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)