Heuhotels (hay-hotels) are inviting to romantics and eco-tourists alike
How many jokes have you heard about the farmer's daughter rolling around in the hay?
Now German and regional hotels have taken the fantasy and turned it real via barns converted to sleeping quarters, complete with a hay beds.
For those traveling on the cheap and eco-tourists, the hay bed will provide a suitable alternative to the usual hostel or camping experience.
The freshly raked hay is available for about $11 a night for anyone who might like the Heuhotel. ('heu' is German for hay)
Hotels with hay for beds often have elaborate amenities and activities, belying their appearance of living like a hobo or bank robber fleeing the scene of the crime.
Hay hotels typically include horse riding, canoing, mountain biking and archery. Foodies will also get the chance to buy fresh meat, cheeses and other farm produce on site.
Heuhotels have open lofts to individual stalls that use wooden platforms to keep guests on the hay but off the floor. Most require guest bring their own sleeping bags.
The hay hotel situated just outside the small town of Kassell in the heart of Germany, has been operating for a few years now.
"I suppose some people might find the idea unappealing," manager of the Hofgut, Sarah tells CNN, "but for anyone who wishes to snuggle up close to nature it's perfect."
"Think back to when you were a child -- this would be heaven! What's changed since then?"
"We have many important people from the city coming to stay here, all types that you wouldn't expect," says Sarah, "what better way for a team to bond than by eating together around a camp fire and then rolling around in the hay?"
Just remember, when rolling around on the hay bed, having a cigarette afterward is strictly forbidden.
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