Accommodations in Germany & Prague — ❄️🥶 edit
Travelling Europe over the holidays sounds magical… until you realise everything is shut, your Airbnb has no dryer, and the elevator stops between floors.
Here’s where we stayed across Germany and Prague — what we loved, what we’d do differently, and what you really need to know before booking.
DRESDEN
We stayed in an Airbnb just outside the city centre — super quiet, easy to get around, and way more peaceful than you’d expect from something located right across a hospital.
The apartment was spotless, nicely designed, and came with all the essentials — including a washer (no dryer, but the heating unit worked well enough to dry our clothes).
Small kitchenette? Life-saving. Everything (and I mean everything, including supermarkets) was closed from Christmas Eve through Boxing Day.
There’s an elevator (thankfully), so big luggages were manageable. And here’s a tip: the bakery inside the hospital across the road? Surprisingly good for breakfast. We went almost every day.
Also — yes, I ordered iced coffee in winter. Yes, I got judged. But I was sweating under five layers, so I stand by my decision 🙃
📍Airbnb Address: Wachsbleichstraße 39
Link to Airbnb listing: https://www.airbnb.com.sg/rooms/1150650313071400103
📍Bakery: Ottendorfer Mühlenbäcker
PRAGUE
Stayed at Vinohradský dům, a serviced apartment, in Vinohrady over New Year’s — pretty solid deal, all things considered. We even received a complimentary bottle of (cheap) Prosecco and box of chocolates during our stay, in celebration of the holiday.
Location wise, it was super accessible: short walk to tram, metro, and Prague Main Station.
The apartment was big enough for 2 people, 2 medium luggages, and 2 cabin bags — and it felt spacious.
Washer in the bathroom (no dryer again), but they had a proper laundry rack and heated towel rail — and that combo worked better than expected.
The area had tons of food options and felt safe, even at night. Access was via PIN or key card. Reception was only around from 10am–4pm, but we didn’t really need them.
Downsides? The elevator is… tiny. And it only stops between floors. You’ll have to carry your luggage up or down a short flight of stairs. We managed. But fair warning.
And the best part? No daily cleaning if you stay <1 week (which was okay with us), but they still gave us laundry pods. Little things like that? Gold.
Nearest tram/metro stop: I. P. Pavlova
Nearest cafe for breakfast: Coffee Factory
🔖 My favourite moments of Prague
BERLIN
Another Airbnb — beautiful interior, great price, but let’s just say… the location is not the most ideal if you are staying solo (especially for females).
The apartment itself was quiet and well-equipped. But the location? Bit sus. One morning, I got stuck inside because a homeless man was waiting at the door, hoping to sneak into the basement when someone came in.
Sirens were a regular thing, and we saw a bit of everything: drugs, drunk people, and even an arrest at the U-Bahn.
That said — cafés and food options nearby were actually decent. It’s just the vibe at the train station that felt a little off. We stayed alert and moved quickly through the station.
Good access to public transport. But would I book that same area again? 🤔
FRANKFURT
We stayed at STAYERY Frankfurt Sachsenhausen, another serviced apartment — and honestly? Best of the bunch.
Spacious, modern, and perfect for longer stays. We booked the “Bigger Apartment” and it looked exactly like the pictures.
Bathroom was large, but had one strange design: a glass panel between the shower and bedroom. As in, you could watch someone shower from the bed. I don’t understand why anyone would actually design it like that …?
Otherwise:
• Proper dining table
• Comfy living area with a sofa
• Kitchenette (open concept — don’t cook anything smelly, they even advise against it)
• Laundry room on-site with washers and dryers (paid) — husband handled laundry so I can’t tell you more
• Short walk to S-Bahn (direct line to airport!)
• 10 min walk to the nearest Lidl
• Co-working space, gym, and game room on the ground floor
If you’re staying a week or more, this place just makes sense!
HOW MUCH WE SPENT
For peak season (23 Dec – 15 Jan), here’s what we paid (all taxes included):
• Dresden, Berlin, Frankfurt – under SGD $200/night
• Prague (New Year’s period) – SGD $300/night
Not bad, considering the season and how much value we got from having kitchens and laundry facilities.
🔖 What travelling in Germany looks like during Xmas
🔖 If you like Christmas markets, read this
#europetravel #germanytravel #czechrepublic #prague #accommodation
Booking accommodation during the holiday season in Europe can be tricky, especially in cities like Dresden where many shops and services close for several days. From my stays, I found having a reliable washer was a lifesaver since dryers are often missing. Heating units can help dry clothes indoors, just like it did in Dresden. In Dresden, despite the quiet location near a hospital, I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the surprisingly good bakery across the street for breakfasts during the Christmas closure. Small kitchenettes in apartments are invaluable when local outlets shut down for holidays. Prague’s Vinohradský dům offered a convenient location and comfortable space, although the tiny elevator that stops between floors can be a challenge with luggage. Still, access via PIN and the local food scene made it worth considering. Berlin’s central spots may have great public transport, but some neighborhoods can feel unsafe after dark; always research and prioritize safety if you’re traveling solo, especially as a female. My stay in Frankfurt’s STAYERY Sachsenhausen was by far the best for longer visits. Modern amenities, available laundry facilities, and extras like a co-working space and gym elevated the experience. Be prepared for some quirky design choices, like a glass panel between shower and bedroom, which might not suit everyone’s taste. Overall, these accommodations ranged from budget-friendly to fairly priced considering peak season demands. Having kitchens and laundry setups helped me feel more at home and saved costs on dining out. If you plan your stays keeping these insights in mind—like checking elevator sizes, proximity to public transport, and neighborhood vibes—you’ll avoid common pitfalls and enjoy your European holiday accommodation much more.
