Looking for an affordable and more sustainable place to sleep for your city break in Utrecht? Then we have a tip for on your greener list: Stayokay Utrecht Centrum. Right on the Neude, in a beautiful old building, you can sleep here surprisingly comfortably and environmentally consciously. Saskia went there for a night!
Packing up, we're off to Stayokay Utrecht!
In cooperation with Stayokay
Okay, so Utrecht! The perfect city for a city break. A city with a nice size so you can easily reach everything on foot or by bike, but also not too small, with an abundance of cultural events, cosy cafés (hello students!) and lots of cool sustainable shops such as E&co department store, Sophie Stone and Nukuhiva, the many second-hand boutiques on Twijnstraat and Voorstraat and sustainable restaurants such as Le Jardin, Gys, The Vegitalian, Thyme and Stadsjochies. You read it: at thegreenlist.nl we are fans of Utrecht.
In the heart of this lively city, on the Neude, you'll find Stayokay Utrecht Centrum. Housed in the former ABN AMRO building, the hostel offers stunning views of the old library opposite, an architectural gem in Amsterdam School style. From your room you overlook the lively square, and as soon as you step outside, you are among the coffee shops, market stalls and cyclists. It doesn't get any more Utrecht than this.
A private room in the hostel at Stayokay Utrecht Centrum with great views of the Neude.
Hostel? Yes, but different
When you hear the word ‘hostel’, you immediately think of a shared room with bunk beds? Well, we have news for you: those days are long gone. At Stayokay Utrecht, you can still book a shared room - ideal if you're budgetproof want to travel or enjoy meeting new people - but it is absolutely not necessary. We slept in a private room with a huge window and a view of the Neude. Wonderfully quiet, a comfortable bed, private bathroom... just your own place, in the middle of the city. Stayokay combines that relaxed hostel feeling - where you easily make contact with other guests - with the comfort of a good hotel. And extra nice: on the ground floor you will find The 5th, Stayokay's restaurant where you can score breakfast in the morning or settle down for lunch or dinner. They also have nice workspaces there, so if you're looking for a cool location for a workation: bingo!
Left: a shared room for eight people. Right: Stayokay Utrecht Centrum also has great family rooms all in the style of Miffy or the Railway Museum.
Sustainable, but with a wink
At Stayokay, they are sustainable - although they prefer to call it no-nonsense and basic. And honest? We actually find that refreshing. No finger-pointing, but little reminders everywhere to make your stay just that little bit greener. With humour. Think of a sticker by the shower: ‘It's okay to sing, but keep it short!’ or a subtle hint not to turn the heating up too high. Even on the toilet, it continues: there, toilet paper from The Good Roll - 100% recycled, free of plastic and chlorine, and with a mission. For every roll sold, this Dutch brand helps build toilets in developing countries.
What does a night at this hotel cost? That's not too bad either, we think. Stayokay Utrecht is surprisingly affordable: you'll score a bed in a shared room from around 30 euros a night, for a bit more privacy - a double room - you'll get from around 85 euros. And those cool family rooms? You can get those from around 130 euros a night. The exact prices fluctuate based on availability and (high) season.
At The 5th, Stayokay's restaurant, you can eat, drink and work all day. They have lots of vegetarian options on the menu like this Bánh mì sandwich with tofu (tip!).
Stayokay: proud to be a more sustainable hotel chain
Stayokay has been at the forefront of sustainable travel since 1929. In 2008, they were the first hotel chain in the Netherlands to receive the prestigious EU Ecolabel - a recognition of their commitment to sustainability. But that's not all: Stayokay is constantly working towards a greener future, with the motto: ‘We only have one earth, and we have to take care of it.’
Their sustainable mission is based on four pillars:
- Mission Zero: all hostels use green electricity from the Netherlands, there are solar panels at several locations and charging stations for electric cars.
- Close the Loop: reduce waste and encourage reuse. From circular company clothing to reused furniture in renovations - waste really is a no-go.
- We love H2O: conscious use of water. Think water taps, reusable bottles and creating awareness around the plastic soup.
- Feel Good: everyone is welcome, and Stayokay provides an environment where everyone feels good, with organic and local food and respect for nature.
Whether you stay in the iconic cube houses in Rotterdam, the cosy Wikkelhuisjes in the Biesbosch, the characteristic old school in Haarlem or one of the other total of 21 Stayokay locations throughout the Netherlands, you will always contribute to a greener future with your trip!
Find out more about Stayokay Utrecht and check current prices.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
