De Schildkamp

I booked a room in the luxury suite section, but the power went out and the whole experience was uncomfortable. They said they would refund over 300 euros for the reservation, but only 104 came back. I shouldn't have trusted that promise. I should have asked for the refund right away.

We eventually got in through a back kitchen door and found someone who could help. We'd arrived on a Sunday afternoon after booking through our Bike Tours company, only to find the hotel closed. Apparently it's closed every Sunday, and we hadn't been given any instructions for getting inside. If you're checking in on a Sunday, make sure you get those instructions first.

There was a big free parking lot outside, and EVs could fast charge there, with space for two cars at 11 kWh each, for a fee. The hotel was a good base for walks and cycling in the surrounding countryside. We stayed in May 2021, when there were very few guests, and COVID-19 meant dinner was served in our rooms. There was only one meal option each day, which wasn't great, but the buffet breakfast was fine. Free coffee and tea were available in the lobby all day, and the WiFi worked throughout the hotel. I measured 20 Mbit in our room. The place was well maintained and in a good location.

The biggest letdown was the restaurant's response when we asked for tap water. We'd ordered several drinks and courses, but got half a glass and were told that was more than they usually offer. Our waitress said this was standard policy in the Netherlands. That's not what we've found at the other hotels and restaurants we've visited here. I wonder whether staff are allowed to drink water during their shifts. Management should read the story about Dirk Willemz that's printed on the menu, about putting guests' needs ahead of your own. The room was another disappointment. During a heat wave, we were first given a room without air conditioning even though rooms with it were available. After we asked a few times, we did get one, and the AC worked well. There was no soap in the shower or bathroom, and no shampoo, which I think should be standard at this price. The shower was tiny, though the water pressure was good. The coffee machine down the hall was labeled “fee” and had no coffee in it. Surely housekeeping should keep basic supplies stocked. I haven't seen another hotel at this rate in the Netherlands without coffee and water in the room. I've spent the last month in hotels around the country and found them all fabulous. This is the first that left me with a bitter taste.