Van der Valk Hotel Utrecht

The underground parking is convenient and costs €10 per night, which seems reasonable. The rooms are large and nice, with big bathrooms and a separate closet. For the price, you get good value by Netherlands standards. Van Der Valk is a hotel chain that’s never disappointed me during a stay, and I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re in Utrecht.

It’s easy to reach the city center by public transport, though the hotel is farther out. The rooms are spacious, and the bedding is comfortable. Being close to the highway means you can hear noise when large vehicles pass.

The room was clean, large, and comfortable, and I liked that they topped up the amenities every day. There’s an iron and ironing board in the room, too. It feels a little sterile, though, and the view is of the highway, quite a way from the city center. There’s no sink in the toilet, so you have to wash your hands in the bathroom next door. Service was average, neither especially friendly nor rude. Breakfast was pretty good but costly, and the whole stay felt expensive for what you get.

We’re here for several nights, but after just one we’re already thinking of leaving early. The room was barely attended to: bathroom and toilet untouched, crumbs still on the floor, beds left messy, and the coffee machine still had used capsules with no fresh ones. None of the disposable cups were replaced, so we had nothing clean to drink from, and the bathroom cups were dirty too. Reception told us daily cleaning isn’t done and that rooms are usually cleaned every few days. I travel often for work and leisure, and this service is well below what I’ve had even in more modest hotels. There’s also no minibar or fridge, despite the website listing one, no drinking glasses, and no replacement of basic supplies. At this price, I expect basic cleanliness, comfort, and clear information. Check what’s actually included before booking. If this is the standard, we’ll shorten our stay.