Rosendael

It's clean and nicely located near Central station, with a comfy bed and pillows and digital check-in and check-out. Still, the first night in our rooftop room was rough: the Dom Bell rang overnight, and we heard street noise because there was no noise cancellation. We could hear the neighbors as well, and the stairs are steep. If you're a light sleeper, this probably isn't the place for you.

The location is good, and the soft drinks were a nice touch, but the stay was very average. It felt more like a B&B or Airbnb than a hotel. I was in room 2 on the first floor, where the view from the back door was underwhelming, with other properties looking in. There was no TV remote to be found, so the TV couldn't be used, and one bedside lamp had a dead bulb. The cupboards were dusty, with random electrical stuff inside and some nuts left out by the last customer. There was an ironing board but no iron, which is a basic thing I expect even in a 3-star hotel, especially when I travel for work. The stairs are steep, and hauling a suitcase up them was hard even for me, a fit 34-year-old. They could be a real problem for someone with a disability. The welcome card said still water was provided, but there wasn't any.

The staff were so friendly, and communication was smooth. They even decorated a room for one of our birthday guests. Everything was clean and comfortable, and entry felt safe. The location is fantastic for walking to shops, restaurants, tourist stops, and along the canals. If you're arriving by car, you can't drive right up to the hotel. I'd park at the shopping mall and walk the short distance. The stairs are very steep, so older guests should take care.

Utrecht is a beautiful city and well worth visiting. The rooms here are nice enough, but the place feels more like an Airbnb than a hotel. Check-in happens in the shop downstairs, where the staff are friendly and helpful. After that, you won't see anyone unless you go back to the shop. If you opt for breakfast, it's a three-minute walk away at Anna and Max. We preferred the place across the street. The stairs to the rooms are very steep, so ask for a lower floor if you stay.