Best Hotels for Solo Travelers

Updated March 2026 · 10 min read

Solo travel is booming. Industry surveys show that over 40% of travelers now take at least one solo trip per year, up from 25% a decade ago. But the hotel industry has been slow to adapt. Most hotel rooms are priced for double occupancy, and solo travelers effectively subsidize an empty second bed. Add in the "single supplement" that some resorts charge, and traveling alone can feel like a financial penalty.

It does not have to be. This guide shows you how to find hotels that offer genuine value for solo travelers, which cities are the most solo-friendly, and how to stay safe while exploring the world on your own.

Hotel Types for Solo Travelers

Safety Tips for Solo Hotel Stays

Safety is the number one concern for solo travelers, especially those traveling alone for the first time. Hotels have inherent safety advantages over Airbnbs and vacation rentals, but you should still take precautions:

1. Request a room near the elevator on a mid-floor. Ground floor rooms are more accessible to outsiders. Very high floors can be slower to evacuate in an emergency. Floors 3-8 are often the sweet spot.
2. Use all door locks. Engage the deadbolt, chain, and security bar every time you are in the room. If the door locks seem flimsy, request a room change.
3. Do not announce your solo status. If a front desk agent says your room number aloud, ask for a different room. Never tell other guests or staff that you are traveling alone.
4. Choose well-lit, central locations. Save money on the room, not on the neighborhood. A slightly more expensive hotel in a walkable area is safer than a budget option requiring dark walks or late-night taxi rides.
5. Share your itinerary. Send your hotel details and travel plans to a trusted friend or family member. Check in regularly.
6. Use the hotel safe for passports, extra cash, and electronics when you leave the room.
7. Research the neighborhood before booking. Google Street View, TripAdvisor forums, and Reddit city subreddits are valuable resources for understanding a hotel's surroundings.

Single Occupancy Pricing: What to Know

In most of the world, hotel rooms are priced per room rather than per person. Whether one or two people stay in the room, the rate is the same. This means solo travelers effectively pay double per person compared to a couple sharing the same room.

There are exceptions and workarounds:

• Single rooms in Europe: Many European hotels offer genuine single rooms that are smaller and cheaper than doubles. These are common in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and Japan. Always check if the hotel has a single room category.
• Pod and micro hotels: As mentioned above, these are designed for solo occupancy and priced accordingly.
• Loyalty program rates: Marriott, Hilton, and IHG member rates are often 10-15% below public rates, which helps offset the solo traveler "penalty."
• Resort single supplements: All-inclusive resorts and cruises frequently charge solo travelers a "single supplement" of 25-100% on top of the per-person rate. Avoid these unless they specifically advertise no-single-supplement deals.
• Credit card hotel credits: Cards like the Amex Platinum ($200 hotel credit) and Hilton Aspire (annual free night) provide outsized value for solo travelers because the full benefit applies regardless of occupancy. Compare the best travel credit cards at TravelCardGuide.com.

Top Destinations for Solo Travelers

Social Hostels vs Hotels: When to Choose Each

The choice between a social hostel and a hotel depends on what you want from your solo trip:

Our recommendation: Mix both. Start your trip at a social hostel to meet people and get local tips, then move to a hotel for the second half when you want more comfort and privacy.

Maximize Solo Travel Value with Credit Cards

Solo travelers benefit disproportionately from travel credit cards because the full annual benefits apply to a single traveler rather than being split. A card with a $200 hotel credit, a free night certificate, and lounge access delivers its entire value to one person. For couples, the same benefits are effectively halved per person.

The best cards for solo hotel travelers include co-branded options from Marriott, Hilton, and IHG that provide automatic elite status and annual free nights. TravelCardGuide.com's comparison tool helps you find the card that matches your solo travel patterns.

The Bottom Line

Solo travel is one of the most rewarding ways to see the world, and the right hotel choice makes it even better. Choose pod hotels and capsule hotels for budget solo trips, social hostels when you want to meet people, and chain hotels with loyalty programs when you want comfort and security. Focus on destinations with strong public transport, walkable neighborhoods, and a culture that embraces solo dining and exploration.

Plan your next solo trip with our city guides for Tokyo, London, New York, Paris, and Las Vegas. For deal-finding strategies, read our guides on last-minute deals, booking platform comparisons, and weekend getaways under $150.