Drainpipe living

Posted by Staff in Austria, Budget Thursdays

If you happen to by kayaking in the Austrian city of Ottensheim, you will come across three lonely segments of concrete drainage pipe hanging out on the shores of the Danube River.  No, a lazy construction company did not leave it’s trash out…..it is actually a hotel….Dasparkhotel to be exact.

Dasparkhotel has turned three large sections of drainpipe into a boutique budget hotel. Located in a grassy park, the seven foot wide pipes are fitted with a large double bed, side table, lamp and a small window; also located on the property are a cafe, bar and restrooms.

As if turning a pipe into a room wasn’t innovative enough, the way you access your room opens new horizons as well.  Once you make your reservation online, at dasparkhotel.net, you are emailed an entry code for your room.  The code is valid only for your stay and is punched in directly on a keypad located at the pipe’s door….through this system they have eliminated the entire check-in/out process.

Since concrete provides no insulation and Austrian winters are a bit nippy, the hotel is only open from May to October.  As for the price, well, there is none!  They ask you to leave what you can in the room when you depart….they call it the “pay as you wish system.”

You know recycling is everywhere when you find yourself sleeping in a concrete drainage pipe!

“A cause des garcons”

Posted by Staff in France, Travel Tunes

Had this fabulous French tune in my head all weekend and I thought I would pass it along…the song is called “A Cause Des Garcons” and is by the uber-talented Yelle…enjoy!

Sublime tranquility in Oia

Posted by Staff in Greece, Luxury Monday

Clinging to the cliffs of the magical Greek isle of Santorini, the Katikies Hotel is a white refuge hanging above the deep blue Aegean Sea.

Although this five star hotel is known for it’s stunning views and fabulous service, some guests are surprised at how simple the rooms are considering the high-price…but what you pay for here is location, location, location. The hotel is located in the picturesque town of Oia…which is the posterchild of Greece with it’s white buildings, cobalt blue domed roofs and windmills…even if you have never heard of the place I guarantee you have seen a picture of it.

The maze of steps that connect all the hotel’s rooms and common areas are what makes the place so magical…with the added benefit of a involuntary workout. An especially breathtaking part of the hotel is the main infinity pool, which hangs off a cliff and offers completely unobstructed views of the sea. 

Each room has it’s own private terrace where your complimentary breakfast is served each morning…but seclusion does not end in your room, as the Katikies is full of secret nooks where you can feel as if you are the only guest on the island, making this the ultimate destination for romance. 

So if you are looking for dream-like serenity in a white cloud…Katikies is your answer…katikies.com

“Apon” by Fani Drakopoulou

Posted by Staff in Greece, Travel Tunes

Enjoy some Greek pop music from Fani Drakopoulou…the song is called “Apon”