Hotel By The River

We only stopped at the riverside cafe for afternoon drinks, but the staff member was so friendly and helpful that he served us even though it wasn’t open yet. It’s a beautiful, breezy spot where cruise boats pass every few minutes. Waving to people on board and getting waves back was a great experience. They have beer, coffee, tea, and other drinks, and it’s just a nice place to spend some time. I also looked at the rooms. They’re very economical, though the walls between them seemed quite thin.

The back of the hotel has become a bar and cafe, and loud music carries on all evening. Cooking smells, pleasant as they were, also made their way into our room. The living area was cluttered with laundry, and the place felt untidy, with old furniture, a bulging floor, and an unclean bathroom. We booked two rooms because it’s cheap, but after staying here since it first opened a few years ago, I’m disappointed by how much it’s changed. I won’t stay here again.

We booked a room, then left the same day without staying overnight. It was tiny, with just one double bed and a small, old table. Rainwater leaked onto the bed, and the shower head dripped onto the floor, leaving it wet all the time. The shower, toilet, and basin were crammed together in a space about the size of a toilet. There was no TV, and despite the WiFi being advertised, we had no signal in our room. The towels were old and torn, more like floor mats. It did have air conditioning. I wouldn’t recommend this place.

The accommodation itself is simple, nothing special, but the location is the reason I gave it four stars. It’s only a couple of minutes from Jonker Walk and several attractions. Parking is inconvenient, though staff member David managed to save a spot for me. Vegetarians have plenty of places to eat nearby. Just make sure to check their opening hours.