Bokyung Park, Author at Kimchihuahuatravel

Where to Stay in Hamburg: The George Hotel Hamburg, A Boutique Luxury Stay by the Alster

If you’re planning a trip to Hamburg and looking for a boutique hotel that blends luxury, coziness, and style, let me share my experience at The George Hotel Hamburg. This elegant design hotel is located right next to the beautiful Alster Lake, offering both a serene atmosphere and convenient access to the city.

For me, it turned out to be the perfect place to unwind after busy days of sightseeing, walking, and exploring Hamburg’s lively neighborhoods.

The Room

I stayed in The George M Room, which came with a partial garden view and a balcony overlooking the hotel’s garden, plus a glimpse of the Alster River. Waking up to this peaceful view felt like a dream and perfect way to start my day in Hamburg.

The interior design is a perfect balance between aesthetic charm and home-like coziness. Every detail, such as the soft lighting to the tasteful furnishings, created a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

The hotel also provides everything you need for comfort, including:

A coffee machine and tea for slow mornings on the balcony
A soft shower gown and slippers
Thoughtfully selected body care products like hand cream and body wash (which you can purchase at the reception if you like them)
Snack bar in the room

It’s the kind of room where you can return after a long day in the city, close the door, and immediately feel at ease.

Breakfast at DaCaio Restaurant

Breakfast at DaCaio Restaurant quickly became one of the highlights of my stay. The buffet offered a great mix of sweet and savory dishes, with fresh bread, pastries, cheeses, eggs, and more.

But what really stood out to me was the freshness of the fruit. Especially the strawberries I had were genuinely sweet and flavorful, something you don’t always find at hotel buffets. Also I highly recommend their chia pudding, which was SO delicious!

The restaurant itself is located on the ground floor next to the DaCaio Bar, so the setting is stylish yet comfortable.I loved how it has a glass wall facing the street, so you can have breakfast while enjoying the view. It felt like a calm, elegant way to start each day before heading out into the busy city.

Atmosphere & Design

What makes The George Hotel truly memorable is its ambiance. It’s not just a hotel where you sleep but it feels more like a complete experience.

The lobby has dimmed lighting, which instantly creates a cozy and intimate vibe.
The interiors combine luxury with artistic touches, making the whole space feel special without being over the top.
It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time, not just pass through.

If you appreciate aesthetic boutique hotels, The George will absolutely charm you.

Location: Near the Alster Lake

The location is one of the hotel’s biggest strengths. While it’s not in the middle of Hamburg’s city center, it’s still very well-connected:

About 30 minutes on foot or 17 minutes by public transport to the Rathaus (City Hall).
Just a 3-minute walk to the Alster Lake, where locals jog, stroll, or simply sit on benches watching the water.

I loved being able to take a quiet morning or evening walk by the Alster. It gave me a different perspective on Hamburg, being away from the busy streets and closer to nature.

The neighborhood also felt very safe, and having an EDEKA supermarket just across the street made it super convenient for picking up snacks or water. For me, the location offered the best of both worlds: close enough to the city but located in a calmer, more relaxing area.

Service & Hospitality

The staff at The George Hotel Hamburg were both professional and welcoming. Everything was handled smoothly, which made the stay feel stress-free from start to finish.

Why I Recommend The George Hotel Hamburg

When you’re traveling, especially in a city like Hamburg where there’s so much to see and do, it’s essential to have a hotel that feels like a sanctuary. That’s exactly what The George was for me.

It’s a place where you can recharge and relax while still feeling connected to the city.

I recommend this hotel if you’re looking for:

A boutique luxury hotel in Hamburg with personality
Proximity to the Alster Lake for morning or evening walks while still having great connection to touristic areas
A cozy, stylish, and artistic design that feels welcoming
A delicious breakfast buffet with fresh ingredients

Whether you’re planning a city break, romantic weekend, or business trip, The George Hotel Hamburg offers the perfect mix of comfort, design, and location.

Staying at The George Hotel Hamburg elevated my trip to another level and gave me the balance I needed between exploring and resting.

I highly recommend a room with a balcony and view if you can, you’ll enjoy peaceful mornings with fresh air and beautiful scenery. And don’t miss a walk along the Alster lake, it’s truly one of the most beautiful parts of Hamburg and a perfect way to start or end your day.

