Bastion Hotel Vlaardingen

I was in Schiedam on a company trip, and this was the closest hotel to the office. My room was comfortable and clean. Breakfast was okay and quick, while the room rate was a little higher than at most budget hotels. The gym is quite small.

I checked before booking whether an early check-in was possible, and they confirmed it. But when I arrived, there was no room for me, and they wouldn't refund my money. I went back and forth with them for several days, but they still refused. Reception was unfriendly too. Stay away unless you want to feel scammed.

We had a wonderful stay overall, thanks in large part to the kind staff and excellent service. The room looked lovely, though visible blood marks showed through the duvet cover. The cover itself was clean, but the duvet seemed well past its best. The duvet in room 923 really needs dry cleaning. Ladies, if you're staying in a hotel during your period, please use larger sanitary pads or change them more often. Our other letdown was breakfast. We were looking forward to it but couldn't eat, as there was no consideration for halal diners. Eggs were cooked in the same pans as bacon, so there was a risk of cross-contamination. Ham and chicken slices were also placed side by side, so we couldn't eat those either. I hope they can make some changes in future. The gym has just three machines, which doesn't give you much choice.

I was given a room with two separate beds on my first visit here. When I asked the receptionist whether she'd accept that if she were traveling with a friend who then had to sleep far away from her, she responded rudely and had a bad attitude. The service was very poor, especially from the girl at reception, who I felt was racist. I wanted her name so I could make a complaint, but she wouldn't tell me. She was unprofessional and unhelpful, and I don't think she was suited to a front desk role. To me, this points to poor hiring and staff training, and a complete failure to put the right people in the right jobs.