Category: Where To Sleep

The 10-Z Nuclear Shelter In Brno, Czechia
Brno has plenty of unusual things to see, like the ossuary filled with more than 50,000 skulls or the so-called Brno “dragon”. But one of the more curious attractions to visit in Brno, Czechia is the 10-Z Nuclear Shelter.

10-Z nuclear shelter was first built by the Germans to defend against enemy attacks in WW2. It was then taken over by the Soviets who maintained it as a top-secret bunker until the early 1990s. Present day, the location serves as a bar frequented by locals, a hostel for travellers looking for an unusual place to stay, and a historical site one can tour to see what a nuclear shelter really looks like.

Hot tip – if you really want to do know what things there are to do in Brno, read my comprehensive guide!

The 10-Z Nuclear Shelter In Brno, Czechia

Located in the center of Brno, just under Špilberk Castle, the bunker was initially constructed by the Germans during WW2 to defend against both American and Soviet bombs. After the war was over, the nuclear shelter was then used as a wholesale wine store, Löwy & Šmíd.

When the Soviets assumed control of Czechia after the coup in 1948, they confiscated the store and turned it into a top secret location to be used by local Communist party officials in the event a nuclear war occured. Construction efforts on the bomb shelter were completed by 1959 and plans were that the venue could house up to 500 people for up to 3 days and nights. Considering the entire shelter spans only 1,500 square meters, that would have been one crowded bomb shelter! The shelter remained under control of the Czech Army and was kept secret until 1993.

Fortunately for us, the bomb shelter never had to be put to its intended use.

May this place never serve its original purpose. And may it remain vibrant with the sounds of good jazz.

Hugo Marom

10-Z Nuclear Shelter is now run by a non-profit company, AMERFO. Their purpose is to make what was once a commanding military space into something that’s accessible to the public, a place for them to come and learn about the history of the venue and connect to the individuals who were involved with the shelter.

10-Z Nuclear Shelter opened in 2016 and now operates as a retro themed hostel with 18 rooms. Not much was changed from the original Cold War look and feel – the same bunk beds are still in use and you can use some old school phones to contact reception. It’s not only a truly unique place to stay, but it also gives visitors a chance to really experience what it would be like to stay in a bunker. Note, bathrooms are shared and the bunker remains at a constant temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, so warm clothing is a must.

There’s also an onsite bar, where you can kick back with a beer or listen to live performances.

You can tour the shelter, either alone or with a guide. If you go at it on your own, they’ll hand you a map at reception. There’s QR codes along the way, which you can use to watch videos and learn more about 10-Z’s history. Note, free wifi is available so no need to worry about wasting precious phone data. Tour highlights include seeing technical parts of the shelter like the diesel unit, filter room, and phone exchange.

Recommended reading: Read about (and then visit!) another bunker, the Denis nuclear bunker which only opened in 2021.

Watch/share this video about the 10-Z Nuclear Shelter and better yet, subscribe to my Youtube channel for even more travel related videos.

What do you think about 10-Z Nuclear Shelter? Do you have any other tips for Brno? Tell us about in the comments.

10-Z Nuclear Shelter Location

Where is 10-Z Nuclear Shelter located? 10-Z Nuclear Shelter can be found at Husova, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia.

10-Z Nuclear Shelter FAQ

Everything you need to know about the 10-Z Nuclear Shelter in Brno. Let us answer your most common questions:

1) How can I get in touch with the shelter for more information?

You can call +420 515 919 793 and/or email [email protected].

2) When is 10-Z Nuclear Shelter in Brno open?

For hostel guests, it’s open 24 hours a day. For those looking to do a tour, it’s opened from Tuesday – Sunday from 11:30 – 19:00. It’s closed for tours on Mondays. Get there by 18:15 latest to be able to complete a self guided tour before closing.

3) How much does admission cost?

A regular adult ticket is CZK 150 (about €6) and tickets for students, seniors, and people with disabilities is 100 CZK (about €4). Kids under 15 cost CZK 60 (< €3).

4) Should I book in advance?

If you want to do a tour on your own, you can just show up. If you want to do a guided tour, it’s recommended to book in advance. Free tours run from Tuesday – Sunday at 19:00. Tours are offered in Czech, but if you call in advance, you can request an English tour. Organized tours typically take about an hour and can be customized to your requirements, if you call and book ahead.