For me, this hotel wasn’t just accommodation; it really made my Hamburg trip special. If you want aesthetic, luxury, cozy, and the convenience of being close to Alster Lake while still having great connection to the central area, then The George is the ideal choice.

Booking link: Click Here

5 Must Visit Towns in Puglia

Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a wonderful region that attracts travelers with its charm, beautiful coastline, and rich history. Known for its picturesque landscapes, lovely villages, and delicious cuisine, Puglia offers a very unique and authentic Italian experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a foody, a beach lover, or simply a curious traveler, this hidden gem of Southern Italy has something for everybody.

In this blog, I will introduce you to 5 Must Visit Towns in Puglia:

Alberobello
Monopoli
Polignano a Mare
Ostuni
Matera (technically not Puglia)

Extra tip: How do you move between the towns in Puglia?

1. Alberobello

Alberobello is a place that seems like it just came out from a fairy tale. This lovely village is known for its unique trulli houses, which makes the landscape seem like something out of a dream. Alberobello’s “trullo” (plural: “trulli”) is a traditional stone house with a distinctive conical roof. Trulli are constructed using local limestone and feature thick walls and a domed roof made of layered stone slabs. These were originally designed to be easily dismantled and reconstructed, which allowed residents to avoid taxes on permanent structures. The roofs are not only pretty, but also practical. They help regulate the interior temperature, keeping the trulli cool in the hot summers and warm during the winter. Here’s a guided tour option if you want to learn more detailed history: LINK

2. Monopoli

Located along the Adriatic coastline, Monopoli truly captures the essence of Italy. It’s not as famous as big cities (yet), but it’s really special. The town has old buildings and pretty beaches. People there are friendly, and the food is delicious. Its white buildings are aesthetic, giving different vibes than other popular cities in Italy. Don’t forget to spend some time at the beach area if you are going in the summer as Monopoli’s beaches are known for their crystal-clear, turquoise waters.

3. Polignano a Mare

Imagine a lovely town high up on cliffs overlooking the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. This special place is called Polignano a Mare, and it’s another wonderful town in Puglia. With its pretty views, interesting history, and friendly locals, it’s a perfect spot for people who want to experience the real beauty of Italy. The town has small, winding streets that go between white buildings covered in colorful flowers and artistic decorations. You can walk around and enjoy the rocky coastline or take a boat to a scenic cave (tour LINK). Polignano a Mare feels like a typical Italian coastal town, with its nice views, charming buildings, and welcoming atmosphere. It is absolutely one of my favorites.

4. Ostuni

Ostuni is often called “The White City” because its buildings are all shiny and white. As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll be able to enjoy the town’s unique beauty and energy. Ostuni has been around for a really long time, and many groups of people throughout history were interested in it because of where it sits on the hill. Nowadays, Ostuni is a place where people make art and do creative things. They have art shows, parties, and make wonders with their hands. You will find some of them along the streets so just walk around and get lost.

5. Matera

Matera is a city that’s like a trip back in time. It looks really ancient, where the buildings are made of stone and have a long history. It’s technically not in Puglia but in a place called Basilicata; however, it’s very close from Puglia so I’d recommend you to definitely check it out. The city is very different from others because it has houses built into rocks and lots of interesting things to see. Also, if you think Matera is beautiful during the day, wait until you see it during the night. The entire city lights up and seeing it from the viewpoint will leave you speechless. If you like ancient things, historical places, or just want to see something different and amazing, Matera is a place you’ll love. If you want to actually go into the cave houses, there are several of them that are hotels; however, if you are taking a daytrip, this tour is a great option: LINK

How do you move between the towns in Puglia?

All these towns are small enough to see in a day, so I’d personally recommend you to base yourself in one town and go around from there, instead of moving from town to town with all your suitcases and stuff. I based myself in Monopoli and it was great, as they have quite good public transportation connections.

Now, there are several public transportation choices:

Trains:

The train system in Puglia is a popular way to travel between towns. The Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) and Trenitalia are the main train operators in the region. Trains are generally reliable, comfortable, and offer scenic views of the countryside. Major towns like Bari, Lecce, Brindisi, and Foggia are well-connected by train.

