How to Find Cheap Hotels in Paramaribo, Suriname

Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname, the smallest country in South America and covered in rainforests. It is known for its strong mix of cultures and its bird song contests on Sundays and holidays. The availability of cheap accommodations in Paramaribo may just have budget travelers singing too.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Choose Your Accommodations in Paramaribo, Suriname

1. Call the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism at 011 ([phone] for more information about cheap accommodations in Paramaribo, Suriname.
2. Visit the Suriname Online Tourist Guide for information about booking cheap accommodations (see Resources below).
3. Contact your accommodations or check their Web site to make sure they have all the amenities you require. It is an unpleasant surprise to check into a room and discover you are expected to provide your own cot to sleep on. Also, many places do not provide food.
4. Investigate accommodations outside of the Paramaribo city center. For the traveler who wants to stay in a hotel, rates are considerably cheaper outside of the city center.
5. Book your accommodations early. While it isn't difficult to find cheap rates in Paramaribo, Suriname, the small size of the city means that beds are very limited.

Know Your Destination

6. Avoid the high tourist season from mid-July through mid-August. Beds are even more limited and prices can be higher.
7. Be aware of open shopping hours. Shops usually close Saturday afternoons and Sundays, so if you plan to do a lot of vacation shopping, be sure you schedule the days you visit accordingly.

Uncover Paramaribo Points of Interest

8. Tour the museum at historic Fort Zeelandia.
9. Visit the former home of plantation owner Susanna du Plessis, famous in Paramaribo for her callousness.

Tips & Warnings

• Some cheap accommodations may be run by people who speak only Dutch. While upscale hotels tend to have service workers who speak English, it is best to call ahead to any other accommodations to find out if there might be a language barrier.
• Don't expect to do much traveling by foot. Paramaribo drivers tend to be reckless on the roadways and cars present a serious threat to pedestrians.
• If planning a trek to Nickerie from Paramaribo, avoid visiting in the rainy season, as the road to Nickerie has major risk of flooding.
• Street crime is high in the Central Market and Palm Garden areas, and it is a good idea to travel in a group if you stay near these areas or travel to them.
• Visitors flying Suriname Airways should always call to confirm their reservations, as sometimes reservations are canceled without notification.
• Phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally from outside the United States, check which international dialing prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.