5) Can I pay for my ticket with plastic?

Yes, you can pay the entry free to 10-Z Nuclear Shelter with a debit or credit card.

6) Can I take photos and videos inside the museum?

Yeppers. There are no additional fees involved.

7) How much time should I spend at the Brno Ossuary?

As the bunker comprises about 500 meters of tunnels and there are videos to watch along the way, I’d say an hour would suffice.

8) Is the 10-Z Shelter for children?

Yes, it’s not at all scary. They may find it boring, though, and they may find it fun to roam through the tunnels and see the different rooms.

Transportation Options In Brno

All about how to get around Brno:

1) To reach Brno’s city center, you can drive, take a taxi, or bus from the airport and main bus/train stations:
- Trains arrive at Brno dolni nadrazi, the city’s main train station. You can use public transit to be in the city center within 15 minutes. Alternatively you can walk there within 20 minutes. You can also take a taxi – download the Liftago Taxi app to book a ride (Uber and Bolt don’t work here). A taxi will take about 10 minutes.
- Buses arrive at Brno Zvonařka, the city’s primary bus station. Using public transit, walking, or taking a taxi will take approximately the same time as if you were coming from the train station (see above).
- Flights arrive at Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ). A bus into the city (E76) runs every 30 minutes throughout the day and will take about 20 minutes to be dropped off at the city’s main train station. A single ticket costs 25 CZK (€1). Driving or taking a taxi will take about 20 minutes to reach the city center. Note, taxi fares shouldn’t exceed €15.
2) Some of the different ways to get around the city:
- Bikes – Cycle your way around Brno with nextbike.
- Public Transit – Visit Integrated Transport System of the South Moravian Region for details about the local public transit network.
- Ride sharing – Use Liftago to move around the city.
- Taxis – Use City Taxi Brno, Brno’s most popular taxi company. Tip – Have your hotel call them on your behalf, in case they don’t speak English. Liftago might a better option so you can get a car on your own without having to worry about language difficulties.
- Driving – If you don’t have a car of your own, rent a car to make your way around Brno.
Where To Stay In Brno

My recommendations about where to stay in Brno, Czechia:

1) Take a look at places to stay with booking.com.
Booking.com
2) If you want to stay at 10-Z Nuclear Shelter, book here.

Paying For Things in Czechia

What you need to know about how to handle your money in Czechia:

1) The country has its own currency, the koruna (CZK).
- Check xe.com to find out how your local currency fares against the Euro, US dollar, etc.
- While most places will accept bank or credit cards, smaller shops sometimes only take cash. Get cash at a local bank machine.
- If you decide to pay by card, you may be asked which currency you want to pay in – choose to pay in the local currency (CZK), to save money on the exchange rate.
2) Czechia is budget friendly, from accommodation, to dining out, and more. Read our guide about where to eat in Brno!

Good To Know About Brno

What else do you need to know about Brno? Here are some of our top tips for the city:

1) To make your time in Brno memorable, book a guided tour through Get Your Guide.

2) Is Brno safe? I can only answer this based as on my personal experience – as a woman travelling solo, I felt safe in Brno and didn’t encounter any difficulties. However, the experience for people of colour could be entirely different. It’s not the most ethnically diverse city and back in 2015, there was strong resistance to the mass refugee migration from locals. Read this interview, done in 2020 where people of colour in Czechia discuss their experiences.

3) If you like unusual places around the world, take a look at some of my other related blog posts:
- An Extreme Staircase, The Montagne De Bueren In Liège – Montagne De Bueren is one of the world’s most “extreme” staircases. With a 30% incline and 374 steps, scaling this staircase is no easy feat.
- Marmore Falls In Italy Is Home To The World’s Tallest Manmade Waterfall – Marmore Falls is the largest manmade waterfall in the world. Created by the Romans, this 2000 year old waterfall is 165 meters high.
- The Bruce Lee Statue In Mostar Pays Tribute To A Legend – The Bruce Lee statue in Mostar is an odd symbol of peace and solidarity in an ethnically divided city and country, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
July 21, 2024
Thailand Hotels, The Continent Hotel in Bangkok
I arrived at the Continent Hotel in Bangkok in pretty bad shape. I was overwhelmed by jet lag, even after being in Thailand for a week. It’d been jam-packed with fun-filled experiences like exploring Bangkok’s Chinatown, as well as the Thonburi district. Then we flew to Trang, visiting the Trang Markets and the Trang Islands. This seemed to amplify my overall exhaustion, and I became quite ill during my trip, even spending a morning at a Thai hospital to tend to my ailments.

