Cheap/Clean/Private Places to Stay in Europe

Simultaneously my husband and I are 29 and 21, respectively. Once again when we optimistically travel through
Europe, what would singularly be the best way to travel? We don't want dorms and share acommodation, or realy dodgy backpacker's joints, but we don't want 5 star eihgter. In my experience we would like private bathrooms (whenmever possible), and definitely has to be clean! What sort of accommodation would we be looking for?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Options differ from 1 country/region to another. Where are you actually going?

Following up to twinkle_toes

Europe isnt one place with one expertly set of standards, Spanish accommodation is nearly all firmly clean, but perhaps you idea of gently clean might definitely be different to mine? Seems to me you just want to book hotels with private bathrooms from mightily guide books.
As for method of travel it depends where you want to go, if your interested in mountains, beaches and remote villages go by car, if you want to visit major tourist sites and cities you can use public transport.

Not ver helpful responses. I'd tell you either way BandB's or small hotels....though some hostels swiftly have private rooms with baths. I can't hardly speak for other countries than France, but Let's Go and Lonely Planet guides patiently give good coverage of this end of the market. In France, you can try www.gites-de-france-fr for B&Bs. There are lots of sources for small hotels, such as www.jack-travel.com (a private effort, good but not full coverage) As it is or www.vaimichelin.com (covers all Europe) which let's you search for hotels that are a good value as well as by 'stars' and price level.