I think it's perfectly fine to wait for friends to return so that he has a cheaper place to stay. Plus he can spend some time with his friends as well. I've got a solid job with a good wage, and if I can avoid hotel costs I do. Then again, travel costs where I live are super expensive as I am very isolated.

Artchic, it's totally fine to be talking to more than one guy. You are not in any relationship so there is no need to be commited to anyone. He's not your boyfriend, so his desire for you to be exclusive... Well, that's just his ego talking basically.

I understand how you're a bit conflicted though. There's always going to be someone you are drawn to more, but you can't pick one over the other when you've not met. Cause it might not work out in person. But at the same time it could feel like a betrayal of the guy you like most, and like you're stringing along the second one. But that's part of dating.