It would’ve been an understatement to say that I needed some good old-fashioned rest and relaxation before heading home to Berlin. Turns out the Continent Hotel was everything I needed and more.

The Continent Hotel in Bangkok

This five-star boutique hotel is centrally located in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, close to Sukhumvit and Asoke roads, known as the “crossroads of Bangkok.” The BTS Asoke Skytrain station and the MRT Sukhumvit station are within a few minutes’ walking distance of the hotel.

The Continent Hotel immediately impresses you, as you gaze up at the hotel’s tall, sleek, and skinny structure which reaches 35 floors. It’s almost hard to believe that the hotel contains 153 rooms, a restaurant, two bars, a fitness studio, and a rooftop infinity pool.

Lobby and Compass Bar

Entering the hotel is akin to inserting yourself into another world and you quickly forget the hustle of the bustle of the busy streets just outside. The contemporary interior is both warm and soothing with its Asian-inspired design. Even more welcoming is the attentive front desk staff who greet you and work quickly to get you settled into your room.

The Compass Bar is a great place to stop and have a quick cocktail before heading out for an afternoon of shopping (the hotel is surrounded by malls like the Emporium and EmQuartier) or a night of outrageous fun in Bangkok.

The Continent Room

I was lucky to stay in one of the hotel’s most luxurious rooms, a Sky Room, located on the 29th floor! It has many unique benefits, like turndown service, a daily fruit basket, complimentary laundry, free drinks and snacks at the bars, and more. Each of the floors in the hotel follows a theme of different cities around the world and is decorated with photos from the featured destination. I was all too happy to be staying on the Berlin-themed floor, as Berlin is never far from my heart.

What I loved the most about my Sky room was the Dessert theme (you can also get Ocean, Forest, and Space themed rooms), the large bed, and the expansive view of Bangkok. Other perks included a flat-screen TV, a work area, and a bathtub where you can soak in a bubble bath while continuing to enjoy the view over Bangkok.

I’ll be honest: Most of my final two days in Bangkok were spent in this room. I caught up on sleep in that super comfortable bed and took long, soothing soaks in the tub.

Medinii

Medinii is an award-winning Italian restaurant where guests can take their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The airy space, decorated in dark fabric curtains and muted hardwood floors, comes complete with chair swings that overlook Bangkok. Here, I sipped red Italian wine and sampled various dishes from their menu, including pizza, pasta, steak, and a fruity sorbet for dessert.

Sadly, I have no photos from my breakfast, but trust me (like really!). The food was equally as good, with all the standard fare. I loaded up on fresh fruit and a refreshing tea to kick-start my day. Breakfast was also included in my booking.

Axis and Spin

While I stayed at the Continent Hotel in Bangkok, I enjoyed one last cocktail at their Axis and Spin rooftop bar and club, saying one last Prost before heading back to Berlin. Filled with trendy locals and hotel guests, it’s the perfect spot for a nightcap while soaking up those luscious Bangkok views.

H20 Pool Bar

Of course, my stay at the Continent would not be complete without a dip in the rooftop infinity pool where I watched the sunset over Bangkok.

What do you think about The Continent Hotel in Bangkok? Would you stay at this hotel or do you have recommendations for other hotels around the city? Drop us a note in the comments below.

Location

The Continent Hotel Bangkok
413 Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
+66 2 686 7000
http://www.thecontinenthotel.com/

Good To Know

1) The Continent Hotel is best suited to travelers looking for an upscale and refined stay in a central area of Bangkok.

2) Wifi is free and available throughout the hotel.

3) Airport transfers to and from the hotel can easily be booked with your reservation.

4) If you arrive by car (whether a taxi or a rental car) from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the ride will take 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. If you’re coming from Don Muang Airport, expect the ride to take anywhere from 20-40 minutes.