Buses:

Buses are another common mode of transportation in Puglia. They serve both urban and rural areas, making it easy to travel between towns and even to smaller villages that might not have train stations. However, personally I had some troubles with the bus, as it can be delayed or randomly change the bus stop without really clarifying where the new one is (thankfully I got lots of help from the locals). It definitely requires patience. Also, some buses do not really show nor announce which stop is coming up, so make sure to have your map open and keep your eyes on it.

Car Rentals:

Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Puglia at your own pace. It gives you the flexibility to visit remote areas and places that might not be easily accessible by public transportation. The region has well-maintained roads, and driving can be a great way to explore the countryside. I tried this method as well and I loved it! Renting a car in a smaller town could be complicated though, so make sure to do your research and arrange it in advance.

Taxis:

Taxis services are available in major towns and cities. They can be a convenient option for short distances; however, it’s not so easy to get one in the smaller towns.

Transportation Summary:

Ultimately, the choice of transportation depends on your preferences, schedule, budget and the towns you plan to visit. Puglia’s transportation options make it relatively easy to move between towns and experience the region’s diverse landscapes, culture, and history.

And there you have it – a glimpse into the captivating towns that make Puglia a true Italian masterpiece. From Alberobello’s charm to Matera’s timeless beauty, these places capture the heart and essence of the region. But remember, the towns in this list are only a part of all of Puglia’s treasures. Each town in the region holds unique stories and experiences waiting to be discovered.

Safe travels and happy exploring! x

12 Things To Do in Hamburg

Hamburg is the second biggest and one of the most amazing cities in Germany. It is located in the northern part of the country and has lots a big lake, park areas and so many nice places. If you have a chance to visit, here are 12 things to do in Hamburg.

1. Explore the Hafencity & Speicherstadt, UNESCO Site

First of all, you have to visit Speicherstadt, which is a historic district in Hamburg. It is one of the most iconic and picturesque areas with lots of cultural and architectural highlights. Here you can take canal boat tours, explore the museums such as Miniatur Wunderland or Hamburg Dungeon and enjoy the cafes and restaurants. Not only does it hold great importance in Hamburg’s maritime history, Speicherstadt is also a vibrant and culturally rich district, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Hamburg. In 2015, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Kontorhaus District with the famous Chilehaus building. I’d recommend a walking tour (as I did) so you can also learn about the history more in depth. Click the following link for the guided tour: LINK

2. Water activities and picnic in Alster Lake

The Alster Lake is an outstanding landmark and a must-see in Hamburg. It is actually divided into two parts: the Outer Alster (Außenalster) and the Inner Alster (Binnenalster). The lake is located in the heart of the city and offers a range of activities and attractions. There are many water activities going on in the lake – you can rent sailboats, paddle boats, row boats, or even take a guided sailing tour to enjoy the water. You can also jog or cycle around the lake, which is 7.4km (4.6 miles) in circumference. Or if you just want to relax, it’s perfect for having a picnic, as well as sitting and watching the beautiful Hamburg sunset.

3. Escape from the city to Planten un Blomen

Planten un Blomen is a beautiful park located in the heart of the city. As you enter the park, you can enjoy nature and calmness as it provides an escape from the busy city scene. The park has botanical gardens featuring a diverse collection of plants and flowers, and it also has a Japanese garden which I love! It’s also known for its ponds, fountains, and waterfalls. The largest and most famous fountain in the park is the Great Fountain, which hosts regular water and light shows during the summer, as well as open-air performances like concerts. You will spot lots of local people picnicking and relaxing there, so join them and enjoy the nature of Hamburg if you have time.

4. Michael’s Church for the panoramic view of the city

St. Michael’s Church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hamburg. It is a Baroque-style Protestant church that is known for its architecture and history. St. Michael’s Church has a tower where you can climb up to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the harbor. Watching the sunset here was one of the most amazing experiences for me in Hamburg. For information about hours and entrance fee, visit the following link: https://www.st-michaelis.de/en/#main

5. Visit Elbphilharmonie concert hall

Elbphilharmonie is one of the most impressive and architecturally stunning concert venues in the world. Located on the Elbe River in the HafenCity district of Hamburg, its unique and impressive structure will definitely get your attention. The venue has two concert halls where they host a wide range of musical events, including classical concerts, contemporary music performances, jazz, world music, and more. The walls of the concert halls are made of gypsum fiber panels, which helps create outstanding sound quality. My tour guide explained that you can even hear the sound of a piece of paper falling! It is considered one of the best concert hall acoustics in the world. It has a publicly accessible plaza above the ground level. Visitors can access the plaza for free and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the harbour.

