trivago

Meet trivago people #1: Pavel Kruse, International Strategic Country Developer

2012-03-05T02:17:00.000-08:00

1) Introduce yourself

My name is Pavel and even though I grew up within a number of different countries, I would say that Norway is still my home. I am 24 years old, in other words, a perfect trivago age. I work as an international Strategic Country Developer.

2) How would you describe your job?

In my job I, first and foremost, provide business intelligence in the decisions that have to be made regarding various trivago countries. In addition, I provide guidance on the potential countries which trivago is thinking about expanding to. I also look into future marketing efforts, which need to be created for current trivago platforms. I find the job very interesting, as the online environment is constantly changing but still varies significantly from country to country. Thus, a tailored, individual approach to each country’s platform is necessary to achieve success. I love this job because it teaches me a lot and gives me ample opportunity to grow.

3) What are your expectations from trivago? Have they fulfilled?

I started working at trivago six months ago, although it seems light years away now. I expected a vibrant young office, which held a sense of mutual respect and excitement for trivago. That expectation was met—by far. In addition, the organization itself is young and everyone works hard on behalf of trivago. I will tell you one thing: It does something to one’s work ethic to work with such great colleagues, in such a remarkable company!

4) What do you think about Düsseldorf (and Germany)?

To boot, the city of Dusseldorf adds to one’s work life with an excellent array of restaurants, bars and other retreats. Be sure to check out Meerbar in the Media Harbour, as well as La Baracca. Make sure to also visit the Altstadt so as not to miss out on the fantastic, typical Rheinland bars. Taking a walk along the promenade next to the river Rhein is also a must.

5) What about your country?

Of course I do miss Norway a lot, it is the best place in the world after all (I’m a little biased, I know). If you do have the chance and the financial means (Norway is very expensive to foreigners), try to visit Oslo and the Norwegian fjords. The nature is beautiful and the people are great, you just have to make the first step in getting to know them. In Oslo take a trip to the Skybar on top of the Radisson hotel next to the Royal castle. Drop by the restaurant “Dinner” to taste the best Asian food outside of Asia. Don’t miss out on the Norwegian summers when the sun shines 23 hours a day and the mood is soothing and somehow, more relaxed.

6) How would you describe “life at trivago”?

Life at trivago is interesting and is always surprising no matter where you come from. Every day is a new day and everyday someone does something crazy, funny, outrageous or just hands down ridiculous. Because there are no hierarchies in the company and the information flow is flat, the good mood and humor within trivago thrives. There are countless trivago activities to take part in—my favorite being the unofficial Friday activity. Nothing beats a beer in one hand, another beer in the other and relaxation that comes at the end of a workweek. Being able to talk to your colleagues and catch-up on current events while relaxing within the office is great. You gotta love the beer fridge! The trivago spirit is evident in everything we do: we strive for excellence in a fast, educational and explorative way—while still managing to have fun.

7) What couldn´t you forget to bring in your luggage?

The question of what I could not forget to bring in my luggage is interesting because over the course of the last few years, the most important thing for me has been to actually not miss my luggage at all—let alone something in it.

8) What is your dream destination? And your ideal hotel?

I mean, what is the point of being in my ideal hotel—which, by the way, would be white with tons of fresh air, big palm trees and beach—if you’re still needing something more.

9) How do you guess trivago in the future?

trivago’s future is bright. The company is as standout and innovative as the building it resides in.

10) trivago in 3 words is:

Fast, young and limitless!

11) Free comment!!!!

Trivago employees are one of a kind.

Hotel of the month #1: the smallest hotel in the world

2012-02-21T01:11:00.005-08:00

Source: trivago

Have you ever heard about this hotel in the media? If you are fed up with huge hotels, crowded places and with too much confusion, take a look at this cute hotel!

The Eh´häusl is an eight-food wide hotel in Amberg (in Bavaria) awarded, “the smallest hotel in the world” by the Guinness World Records. The 5-stars accommodation is only 53 sq. meters and is the perfect for couples looking for a cozy, romantic getaway. The 6-floor hotel has all the features of a luxury hotel, such as spa bathroom, fire place, flat-screen T.V., music in every room and an elegant red saloon.

The story goes that the building was constructed in 1728, at a time when the law required that couples looking to marry must already have owned a house together. To fulfill this legal requirement, a merchant built two walls and a roof that connected the two neighboring houses. With this small construction project completed, the property was ready to be certified which in turn allowed the couple to be married. Since then the house has been called Eh´häusl, which when translated means, “the wedding house.”

