Holiday apartments “Stay a while”

The "Blijf nog even" holiday apartments, located on Zuiderdiep in Valthermond, don't present themselves as your average accommodation. This provider has a clear and important mission: to offer a fully accessible and comfortable stay for guests with physical disabilities, their families, and caregivers. The name itself is an invitation that captures the essence of the experience: a place where the peace, space, and hospitality make you wish your stay would never end.

A Dedicated Focus on Accessibility and Care

The most distinctive feature of "Blijf nog even" is its extensive specialization in care holidays. The owners, Erwin and Gerda Pauw, have personally experienced how difficult it can be to find a suitable holiday location for people with disabilities. This insight was the driving force behind the creation of two specially adapted holiday apartments in their stone barn. This focus is not an afterthought, but the core of their offering.

The apartments have been designed from the ground up to be 100% wheelchair accessible. This means not only a barrier-free environment but also a complete design tailored to the guests' needs. The positive reviews from visitors emphasize this point time and again. Guests praise the availability of crucial aids that make the difference between a stressful trip and a relaxing holiday. These include:

• High-low beds: Each apartment has three high-low beds, which is essential for both the guest and any carers.
• Lifts: The availability of a lift per apartment is a facility rarely found in regular hotels or holiday homes .
• Adapted bathroom facilities: The bathrooms are very spacious, with raised toilets, grab rails, and a shower chair. This ensures safety and independence.

These amenities make "Stay awhile" an excellent choice, not just as accommodation but as a fully-fledged care environment that offers peace and security.

The Quality of Stay

In addition to the functional improvements, the overall quality of the accommodations is highly regarded. Reviewers describe the apartments as "fantastic," "lovely house," "tip top," and "beautiful, neat, and clean." This indicates that, in addition to functionality, considerable attention has been paid to ambiance, hygiene, and comfort. The rooms and living areas are spacious, which is not only practical for wheelchair users but also contributes to a sense of luxury and freedom. The ability to connect the two apartments (each sleeping 5 people) into one large group accommodation for up to 10 people is a significant advantage for larger groups or families.

The Plus Points: Peace, Space and Hospitality

A stay at "Stay Even" offers more than just an adapted apartment . The benefits of this location are diverse and contribute to a complete experience.

The Rural Charm

Situated in the Drenthe countryside of Valthermond, the tranquility is one of the most appreciated aspects. Guests enjoy beautiful rural views, where spotting deer, hares, and foxes is common. This is a world of difference from the hustle and bustle of a large resort or urban inn . The presence of the on-site donkeys (Jelle, Boris, Gijs, and Frits) and geese adds a unique and charming touch, especially appreciated by families.

Personal Attention

The reviews speak volumes about the owners' hospitality. Terms like "friendly people" and "very friendly lady" indicate a personal and warm approach. This type of hospedaje , where the owners are directly involved, often creates a more relaxed and homey atmosphere. It's clear that they do everything they can to ensure guests have a carefree stay.

Points of Attention and Considerations

While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, there are some aspects potential guests should consider to determine if this is the right choice for them.

The Remote Location

The tranquility and rural character of Valthermond are an advantage, but can also be a drawback for some. For guests seeking a vibrant nightlife, a wide range of restaurants within walking distance, or extensive shopping opportunities, this location is less suitable. A car is practically essential for exploring the area and running errands, although larger towns like Emmen, Borger, and Exloo are within a ten-minute drive. This is not a centrally located hostel or one of the many villas on a bustling coast.

Limited Availability and Niche Target Audience

With only two apartments available, capacity is limited. This means that early booking is essential, especially during peak holiday periods. Furthermore, the accommodation is so specialized that it may be overqualified for guests without special needs. While everyone is welcome, the true strength and added value of "Stay Still" lies in its excellent facilities for guests with disabilities.

Cost structure

The rates are transparent, with prices for a week, midweek, and weekend stays. However, guests must take into account additional, mandatory costs such as cleaning (€57.50 per apartment) and bed linen (€9.50 per bed). A tourist tax is also charged. While this is customary, it's important to factor it into your total budget. A deposit is required for groups of 6 or more.

A Unique and Valuable Choice

The "Stay Still" holiday apartments are an exceptional provider in the accommodation market. It's not a standard hotel , guesthouse , or cabin . It's a specialized retreat, carefully designed to offer a fantastic holiday to a specific, often underserved, target group. The combination of excellent accessibility features, a clean and spacious environment, the tranquility of Drenthe's countryside, and personalized hospitality makes this a top choice. For families with physical disabilities, this place offers not only a wonderful holiday destination but, above all, peace of mind. The drawbacks, such as the remote location and limited capacity, are barely outweighed by the immense advantages this unique accommodation has to offer for the intended target group.