6. Visit Hamburg city hall

The City Hall of Hamburg is one of the most famous and important governmental buildings in the city. It is located in the heart of the city, near the historic Altstadt (Old Town) and within walking distance of other major attractions such as the Alster Lake and the HafenCity district. The interior of the Hamburg City Hall is also impressive, so I definitely recommend for you to explore the courtyard, hallways, and the grand staircase. The City Hall is also the site of the annual Rathausmarkt Christmas market, which I hope to visit one day during the holiday season 🙂

7. Bicycle tour around the city

Cycling in Hamburg is not only an eco-friendly and healthy way to get around but also a great way to experience the city’s many attractions and natural beauty. Hamburg is very bike friendly and offers a public bike-sharing system called “StadtRAD Hamburg”, which allows people to rent both traditional and electric bikes. You can cycle along the Elbe River, through parks, and around lakes, such as the Alster Lake and Eppendorfer Moor. If you want a guided tour, there are many good ones available. Check out some options at this link: LINK

8. Night out in Reeperbahn

Reeperbahn is a famous and historic street in the St. Pauli district, and it is also known for its vibrant nightlife. It’s full of cool bars and clubs with different types of music, which makes the neighborhood really come to life in the evenings. They also have a Red-Light District, in case you’d like to venture into adult entertainment venues. In any case, I definitely recommend Reeperbahn if you want to experience the lively nightlife of Hamburg.

9. Enjoy Elbstrand Beach

Elbstrand is a sandy shoreline (or “beach”) along the Elbe River in Hamburg. It offers a relaxing escape from the city and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the waterfront. It is easily accessible by public transportation – I personally used the public transport ferry. During summer months, people go there with a towel or beach chair to soak up the sun. They also have several beachside cafes and restaurants – it’s truly a great place to enjoy a meal or refreshments while taking in the river scenery. Elbstrand is particularly popular for watching the sunset over the Elbe River. As the day comes to an end, the atmosphere becomes very peaceful and romantic.

10. See one of Europe’s busiest ports

Hamburg’s port, Hamburger Hafen, is one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe. The Port has an interesting history dating back over 800 years and it has played an important role in the city’s economic development. It is located along the Elbe River in the northern part of Hamburg and extends into the North Sea. The whole area is very impressive and quite large, including multiple docks, terminals, and facilities along the river and the harbor.

11. Enjoy fresh seafood in Hamburg Fish Market

Dating back to 1703, the Hamburg Fish Market (Hamburger Fischmarkt) is one of the most popular and vibrant markets in Hamburg. It is known for fresh seafood and its lively and entertaining atmosphere with street performers and musicians. The market opens early in the morning, starting at around 5:00 or 6:00 AM, and it goes until mid-morning (typically around 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM). If you are into eating delicious fresh seafood (like me), I strongly recommend that you visit.

12. Walk around Portuguese Quarter

The Portuguese Quarter is located near the Landungsbrücken (landing stages) along the Elbe River, close to the famous Reeperbahn entertainment district. It is a relatively small area – so you can have a very quick visit – but despite its size, it is very interesting and definitely worth seeing. Here you will find a mix of Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian cultures, so you can find numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants that serve Mediterranean and traditional Portuguese cuisine.

TIP 1. Place to Stay

Hotel Motel One is a great place to stay in Hamburg. They have several locations in Hamburg but they are all central and well connected with the hot spots. The room is well equipped and have everything you need. Their lobby is very spacious and nice with the bar comes to life during the evening. Their breakfast buffet has all you could ask for. I specifically stayed the one in Fleetinsel and it was perfect as it’s located right in the middle of the centre close to many must visit spots such as city hall and Elbphilharmonie. Here’s a direct link for booking: LINK

TIP 2. Hamburg Card

I highly recommend for you to get the Hamburg Card. It is a tourist pass that offers various benefits and discounts for visitors exploring the city. It provides access to public transportation, discounts at museums, attractions, and other activities. I had it and it was very useful as Hamburg’s public transportation was very well organized. They also have a mobile app and you can download the card on your phone, which really comes in handy. Get your Hamburg card HERE.

