EXPERIENCE EUROPE’S DIVERSITY IN ACCOMMODATION
By Savannah Grace
Are you taking a trip to Europe and haven’t decided on what kind of accommodation to book? These are a few examples of the variety of places Europe has to offer. In the span of just eight days travelling from The Netherlands to Hungary, I was able to find seven completely different styles of lodging. What kind of accommodation do you prefer? Comfort and affordable? Luxury? Budget? Down right bumming it? What are your best and worst accommodation stories? Feel free to share in the comments below.
CASTLE: Heralec Chateau, CZECH REPUBLIC
Paradise. You literally are staying in a castle. Our jaws dropped as we pulled up to the gated entrance of the Castle-like chateau an hour outside of Prague. I mean, on which other continent can you stay in a place that is or looks like a CASTLE?! Full quality of service and pampering was found in this refuge in the countryside of Czech Republic. Upon arrival our bags were taken to our rooms for us while we were each warmly greeted with a hand-picked rose and a glass of champagne. Our rooms were beyond our expectations with a lovely lounge area, spacious, clean bathroom, mural paintings on the walls hiding the closet and bathroom doors, top quality teas, a fruit basket for us to enjoy and a little vases to place our newly acquired roses in. We explored the lush, old property inside and out enjoying its home grown garden, swinging in the hammocks on the grass and listening to the variety of beautiful birds surrounding us. Outside is a symphony of natural music, but within the chateau’s thick walls, it is absolutely silent.
I can’t recommend this place enough, especially to North Americans where this sort of castle-like accommodation is almost unheard of.
BONUS: The option to take the gorgeous, slick Mercedes convertible that was parked outside for a spin or have it included for FREE with the “Gourmet Delight” package!
Ps. Pictures don’t do this one justice.
HOSTEL: Palace Hostel, AUSTRIA
Hostels, a very popular type of accommodation in Europe for those travelling on the cheap. Though these are known for budget travel (kitchen access is great for saving money), they can still be quite pricey and there are even better ways of saving money when travelling on this expensive continent (couch surfing or staying with friends). Hostels generally provide everything you need for a comfortable, clean stay but you’ll likely be sleeping in a bunk, making it yourself and sharing a bathroom.
BONUS: Rooms that have sliding doors opening up onto a grassy common area with a sparkling view over Vienna, an unexpected surprise for us.
HOTEL – Estillo Fashion Hotel , HUNGARY
Typical hotel-style accommodation in Hungary’s capital city, Budapest. Very comfortable, clean, good shower, coffeemaker and tea, friendly staff at reception, a restaurant attached which gives you a discount if you’re staying at the hotel, and has breakfast included.
BONUS: A superb location! Right on the main walking strip and just a couple minute walk to the nearest Hop on-Hop Off bus stop. Ideal spot if you’re looking to see all of the main sites and came by local transport or by car (they have parking available downstairs).
Guest House: Firbas Farm, SLOVENIA
Firbas Farm is a more special style of lodging. I would classify it as a family-run, countryside guest house, very different from a hotel or hostel. Everything here was made with love and instantly makes you feel at HOME. We were given a tour of the property and I fell even more madly in love. Every corner is unique with handcrafted furniture, tools and art. The giant frying pan next to the large wood-burning oven was great with the ramp leading down into it, attached to a cage which could hold up to six chickens so you could see where your morning eggs were coming from. This gives FRESH a whole new meaning.
BONUS: To-die-for pear juice freshly made and picked straight from their very own pear orchards. All meals are home-made as well. Rather than a la carte, you will be guaranteed meals made with love, fresh ingredients and organic meats made from their very own animals. A must-stay location for those searching for an authentic country experience away from the tourist route, the hubbub of city life and factory produced franchises.
Also, for a unique experience, you can sleep in the farm’s hay loft. Either IN the hay with a sleeping bag or swinging above it in a hammock.
Spa and Wellness: Golf Hotel, SLOVENIA
A relaxing take on a hotel. Here you can choose to opt in for half-board accommodation like we did and enjoy their delicious meals. If you’re looking for a more expensive and relaxing holiday, choose for Golf Hotel located on the stunning Lake Bled in Slovenia. After a long day of exploring you can’t deny the luxury of returning to a retreat that has hot tubs, saunas, steam baths, and a wide range of spa treatments available. I loved how fresh and clean the rooms were, they even had that wooden sauna, spa luxury smell to them!
BONUS: The incredible 30C indoor/outdoor pool with a waterfall, water slide and top-end view of Lake Bled and Bled Castle up on the hill.
Sketchy: Pension Inntalhof or the “The countryside Whore House” as we called it, GERMANY
Obviously this one was a mistake, but you will come across this type of place when booking in Europe (or anywhere). My sister-in-law’s first statement when we arrived and looked up at the narrow, wooden balcony lined with hick-looking men, beers in hand, was, “Scary”. The less than presentable man who came out to “greet” us almost looked as surprised to see us as we were to see him. Scruffy hair and dark rings under eyes, he gave us the impression we weren’t his usual type of guest. When Mom asked for WIFI we were stunned to learn there wasn’t any. No towels. No cup. No soap. Dirty floor. Even the hostel provided more and that was easily half the price. The deep and almost distressed-sounding moos coming from the cows (being slaughtered?) in the field made us think, “We’re next!”
BONUS: The very enthusiastic, loud panting and moaning coming from down the hallway that earned this one its nickname.
Business Hotel: IQ Hotel, GERMANY
I believe this hotel is more aimed for business travellers as it is slightly outside the city of Ulm, with free parking right on the premises. Travellers tend to stay closer in town where there is easy transport to and around the tourist sites. Very comfortable, has everything you need. Great option if you have your own vehicle.
BONUS: A lovely bar/snack area where you are welcome to enjoy some complimentary coffee, drinks and fruit throughout the day. A delicious (best I’ve had at a hotel actually!) breakfast is also included.
