Hotel Des Indes, The Hague

The building feels like stepping back a century, with none of the modern or beige look, so be ready for that. It has a cozy atmosphere and comfortable seats, and would be a lovely meeting spot without loud music. I came in just for a drink, but the selection of fresh cakes looked so good that I tried some. Everything was delicious, and the staff were skilled and kind. It’s an old-school place with a distinct classic vibe.

The Royal Christmas Fair was right at the hotel entrance, a wonderful surprise after we walked over from Central Station. We’d found this lovely hotel through our AMEX credit card while planning a romantic city break to see Cirque du Soliel and visit the Christmas Fair. I’d mentioned the occasion in a note on our prepaid booking through the Leading Hotels website, and the manager surprised us with a bottle of bubbles. The bellman and reception were friendly when we checked in. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet, had tea and lunch one afternoon, and dinner and cocktails the next night. One thing to know: during busy weeks, dining reservations can be hard to get. We couldn’t book anywhere, but the bar has three small tables and eight chairs where you can eat and drink while watching the mixologists, without a reservation. Everyone we met made us feel cared for and helped make the holiday special. Some places charge a lot because they’re fashionable, but here the luxury, class, history, and kindness made me feel good about spending my hard-earned money. If anyone at the hotel reads this, thank you.

We especially loved the meal at the hotel restaurant. We had beef carpaccio, oysters, and steak, and every dish was delicious and perfectly prepared. The spa, with its sauna and pool, was a lovely way to unwind after exploring. The hotel sits right beside the Royal Christmas Fair, so it was easy to wander around the city on foot, with the festive atmosphere right outside. Our spacious, elegant room had a bathtub and a lovely view over the fair and Lange Voorhout boulevard. Waking up to it felt magical. The lobby is stunning, decorated with an elegant Christmas tree and festive details. The whole place feels like stepping into another era, an old-world luxury hotel with history in every corner. A special thanks to Francesco and Vera for their warm, attentive hospitality, which made the stay even more memorable. We absolutely loved our time at Hotel Des Indes in The Hague. ✨🎄

The slow service was the biggest disappointment. At dinner, we waited about 20 minutes just to order, then 20 more for cold drinks, an hour for appetizers, and another 45 minutes for the main courses. No one checked in or offered another round. The restaurant was busy, but service stayed slow and inattentive all evening. The food itself was excellent and beautifully presented, worthy of the hotel’s reputation. We’d seen a similar delay in the lounge: 20 minutes before anyone took our coffee order, despite few guests and several waiters, then another 20 minutes for cappuccinos. We put that down to bad luck until dinner. Breakfast brought more of the same. Coffee took over 25 minutes, and uncleared tables left new arrivals unsure where to sit. There seemed to be enough staff, but they looked disorganized, perhaps because of a poor service management system. The building, setting, and atmosphere are remarkable. Hotel Des Indes is grand but still intimate, with a historic elegance that feels almost like being inside an Agatha Christie novel. It’s beautiful enough to imagine living there. Our spacious, spotless room was beautifully decorated and had a lovely view. The location beside an impressive square on the edge of The Hague’s historic centre made it easy to explore the main sights on foot. The doorman greeted us warmly with a big smile, and most staff we met were friendly and professional. Despite the service problems in the lounge and dining areas, we still see it as a special place. Those areas fall short of what you’d expect from a five-star hotel, and we hope the hotel addresses the recurring issues. With better service, it would be flawless.