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4 Last-Minute Olympics Accommodation Ideas

Locations in this article:  Dublin, Ireland London, England Paris, France

Credit: London 2012

Some events are called “once-in-a-lifetime” for a reason. The Olympics are a little over three weeks away, but it’s still possible to experience the 2012 Games. And you can do so without spending three times the standard rate at the most basic hotel.  Ben Moroski shows you how to beat the system with four last-minute alternative accommodations.

The Summer Games are once again upon us. And if you’re really dead-set on being in London for the Olympics, then there is certainly no time for excuses. There is only time to read this article.

Airline ticket prices are already quite high. Right now, a round-trip flight to London from the U.S. departing July 26 and returning August 13, is more than $1,200. And flights into surrounding cities (Dublin, Glasgow, Paris, Frankfurt) are not much cheaper. So you may have to fork over some cash to get to London. But the more important question is, once you get there, how will you find somewhere to stay without selling your soul?

Garden Party

Feeling adventurous? Then brave the urban jungle and stay in a Londoner’s backyard (or “garden” in the Queen’s English). Camp in my Garden, which touts itself as “the only online garden camping community in the world,” provides a place for prospective landlords and campers to meet and strike a deal. The coolest part of the whole thing is that not only do you get to stay on the cheap – you also get to meet and interact with members of the local London community. I mean, how often do you get to use your landlord’s personal bathroom where you live?

And that’s just one of the perks that come along with camping in someone’s garden. On their Camp in my Garden listings, prospective landlords list the amenities that come with staying in their yard, from free Wi-Fi to barbecue facilities to continental breakfast. You can also search the website for gardens based on their proximity to the Olympic events you want to see. Rates range from as little as £15 per person per night to upwards of £30 per person per night. There is also usually a refundable deposit to pay in case of damages to property. But all of the details can be worked out once you make a connection with your prospective landlord via the Camp in my Garden website.

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