The Happy Traveler

3.0 star property
Hotel in Groningen with bars

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Happy Traveler

Business center
Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board
Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board
View from room
2 bars/lounges

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
Kleine Kromme Elleboog 5, Groningen, 9712 BS
  • Place, University of Groningen
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Grote Markt
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Groninger Museum
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Groningen (GRQ-Eelde)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

King Room with Balcony

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 237 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Studio

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Family Double Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Large Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

One-Bedroom Apartment

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Deluxe Studio

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Double Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Single room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Royal Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Economy Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Groningen

Located in Binnenstad, The Happy Traveler is next to University of Groningen and Institute for Art & Architecture. This 56-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like 2 bars/lounges, free in-room WiFi, and coffee/tea in a common area.

What's nearby

  • University of Groningen - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Vismarkt - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Grote Markt - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Groninger Museum - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • De Oosterpoort - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • Groningen Station - 13 min walk
  • Groningen (GRQ-Eelde) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Croissanterie Pigalle - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪De Pintelier - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Dog's Bollocks - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Mr. Mofongo - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Magoya - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Happy Traveler

Hotel in Groningen with bars
Guests of The Happy Traveler enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, conference space, and coffee in a common area. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with concierge services, and offer advice about sights and eateries nearby. This hotel also has express check-in.
Guests can enjoy flat-screen TVs and stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Ovens, stovetops, and electric kettles are also available.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (EUR 24 per day)

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: EUR 17.50 per person
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • 323 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Oven
  • Stovetop

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for EUR 40 per day
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for EUR 15.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 4.65 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 5 years of age.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately EUR 17.50 per person
  • Nearby parking fee: EUR 24 per day (984 ft away)
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: EUR 15.0 per day
  • Rollaway bed fee: EUR 40 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property / stay dates)
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking in is easy with express services.
Property Registration Number 67775543

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Charges or special cancellation policies for group reservations may apply (more than 8 rooms for the same property/stay dates).
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

National rating

Hotelstars Union assigns an official star rating for properties in Netherlands. This property is rated 3 stars.

Property is also known as

University Hotel Groningen
The Happy Traveler Hotel
The Happy Traveler Groningen
Guesthouse/bar the Happy Traveler
The Happy Traveler Hotel Groningen
The Happy Traveler Guesthouse Groningen
The Happy Traveller Guesthouse Groningen

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Happy Traveler?

The Happy Traveler provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do close to The Happy Traveler?

This hotel is situated in Binnenstad, just steps from Grote Markt and Institute for Art & Architecture, and within a short walk of Vismarkt. You'll also find Stadsschouwburg and Groninger Museum less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Happy Traveler?

No, this hotel doesn't offer parking.

Does The Happy Traveler include a casino on the premises?

No, The Happy Traveler doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Happy Traveler?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is The Happy Traveler good for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a turndown service as well as 2 bars and concierge services.

Are there hot tubs at The Happy Traveler?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Happy Traveler have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

The Happy Traveler offers buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Does The Happy Traveler allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Happy Traveler though service animals are welcome.

Does The Happy Traveler have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Where is the closest airport to The Happy Traveler?

The closest major airport to The Happy Traveler is Groningen (GRQ-Eelde), which is 10.2 mi away (24 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Happy Traveler?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a balcony where guests can enjoy city or courtyard views.

The Happy Traveler Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 129 out of 191 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 46 out of 191 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 191 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 191 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 191 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cool hotel, the bar includes airplane seats and our view of the rooftop it was pretty cool to watch the sunrise over the city
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

seon mi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
프리한 스타일과 맛있는 음식...주변의 편의시설등이 맘에 들었어요. 다음에가도 이곳으로 예약 할거예요.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

christine

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was perfect clean, quiet, quirky, super breakfasts
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Charles, Burnaby

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
If you want to go to sleep before 1am don’t stay here. The bar by the same name but operated by others keeps the music loud until midnight or 1am then you can listen to them clean up and put all the bottles away. Otherwise a nice clean hotel, know before you go!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jasleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room we had was really nice, but a bit cramped. The patio was nice to relax on. Having the kitchen was nice to do some actual cooking for ourselves instead of having to eat out. The bathroom was quite small and dim (which was the only major downside) - and the mirror/light was rotated 90 degrees from what it should have been. Having a clothes washer to use was nice as well, but some instructions would have been nice since we weren't Dutch and are used to a different style
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Francoise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Très bien Mais un peu bruyant au niveau de la terrasse
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Avraham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly recommended

Very nice and cozy place in the heart of the city. Spacious rooms, amazing staff.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

dave

Liked: Cleanliness
The good - I had a great price for a room with a balcony (the balcony was awesome). All but 1 of the wait staff were excellent. Location was perfect. The not so good. Breakfast, cheese old, bread loaf (yesterday's bread), coffee machine for breakfast - also not so good, paying a pretty good price for not so great food. Also the roof top deck that was raved about wasn't open for the two days I was there - no reason, just not open. I'd give it 3.6 stars - for me is a pretty good rating.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shui Fun Josephine

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room is big and has a big balcony. Love the design of the hotel and room. Staff are very nice and helpful. They use Rituals for shower and shampoo.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

David

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Value

I'll definitely stay there if I go to Groningen again. Very good value, great location. Very comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

patrick, indianapolis

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christoph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Frands

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashleigh

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catalina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of our favorite hotels. It has the friendliness of a hostel, but was designed like a hotel. The decor alone is worth the visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

marcus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Laura

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

Federico

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alessia

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A really nice place!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and nice staff. Rooms are unique and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Loved our stay

It was in a great location. The staff was very friendly and the room was super clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023