small hotels

Small hotels, sometimes in out-of-the way places can be a great option when you first start out traveling alone. Recently, I stayed in a small hotel, just outside of Sorrento, Italy. Located in Vico Equense, it was just a quick 11 minute train ride into Sorrento. The Hotel Aequa featured all the advantages of a small hotel for solo travelers.

Hotel Aequa, Vico Equense

Hotel and Garden

“The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground.” Gilbert K. Chesterton

The price included a European style buffet breakfast each morning. I had asked for a double room with small balcony and view, thinking that the single rooms in Europe are still quite small. It was a good choice, because the bed was bigger and the balcony provided access to beautiful views of the hotel property, Bay of Naples and the stunning Mount Vesuvius.

View from the Balcony

Small hotels can be both intimate and private, depending on how much you want to engage with the people around you. Again, this can be ideal for those first venturing out alone. The hotel clerks are there to help, the guests at breakfast and around the pool can sometimes be friendly and engaging. But if you really just want to relax, read, sun yourself, etc. you can easily opt to do this without interruptions.

Some small hotels in Europe still use this wonderful way of keeping your keys safe.

“Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated.” Confucius

If you get a key that’s looks like this: Instead of this:

DON’T try to put it in your pocket! And don’t put it in your purse either! These huge key “bobbs” are meant to take to your room and then surrender at the front desk everyday when you leave. No lost keys!!!

And, it’s a type of communication system! When the key is at the front desk, the chamber maid knows you’re out and can clean your room. So 2 huge benefits, no lost keys and no unnecessary knocks on your door to see if your room needs cleaning!!

I love it. Let’s go back to this system I say!

A TABLE FOR ONE

THE ART OF "BEING" ON YOUR OWN

Tag Archives: small hotels

Travel Tips: Solo with Keys!