Fletcher Hotel - Restaurant Arion - Vlissingen

The staff were friendly and helpful, the reception and dining spaces looked nice, and the desserts were good. We were upgraded to a room with a balcony when we arrived. It’s close to the beach and convenient for business, but the room had no adjustable heating, shampoo, conditioner, iron, ironing board, or water. The restaurant was cold too. I expected more from a four-star hotel aimed at business travelers. Dinner was nice overall: we chose the chef’s sharing menu of eight tapas-style plates, including dessert, at €45 each. Most of the dishes arrived lukewarm. Please address these things for a better rating.

The staff were friendly, attentive, and clearly worked hard, and I appreciated their effort. Breakfast was quite good by Dutch standards, with enough options, and parking is available just outside. The rest felt more like a worn-out three-star hotel that had somehow earned four stars by doing the bare minimum. The fitness room is a small cell with old equipment. The AC was broken and ventilation poor. Rooms are old, not refurbished, and smell of old wood. The shower had convenient water flow and temperature, but the shampoo was very cheap. The mattress was made of two single beds and was so soft I could feel the frame underneath. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re only there for a short sleep with low expectations.

I decided against visiting Marina Lounge in Vlissingen after a friend told me about the service. He waited almost an hour for his food, and the cutlery was only set out then. That seemed odd to me, especially as I’ve worked in hospitality and know guests should be checked on and kept informed, even when it’s busy. A waiter needs to take responsibility for updates and make people feel noticed and cared for. Service means more than bringing out food, it also means being attentive and making guests feel valued.

The view is magnificent, and the room was really nice. It’s a cozy, quiet hotel by the sea, with a good breakfast and tea and coffee makers in the room. They rent out bikes, and it felt somewhat eco-friendly. It was my first visit, but it won’t be my last.