Grand Hotel Karel V, WorldHotels Luxury

We had a fabulous suite with a large, comfortable canopied bed, and the hotel is in a great spot for the city. The young reception team were warm and professional, and kept making my husband and me feel at home throughout our stay. Angelina was delightful and helped me book padel courts when I couldn’t manage it myself. She couldn’t have been more helpful. Oola in the brasserie was also lovely, and her personality made dinner even nicer.

The breakfast buffet was the best I’ve ever had. It’s a bit pricey, but I think it’s worth trying at least once. There were lots of cheeses, plus made-to-order options like fresh Eggs Benedict, and they brought hot chocolate right to our table. We stayed two nights with our family in this former monastery. It has a strong sense of history, while still feeling clean and comfortable, with a lovely atmosphere. The only small problem was that the cups still had faint coffee rings inside after housekeeping had washed them. It’s a wonderful hotel, and we’d love to stay again.

I’ve stayed here twice this year. Fabulous hotel right in the heart of Utrecht, with a great spa area for relaxing after a busy day. It’s comfortable, restful and very clean, with exceptional hospitality.

I’m writing about the checkout problems I had on September 13, 2025. At check-in, the two receptionists were exceptionally polite. I told them my flight was around 8 PM, and they graciously acknowledged that a one- or two-hour late checkout might be possible. I understand the published times are 3 PM for check-in and 11 AM for checkout, but on departure morning I politely asked for just one extra hour. The receptionist on duty, whom I hadn’t met before, abruptly told me to leave immediately, with no courtesy or understanding. After breakfast, shortly after 11 AM, I found my room key had been deactivated. I waited downstairs for about 20 minutes to have it reactivated, but it still didn’t work upstairs. This happened repeatedly, so I had to go up and down several times. Two staff members came to the room and repeatedly told me to vacate. The same receptionist then called the room, again demanding that I leave immediately and threatening a late checkout fee, even though I hadn’t requested or used a late checkout. I was nevertheless charged an additional 25 euros for one. I also saw the receptionist treating other guests politely while being distinctly rude to me. It left me feeling unfairly treated, which is unacceptable. This one staff member’s behavior significantly marred what had otherwise been a pleasant stay. I’m requesting a refund of the 25 euros and asking the hotel to address what happened so other guests don’t go through the same thing. The experience was distressing, and with my limited time I may pursue legal action, potentially online. - This review was originally addressed to the hotel management.