TIP 3. Enjoy Hamburg Cruise Days

Every 2 years Hamburg celebrates “Hamburg Cruise Days” which is one of the world’s most beautiful cruise festival. I had a chance to participate this year and I can totally say it was such a special experience. If you would like to visit Hamburg during these special days, the next event is on 12-14th September, 2025. For further details, check out my blog post: LINK

TIP 4. Exploring Hamburg on a Cruise

The cruise tour will take you through the beautiful Speicherstadt and really close to the port. With all the lights on, you will be impressed by the amazing city view. This was definitely one of my favourite activities in Hamburg and I can’t recommend you enough. Here’s a link to the tour: LINK

Hamburg Cruise Days 2023

Every 2 years Hamburg celebrates “Hamburg Cruise Days”, which is recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful cruise festivals. It is truly a spectacular celebration of cruise ships and the cruise industry. During the event, Hamburg’s harbour transforms into a vibrant and cheerful hub for sea enthusiasts, as well as locals and tourists who come out for the festivities. This year I was lucky to be an invitee checking out the scene 🙂

The Hamburg Cruise Days features an impressive parade of cruise ships. They sail along the Elbe River, with lots of fireworks, offering a spectacular sight along the waterfront. Visitors can also enjoy various onshore activities, including entertainment, delicious food and drinks (which i had lots of!), and the opportunity to tour the fancy interiors of some of the docked cruise ships.

AIDA Cruise

As part of the event, I had a chance to go on an AIDA cruise, which was a wonderful experience! AIDA Cruises is a German cruise line that specializes in offering fun and luxurious cruise vacations. They provide a wide range of cruise itineraries with lots of amazing destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean seas. Their itineraries often include stops at popular ports, which gives you a chance to go out and explore different cultures and attractions in many lovely places.

If you want to check out more details about AIDA cruise, visit this link: HERE

Hamburg Cruise Days is truly a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most luxurious and impressive cruise ships up close. I was so amazed by the ships, and all the crews and the people around were super nice.

This festival should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list! I was taken away by the festive atmosphere, the charm of cruise travel and the beauty of Hamburg’s waterfront. I recommend for everyone to check it out in the future.

Hamburg Cruise Days 2025

Make sure to start planning for the next festival in 2 years. Hamburg will be celebrating their 10th Hamburg Cruise Days on 12-14 September 2025. I hope to see you there!

If you are looking to make your Hamburg trip even more unique and unforgettable, check out the following link for more information: HERE

Where to stay in Venice, Italy

Did you know that Venice has so much more to offer than canals and gondolas? On my recent trip to Venice I got to discover so many hidden parts of Venice thanks to Hotel Indigo Venice.

Hotel Indigo Venice is located in Sant’Elena which is just a 15 minute water bus ride or a 25 minute walk to Plaza de San Marcos. It’s in a residential area where it’s surrounded by a beautiful relaxing park, so it’s perfect to take some good rest after a long day of discovering the hectic city center.

The hotel’s facilities are very modern – unlike most of the hostels in the center – which was another thing that I liked. They have a bar, a restaurant which has a variety of high-quality food and a big garden where you can chill.

If you feel like spending a day at the beach, you can try the “Art & Beach in Venice” package. Just inform their staff at the reception and Hotel Indigo Venice will organize a perfect beach day for you. They offer a canvas bag full with a beach kit, bus tickets, sun bed and umbrella.

Overall, I had a great stay in Hotel Indigo Venice and it was such a pleasant surprise to discover the beautiful park area and beach in Venice. If you are going to Venice, I highly recommend for you to stay at the Hotel Indigo Venice.

Hotel Indigo Venice Website: Here

Direct booking link: Here

6 Instagrammable Photo Spots in Porto

Porto is a precious city full of viewpoints, churches and traditional Portuguese buildings and it’s natural that it is one of the best photographic cities in the world. Now I will take you to 6 most instagrammable photo spots in Porto.

Porto Cathedral

Porto has several viewpoints. This spot right in front of the cathedral is one of them, it’s in the city center so easily accessible and has a great city view.

2. Largo da Pena Ventosa

When I was walking around this spot, all I could here was people saying, “Oh my god, it’s so beautiful”. Traditional Portuguese buildings in pastel colors and small alley make a perfect photo spot.

