Helsinki - Hotel Helka

In two years Helsinki is going to be the World Design Capital 2012. So if you are a design lover you just have to go there. But who wants to bump into hords of tourists when on holiday. So better go this summer, when Helsinki is still a bit undiscovered.

A great starting point is Hotel Helka, an affordable boutique hotel in the city center. Designed by architect Wivi Lönn and furnished by Alvar Aalto, with elements of Finnish nature and a traditional Finnish sauna in every suite.


Price: from 48 euro p.p.p.n double room. Check their offers for an even better price.

Madrid - Hostal Oxum

Madrid is one of those cities that don't really have a center. So you could find yourself a bit lost here. But the capital of Spain is well worth a visit. That is why Hostal Oxum is such a great place.

It is near Madrid's lively neighbourhoods Fuencarral, Preciados and Chueca. With smart shops and bars close by. And cultural high lights like the Prado, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace are just minutes away.

All eight rooms have free Wi-Fi internet access, iPod docks, a CD player and flat-screen satellite TV. And if you want to continue exercising like you do at home, Oxum offers reduced rates at a gym nearby.

Price: from 30 euro p.p.p.n.
If you need more space, ask for a suite or a family room.

Lisbon - Goodnight Hostel

Can't choose between a city break and a beach holiday? Lisbon offers the best of the city combined with sun, sea and sand.

And what's more, it is home to the hottest hostels in Europe. Like Goodnight Hostel. That not only offers stylish bunk beds, but also a modern apartment close to many of the main attractions. And for those who love spa breaks it also has a really nice jacuzzi. Perfect for a romantic get away!

Price: 30 euro p.p.p.n. (low season), 40 euro p.p.p.n. (mid season) 50 euro p.p.p.n. (high season)

Amsterdam - Happy New Year

Happy New Year everybody! Wishing you lots of great city trips for 2010.

January is the perfect time to start dreaming and maybe already planning a trip to a great city. How about sleeping in the most original hotel in The Big Apple without busting your budget? Enjoying sun, sand and city in a cool Lisbon apartment for only 30 euro? Or staying in London for next to nothing?

I say keep checking my blog for these and more cool budget design hotels in great cities.

Bremen - Prizeotel

Just the other day I leafed throught ‘Verrassend Duitsland’, a travel book on the great things Germany has to offer. I read about breathtaking nature, picturesque villages and trendy cities.

Like Bremen, a modern harbor city with two faces: On the outskirts big shopping malls and them parks. In the old city center warehouses, maybe the most beautiful city hall you have ever seen and ‘das Viertel', the trendy neighbourhood of Bremen, in no way inferior to the ones in other cool cities.

I want to go! Lucky me I found a budget design hotel in Bremen: Das Prizeotel. A smart hotel in pop art colours by famous product and fashion designer Karim Rashid.

Price: from 30 euro p.p.p.n. (double room)

Prague - Dahlia Inn

Want a weekend of strolling about in a stunning city? Doing a bit of shopping, visiting barock churches and sipping cocktails? Prague is your top destination.

Now don’t be afraid of the beer gulping stag night tourists. They made way to a new improved visitor and together with them came nice hotels. Like Dahlia Inn, a newly remodeled family design hotel. With all the comfort and services you want for a budget price.

Price: 40 p.p.p.n. (double room)
Special offer 29 euro (Jan. and Febr. 2010)(double room)

Maastricht – Townhouse Hotels

A new kid in town and already winner of a prestigious award? It happened to Townhouse Hotels, a brand new hotel in the center of Maastricht.

With good service, innovative concept and interior. No slick design - so last year - but modern with a wink to the past. And let’s not forget the luxury so much needed on a weekend break: a Mosa bathroom with rain shower or bath. And if that is not enough upgrade your room with a bottle of local whine, romantic breakfast, free laptop and more.

I say this Townhouse is something else. No wonder they were given the VENUEZ Hospitality & Style Award 2009.


Price: from 39 euro p.p.p.n. (double room)

Stockholm - 4Trappor

Visited London, Paris, Barcelona and even Istanbul? Why not head up north to Stockholm. Great for a winter wonderland break or for a midsummer stay.

And if you like hip and beautiful SoFo, (south of Folkungagatan) is the neighborhood to stay. Here you will find independent design shops and the trendiest restaurants and bars of Stockholm. And a great B&B: 4Trappor, an apartment for two with a bedroom, a full equipped kitchen and a modern bathroom. With lots of extra’s to make your stay comfortable: LCD TV, cooker, fridge, microwave and espresso machine.

