Rewriting hosteling life

As many of you know, we just returned from our round the world tour. And I probably don´t have to mention that we slept in all kinds of accommodation, including hostels. The hostels in The USA and Australia were hostels as we know them, in Japan they were a bit different, but what we saw now in The Netherlands has blown our minds.

The Dutch hostel chain Stayokay just opened a new hostel in charming Utrecht (if you don´t have it on your bucket list, you have to add it – if you don´t believe me read this article). The old building was restored, renovated and now it shines like never before.

The reception is on ground floor with a modern sitting area, a brochure corner and a few vending machines. Downstairs is a locker/luggage room in case you arrive early or leave late.

On the first floor is our favorite part of the hostel – The Fifth restaurant and bar. Here you´ll enjoy a healthy and fresh breakfast every morning, which is included in the room rate. It´s an open buffet, so you can look forward to fresh fruit, fresh juices, organic bread, just the best meat products, dairy products, spreads, ginger bread … You can´t eat as much as they offer. On the second morning a real Dutch breakfast was introduced to me: chocolate crumbs on butter and bread. I thought chocolate crumbs are only for cakes, but not in The Netherlands. 😉

Dutch breakfast

Stayokay Utrecht Centrum

In the restaurant you can enjoy just a drink with your friends, relax on the couch, educate yourself about plastic (just look at the cool wall!), take a small bite or enjoy a full meal. Tasty hamburgers, salads, sandwiches, signature dishes and sweets will surely tame your hunger. 😉

The Fifth

One last thing about The Fifth, I promise – the Miffy-lights are a winner – so cute, yet a bit freaky, but I bet Asian people will go crazy about them. 😀 When you enter, just look up and slightly to the right, you can´t miss them. And another eye catcher is the mini mint garden in the middle of the restaurant – I´m telling you, they take freshness seriously. 😉

Just a few words about the rooms: they are colorful, ALL have private bathrooms and you can choose from dorms or privates. Our 3 bed room was comfy and tidy; the only thing I missed was a small reading lamp next to my bed. Bed linen is included but you need to bring your own towels (or rent them there).

DCIM105GOPROG3522539. — Stayokay Utrecht Centrum

The top features of the new Stayokay Utrecht Centrum are for sure its location right in the center of lovely Utrecht (did I tell you that you really have to visit this city?!), the fabulous restaurant and bar The Fifth and the cheerfully decorated rooms. Bravo is all I can say and I just can´t wait to stay in another Stayokay hostel in The Netherlands.

Want to know more? Visit Stayokay Utrecht Centrum Website 😉