Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 6

Places to stay

Utrecht has a wide range of places to stay that cater for most tastes and wallets. These run the range from hostels to five-star hotels.

The Strowis Hostel is located in a 17th-century building which is near to the town centre. It has been lovingly restored and converted into a hostel which offers 14 bedrooms. There is a nice rear garden that seems to be a focus of activity. A vegan breakfast of fruit, muesli and yoghurt is available for a cost of €6.

Stayokay Hostel in Bunnik is away from the city centre. It is a charming old mansion which overlooks a canal on the fringes of a nature reserve. You can find it 5km east of the city centre in Bunnik. They have three dining halls, a traditional bar and a very nice terrace. It is also on national bike path LF4 if you are on a cycling holiday. If you are in Utrecht you can take bus 41 from Utrecht CS.

The Mary K Hotel is really a totally different experience. You will find that a group of local Utrecht artists have decorated all the rooms at this perfectly located canal house. The choice you have to make for your room is the only size. They come in three basic options which are termed ' cosy', medium and large. However, no two rooms are alike as they have all been decorated by different people. They all make use of the original 18th-century features that are found in this type of home. So you may find a timber beam running through your bathroom or a stuffed animal hiding in the rafters.

The Grand Hotel Karel V is one of the interesting places to stay in the whole of Utrecht. That is because the hotel is built around a former knights' gathering hall from the 14th century. The service and decor are understated but good. You will find that the 117 rooms are split between the old manor and a newer modern wing. Depending on your taste make sure you get a room in the part of the hotel that interests you. They have turned the walled garden into an ideal place to sit on a pleasant night while you enjoy a drink and watch the sunset. All this can be had from a starting price of €160 per night, so it is a reasonable option.

Malie Utrecht is tucked away on a tree-lined avenue. It is an elegant and comfortable 19th-century house which offers 45 large rooms and plenty of old world charm. As a bonus, there is a nice garden out back for a bit of peace and quiet.

Continued in part 7