Sometimes, when you're travelling, the thing that gives you the biggest headache is finding the perfect place to rest your head.
I'm Jessica Dolcourt for CNET; this is Tap That App, and I'm gonna show you 2 free apps whose primary purpose is to tuck you in to bed.
If hip, elegant, and boutique hotels are what you're after, then Hotel Tonight is your app; available for iPhone and Android; it scours the area for unsold rooms that fit it's criteria of coolness.
Sometimes, you'll get a discount
for 1 or 2 nights only.
There's a map to check out location; and more information to dig in to, like photos of the hotel's rooms and amenities.
You'll also get a $25 credit the first time you make a booking.
If you don't have the budget for a swanky hotel room, Airbnb gets you the next best thing.
But, hey, wasn't there this big, scary incident, in which some criminal Airbnb renter has trashed a lady's apartment?
Yes, and that's absolutely terrible for her, and for the service.
Like other pure services, specially other couch surfing sites,
Airbnb is definitely riskier to use, than going for a hotel.
So, do keep that in mind.
Generally though, the company has enjoyed really good reviews, and it continues to beef up it's programs and staff, to help manage any disputes.
So, I'll just get back to telling you more, so you can decide if you like to use it as a renter.
If you're in a pinch for the night, the app will show you listings of mostly furnished apartments and bedrooms that the owners rent to you directly.
Of course, there are all the usual filters, like date, cost, and accomodation type; there's a map
and photos as well.
Most of the time, your temporary landlord is also the main tenant; but situations vary, and you may find yourself with a much cheaper, more interesting, and just as private alternative to a hotel room; and yes, you can literally rent a couch for the night.
If you have more time however, you'll find the best hidden jams by planning ahead, since the app hopes to inspire you with collections of nightly housing by city.
And there you have it; those are two great apps for getting a room.
if you've got suggestions for more apps that we should cover in the future,
e-mail the crew at tapthatapp@cnet.com.
I'm Jessica Dolcourt, and untill next time, keep on tapping.
