Vibe: Budget-friendly without compromising on cleanliness
• Cleanliness factor: Proves that affordable doesn’t mean cutting corners on hygiene.

🏨 Motel One Berlin-Upper West > Check Availability

5. NH Hotels

NH Hotels, especially popular in Spain, are for when you want to feel like a grown-up. They’re clean, they’re comfortable, and they won’t judge you for wearing a suit. The breakfast buffets are usually pretty great, too. Just don’t expect any wild parties here–it’s more “quiet nightcap at the bar” than “rave until dawn.”

• Found in: Spain, Italy, Germany, Netherlands
• Vibe: Business-chic with stringent cleanliness protocols
• Cleanliness factor: Known for meticulously maintained rooms and common areas, including dining spaces.

🏨 Hotel NH Collection Barcelona Pódium > Check Availability

📸 Cover Photo: Us, on the balcony of our room at NH Barcelona Les Cortes!

6. Premier Inn

Premier Inn is like a warm hug from a British nan–comforting, reliable, and always clean. Their purple branding is so ubiquitous in the UK, that you’ll start seeing it in your sleep. But that’s okay because their beds are surprisingly comfy for a budget chain.

• Found in: UK, Germany
• Vibe: Reliable, comfortable, and consistently clean
• Cleanliness factor: Their “Good Night Guarantee” underscores their commitment to cleanliness and guest satisfaction.

🏨 hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile > Check Availability

7. Radisson Blu

Radisson Blu is for when you’re feeling fancy but not Ritz-Carlton fancy. It’s like the hotel equivalent of flying business class–nice enough to make you feel special, but not so nice that you’re afraid to touch anything. Their cleaning protocols are so thorough that you might catch them disinfecting the disinfectant.

• Found in: Most major European cities
• Vibe: Upscale with a serious commitment to hygiene
• Cleanliness factor: Their comprehensive “Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol” ensures top-notch cleanliness standards.

🏨 Radisson Blu GHR Hotel, Rome > Check Availability

8. Scandic

Staying at a Scandic is like living in an IKEA catalog, but cleaner and with better breakfast. They’re so eco-friendly, you might feel guilty for using a plastic straw within a 5-mile radius. But don’t worry, their obsession with cleanliness means you won’t find any stray Allen keys under your bed.

• Found in: Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland)
• Vibe: Eco-friendly and immaculately clean
• Cleanliness factor: Uses environmentally friendly cleaning products without compromising on hygiene.

🏨 Scandic Helsinki Hub > Check Availability

Finding the Right Balance Between Cleanliness & Budget

While it’s easy to assume that higher prices guarantee better cleanliness, that’s not always the case. In reality, you might find that spending more doesn’t necessarily mean a cleaner stay. With that in mind, here’s how we can categorize the brands by budget:

• 💲 Budget-friendly: Ibis, Motel One, Premier Inn
• 💲💲 Mid-range: AC Hotels by Marriott, CitizenM, NH Hotels, Scandic
• 💲💲💲 Upper mid-range to Upscale: Radisson Blu

Remember, prices can fluctuate based on location, season, and availability. A budget brand in central London might cost more than a luxury option in a smaller city. Keep this in mind as we explore the cleanest options across various price points.

Keep These Brands in Mind

Look, when you’re planning your European adventure, keeping these cleanest hotel brands in mind could be the difference between “best trip ever” and “I need a vacation from my vacation.” Now, I’m not saying these chains are perfect (newsflash: nowhere is), so do yourself a favor and skim through some recent reviews before you book.

Remember, a clean hotel room isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the unsung hero of great trips. It’s your sanctuary after a day of battling tourist crowds, your retreat when you’ve had one too many “authentic local experiences.” By choosing one of these brands, you’re basically buying yourself peace of mind.

So here’s to crisp, white sheets that don’t make you question your life choices, bathrooms that don’t require a hazmat suit, and the sweet, sweet feeling of knowing your home-away-from-home won’t be featured on the next episode of “Hotel Nightmares.” Now go forth and travel, you clean freaks! May your trips be filled with amazing sights, delicious foods, and the cleanest hotel that actually understands the concept of hygiene.

We Need Your Help

Did you find this article helpful? If so, bookmark it and when you’re planning your next vacation, click on any of the links below before finalizing reservations. You’ll get the best price, we’ll earn a small commission, and you’ll help support future articles.

Thank you!