View from the Room: Hilton, The Hague. Netherlands
I walked by this hotel many times when I stayed at the grander-sounding Carlton Ambassador for work a couple of years ago. That was indeed grand, and my room was a decent size considering I barely used it over the 4 days. It was incredibly well-located as my conference venue was opposite. And yet this Hilton, just a few minutes away, seems more luxurious, helped by the habitual huge lobby that greeted us.
It’s located on the edge of the shopping streets although a bus/taxi ride away from the station.
The second aspect of luxury we encountered was the executive lounge. This is the room that is available to guests who book an executive room and around the world it varies from giving us full meals to some complimentary drinks and nibbles. This was somewhere in between. We entered a bustling room, managed to secure a seat looked out of the window and grabbed a glass of red with some breads and cheeses. Crisps, sweets and hot and cold drinks were always available and we took advantage of this each day to get the best value for what we paid.
The room, on the same floor - as is often the case for the exec rooms, is spacious and very red with a good bed with bedside tables, armchair & footstool, coffee table, desk and office chair.
Storage comes in the shape of a large wardrobe with ample shelving and 10 regular wooden hangers.
The lighting is effective, featuring reading lights, bedside lamps, a lamp over the armchair, desk light. No overhead light but little lights in all the right places like the wardrobe and entrance and most helpful, a nightlight in the bathroom.
Amenities: robe, slippers, safe, iron and board, tissues, hair dryer, pillow menu, foldable luggage rack and a flat-screen TV on the wall opposite the bed.
The hotel is built around a central courtyard which gives an illusion of light and space.
Bathroom
Full-sized Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries attached to the wall; hand wash, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
A huge vanity unit with plenty of room for toiletries and fluffy towels placed on the shelf below and 2 thick face cloths waiting.
Shaving mirror.
Bathtub with luxurious hand-held shower and bath mat.
Shower with rainbow shower plus another handheld shower. (apparently, these are scald-proof)
Refreshments and dining
Kettle with usual teas and coffees in its own shelving area.
Ice bucket
2 mugs and 2 glasses
The lounge is excellent if a little cold in temperature and deco. I enjoyed a warming glass of red and the aforementioned bread and cheese on the first night and there were different snacks each night.
As this was the beloved’s birthday, he was treated to a wonderful dinner in the beautifully decorated Blue Bloods restaurant. I don’t know why it’s called that, I thought the building is the former post office. And yes I have watched every episode and that is what popped into my head every time.
Initially, they gave us a scrumptious window seat but it was freezing there as they were unable to shut the air vents. We then moved in a bit and had a view out, with fantastic food and wonderful service.
As you will see from the photos, I loved the view of the canal from the corridor at any time of the day or night.
Breakfast was served here too and this is a place you could stay in for several days and have something different each morning from the vast buffet. We were only here for 2 nights though as the last night was spent in Utrecht, to be close to the venue to see one of the beloved’s favourite bands, a reunited Dream Theater.
I will go back here in a heartbeat; it’s a great base or jumping point to explore more of the Netherlands.
November 2024
