For most travelers, finding a place to stay is as easy as booking a hotel or checking into an Airbnb. But what happens when you visit a city that has no hotels at all? Whether due to strict tourism restrictions, remote locations, or cultural traditions, some places simply don’t offer traditional lodging options. Instead, visitors must find creative alternatives—from staying with locals to sleeping in monasteries.
Here’s what it’s like to navigate accommodations in a city where hotels don’t exist.
Why Do Some Cities Have No Hotels?
While hotels are a global staple of tourism, there are a few reasons why some cities have none at all:
- Remote or Isolated Locations – Some towns are so small or far from major tourist routes that no hotels have ever been built.
- Cultural Traditions – Certain places, especially in rural or religious areas, prefer visitors to stay with families or community lodgings rather than commercial accommodations.
- Tourism Restrictions – Some cities or regions actively discourage tourism to preserve local culture or avoid overcrowding.
- Economic or Political Factors – Limited infrastructure, government policies, or even historical reasons may prevent hotels from being developed.
Where Do You Stay? Alternative Accommodation Options
If a city has no hotels, you’re not out of options—you just need to think differently about where to stay.
1. Homestays and Guesthouses
In many smaller towns and rural communities, homestays are the go-to option. Locals open their homes to visitors, often providing meals and a firsthand look into daily life. In places like Bhutan, Cuba, and parts of Central Asia, staying with a family is the primary way to experience the country since hotels are either nonexistent or limited.
2. Monasteries and Religious Lodgings
In deeply religious areas, monasteries, temples, and churches sometimes offer accommodations for visitors. For example, in Japan, you can stay in a Buddhist temple and participate in morning prayers. In Italy, some convents offer simple rooms for travelers seeking a quiet, spiritual retreat.
3. Community-Run Lodging
Some towns establish community-run accommodations, often managed by local cooperatives or village councils. This model ensures that tourism benefits local people directly rather than large hotel chains. Many eco-lodges and cultural tourism initiatives operate on this basis.
4. Camping and Nature Stays
If the town is near national parks or open landscapes, camping might be the best (or only) option. Some places, like certain villages in Mongolia or Patagonia, lack hotels because visitors are expected to camp or stay in yurts and remote lodges.
5. Couchsurfing and Informal Stays
In some off-the-beaten-path locations, Couchsurfing and word-of-mouth connections are how travelers find a place to stay. Some cultures naturally extend hospitality to strangers, meaning if you arrive without a hotel, you might just be invited to stay with a local family.
The Challenges of Staying in a City Without Hotels
While staying in alternative accommodations can be rewarding, it comes with challenges:
- Lack of Privacy – Homestays and monastery stays often involve shared spaces, so expect limited privacy compared to a hotel.
- Basic Amenities – Many non-hotel accommodations offer simple, no-frills rooms, sometimes without running water or electricity.
- Advance Planning is a Must – Since there are no hotels to rely on, you often need to arrange your stay in advance or have a backup plan.
- Language Barriers – Without hotel staff who speak multiple languages, you might need to rely on translation apps or gestures to communicate with hosts.
Why It’s Worth It
Despite the challenges, staying in a city with no hotels can be an unforgettable experience:
- Stronger Cultural Connection – You’ll interact closely with locals and gain insights that typical hotel stays don’t offer.
- More Affordable Travel – Homestays, monastery lodgings, and community-run stays are often much cheaper than hotels.
- Authentic Experiences – Whether it’s eating home-cooked meals, learning about traditional customs, or sleeping in a unique setting, these experiences make for incredible travel stories.
Traveling to a city with no hotels requires a different mindset, but it’s an opportunity to step outside traditional tourism and experience a place in a more personal, immersive way. Whether you’re sleeping in a monastery, staying with a local family, or camping under the stars, these alternative accommodations can turn your trip into something truly special.