Ten great places to stay: on a medium budget

After a long day of riding abroad, we’re sure every last one of you enjoys a good night’s sleep. But what if we told you we have some great night’s sleep aligned for you? As we don’t have a clue about the budget you normally like to spend for a night, we’ve gathered a rather budget-minded range of places for you to enjoy. But the fact that these places made it into our tiny selection - of all the places we’ve spent the night - might be a hint that they’re at least worth considering.

You decide whether they fit into your budget...

 

Moradas del Temple (Spain)

Located in "El Maestrazgo Templario", a mythical place halfway between the lands of Aragon and Valencia and very close to the walled town of Morella, the Moradas del Temple is hidden in plain sight.

As the owners were fed up with life in a big city, they decided to slow down and open a hotel in the historic village of Mirambel, which has been preserved from the "pollution" of modern life. Over time, it has become a project of welcome, disconnection, rest and relaxation to enjoy a stop in the way, to be able to live during the stay without hurry, in a place somehow stopped in time.

The Templar theme might be a little over the top, but it kind of suits the whole atmosphere, in a village where the past is present in the streets, in the architecture of its houses, mansions and palaces, its towers, the mysterious frescoes in chapels and churches,... For those not into historic walks, a ride towards and on the nearby, freshly paved CV125 from Cinctorres to Morella might be a great way to clear your mind.

We absolutely adored this bed and breakfast in the small town of Mirambel - which, by the way, also serves a great meal.  

Price range: Higher-medium.

See the Moradas del Temple.

Domaine des Grands Cèdres (France)

If you’re looking for a time-out from the daily rat race, the "Domaine des Grands Cèdres" is the place to be and to book. It offers a fairytale-like view of the Monts de la Madeleine and the Loire's river, which guarantees a calm and serene stay.

The choices of accommodation range from rooms or suites in the castle to one of the three very luxurious tree houses, embraced by the splendid blue cedars of the property. We’re a big fan of the last option.

Located on the eastern side, halfway France, the B&B is situated nicely in between some major cities, and therefore offers a lot of possibilities to go citytripping - without the corresponding stress of the never-sleeping centers.

Lyon is only 80 kilometers away, as is Saint Etienne, while Clermont-Ferrand is a 100 km ride and the TransEuropean Highway in Saint-Germain-Laval is about 20 kilometers away. Far enough to enjoy the peace and quietness, close enough for a visit. All said and done, this B&B offers a really great stay.  Tip: stay two nights and enjoy the place itself as well!

Price range: Higher-medium.

See the Domaine des Grands Cèdres.

Gasthof Hofmann (Germany)

Picture this: A quiet village street on the way from Prölsdorf to Dankenfeld. Not more than 70 inhabitants. A small chapel. In the middle of the rural idyll, a cosy looking guesthouse, which has been used for gastronomy since 1921.

This is the hamlet Schindelsee, where  the staff of Gasthof Hofmann is waiting to pamper you. The welcome is warm, stress completely absent, while the rooms, food and wines are great. For the latter, the owners use vegetables and fruits from their own garden or from local farmers and enjoy to process and refine them freshly.

Do not hesitate to order a meal with mushrooms, as they have been carefully selected by a local expert who knows the surrounding woods like no other. In recent years, the Gasthof has been renovated, while the adjoining outbuildings have been put to use in addition to the actual guesthouse. Which means you now have the opportunity to spend the night in the brightly renovated former hayloft.

Highly recommended!

Price range: Medium.

See the Gasthof Hofmann.

Le Clarou (France)

At the foot of Mont Aigoual - in the heart of the UNESCO recognised Cevennes region -  the amazing Le Clarou offers its guests tranquility and peace of mind. Well hidden in a drenched-in-green garden just outside the hamlet Le Valdeyron, a magnificent magnanerie and orangery have been restored alongside a nineteenth century house for guests to enjoy.

The guest house is situated about two kilometers from the village of Valleraugue, where all conveniences are present - supermarket, bakery, butcher, pharmacy, cafes, restaurants, ...  You name it, they have it.  

Apart from a boatload of hiking tracks, the village of Le Valdeyron is also the gate to the most beautiful motorcycle road in all of France - the D986 towards L’Espérou. A well hidden gem which curls and twists in the most alluring way for 18 kilometers. A must-ride. After going back and forth a few times, you can arrange a great massage at Le Clarou or have a dive in the pool. We’ve had worse plans. Bear in mind that Le Clarou is only opened during summer months - from May 1st to September 16th… And if you don't like stairs,  you might want to ask for a room in the lower buildings.

Price range: Medium.

See Le Clarou.

Tranøy Fyr (Norway)

Ever wanted to see what a lighthouse looks like on the inside? What if we told you you could actually sleep in one? Yep, the Tranøy Fyr is a real lighthouse, and a real hotel in one.

The cottages at Tranøy Fyr feature a kitchen, a seating area and a bathroom with shower. Guest rooms in the lighthouse have functional décor and shared bathrooms. Don’t need to worry about food either: the in-house restaurant serves traditional local cuisine. Which is rather great, by the way!

Apart from its not very run-off-the-mill theme, we’ll admit the hotel itself is a bit basic amongst the other ones we’ve listed for you in this blog. But we adored it: plenty of wonderful views, an overwhelming silence and a warm welcome. One of the best stays during our trips to the north.

