You’ve probably been there: sitting at a table with people you’ve only just met. Everyone’s friendly, but the conversation keeps getting stuck on “where are you from?” and “how long are you staying?”. That’s why you’ll find something extra on the table during Stayokay dinners: cards filled with questions that go beyond small talk and designed to start real conversations, uncover stories, and help you truly connect.
1. What cultural differences have stuck with you from a trip you've taken?
For instance someone will start talking about a small difference like breakfast serving rice and beans, taking your shoes of when coming into a home or the time you have dinner. It’s those everyday things that often create a cultural difference and lead to recognition, surprise or a good story at the table.
2. Which unexpected moment became your best travel story?
Everyone has one: that missed train, a wrong turn, or an encounter that changed everything. Often, it’s those moments that didn’t realize that later it becomes a travel memory.
3. When does a stay feels ‘responsible’ to you?
This question often gives a variarity of answers. One person talks about travelling by train, another about staying longer at one place or making more conscious choices about where to eat and sleep. It’s lovely to hear how everyone approaches this in their own way.
4. What makes a night away truly complete for you?
For some people it’s a good bed, peace and quiet; for others, it’s a lively atmosphere and meeting new people. Those differences makes it fun, and they help you discover straight away what everyone values during a trip.
5. What would you like to do more often when travelling, but don’t do enough currently?
This is the type of question that makes you pause and think. Spend more time in nature, do something spontaneous more often, or perhaps plan less? You often recognise yourself in each other’s answers, and before you know it, you’re sharing tips with one another.
How does it work?
Simple: you pick a card (or get someone else to read one out loud), you ask the question… and before you know it, half an hour has gone by.
The cards have different themes such as On the Road, Travelling Together, At Home at Stayokay and Doing Well. All related to travel and accommodation.
What makes these questions so fun is that they go just a little further than ‘where are you from?’. They start conversations that create memories. About travel, daily habits, sustainability, coming home and being on the move.
And the best part? You don’t have to do anything.
Prefer listening to talking? That’s fine.
Prefer eating on your own? The table is large enough.
The Shared Table is there to make connecting easier, not to force anything. No game you have to win, no score to keep track of. Just questions that invite fun, genuine conversations.
A table where everyone is welcome
The Shared Table fits perfectly with how we at Stayokay see travelling: open, social and with a focus on each other. It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you’re from or how long you’re staying.
During every special offer week, the tables are set on Friday and Saturday evenings. No fixed seats, no obligations. Just eating, chatting and getting to know one another. Exactly as a Stayokay place is meant to be.
Tip: book your dinner straight away when you book your stay, or sort it out later at reception.
Utrecht
Stayokay Utrecht Centre is in a prime location on the Neude! Sleep in a themed room, family room or enjoy the comfort room.
Maastricht
Stayokay Maastricht has a lovely terrace with a view over the Meuse River. The lively city centre with its cosy terraces and charming shops is within walking distance!
Rotterdam
Have you always wanted to know what it's like to stay in the Cube Houses? At Stayokay Rotterdam, you can experience it for yourself! Located in the heart of the city centre.