3. Igreja do Carmo

I am sure you have seen this spot somewhere at least once. This is THE spot in Porto and you will see why it’s so popular. The azulejos such a great piece of art and impressive. Tip, if you want to get a shot without crowd, make sure to get there as early as possible. I was there around 10 am and there were already lots of people.

4. Miradouro da Vitória

Actually, this picture is taken just below of Miradouro. I went to Miradouro but I wasn’t really convinced to shoot, although it has a great view, so was walking around and found this spot. This location somehow really reminded me of Comuna 13 in Medellin (which I haven’t been yet ahah). Anyways, the view, stairs and graffiti were giving such a cool vibe!

5. Puente Don Luis I

This is another must spot; you cannot visit Porto without taking a picture under this famous bridge 🙂 Make sure to also take a moment and enjoy the view.

6. Rua do Ferraz

I actually stumbled upon this street by accident. I loved this small alley with the church on the background. You do need some patient to get a good shot as many people are passing by, but the result is so worth it.

Porto definitely has much more precious photo spots however If you don’t have much time, these are some essential places to stop by 🙂 I hope you get some good shots! If you want to read full experience about my tour in North of Portugal, you can read it HERE.

Where to stay in Vienna, Austria

If you are looking to have some luxurious hotel experience in Vienna, Hotel Bristol Vienna would be a perfect choice for you.

Located in the heart of the city, it’s very close to many other major sights such as Kunsthistorisches Muesum, the Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and so much more.

I stayed in Opera suit, which had traditional styled decoration. I felt as if I time traveled few centuries back and it totally allowed me to enjoy some sophisticated luxury moments.

Not to mention, Hotel Bristol Vienna offers the best views in Vienna. Can you imagine yourself having a lovely breakfast in that terrace with a panoramic view of the opera house?

They also have a restaurant and bar inside hotel where you can enjoy fine dining and exquisite cocktails all day long.

Hotel Bristol Vienna definitely offered me one of the most special hotel stays of my life and I am sure it will make your Vienna experiences unforgettable as well.

Direct link to reservation: Link

Hotel website: Link

Hotel Insta: Link

Where to stay in Paris, France

Have you ever dreamed of staying in a hotel with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower?

A few weeks ago, I was kindly invited to Hotel Indigo Paris and that was such a dream come true moment!

LOCATION

Hotel Indigo Paris is located near Opera, which is not only a beautiful part of Paris but also a perfect location for tourists as many other popular spots such as the Louvre museum and Galeries Lafayette are nearby.

When I entered the hotel, I was greeted by the nicest staff at the reception and quickly checked in.

ROOM

I was pleasantly surprised by the spacious room! It has all the necessary facilities such as big comfortable bed, a lovely sofa, a tea and coffee machine and a fridge.

Then I saw this Eiffel Tower view from the balcony, which was a huge surprise for me once again. And aside from this stunning view, this balcony side lets in so much light to the room and brightens it up pleasantly during the day.

BREAKFAST

They have breakfast buffet from 7-10am every day.

I really enjoyed their buffet! The staff is there to help you and serve you some fresh baguettes and croissants, and the buffet has all you could probably want for breakfast 🙂

Overall Hotel Indigo Paris offered me an unforgettable moment and made my hotel experience so perfect with their impeccable service. I would definitely recommend this hotel to all of you!

Hotel website link

Reservation link

Picture credits: Hotel Indigo Paris

Where to Stay in Lisbon, Portugal

Are you going to Lisbon and looking for a place to stay?

Last weekend I was kindly invited by Dare Lisbon House – it totally exceeded my
expectations and I can’t be happier with my experience!

Here’s what you can expect:

1. You will feel so welcomed by the most friendly staff ever!

I was greeted by them with a welcome drink and they surprised me with a handwritten letter in the room. You will also get one more small surprise, which I heard this idea comes from them wanting to give something personal and memorable to their guests.

2. Fresh bread will be delivered at your door every morning.

Because they want everybody to be able to have breakfast whether you wake up at 8am in the morning or 1pm in the afternoon. Eggs, milk, jam, butter, cereal, coffee, etc… are already in your kitchen.

