SPOTLIGHT: Base Camp Bonn

That Germany is an RV traveller's paradise is beyond dispute. It has an excellent road network, countless quaint villages and castles to stop off at, picturesque forests and rivers to wander by, and well-maintained campgrounds at almost every turn.

But there's one ‘caravan park' that's unlike any other you'll visit, and one you'll never have to pack up in the wet either…

Situated in the former capital of Bonn in central Germany, Base Camp Bonn opened 12 months ago to much media fanfare, and for good reason.

Part groovy hotel, part indoor caravan park, part Hollywood movie set and park vintage caravan museum, this clever concept is essentially a hotel where you stay in a ‘themed' caravan overnight.

Located in the former perfume storage warehouse are 23 ‘rooms', each one an old caravan or camper that has been re-modelled and re-furbished by a Hollywood set designer to represent a particular theme. ??

So you have a bright orange ‘60s psychadelic van, a bubble-roofed ‘punk rock submarine' van, a bright pink Marilyn Monroe van, a sparkly silver outer space van, a Route 66 Americana van and one with a Porsche motorsport theme.

All built circa 1960s to ‘80s, the vintage vans are from eastern European countries like Romania, Poland and the Czech Republic and were bought at a Netherlands auction.??

To add to the fun, each van has a name, and our ‘room' for the night is a curvy little 3.5m long, 1972 pop-top number called Safari. And true to its name, it's loaded with African safari trinkets, leopard spotted soft furnishings, and slate-style lino on the floors and furniture.??

Luckily, it's not all rough and rustic with the east-west double bed down one end supporting a comfy, modern mattress and crisp cotton sheets, although it's on the short side so I have to go diagonal to stretch out.

Perched on my ornate wicker recliner in front of the van, directly opposite is a mauve and white van with outdoor setting mimicking a traditional English sitting room, complete with Charles and Di portrait on the wall.

A popular choice with guests, it's the only van with twin single beds, hence the tongue-in-cheek “no sex for British!” theme.

Right next door is a German hunting lodge theme, complete with animal pelts, antlers and wild boar heads. Apparently it's quite popular with Japanese tourists, who like to pose for photos with the safari helmet on.

Base Camp also provides the chance to lounge around in an iconic Airstream caravan (there are four to choose from) or be a hippy for the night in a multi-coloured Kombi camper. ?

Other quirky options include a classic military police truck complete with cell-like sleeping quarters; a truck body with bunks stacked four high that caters for larger groups, as does an old train sleeper carriage that runs down one side of the building and was filled with noisy school kids during our stay.

You can also enjoy a Cold War experience, thanks to an East German-built, cardboard-bodied Trabant with roof-top tent (it's the cheapest option at just 28 Euros a night). A large slab of the Berlin wall also sits out front of the hotel with another Trabant.

Adding to the cheerful atmosphere is a massive tropical island wall mural (that glows a soothing ultra-violet blue at night), and a plane and air balloon hanging from the ceiling.??

But what's really clever about Base Camp Bonn is that it actually has the welcoming, communal feel of a caravan park, with vans parked side by side in rows so you're never far away from your neighbours.

The whole place also has a light, airy feel thanks to the high ceilings and big skylights. About the the only things missing are the tow vehicles parked alongside the vans!
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A large upstairs balcony with comfy old cinema seats is the place to have breakfast or a coffee, or simply enjoy the panoramic view of the 'park' from above.

Not surprisingly, the hostel is regularly booked as a venue for weddings, photo-shoots, and conventions, and hosts movie nights, bands and other cultural events.

Base Camp's motto is “where the fun people stay,” and the place certainly appeals to all ages. Keeping with the relaxed feel is the leisurely check out time of 11am.

Rates vary, but our Safari van cost 64 Euro (about $90). But even if you don't stay a night, it's worth dropping by and posing for some photos with Marilyn or the wild boar…

More info: Base Camp Bonn