Sleep on a bed made of hay at a German heuhotel

by Katie Hammel on

It seems hay is not just for horses – it’s also for sleeping on at hotels in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Heuhotels (heu means hay in German) are hotels housed in converted barns where guests bed down in sleeping bags in dorm rooms with layers of hay covering the floor.

The heuhotel Zum Alten Marstall, located near the Neckar Valley in Germany, sits at the foot of an 11th century castle and takes the medieval theme and runs with it. The hay beds are referred to as “knight’s lairs” and staff dress in medieval clothes. Hay beds start at €19,50, while private rooms are €31 per person.

While other hay hotels around the area may not have a theme, they do offer extras like privacy curtains or “rooms” in converted stalls, and most seem to offer a communal breakfast and outdoor activities. It seems like the hotels would appeal most to budget travelers, families with young kids, or eco-conscious travelers, but one heuhotel owner claims the hay beds are also popular with couples, saying “there’s nothing more exciting than a night on the hay”….except perhaps a roll in the hay?

Check out a list of heuhotels all around Germany here. Or click here to see some unusual hotels in the United States.

[via CNN]

Chile’s Elqui Domos, Astronomic Hotel

by Adrienne Wilson on



Cool? Extremely! One of the seven astronomic hotels and the only in the southern hemisphere, this lodging jewel found in Chile is called Elquis Domos. (I discovered this one via The Cool Hunter, who I must say is doing a great job living up to the name.)

Elquis Domos pretends to be a magical place according to the story found on the hotel’s main webpage. The 6 geodesic domes are two-stories: the first floor houses the living room and bathroom and the second story has the main bed and a detachable roof. Other amenities/features include terrace space, telescopes, and specialized astronomic literature. Dark nights and bright stars are the real experience when staying in the Elqui Valley so it really is only appropriate to have offer accommodation that is both unique and allows the visitor to stargaze from their very own bed.

Just when I thought the Elquis Domos was going to throw out some ridiculously inflated rates I opened my eyes to a big surprise. They’re actually mid-range and affordable. During low season you’re in starting at $72 and during the high season for $99. Not bad.
If you want additional services like an astronomic tour or nighttime horse ride it’ll cost you extra, but if you’re looking for a room I’d have to say it couldn’t get better than this.

I’m so there and it will be sooner rather than later!