Hotel Den Helder

I had to leave after just one night because I was so uncomfortable, even though my booking was non-refundable. The room was cold, with no heater, and lacked basics like a coffee machine. The bed was squeezed against a table, and I nearly hurt my knee trying to get around. I asked the manager for a heater but got no reply. A friend staying with me had a leaking roof in his room. The hotel feels rustic and has very basic amenities, far short of the comfort I expect from a decent hotel. Breakfast was basic too, nothing to get excited about. I saw fewer than ten people in the dining area, which made me think it wasn’t a popular choice with travelers. The attached bowling alley, which seems to attract locals more than guests, was the only real positive. I wouldn’t recommend this for a business or leisure stay. Look for a better option if you can.

The restaurant food was excellent, and I was welcomed very warmly with good service. The hotel is a nice, slightly eclectic place, with clean rooms, comfortable beds and an old style of decor. The rooms sit around a large indoor area with a stage where bands sometimes hold try-outs, though none were playing during my stay on a weekday. To reach the rooms you walk through the bowling alley, which looks really nice and is very popular. There’s also a bar and restaurant.

The place has potential, but right now it feels stuck in the 1980s. The rooms are dark and uncomfortable, and even the doors bang in the wind. It should have been renovated years ago. I travel a lot and usually avoid staying here, but whenever I do end up here, the experience seems worse. I hope someone reads these reviews and does something about it. It's well below standard.

Really friendly people, good food, and excellent service. There’s indoor bowling 🎳, too. It’s a 10-minute taxi ride from the train station. 👍