The lighthouse has been built on Hamarøy Island, right next to the sublime Vestfjord. Besides being known for its ideal opportunities for bird watching, the hotel staff can help arrange whale safaris, horse riding, hiking and other activities in the neighborhood. Plenty to do and see, trust us.

Price range: Norwegian medium.

See the Tranøy Fyr.

Maison du Guil (France)

La Maison du Guil is a truly atypical bed and breakfast in the French Hautes Alpes, run by the belgians Wim and Tom.

Having been used as a priory back in the 16th century, the house has been entirely renovated and is situated at the extreme end of the tiny hamlet of la Font d’Eygliers, looking down on the valley of the Guil and the Durance rivers, a small distance north of the lake of Serre-Ponçon. In our opinion it’s perfect for spending some quiet time.

Residing in the shadow of the fortified village of Mont Dauphin, the Maison offers you a mixture of old materials with contemporary elements, comfort and charm, divided into four spacious B&B rooms and two comfortable self catering gites.

In the preserved nature of the Guillestrois area, at the border of the natural parks of the Ecrins and the Queyras, you will be spoiled with authentic villages, valleys, mountain rivers, … and most certainly leave with a boost of energy.

Great place, great stay!

Price range: Medium

See the Maison du Guil.

Casona del Duende (Spain)

If you’re planning a ride through the Sierra de Huelva, a stay at the cosy B&B Casona del Duende might lift the experience to a new level.

The property is situated right in the middle of a rural, simple and natural environment, ideal for those who like to flee the daily rat race and who like tradition and authenticity. In short, the Casona offers a quiet, romantic and charming stay for visitors to enjoy the benefits of a privileged environment, offered by the magnificent, surrounding natural park.

You can enjoy a cozy stay, on a bed and breakfast basis, while discovering a charming environment, dotted with serene and historically significant places. Eight rooms which have been perfectly decorated and designed to make your getaway in the Sierra de Huelva a unique experience.

Don’t hesitate to ask the owners about the possibility to go horseback riding, bird watching and hiking. Or take the bike for a spin: Aracena is just a 12 km ride, while Sevilla is just an hour and a half away.

Price range: Medium.

See the Casona del Duende.

Castello Malaspina di Gambaro (Italy)

To be completely honest: we wouldn’t know where to start on the Gambaro castle: there are so many reasons for a stay.

For starters, the place is drenched in history and the owners who live there and will be happy to tell you all about it. The one-hour guided tour they offer in, around and under the castle - yes, under with a whole network of tunnels - will without a doubt crown a day spent in the unspoiled mountain environment which surrounds the Castello.

Furthermore, the place is a safehaven of silence: Gambaro itself is home to about fifteen inhabitants, a church and an endless amount of green for you to discover. So if you want to spend a night or a weekend in a quiet and very discreet environment you might just have found the place you were looking for.

No need to starve either, as the owner - a ravid mycologist - will cook an excellent meal with a great variety of mushrooms and truffles.

Need even more motivation? Well, the village of Gambaro is situated right next to the amazing SP654 - home to the splendid Passo del Zovallo. Don’t expect perfect tarmac, but the scenery and sequence of fast and tight cornering might be the perfect combination for you...

Price range: Medium.

See the Castello Malaspina di Gambardo.

Domaine de Terrac (France)

Looking for a place to stay which is spacious, luminous and will not cost you half of your travelling budget?

Then the Domaine de Terrac might just be the one for you: this 200-year-old barn with wooden chalet extension in the foothills of the Pyrenees is a place which makes you feel at home the moment you set foot inside. Apart for an incredibly warm welcome, Jocelyn and Barry, the Welsh/Canadian owners of the place, will treat you with great food and a large selection of local beers.

The hosts will afterwards settle you in to one of five large restful rooms, two of which have their own verandas, all have huge windows so you can drink in the magical hilltop views. Each bedroom has a neat en suite, a big TV if you’d need that on a rainy day, and goose feather duvets on smart mattresses.

After a great nights rest, an elaborate breakfast, full English or continental style, and dinner are locally sourced and served on the terrace or in the airy dining room. Magnificent stuff. Take your time to enjoy a walk through the large gardens filled with fruit trees and woods, before you hop in the wood fired hot tub and sauna.

Price range: Medium.

See the Domaine de Terrac.

Echternachter Hof (Germany)

An awesome place to stay for the night or more, some of which dates back to the 14th centuries -  but you needn’t worry, the current owners have thoroughly renovated and extensively restored the entire property in 2014.

The main building houses five guest rooms and a very spacious owner's apartment, all finished in their historic wooden plank floors and great mosaic tile floors, combined with the sandstone window and door surrounds which have been preserved. Some rooms have tiled stoves or fireplaces, while all guest rooms are equipped with bright and modern shower rooms - not a lot left to wish for, while still being catapulted back to long forgotten days.

The one thing which stands out is the very adorable courtyard on which also guest tables can be placed, surrounded by many flowers and roses, ideal to enjoy the historic flair of bygone eras. The adjacent, spacious garden will feast your nostrils to the scent of the various self-grown vegetables, flowers or herbs. 

In front of the cafe is a very popular vineyard, where guests can linger and serve a delicious piece of cake or cake. Added up, this place has a really welcoming atmosphere going, and the rooms are as comfy as you’d want them to be. Great stay, guaranteed.

Price range: Medium.

See the Echternachter Hof.

Where next?

Explore the best roads & POI's around and plan your next trip based on those roads.

 


 

 

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