Hotel Arsenaal

The toilet problem was eventually sorted out quickly, and the young woman who came up fixed it herself. She even left a kind note, two chocolate bars, and an offer of a free drink, which really helped. Before that, though, the WhatsApp assistant kept saying the desk was dealing with it when that wasn't true, and said it didn't know where else we could use a restroom. When I went downstairs, the staff hadn't heard about the issue and thought I meant the confusing lights. Guests should be told at check in that WhatsApp is automated and doesn't pass on urgent problems. It worked fine for simple questions, and I liked the idea at first, but this was a bad time for it to fail. We also had a comfortable room and a friendly, engaging welcome. The WhatsApp setup initially made the place feel modern and thoughtful. The dimmer was explained at check in as a press-and-hold system, but upstairs we couldn't figure it out. It's a small thing, but the design ended up making the room less comfortable. On our return from lunch, desk staff didn't look up or greet us, even though they weren't helping anyone. They weren't rude, but throughout the hotel we missed the extra warmth you'd expect from a boutique place. Breakfast was pleasant and the food was good, but there was no greeting or check in there either. By the elevators, the coffee and tea setup looked available to guests, but we were told it was for breakfast only. There was a sign about this, though it hadn't been put out. Putting it out after breakfast would save guests that awkward misunderstanding. I loved the circular wall display of ceramic plates in the entrance. It shows real visual flair, which makes the huge blank wall near the guest floor elevators feel like a missed chance. There are just two plates and a framed glass jar with a few broken pieces. Maybe the idea could work if the jar were filled and the display felt deliberate, but as it is, it looks unfinished, as if the hotel ran out of budget or enthusiasm. I also noticed a smudge on the elevator panel that was still there when we left. A quick look at shared spaces would help. There's real potential here. The hotel is charming, the staff can be warm, and the design has a strong starting point. Better communication, more consistent hospitality, and more follow through on the design and technology could make the stay much better.

A few minutes on foot from the centre of Delft, this is a fascinating former weapons depot that's been cleverly converted into a hotel. Our canal-facing room was lovely, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast could use work, though. It was just okay: the cooked items, like scrambled eggs and tomatoes, came in separate little dishes, and the eggs weren't very good. There weren't many cereal choices either, with no muesli, for example. If you come down late, some dishes may not be replenished well.

The building is a stunning large medieval ammunition depot, now turned into a beautiful hotel with its own parking. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the staff are really friendly. Breakfast was plentiful too. It's right in the middle of Delft, and I'd absolutely recommend staying here.

The room was beautiful, the bed comfortable, and the AC could be set as low as 18°C. The breakfast selection, though, was very limited. We were woken at 6 AM during our three-night stay by people walking around and moving furniture upstairs. With no sound insulation in the ceilings, every footstep carries, and the chairs have no protective pads on their legs to soften the floor noise. This place has loads of potential and deserves five stars, but those issues got in the way.