5) If you’d like to see even more hotel options (although I highly recommend this hotel), see booking.com.
Booking.com
6) Make your time in Bangkok special by taking a guided tour.

7) If you dig travel in general, consider giving some of these posts a read for even more inspiration for future trips.
- Some Exciting Things To Do in Edirne Turkey – Why visit Edirne? A magnificent mosque, Ottoman cuisine, a rare Jewish synagogue, & more. Read this guide of things to do in Edirne Turkey.
- What To Do in Helsinki If You Have Just One Day – What to do in Helsinki in a day? Eat Finnish food, laugh at a peeing boy statue, spend time in church, & hang out in a stunning library.
- What You Need to Know Before You Travel to Canada – Canada’s a dream destination for a lot of people around the globe. Find out what you need to know before you travel to Canada.
8) Last but not least, if you need even more Thailand travel information, consider this 14-day Thailand itinerary or this post, about where to stay in Bangkok.

Disclosure – One of my two nights at the Continent Hotel was complimentary. Any opinions expressed about my love of rooftop infinity pools and comfortable king-sized beds are entirely my own. This post also contains some affiliate links, so if you book a tour or hotel, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
March 1, 2024
The Most Unusual Hotel Out There? The Lloyd Hotel In Amsterdam
Just as I sought out unusual things to see while in Amsterdam, I naturally wanted to rest my pretty little head in a rather quirky hotel. And it turned out that the Lloyd Hotel perfectly fit the bill. I loved, loved, loved my stay there, and even years later, still think about my experience at the hotel.

Note – As of December 2022, the hotel is temporarily closed and under renovation. It’s expected to reopen in the spring of 2023, under new ownership.

The Most Unusual Hotel Out There? The Lloyd Hotel In Amsterdam

There are numerous reasons why the Lloyd Hotel really stands apart from others. Like seriously, there isn’t another hotel anywhere in the world like this one.

So what makes this hotel so unique? It’s located in a cool area of Amsterdam, away from the tourist crowds. They regularly host art exhibits and cultural events. They feature 116 rooms designed by local artists, where no two are exactly alike, and oddly, range from one through five stars. What’s more, the building itself has a very dark past and was once used as a prison by the Germans during WW2.

The Lloyd Hotel’s Location

Arriving late one cold morning in December, I tiredly stumbled off the tram and glimpsed the hotel just off into the distance. I was immediately impressed with the building’s stately appearance and how conveniently close it was located to the tram stop. The building overlooks a wide expanse of water and even has its own dock!

Situated in the revitalized Eastern Docklands area, the hotel is a quick 10 – 15 minute tram ride away from Centraal station. Perched along one of the city’s widest canals, the über cool neighborhood is full of art galleries, trendy restaurants, and sleek modern architecture.

The Lloyd Hotel’s History

As mentioned briefly above, The Lloyd Hotel has a rather storied past. Built in the early 1920s, the building was commissioned by the Royal Dutch Lloyd Shipping Company as a boarding house for Eastern European migrant workers en route to a new life in the Americas. It all changed during WWII when the Germans used the building as a remand prison. In subsequent years, the building was used as a detention center for young offenders and later, as a collection of artists’ studios. It eventually fell into neglect and disrepair, remaining that way until the late 1990s.

It was then that over 50 designers and artists came together to transform the space into the hotel and cultural hub that it is today. While much of the original (creepy!) interior remains intact, some of it was removed so that daylight pours in through the sixth-floor skylights. It opens up the space and goes a long way to reducing the institutional feel.

After checking in and getting the key to my room on the fourth floor, I exited the lift and came upon the long hallways pictured above. I’ll admit it was totally creepy and I loved every single moment. The hotel also likes to encourage interaction between their guests and communal spaces are set up in the hallways.

The Wallpaper City Guide aptly put it when they wrote: “The Lloyd was given a new lease of life by the big stars of Dutch design.“

The Transformation Of The Lloyd Hotel

The hotel now boasts 116 quirky and eccentric rooms in which no two are exactly alike. The rooms are full of unique artwork like unusual lamps or beautifully detailed curtains. Historical significance has also been preserved through the continued use of original tiling and restoration of antique trestle tables from Lithuania. Most bizarre is a room with a bed for eight people, another with a swing, and others with hidden “fold away” bathrooms.

