Czech Republic's Hidden Gem: Stunning Apartments in Basta Susice!
Basta Susice: More Than Just Apartments. It's a Czech Fairy Tale… Almost. (But in a Good Way!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – or, you know, the pivo – on a place that's genuinely surprised me: Basta Susice. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This? This is more like stumbling into a quirky, charming, and sometimes delightfully imperfect storybook apartment, tucked away in the heart of the Czech Republic. And honestly? I'm still processing it.
First Impressions: The "Wow, This is Gorgeous… But Where's the Reception?" Moment
Getting to Susice (which, by the way, is pronounced… well, you'll figure it out), is a breeze. The accessibility is surprisingly good. The roads are decent, and the little town itself is navigable. Once you arrive at Basta, you're hit with a sudden "WHOA." The apartments themselves look stunning. Picture exposed brick, massive windows, and that quintessential Central European charm that just oozes history.
Now, here's where it gets delightfully… human: I arrived late, exhausted from my whirlwind tour. The "reception" wasn't immediately obvious. Took me a second to realize I had to buzz the intercom. Then, a very friendly, slightly frazzled woman (I'm guessing one of the owners) popped up on a tiny screen, apologized profusely for my wait, and told me to grab the key out of a lockbox. Purely functional, if a bit… quirky.
Accessibility Bonanza (Mostly):
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: is it accessible? Well, for the most part:
- Wheelchair Access: The apartments themselves seem to be wheelchair accessible. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests, which, considering the age of the buildings, is impressive. However, I didn't personally check. Just be sure to confirm specific room details when booking to make sure the exact space is right for you.
- Getting Around: The town itself is relatively flat, so exploring is fairly easy for most mobility levels.
- Elevator: Yes, elevators are essential, and it's a big thumbs up here!
Inside the Apartment: More Than Just Four Walls and a Bed (Thank Goodness!).
Okay, so the "wow" factor continues inside. The apartment was spacious (I’m talking “could throw a party, even if I didn’t want to” spacious). The air conditioning was a lifesaver (especially after that Czech summer heat!), the beds were comfy (extra long, even!), and the blackout curtains? Absolute game-changer for a light sleeper like me. Oh, and a safe box in the room. Always a good thing.
But beyond the basics? It's the little things. The complimentary tea and coffee (yes!), the hair dryer (essential!), the slippers (fancy!), and the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (a modern miracle). The Internet access – LAN was a sweet touch for those wired-in types, although I stuck to Wi-Fi [free]. The desk, laptop workspace, and even the ironing facilities made me feel like I could, theoretically, get some work done.
More details on the rooms: The presence of additional toilet, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, bathroom phone(yep, a phone in the bathroom!), carpeting, closet, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens all add to the experience
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!):
So, here's the culinary lowdown:
- Breakfast is Key: You MUST order the breakfast. You have the choice between Western and Asian options. The Breakfast [buffet] is a must, and the Breakfast service is absolutely lovely, with friendly staff and an array of delicious options. I had the Coffee/tea in restaurant and I strongly suggest you take a sip!
- Restaurants Galore: Susice itself has some fabulous restaurants. Basta is right there, with a la carte in restaurant, offering dishes from international cuisine in restaurant, which is great!
- Bars and Lounges: There is a bar on-site, where you can enjoy a drink. Be sure to check out Happy hour, where you might encounter special deals!
Relaxation Station: Spa…Or the Idea of a Spa?
Okay, this is where Basta is almost perfect. They have a spa/sauna, a sauna, massage, pool with view, and a swimming pool [outdoor]. This is where things got… slightly confusing. I'd seen the pictures online. I was expecting a zen-like oasis.
There are all sorts of facilities: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
I will let you know about my experiences in the Spa
The pool was beautiful, but, well… a bit chilly. The sauna was HOT (in a good way!), but the overall setup felt slightly… unfinished.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief.
I am a germaphobe that believes in Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], so this section is very important to me. I was genuinely impressed.
- Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely being used.
- Daily disinfection in common areas was evident.
