This tip is really for anywhere and everywhere that your feet can take you...and for those budget travelers such as myself:) My saving grace website for researching and booking accommadation is hostelworld.com. I love this website. You can browse and book hostels/budget hotels/bb's all over the world. It gives descriptions of the hostels, pictures, and most importantly, reviews! I've stayed in hostels that seemed amazing over the net, but were rat nets in person. People review hostels on character, location, security, staff, fun, and friendliness. They charge a small fee to book through them, but its worth it (or you can find a hostel you like and go to the hostel with hopes they have an open space for you without pre-booking. Personally, I like the piece of mind knowing I have a place waiting for me, but whatever works for you.)