Hampshire Golfhotel – Waterland

The room was large but old, and the surroundings were nice. The toiletries were organic. What bothered me was feeling misled. We’d paid the “full price” for the room, then were charged tourist taxes as well. The difference was almost enough for the next grade of hotel, and I’d gladly have paid that to be treated respectfully and given clear information. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I still value respect and taking things seriously. Perhaps it’s my fault.

We left before our second booked night and moved to another hotel. We had two rooms booked, including one for our handicapped guest, but reception had no record of his room. We weren’t placed next to each other, and his room was 300 steps from reception. There was no porter to help with luggage, and the cart didn’t steer properly, so our guest hurt his hand. Our rooms had no phone, refrigerator, or room service. Dinner at Magnolia's was just as bad. The table wasn’t set when we sat down. My husband arrived, and we ordered drinks and the appetizers covered by our voucher. They came, but there were still no napkins or silverware. When he asked, the response was, “Did you have a reservation?” We’d bought our meal in advance at reception, so that should have counted, or we should have been told we needed one. With no phone in the room, how were we supposed to make a reservation? The food was terrible, and most of mine was burnt. The chicken satay and peanut sauce were awful. The sauce tasted nothing like peanuts and seemed burnt, and because it wasn’t served on the side for dipping, it ruined the chicken too. Our friend will eat anything, but even he said it was ruined. I told the waitress, who came back saying the chef said that was how it was, then asked if I wanted coffee. She also said she didn’t like it herself. The crème brûlée was another disappointment: the sugar was burnt, and it came with sour mango ice cream. Sweet and sour, everyone knows how that works! A neighbor was complaining too. She’d been hit by a bicycle, and no one had come to change or clean her room. With no phones in the rooms, I’m sure the injured guest had to walk to reception as well.

I only used the hotel, not the golf course. My inability to swing properly with my hips is my own problem, not the hotel’s. I arrived because my GPS signal was poor, not because I’m a golf fan. The room was large, and I slept well. It had two beds pushed together, a big window, a kettle, and tea and coffee, but no decaf, which was a minor disappointment when I wanted a hot drink before bed. The kettle was still wet inside and looked worn or possibly mouldy, though I didn’t check which. The lights flickered before reaching full brightness. The bathroom was a pleasant surprise, with white tiles and a clean-looking bathtub. After a cold motorcycle ride, a hot bath helped ease the anxiety from getting lost. The hotel has a peculiar circular shape. It wasn’t unpleasant, and the shape was kind of fun, though the walk to my room was long. Inside, it had a clean white, rather 80s look, with a staircase that suggested luxury and comfort. I didn’t explore outdoors. I carried my luggage to the room and opened it with an old-fashioned physical metal key, which I’m not used to. Breakfast wasn’t included, but it was much better than the usual continental breakfast in the United States. There was a drink bar that wasn’t working, plus delicious-looking yogurt, bread, fruit, and cheese. The cook made me an everything omelet. It was tasty, though not quite worth the 15€ breakfast price. Afterward I went downstairs, collected my deposit, checked out, and left. For the price I paid, it was a good stay and I’d come again. It’s probably better suited to someone who actually golfs than to a lost American motorcyclist. Thanks, Hampshire Golfhotel, for giving this anxious, misplaced traveller a reasonably priced room. Best of luck with the golf and hotel business!

We went just after Christmas and had a great few days with a friend. The rooms were clean and quiet, and breakfast was perfect. It’s not far from Amsterdam, about 20 minutes by bus to Amsterdam Central. Remember to buy the day pass on the bus for 10€. We’ll be back soon.