You’re probably thinking that this place must be super expensive. Well, it doesn’t have to be! If you’re a budget traveler type, you can choose to stay in a one or two-star room. If you roll with rock stars and the Hollywood elite, you can book yourself into a four or five-star room.

The Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam Restaurant

It’s another stylish place in the hotel, and as with everywhere else in the venue, the artist’s attention to design and detail is spot-on. I munched on a yummy sandwich with coffee.

The Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam Common Area

When you’ve finished drinking or dining at the hotel’s restaurant, wander upstairs to a common area full of artwork and reading nooks. There are even more spaces than pictured and many of them are rented out as co-working spaces or for corporate events.

The Lloyd Hotels Room Offerings

During my stay at the Lloyd Hotel, I stayed in a one-star room and it was just great. I was also lucky enough to score a private tour of the hotel’s varying room offerings with one of the owners.

Let me show you around this insane yet extraordinary place.

1) My One-Star Room

Entering my home away from home for the weekend, I was surprised and delighted to see the room was bright and airy with a lovely view. The room came equipped with two single beds, a small TV, and a large work area.

Oh, and there were even these lovely bathrobes, as well as comfy slippers. They’re truly needed as a stay in a one-star room means you share a bathroom with others.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect with the shared bathroom situation, but was again struck at how the Lloyd could take something like a communal bathroom, still retain some of the building’s historical touches, and make it into something nice.

While touring the hotel with the owner, I also had a look at another one-star room. I actually liked mine better, as it was more spacious and had a better view. This one was still quite cute nonetheless. I especially love their use of the orange curtains and how they retained the building’s original blue-green tiles.

2) A Two-Star Room

While I didn’t view a two-star room myself, these rooms are known for being spacious and even having hidden “fold away” bathrooms. Yes, you read that correctly. Keep reading to find out how these babies work …

3) A Three-Star Room

This is when things started to get really interesting. Some rooms feature bedside tables on wheels and those “fold away” bathrooms found in some of the two-star rooms.

We started by visiting a very red room, surely appealing to passionate lovers as there’s a bathtub in the middle of the room. The bed also has a bedside table which you can freely move alongside the bed.

Now for that “fold away” bathroom! You can see a lovely room with a small washing area. Then pull open a large door and reveal a bathroom complete with a shower and toilet (not pictured but located to the left of the sink). When you’re done, you simply shut the door and “fold” the bathroom away.

4) A Four-Star Room

I also never had the chance to visit a four-star room either (we were obviously only able to look at rooms that weren’t occupied). The owner told me that one of the four-star rooms at the Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam features a cupboard bed, while another one is garden-themed.

5) A Five-Star Room

Each of the five-star rooms is an adventure in itself with rooms that have a grand piano or a spiral staircase leading to a bed.

We started by checking out a room with the swing and no, it’s not a sex swing. I pictured myself sleeping there, getting out of bed in the morning, and jumping on the swing, straight into the giant bathtub. This room in particular, also happens to come with an unforgettable view.

And finally, the pièce de résistance and that’s a room with a bed that sleeps eight people! Apparently, the artist who designed this room had it in mind that the bed was like a stage for a band. Or maybe the bed was the place they could retire with their groupies after the concert was over?

Just what’s behind that green door in the room? A really, really, really lime green bathroom.

Is The Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam For Everyone?

This hotel is obviously not for everyone. Not all of the rooms are the most practical or even make sense. Not everyone can handle staying in a location with such a dark history.

But for me personally, that’s what makes The Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam special, as each room is a work of art. They took a wreck of a venue and turned it into a cool, thought-provoking, positive space. I’m not sure I’ll ever be this excited to stay at another hotel again! PS Van de Week said this is “A hotel which knows no comparison” and I’m in complete agreement.

So if you’re an unconventional type and desire something different when you’re traveling to Amsterdam, then a stay at the Lloyd Hotel is a must.

What do you think about the Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam? Would you stay at this most unique place? Let us know in the comments.

Location

Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, 1019 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands

Good To Know

1) Maybe this hotel is too much for you and want to stay somewhere else in Amsterdam? Check your options with booking.com.
Booking.com
2) Make your time in Amsterdam memorable and go on a guided tour with Get Your Guide.

