Suitelodges Gooilanden

We’re back for our second year. It’s a nice spot near the lakes and public transport, tucked into a little forest or grove so it feels quite secluded. A good break from big-city life while still keeping the city’s opportunities within reach.

The staff were kind, welcoming, and always smiling, the WiFi was fast, and the kitchen was well equipped. I also liked the outdoor seating and the chalet tucked among the trees. The location worked well for exploring the Netherlands, with Amsterdam, the airport, Almera, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Giethoorn about 30-70 minutes away. The AC was a real plus at this time of year, though it kept switching itself off every few minutes overnight, which got annoying. For the price, I expected more. The resort could use entertainment options such as a kids' play area, table tennis, or board games. I’d also have expected daily cleaning, or at least for the garbage to be taken out each day. My chalet was meant to have a water view, but bushes blocked it. The toilet, bathroom, and sink were all separated, which I didn’t like, and shower water could easily leak into the room since there was no barrier or small floor ridge. The beds and pillows were extremely uncomfortable. The double beds were really two twin beds pushed together.

The hot tub was fabulous and already hot when we arrived, and the place was spotless and well equipped, with a washing machine, airer, ironing board, and iron. Late arrival was handled flawlessly. It’s also a nice area for cycling. The price is extremely high, though. They left two washing machine tabs and one tiny sachet of dish soap. If you buy those in bulk, it’d be nice to leave a few more. That felt rather mean.

The houses are comfortable and come with all the amenities, though they sit fairly close together, so privacy could be an issue. When we visited in February, not every house was rented, which helped. It’s a handy base for seeing this part of the Netherlands, with Utrecht, Amsterdam, and the coast all a reasonable drive away.