Greenside

The breakfast area looks out over a small canal, where we could watch coots, ducks and other water birds that visit in different seasons. There was a wide range of food, including gluten-free options, and the staff were helpful when we needed them. There was plenty of parking, two supermarkets across the road, and the beach wasn't too far. Keep in mind the Post Office is inside a bike shop. We took an early break before prices went up and left the weather to chance. It was very blustery and cold, but the warm welcome made up for that. I wasn't sure the room would work for my wife's wheelchair, but after seeing it, I felt reassured. They offered to warm the sauna for us if we told them in advance, which was great. There was no chef, but the town was only a five-minute walk away, so that wasn't a problem. Breakfast was well laid out, and housekeeping and the rest of the staff were very good. Their English wasn't fluent, but we managed with smiles all around.

The restaurant could only serve hotel guests on three days of the week because, as we were told, “we can’t get a full time cook.” The bar wouldn't bring drinks outside unless you went looking for someone, and it closed at 10.30 because the staff had to get up at 6 O’clock. That doesn't feel like luxury, which I think a four-star hotel should provide at least some semblance of. This place seems to show how low the European Hotelstars Union bar is: tick the boxes and you get the official rating. A breakfast buffet can meet the minimum on paper while offering little beyond that. I could give several examples along those lines. The hotel was seriously understaffed and overpriced, and to me it symbolizes today's tourist industry.

The location was perfect, but breakfast didn't have many options and the service was a minus. The receptionist was unfriendly, pointed her finger at us and threatened us over whether we wanted to check in. She also lied badly about the extra beds. She ruined my holiday. In my room I saw a note from a previous guest saying, “slechte service, ga niet terug.” See the picture.

Our two days at Greenside Hotel were memorable, even better than staying at home. We were treated like a King and Queen, with smiles, laughs and jokes from the staff. The manager, Justus, was especially good. Ask for him and you won't be disappointed. The rooms were a dream and extremely clean, and breakfast was huge, stocked with everything you could wish for. The staff were professional, kind and attentive, and they knew how to look after guests from other nationalities too. It was perfect. Thanks to everyone!