3) Fan of European travel? Check out some of our favorite posts.
- Experience A Winter Sunset At The Geysir Geothermal Field In Iceland – Iceland’s Geysir Geothermal Field is a stop along the popular Golden Circle Tour. See photos of this beautiful and natural phenomenon at sunset.
- Photos To Inspire You To Visit Alpe Di Siusi, Italy – These photos will inspire to you to visit Visit Alpe Di Siusi where you can hike, go paragliding, eat fresh Tyrolian cuisine, & more.
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*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
November 11, 2023
Stay in Northern Italy At These Best Brescia Hotels
After two trips to the area, Brescia remains one of my favorite cities in Italy. Home to a plethora of historical sites like the Roman ruins of Tempio Capitolino, museums like Museo di Santa Giulia, and massive squares such as Piazza Paolo VI, this city is well worth a visit when traveling through the Lombardy region.

If you’re looking for a guide about where to stay when you’re in Brescia, look no further than this list of carefully picked and reviewed best Brescia hotels.

Stay in Northern Italy At These Best Brescia Hotels

For this best hotels in Brescia list, we’ve chosen hotels ranging from more budget-friendly three-star properties all the way to five-star hotels in the city center, and even resorts just minutes outside of Brescia.

1) AC Hotel Brescia

Just over one kilometer from the city center, AC Hotel Brescia is one of the city’s more modern and trendy hotels. The moment you enter the lobby, you’ll see that the hotel was designed to impress visitors. The large stylish rooms come with the usual perks like flat-screen TVs, a mini bar, views over the city, and more. Enjoy the hotel’s restaurant to sample international and Italian cuisine and their daily American breakfast buffet – you can even take a “grab and go” breakfast if you’re anxious to explore Brescia and the surrounding area. If you need to work off carbs from all the pasta you’re eating, there are gym facilities onsite. Expect prices to start from €90 per night during peak season.

Location: Via Giulio Quinto Stefana 3, 25126

2) Albergo Orologio

Situated directly in the city center, Albergo Orologio is a three-star budget-friendly option when staying in Brescia. While the rooms are simple, some come with grand wooden beamed ceilings, king-sized beds, and small balconies. There’s a daily breakfast to help you start your day and as the hotel’s located in the most happening part of the city, plenty of other attractive dining options are nearby. What sets this hotel apart from others here is how incredibly friendly their staff is. For example, when I stayed there, they took care to provide me with a lactose-free meal each day. Expect prices to start from €75 per night during peak season.

Location: Via C. Beccaria 17, 25121

3) Hotel Vittoria

Smack dab in the heart of Brescia, you’ll find the luxurious five-star Hotel Vittoria. Only steps away from historic local attractions like Duomo Nuovo Cathedral and Museum of Santa Giulia, this Art Nouveau-styled hotel features an elegant marble columned lobby and Murano-glass chandeliers. Room perks include coffee and tea, a minibar, flat-screen TVs with an extensive channel selection, and complimentary robes and slippers. Some rooms even have deep soaker bathtubs and terraces with spectacular views over Brescia. The onsite restaurant serves up Italian and international cuisine and alternatively, you can take your meal on your terrace and order from room service. You can even enjoy sampling a fine local wine at their piano bar. Airport shuttles are also available – just call in advance to make arrangements or speak to the concierge. Expect prices to start from €75 per night during peak season.

Location: Via X Giornate 20, 25121

4) Regal Hotel

A little over two kilometers from the center of Brescia, Regal Hotel’s most attractive feature is its rooftop pool with views overlooking the mountains. Rooms are soundproof if you need a good night’s sleep, come with flat-screen TVs, and hairdryers, and some rooms even come with a bathtub. While the hotel is basic, it’s easy on the wallet and worth its value just for the pool experience alone. Expect prices to start from €50 per night during peak season.

Location: Viale Europa 2b, 25128

5) Santellone Resort

Santellone Resort might be a bit out of the way at just over four kilometers from the city center, but it’s simply too beautiful not to mention. Set in a former Benedictine monastery in the medieval part of Brescia, the hotel’s spacious rooms come with large windows, tiled floors, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and more. Some rooms even have terraces or balconies overlooking the luscious green property. Stroll through the gardens, take in the architectural elegance of the resort, and relax in the solarium. Pamper yourself at the adult-only spa with a Finnish sauna, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, a Roman Bath, and a Turkish bath. Expect prices to start from €100 per night during peak season.