- Staff trained in safety protocol were definitely up to par.
- Rooms sanitized between stays, a huge win.
- Hand sanitizer was readily available.
- Masks were mandatory, which gave me a sense of security.
I was happy to see: Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging in Your Comfy Apartment):
Susice itself is a gem. It's all about exploring at your own pace.
- Bike Parking: If you're into cycling, they have convenient bicycle parking.
- Things to Do: They have Concierge which can easily assist you in your quest.
- Outdoor Activities: With a Terrace, the weather is always a bliss.
Services and Conveniences: The Nitty-Gritty Stuff
Basta is packed with useful services:
- Contactless Check-in/out: Super convenient.
- Luggage storage: a great addition for people who just want to go on the run!
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] are available.
- Elevator a must
For the kids:
- Family/child friendly: if you have children, this place is amazing!
- Babysitting service: helpful for those looking for some free time!
- Kids meal: tasty!
Overall: The Quirks Are Part of the Charm.
Basta Susice isn't a flawlessly polished, corporate hotel. It's better. It's got personality. It's got history. Sure, there were a few minor hiccups (that slightly confused spa situation, the sometimes-sporadic Wi-Fi), but these were, honestly, part of the charm. It felt real, not staged. It felt like a genuine Czech experience.
Here's my final verdict: If you're looking for a genuinely charming getaway in the Czech Republic, and you
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My Bastardized Bohemian Rhapsody: A Susice Apartment Adventure (God, I Need a Vacation)
Alright, buckle up, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a diary of an idiot abroad, a chronicle of potential disaster punctuated by moments of sheer, unexpected joy. We’re talking Susice, Czech Republic, and Apartments Basta. Wish me luck, because frankly, I'm going to need it.
Day 1: Arrival… and Existential Dread (aka, the "Lost in Translation" Debacle)
Morning: Slept horribly on the plane. Seriously, the guy next to me snored. Full, throaty, prehistoric dinosaur noises. Landed in Prague. Beautiful city, but I'm already sweating through my travel shirt. The customs officer gave me side-eye for my questionable beard and even more questionable fashion sense (khaki shorts and a band t-shirt – hey, comfort is key!). Found the train to Susice. The signs? Total gibberish. Thank God for Google Translate. The app kept telling me I was "about to enter a state of utter bewilderment." Accurate.
Afternoon: Arrived in Susice. Cute town, honestly. Found Apartments Basta. Found the key. Sort of. The instructions were… abstract, let's say. I think the key was hidden under a gnome? Are gnomes a thing in the Czech Republic? I’m already questioning my life choices. The apartment itself is… adequate. Let's put it that way. Slightly dated, a distinct smell of… something (possibly history?), but clean enough. Unpacked. Discovered I forgot my toothbrush. Fantastic.
Evening: Wandered the town, desperately seeking a pharmacy. Ran into a group of elderly women gossiping in Czech. I tried a "Dobrý den" and got a series of rapid-fire responses that I’m pretty sure were just laughter. Found a tiny, adorable restaurant. Ordered a beer and something called "Svickova" (beef in gravy, apparently). The beer was glorious. The Svickova? Rich. So rich I think I could feel my arteries clogging up. Worth it. Walked back to the apartment, feeling a weird mix of satisfaction and profound loneliness. The gnome's still there. Watching me.
Day 2: The River of Regret (plus, More Beer)
Morning: Woke up with a crick in my neck and the distinct feeling that I’d swallowed a small brick. Breakfast was… questionable. A mysterious, dry something and instant coffee that tasted like despair. Decided on a walk along the Otava River. It's actually beautiful. The water's clear, the sun's shining, I’m actually surrounded by the sound of nothing and actually enjoying it. For about ten minutes. Stream of Consciousness Wait, it's not like a bad dream, right? I mean, the beer, was great and that Svickova… I still can't believe it. Maybe I'll check to see if I can order and buy a few of that. I think I can, and I would have to order some more groceries as well, but really the best is the beer. I just sat there, staring at it, wondering if I could actually fish here but realized I don't know how to fish.
