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The Happy Traveler

3.0 star property
Hotel in Groningen with bars

Photo gallery for The Happy Traveler

Front of property
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony
Daily buffet breakfast (EUR 17.50 per person)
View from room
1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Breakfast available
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
The current price is NZ$228
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov

Explore the area

View 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

View all photos for King Room with Balcony

King Room with Balcony

King Room with Balcony

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony

Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony

Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Heating
Kitchen
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 22 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Studio

Deluxe Studio

Deluxe Studio

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Stovetop
Electric kettle
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Double Room

Family Double Room | Living area

Family Double Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 30 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Large Double Room

Large Double Room

Large Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Free rollaway/extra beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for One-Bedroom Apartment

1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

One-Bedroom Apartment

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
Stovetop
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Single Room

1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Deluxe Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Stovetop
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Studio

1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Deluxe Studio

Highlights

Heating
Kitchen
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Double Room

1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Double Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Stovetop
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Single room

1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Single room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Stovetop
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Royal Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Stovetop
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Economy Single Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Stovetop
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the area

Groningen

The Happy Traveler puts you in the heart of Groningen, within steps of University of Groningen and Institute for Art & Architecture. Highlights at this hotel include 2 bars/lounges and in-room free WiFi. .This smoke-free hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, concierge services and express check-in. Other amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, multilingual staff and a lift. Each morning buffet breakfast is served between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM. .Places within a 5-minute walk of this 3-property class Binnenstad hotel include Universiteitsmuseum and Grote Markt.

What's nearby

  • University of Groningen - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Vismarkt - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Grote Markt - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Groninger Museum - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Martiniplaza - 3 min drive - 2.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Happy Traveler

Hotel in Groningen with bars
The Happy Traveler offers its guests multilingual staff, tour/ticket assistance, and coffee/tea in common area. Event space at this hotel measures 323 square feet (30 square metres) and includes conference space. Public spaces have free WiFi. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. The Happy Traveler also features concierge services, express check-in, and a lift.

This 3-star Groningen hotel is smoke free.

  • 56 guestrooms or units
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 323 sq ft of conference space
  • 30 sq. m of conference space
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
The Happy Traveler offers 56 accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include a shower and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis. Amenities available on request include hairdryers.

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  • Air conditioning
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The price is NZ$201
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 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.
  • Lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoke-free property

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
  • Hob
  • Oven

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for EUR 40 per day.
  • Cots (infant beds) are available for EUR 15.0 per day.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 4.00 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 5 years of age.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from 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 may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property/stay dates). This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and cash. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property Registration Number 67775543

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

What is the cancellation policy at The Happy Traveler?

The Happy Traveler offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Happy Traveler?

As of 31 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Happy Traveler on 2 Nov 2025 start from NZ$211.48, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Happy Traveler serve breakfast?

You bet, buffet breakfast is available daily between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Happy Traveler?

No, The Happy Traveler does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Happy Traveler?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Happy Traveler?

No, only service animals are allowed.

The Happy Traveler Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 126 out of 187 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 45 out of 187 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 187 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 187 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 187 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

christine

Business traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin

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

10/10 Excellent

Ashleigh

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

10/10 Excellent

Catalina

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

8/10 Good

Anders

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A lovely city hotel in the centre of Groningen. Excellent staff that are very helpful, e.g. for complex dietary wishes and other support.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023