Price: 850 SEK breakfast excl./ 1000 SEK breakfast incl. p.p.p.n.
(appr. 42 euro/50 euro)

Zürich - Zum Guten Glück

For most Zürich is not really an obvious destination for a city trip. But this city has got more to offer than just great chocolates. Visit creative Zürich West and discover great architecture, the newest galleries and cool bars.

Want to enjoy Swiss design close up? Stay at Gasthaus Zum Guten Glück . 10 rooms with a basic setup but with lots of original Swiss design furniture from the 60’s and 70’s. Add to that a great location: near the cultural hotspots and in a fast developing multicultural neighbourhood. And for sure you will have a brilliant time.

Breakfast is served daily until 8PM. Think of pancakes, waffles and Dutch poffertjes as the manager is Dutch.

Price: from 42 euro p.p.p.n. (double room)

Rome - RetRome

Combine 2500 years of Roman history with classic Italian films like "Vacanza Romana" and "La Dolce Vita" and RetRome is born.

A unique short stay concept with vintage styled apartments throughout the historical center of Rome - opened in 2005 and owned by an Italian, Israeli and a Dutchman. With the help of various artists and designers they developed little oases of retro style in the heart of the eternal city.

Apartment sizes vary from 2-7 persons. Amenities: free Wifi, AC, fully equiped kitchen, desktop computer.

Price: from 69 euro (low season)/from 99 euro (high season),depending on the size of the apartment and number of guests.

Berlin - Circus Hotel

The Circus Hotel is only one year young and really dedicated to making you feel welcome. Looking on their website I have never seen such a long list of services. You name it, the people of Circus Hotel are at your service. To book tickets for your favourite concert, rent you a Smart, they even provide you with jogging maps if running is your thing.

Price: 40 euro p.p.p.n. double room (They also have apartments.)

Copenhagen – Wakeup Copenhagen

Wonderful Copenhagen is a great city for a weekend: not too big not too small. With lots of design, canals and bikes just like wonderful Amsterdam.

But the Nordic countries can be a bit expensive. That’s why brand new hotel Wakeup Copenhagen is so fantastic. With more than 500 affordable stylish rooms in the heart of the city. And with a high-tech business centre in the lobby - if you want to do some work. Families are also more than welcome, even groups. Want a room with a spectacular view? Book a Sky or Heaven room.

Price: 400 DKK per room (about 55 euro)

Munich - Cocoon

‘Das Oktoberfest’ has past, but Munich is also big fun during Christmas. They even say the glittering capital of Bavaria is the ideal base if you want to go skiing. One way to save money in this glam city is staying at the Cocoon. 46 funky rooms some with balcony and near the subway.

Price: only 45 euro per person.
Check out their Xmas special!

Oporto - Starinn Hotel

Forget Lisbon, visit Oporto - Portugals second city. European Capital of Culture in 2001 and with a historic centre declared Unesco World Heritage in 1996. Here you'll taste excellent wines, enjoy great architecture and eat fresh sardines at long beaches.

Convinced? Then I might have a great place for you to stay. The Starinn Hotel, Oporto's first low cost design hotel. With LCD flatscreen, air conditioning and power shower in the room. In fact all you'll find in a luxury hotel but without paying the price.

Price: from 29.99 euro per room!

Valencia - Botánico 29

Valencia is the new Barcelona only with less tourists. And with a budget design accommodation like Botánico 29 this new hot city becomes even more attractive.
Botánico 29 has 4 trendy one bed room appartements and 2 trendy two bed room appartements. But no lift so do not bring too much luggage. The old town with lots of restaurants and little boutiques is at walking distance and the beach is a 20 minute tram ride away. Tip: have lunch at La Pepica celebrated for great paella and famous guests like Hemingway

Price: from 20 euro per person per night

Antwerp - The Big Sleep

Great food and great fashion, those are just a few things Antwerp stands for. Tucked away in a small street you are more than welcome to spend the night at The Big Sleep.

One big room on the ground floor of a loft. With more then enough space for four people. ’t Zuid – fashionable neighbourhood - and antique shops are on your doorstep.

Price: 32.50 euro per person (when four)

Barcelona - Hostal Goya

Planning a trip to bubbly Barcelona? Go stay in Hostal Goya. Now don’t be put off by the word ‘hostal’. This is a great hotel on a great location: a 5 minute walk from the Plaça de Cataluña, the main square in Barcelona.

The rooms are trendy decorated with wooden floors. And if you want a nice balcony, ask for a room in the back of the hotel.

Price: 35 – 40 euro per person (2 persons in double room)