A night out in Utrecht’s innovative bunk hotel
Bunk Hotel is arguably the hippest establishment we’ve had the pleasure of visiting. This beautiful church turned hostel was recently named, ‘Extraordinary Innovative Hostel of The Year,’ by Hostel World and we know why! From its wall made of church pews to its incredible restaurant to the coolest little bear mascot anyone did see- this is a place worth checking out on your next visit to Utrecht, even if just for a drink.
Who would have thought that budget and splendor could co-exist in one place? Well, BUNK Hotel offers just that. Not only do they have a variety of pods/rooms that can meet the needs of anyone (no matter what’s in your pocket), but the architecture of the location itself is breathtaking.
Arrival
This location is perfect for the busy traveler. It’s only about a five-minute walk from Utrecht’s Central Station and it’s really easy to find. Just look out for the giant stunning church surrounded by a gorgeous canal. You really can’t miss it!
For those who prefer to travel by car, you might want to think twice. Utrecht’s center is mostly automobile-free. Our advice? Take advantage of that! This would be a great opportunity to trade in those car keys and explore the city the Dutch way, via bike. 😉
Location
One of the main reasons BUNK caught our eye, was the fact that it is located in a monumental church! Though the foundation hasn’t much changed, the interior has been redesigned into the innovative and distinctive hostel it is today. What makes it so unique? The way they’ve merged modern design to create an atmosphere that encourages community whilst incorporating original church pieces to remind you of this building’s previous communal life. The biggest eye-catcher IMHO is the magnificent church organ – which still works by the way!
Pods
BUNK has pods and rooms to fit anyone’s comfort preferences and budget. For those looking for a place to sleep without breaking the bank, we’d recommend one of their gender-neutral pods! You can choose from a single or double pod depending on whether you’re traveling alone or not. Each comes with fair trade cotton towels, organic soaps, and fresh pair of sheets. The bathrooms may be shared, but don’t worry, they are definitely clean. What a fun and unique way to spend the night, right?
Rooms
Along with pods, this lovely hostel also offers a variety of rooms ranging in style, price, and size. Fan of bunk beds? Try the Friend Zone Bunk Room. Fan of the historical design of the church? We recommend the Epic Bunk Room. But if you’re like me and Kiki, who can’t say no to extra space, exposed wood panels, and a BATHTUB, then do what we did and choose the Most Epic Bunk Room. No matter what you choose, each spot comes with its own bathroom stocked with fair trade cotton towels, organic shampoo, body wash, and a hairdryer.
Hospitality
The staff and owner of BUNK can be described in one word, ‘charming’. We were greeted with so much enthusiasm we truly felt like VIP guests. I’d like to say that we had some sort of special treatment, but that really isn’t true. From what we witnessed, this is the kind of hospitality everyone receives here! However, one unique thing we did get to experience was a personal tour! They took us through every nook and cranny of this beautifully renovated church and we were blown away! Not only by the big eye-catching pieces like the pew-wall and organ, but also by the more subtle artwork, like the rubber ducky lamp pictured above.
Restaurant and Bar
When we visit a staycation with a restaurant, I. Get. So. Excited! Food is one of the number one things I look forward to while on vacation, so imagine how thrilled I was when I found out BUNK offers an incredible three-course dinner. We just had to indulge, and boy am I glad we did. The food was worthy of a Michelin star and yet incredibly affordable. If you live in Utrecht and are looking for a tasty meal, I highly recommend you snag a table here or on their terrace. To put it simply, their food is *chef’s kiss.*
Utrecht
Many people sing the praises of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, but let’s not sleep on Utrecht. It may be the fourth largest city in The Netherlands, but it’s second when it comes to cultural events! So when COVID-19 isn’t shaking up the world, you can generally find something amazing to do in this city. Home to the biggest University in Holland, this is a huge hub for youths. That means excellent shopping, incredible coffee spots, and a super fun nightlife!
Next morning
We spent our morning hanging out in the lounge area, drinking coffee, and eating breakfast. Just like dinner, breaking our fast here made for a delicious start to the day. We left refreshed, full, and incredibly happy. I know for sure next time I’m in Utrecht, I’ll be coming back (at the very least for some good food)!
→ This article was written in collaboration with BUNK Hotel. We got to stay here for free, in exchange for content. Of course you can read our own opinion here!
