Strandhotel Golfzang

The restaurant and reception staff were nice, and the simple restaurant menu was surprisingly good, especially the tender chicken satay with homemade sambal and atjar. Breakfast was average. For a hotel calling itself four stars, though, the stay felt more like three-star quality at €225 a night. Our room was large but dark, and the dark brown colors made the whole hotel feel that way. The terrace was small, with a 'beautiful' view of the roof right next to it. The room had cheap plastic cups and towels that were thin and small, with no conditioner or body lotion. The shower door didn’t close properly, so the bathroom flooded while we showered. The mattress was too soft and the pillows too high. The location is excellent, right on the boulevard of Egmond aan Zee.

The rooms were clean, the bathrooms were nice, and the beds were fine. The carpets smelled and clearly needed professional cleaning or replacing. We booked and paid in advance for an ocean-view family room for two adults and three kids. When we arrived, they gave us a key, but the room had only one bed for two people. Then we were told there was no family room available. They’d messed up our booking and said it was the system’s fault. After I got very upset, they somehow found us a room, but the three-hour wait was a horrible experience. I was so shaken that I could picture myself driving four hours back home, and I nearly had a nervous breakdown. After finally getting into the room, we managed to have dinner, then went for breakfast the next morning. The selection was very poor, and I’d never seen canned fruit at an “upscale” modern hotel. I wish they’d listen to the reviews. Many of us have traveled the world and seen amazing breakfast buffets. It wouldn’t take much to improve it: better cold cuts, good bread, a gluten-free option, no canned goods, and fresh fruit. Guests would thank you.

We visited friends staying in room 408. It was quite large, very clean and modern, with a balcony but no sea view. Dinner at eeaze restaurant was excellent and reasonably priced. The atmosphere was great, and most staff spoke English and German and were very friendly. I can highly recommend it for an evening out.

The hotel was nice, with the beach stairs across the street. The bathroom, beds, and furniture were good, and the Wi-Fi worked. We also had access cards for both of us. Dogs have to stay in the room during breakfast, which is understandable, but they’re welcome at lunch and dinner.