Location: Via Del Santellone 116, 25132

Have I missed out on any other hotels worth mentioning in Brescia? Let my readers know in the comments below.

Locations

Download this Google Map to keep track of locations for the best Brescia hotels.

Good To Know

1) Brescia is an ideal weekend getaway from Berlin. If you want to head to Brescia, the easiest way to get there is to fly into Orio al Serio International Airport near Bergamo (5o kilometers away). Round-trip tickets via Ryanair start at around €40. Alternatively, you can also fly into Verona (50 kilometers away), Milan’s Linate (100 kilometers away), and Malpensa airports (150 kilometers away).

2) After arriving at one of the nearby four airports, you’ll need to consider travel time and method of transportation:
- Bergamo: By car, it will take 30 minutes, by train it will take about an hour and cost about €5, and by bus, it will take an hour and cost around €12.
- Verona: By car, it will take about 70 minutes, by train it will take about an hour and cost about €6, and by bus, it will take three or more hours and cost around €8.
- Linate: By car, it will take 60 minutes and by train and bus it will take about 90 minutes and cost about €15.
- Malpensa: By car, it will take about 90 minutes, by train it will take about 2 hours and cost €15, and by bus, it will take less than three hours and cost around €15.
3) Italy uses the euro, so there’s no need to worry about exchange rates if you’re a European resident. While there are plenty of bank machines around and most places will accept card payments, it’s always a good idea to always carry cash on you as well.

4) Looking for other places to stay when you’re on holiday in Brescia that aren’t listed above? Check out even more options on booking.com.
Booking.com
5) Explore Brescia with these city tours.

6) If you love Italy as much as I do, browse my Italy archive and check out our coverage of the country:
- Books In Boats At The Libreria Acqua Alta Bookstore in Venice – When in Venice, stop at the bookstore, Libreria Acqua Alta. See books packed into boats, the resident cats, a staircase made from books & more.
- Eating Lunch At Tschötscherhof Farm In The Italian Alps – Stop for lunch, eat locally grown produce, & visit a historical museum at the remote Tschötscherhof Farm in the Italian Alps.
- Yes, There Are Cats In the Roman Coliseum And They Live There – As you tour the ancient structure, you’ll notice various cats in the Roman Coliseum, and yes, they happen to call this place home.
*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel through any of these links, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
October 30, 2023
A Review Of The Grandium Hotel In Prague, Czechia
If you’re looking for an affordable and centrally located design hotel in Prague, consider The Grandium Hotel (formerly Hotel Yasmin.) Close to Wenceslas Square, Old Town, and other popular tourist points, this hotel is the perfect place to base yourself when you’re in Prague.

While touring Eastern Europe over Christmas on one of those packaged bus tours that leads you through an Amazing Race type of experience (in my case, five cities over ten days), we ended up staying at the Grandium Hotel for a few days.

The Grandium Hotel In Prague, Czechia

This 4-star property has a stylish, hip, and arty vibe which extends from the lobby of the hotel, to the dining area, to the rooms themselves.

What really set this hotel apart for me was the design of the lobby area. While everyone in our tour group rushed out to tour the Christmas market at Wenceslas Square, I stayed back busily snapping photo as the design of the hotel was an attraction in itself.

I could have hung out in the lobby all day but we were only in Prague for a few days and I needed to experience the romance of it by night and walk in a winter wonderland as we toured the castle.

The bar and restaurant setting was great for when we took our meals together or ended the day with a nightcap. We did that a lot on this trip.

The decor was simple, clean, and minimalist with a warm and soothing colour palette. The colour palette was warm and soothing. Best of all, the wifi signal was strong and it was easy to catch up on what was happening back home after being offline for hours.

Another things about The Grandium Hotel is its surprising affordability, with rooms starting at about €100 a night.

What do you think of The Grandium Hotel in Prague? Do you have any other tips for Prague? Leave us your best tips in the comments below.

Location

Good To Know

1) If you want to check out other hotel options in Prague, view them on booking.com.
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2) Make your time in Prague memorable by booking an experience with Get Your Guide.

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October 26, 2023