Fletcher Resort-Hotel Zutphen

We were staying nearby for a special event, so the location worked well for us. The room itself was a letdown: tiny, dated, and noisy, with sounds carrying from the hallway and neighboring rooms. If you want a comfortable holiday stay, this may disappoint.

We reserved two rooms, but one family couldn't come. From outside Europe, we cancelled that room exactly five days ahead, following the hotel's cancellation policy as we understood it from our part of the world. My Visa card was still charged. When we arrived, I tried to sort it out with the hotel, and also contacted Booking.com. They agreed we had a valid reason to request a refund, but the hotel wouldn't provide one. The woman working check-in that day was unfriendly and unhelpful. It seems better suited to local guests and not very welcoming to foreign visitors. If you're booking from outside the Netherlands, I'd avoid it and take care when cancelling through the Booking.com app.

Breakfast was passable, though expensive for what you get, and on Sunday most of it had run out shortly after 10 even though service continued until 11. I was glad I checked before paying for it that day. The room was cramped and basic, cold when we arrived, and still barely comfortable after the heat had been running full blast for four days. The place felt tired, with an unpleasant musty smell. Housekeeping only seemed to come if you put out the “please make up my room” sign, which wasn't explained anywhere. I already had low expectations because of the cheap rate, and was still disappointed. Next time in the area I'll pay more to avoid this sad, smelly place. You might want to do the same unless you're looking to feel sad.

The location is handy, just outside the city by the main roads, with supermarkets nearby that open early. The centre is quite far, though you can get there by bus. There are lots of parking spaces, plus a pool, sauna, bowling alley, and food available. I've stayed here a few times for work over the past month and had three different rooms. They were all clean and tidy, with daily housekeeping and plenty of towels, bins, soap, and other basics. Some rooms have a kettle with tea and coffee, and there's room service, though I didn't try it. Each room has a heater, but you have to set the temperature yourself. The shower is in a bath, with plenty of space, good pressure, and hot water quickly. The first two rooms were a little more modern and had lots of outlets. The last was more dated and had no power outlet by the bedside table, which was inconvenient. The walls are somewhat thin, but it usually gets quiet around 22:00 or 22:30. All in all, a pleasant stay.