Some photos of the hotel:

Fireplace room

Red Salon

Spa bath floor

Bedroom

Photo & Info Source: Eh´häusl

The Top 6 Singles Hotels for Valentine’s Day

2012-02-13T01:59:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is a mixed blessing for travellers around the world. Every year millions of lovers long for this day filled with romance, chocolates and romantic getaways for two. For singles however, Valentine’s Day can mean something completely different – ice cream, lots of ice cream – movies and warm place to curl-up and shut the world out. The hotel search engine www.trivago.co.uk is here to help. Having selected from the best hotels in the world for singles, here is a list of six prestigious properties that provide guests with all kinds of solutions for making Valentine’s Day memorable.

Here are the top hotels around the world which have received excellent reviews from travellers on Valentine's Day:

1. The Spires, Serviced Suites - Glasgow, Scotland

The Spires offers stylish 4-star serviced apartments in Glasgow’s city centre, with a variety of restaurants, shops and nightlife just outside. For a Valentine’s Day alternative, get a group together and enjoy a night away. With space to relax, The Spires apartments are very accommodating to both large groups and singles alike. Upon request, a “Girl’s Night In” package is available, which includes a 2-night stay with breakfast included on both days, 1 day of pampering as well as Pizza, cupcakes and 2 DVDs of your choosing, all within the comfort of your own suite.

2. Aviva Single Resort & Spa - Sankt Stefan am Walde, Austria

The Aviva Single Resort & Spa is the first hotel in Europe for singles, and has been internationally acclaimed on several occasions. In fact, the hotel offers personalized services and packages tailored to individual traveller needs, especially for those looking for a warm and friendly haven. Sports activities and excursions for the more dynamic, a 21, 527 ft² spa for those looking to relax and a disco for lovers of nightlife – the Aviva provides various sorts of entertainment for singles who want to enjoy, and forget all about, Valentine's Day.

3. Vigilius Mountain Resort – Lana, Italy

A luxurious resort in the middle of the Alps, reachable only by cable car is an ideal place for those who want to spend Valentine's Day away from everything and everyone, but rather spend time reconnecting with ones’ self. The Vigilius is structurally unique: made entirely of wood, eco-friendly, and including a 12,917 ft² spa with sauna, overlooking breath-taking views of the Burggrafenamt area in western Italy. Vigilius is the flagship of the "Move & Explore" philosophy, by way of physical activity, including the exercise of the Five Tibetans—helping to improve one’s own body and mind, among other things available on iTunes. The Vigilius Mountain Resort is the perfect place to enjoy Valentine’s Day in peace and serenity.

4. Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort & Spa - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

For those who want to spend Valentine's Day away from all things stressful and instead on an exotic beach, the lure of the Caribbean is unique. The Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort & Spa is a 5 star hotel located opposite Bavaro beach. This attractive complex is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, coconut palms, sand and sea enriched by coral reef. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, and several of them include a sea view. The hotel has six restaurants that delight the palates of guests, with a wide range of local specialties and international cuisine. Four swimming pools, a spa, water sports facilities and more provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy Valentine's without any stress or nostalgia for past lovers.

5. Artemisia Frauenhotel – Berlin, Germany

For single women who want to spend a Valentine's Day differently, the hotel Artemisia in Berlin is definitely a destination not to be missed. This hotel is the first European structure designed exclusively for female customers — men are not allowed. Therefore, the hotel is a guaranteed way for a woman to discover this cultural and historical destination without forgetting to relax and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Located in the characteristic area of Charlottensburg, within walking distance of the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping street in Berlin, the Artemisia is an ideal place for a Valentine's Day alternative.

6. Hard Rock & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada

Valentine's Day in Las Vegas may not be the ideal place to kickback and relax, but Sin City is sure to help its visitors to forget about their lack of a significant other. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is particularly suitable for travellers who want to let go, party like rock star, gamble a little, flirt a little poolside and maybe even get an in-house tattoo at the Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. The hotel’s 12,917 ft² pool even has the option to play Blackjack while immersed in water. The Hard Rock is not only a playground of possibilities, but also a meeting point for international fame, such as DJ Tiesto and Iggy Pop as well as regularly held festivals and events where guests can feel to party until dawn.