Afternoon: Got completely, utterly, and ludicrously lost. Which, in a town this size, is an achievement. Ended up wandering around a park, scowling at the local ducks. (They were smug, I swear.) Found a hidden brewery. Beer number two of the day. The beer was local and delicious. Started trying to speak Czech, which resulted in a series of bewildered stares and polite smiles. I think I accidentally ordered a plate of pickled herring. I hate pickled herring. My fault for not taking one of those language classes online.
Evening: Back at the apartment. The gnome is still there! Decided to try and cook. Epic fail. Burned the sausages. The smoke alarm went off. Now I'm pretty sure the entire building hates me. Ordered pizza (thank God for pizza). Ate it in solitude, listening to the sound of the river. Feeling slightly defeated, in a way only a solo traveler can.
Day 3: Castle Dreams & Sausage Nightmares
Morning: Okay, today is all about redemption. Determined to find that castle I saw a sign for yesterday (the one I got hopelessly lost trying to find). Took a deep breath and attempted another attempt to ask directions in Czech… which resulted in a charming old lady pointing me in a completely different direction than I was originally heading. Stream of Consciousness Oh! Wait a second, I think someone is knocking on my door. Who could that be? Please don't be the police or the fire department. Or the gnome! I'm just going to quietly sit down here and pretend I'm not home and that I don't exist…
Afternoon: Found the castle! The castle was stunning. The views were astonishing. Felt an unexpected surge of awe. Took approximately 500 photos. Got a weird craving for a proper meal - finally located a restaurant with a decent menu and a picture of the chef (which I loved). Ordered the roasted duck (it was delicious). Felt like a human being again.
Evening: Decided to try and salvage the sausage situation. Found a different kind of sausage. Attempted to grill it. The same thing happened. Smoke alarm and the scent of burning meat. Vowed to stick to restaurants from now on. Decided to take the rest of the day just to watch a movie in bed. Stream of Consciousness I am getting hungry again, maybe I should order something again. I'm a little bit scared to and I don't really want to go out again. I should have brought more food here. Okay, I think I'll just stay home. I'll have to see what's in the fridge.
Day 4: The Farewell Sausage (aka, I'm Leaving Susice. Thank God.)
Morning: Okay, one last breakfast. Survived. Packed my bag, left a note for the owners (hopefully, it's not written entirely in gibberish). Checked out. Stream of Consciousness So… I'm finally leaving. I'm happy. I mean, it was nice. Sort of. I'm not sure I'd come back.
Afternoon: Train journey back to Prague. Reflecting on the absurdity of the past few days. I'm still not sure what the gnome was for. Stream of Consciousness The journey was long, and I have so much time to think. I'm ready to go home, and if I get another beer or Svickova I might throw up. I've had enough. I haven't had a good time for that long, I'm ready for a break.
Evening: Prague. A city of beauty and wonder. I'm also pretty sure I'm going to order a burger and fries tonight. Maybe some ice cream. It has been a long week!
Final Thoughts:
Apartments Basta: Fine. Susice: Charming, in a slightly insane way. Czech Republic: Beautiful, beer-soaked, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Would I go back? Maybe. With a phrasebook, a personal chef, and a healthy respect for the power of the smoke alarm. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally figure out the gnome thing. Probably not. But hey, at least I have stories. Even if they’re mostly about burning sausages.
This is my travel diary, and I'm sticking to it.
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Basta Sušice Apartments: The Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe a Pint... or Two)
So, Basta Sušice... What *IS* it, exactly? Sounds…fancy.
Are the apartments actually *stunning*? The website promises a lot!
What's the location like? Is there anything TO DO in Sušice?
Okay, but what about the downsides? There *must* be some, right? Nothing's perfect.
The cleaning? Is it… clean? Those things are ALWAYS a worry!
What about the price? Worth it or will it break the bank?
Anything else I should know? Like, any *real* secrets?
Would you go back? Be completely honest. No holding back.