3. You have a fully equipped kitchen including stove and even dishwasher.

So if you want to save up some money or tired of eating out everyday and want to cook something, you can totally do it.

4. The most aesthetic room ever!

From chandeliers and traditional Portuguese tiles in the room to a marble designed bathroom, you can definitely tell they really paid attention to every little detail. This beautiful and cozy design absolutely makes your stay so pleasant.

5. Bar at the reception.

If you want a glass of wine or two, you have a bar right at the reception.

Visit their website at http://www.darelisbon.com (link)

While I was there, I had an opportunity to chat with one of the kindest staff at the reception. She told me their goal is to make people feel like they are home even though they are in a foreign country. From my experience, they are definitely achieving their goals.

You will totally feel like being home and it’s a place where you’d like to come back to and spend a cozy time after all day of walking.

Here’s an Instagram Reel video (link) that I created at Dare Lisbon House if you want to see the hotel in action.

Hope you enjoy your stay!

How to travel Positano on budget

Positano, colourful houses, exotic view, one of the most Instagrammable spots in the world. Have you been dreaming about this little town on Amalfi coast like me?

Positano has always been my dream destination, but I kept putting it off since I was worried about the cost. However, this year I decided to finally visit this beautiful town because let’s be honest, life is short, and you just can’t wait around for the perfect moment 🙂

As a budget traveller, I will share all the tips and tricks that I used to visit Positano without breaking the bank.

Accommodation – Don’t stay in Positano.

Yes, you read it right. Accommodations in Positano is very expensive, at the minimum of 150-200 euros up to 700+ euros per night. But don’t worry about it. You can stay in other places in Amalfi coast and this way you can save more than half, and even more, if you negotiate. I called one of each accommodation that I could find online and tried to negotiate. And it actually worked, and I got to stay in Amalfi with an incredibly discounted price.

Also, don’t really worry about where you are exactly as long as you are in Amalfi coast, because It’s so easy to get to Positano from anywhere in Amalfi coast. You can simply take a bus and in maximum of 1-2 hours depending on where you are, voila, you are there.

2. Transportation – Use public transportation

There’s a bus that goes along the coast from Salerno to Sorrento. It’s called SITA bus that cost from 2-2.60 euros depends on where you go for a trip or 10 euros for a daily unlimited ticket. (Just one tip, make sure to buy the ticket the day before if you are taking an early bus, as they don’t sell tickets on the bus, they only sell in a tabaco store, newspaper stands, and bars and cafes that won’t open till later). You can check the bus schedule in https://www.positano.com/en/bus-schedule?timetable_route=sorrento_positano_amalfi. Taxi here is incredibly expensive, from Amalfi central to Positano it costs 80 euros. Renting a scooter or car could be an option as well however not only they are not only highly priced than in any other places but also driving in Amalfi coast in extremely crazy due to the small curvy roads that barely fits 2 cars, and you cannot see if there’s a car coming around the corner. However, if you are skilled driver and you would like to try rentals anyway, make sure to book it in advance since it’s not possible to get them last minute.

3. Food and drinks – prepare your own food

As you could expect, food and drink are highly priced. Big bottle of water costs around 3 euros in a restaurant and one bottle of Redbull at a bakery is around 3.80 euros. So, go to supermarket, buy big bottle of water and you can prepare sandwiches or salads. Also, they have a fruits and vegetable stands in the street where they sell fresh items at reasonable price. And why not occasionally treat yourself in a fancy restaurant?  they have so many good ones!

4. Beach chair? Skip it

Beach chairs in Positano costs 20-25 euros. However, there’s a small section where you can bring your own towel and lay. Just make sure to go early to get your place because it can get full quickly. If you really want to enjoy beach chairs, there’s cheaper areas in Amalfi coast, for example in Sorrento it’s more reasonably priced, at 5 euros.

5. Avoid high season – consider shoulder season

During July and August prices for accommodation goes up. Therefore, if you visit during shoulder season you can save lots of money and avoid big crowd.

If you are visiting Positano in anyway, you should be ready to spend decent amount of money. Be prepared to be shocked at their priced. However, with these tips, I managed to enjoy Positano without breaking a bank and I absolutely loved my experience.

I hope these tips are helpful for you and you could also visit this beautiful place. I truly think this is a place worth a visit and remember, whether luxury or budget, there’s a room for everybody!