**Ibis Styles Den Haag: The BEST City Center Hotel in The Netherlands? (You Decide!)**
Ibis Styles Den Haag: The BEST City Center Hotel in The Netherlands? (My Verdict, with a Side of Dutch Windmill!)
Okay, alright, folks, let’s get real. I’ve stayed in a few Dutch hotels in my day (mostly fueled by a love of stroopwafels and a crippling fear of windmills, which, by the way, Den Haag has tons of). And Ibis Styles Den Haag? Well, it’s… interesting. The tagline says “You Decide,” and honestly? I'm still deciding, but let's dive in. This ain't your grandma's hotel review. This is a real look, the good, the bad, and the slightly-confused-in-the-lobby.
(First impressions: Arrival & General Vibe)
Immediately walking in, you get that classic Ibis Styles… boldness. Think bright colours, quirky artwork, and a lobby that feels more like a trendy coffee shop than a sterile hotel. They obviously believe in the power of a decent reception area! Check-in was slick (thank you, contactless check-in/out! My germaphobe heart rejoiced), the staff were friendly, and the whole place just… vibrated with a certain energy. It's not stuffy or pretentious, which already gets a massive thumbs up from me. Plus, a 24-hour front desk and security? Always a bonus when you're navigating strange city streets at odd hours, fueled by a questionable pastry and a desire for adventure.
(Room Report: My Tiny Kingdom)
My room? Well, it was a tad compact, like most city center hotels. But, hey, it packed a punch! Let's go down the checklist, shall we?
- Air conditioning: Essential. Absolutely vital. Especially when you're sweating from the exertion of… okay, maybe just walking to the hotel. Still, thank you, AC, for your sweet, sweet coolness.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! You can't have a decent travel experience without Instagramming the hell out of it, and the connection was actually decent. No buffering, no endless loading… major points.
- Bed: Comfy, a little too soft for my taste, but I still passed out within minutes. Blackout curtains? Bless you, Ibis Styles. I need my beauty sleep!
- Amenities: The usual suspects – a coffee/tea maker (essential!), a safe, and all the necessary toiletries. Bonus points for the free bottled water. Hydration is key, people.
- Soundproofing: Surprisingly good. You know, for surviving the noise of a bustling city. I was happy to not hear my neighbor's snoring (or whatever else happens in hotel rooms…) all night.
The Minor Details:
- Cleanliness and safety: Everything was spotless. I'm a bit of a neat freak, and I found no dust bunnies or questionable stains (which, in a hotel, is a victory). They also seem to be taking the whole sanitation thing seriously. There's hand sanitizer everywhere, and it's great to see the "Daily disinfection in common areas" and "Rooms sanitized between stays" in action. The presence of "Anti-viral cleaning products" is a big plus.
- Accessibility: I’m not fully able-bodied, and I can confirm that the hotel is well-equipped with "Facilities for disabled guests," and there's an elevator in operation too.
- Services & Conveniences: Laundry service, luggage storage, and a gift shop are some of the advantages here.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!)
Alright, confession time: I live to eat. And the dining at Ibis Styles was a mixed bag.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] was available. A solid spread with a decent selection. I’m talking the usual suspects – eggs, pastries, cereals, and the all-important coffee. The "Western breakfast" options were good.
- The Bar: The bar was a lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing. Happy hour? Yes, please! The drinks, however, are a bit pricey, but it's the city center, so what do you expect?
- Restaurants You can find international cuisine at the hotel.
(Where the Hotel Really Shines: The Little Extras)
I loved the fact they had a meeting room. I did not get to attend any meeting myself, but even seeing its existence made me feel like I'd be in a hotel fit to do business.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Or, Why I Didn't Use the Spa)
Okay, let's be honest. I'm not a spa person. My idea of relaxation usually involves copious amounts of coffee and staring blankly at a wall. However, I get the impression that the hotel offers quite a lot in the way of relaxation. Things like a spa or gym/fitness.
(The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- Location, Location, Location…with a caveat: The location is brilliant for seeing the city center. However, some street noise is inevitable. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
- The “Stuffiness-Factor” (or lack thereof): The hotel has a very vibrant style. Some might consider this to be a little too much.
- Limited Amenities The hotel doesn't have many amenities, especially in the spa and wellness area.
(The Verdict: The Dutch Verdict)
So, is Ibis Styles Den Haag the absolute best city center hotel in the Netherlands? That's a tough call. But it's certainly a strong contender!
Pros:
- Prime location.
- Clean, modern, and comfortable rooms.
- Friendly staff.
- Decent Wi-Fi.
- Affordable (generally).
- Vibrant and appealing style.
- They have a "Family/child friendly" policy.
Cons:
- Can be noisy depending on your room.
- The breakfast is good but not exceptional.
- May feel "too modern" for some.
- Limited amenities.
Ultimately, I'd recommend Ibis Styles Den Haag for:
- Budget-conscious travelers who want a good base to explore Den Haag.
- People who appreciate a bright and cheerful atmosphere.
- Those who value a central location.
- Families with children.
Would I stay there again? Yes…* probably*. If the price and location were right for me, and it fit into my current lifestyle.
Exclusive Offer for YOU, My Fellow Dutch Adventure Seeker!
Book your stay at Ibis Styles Den Haag NOW and unlock these EXTRA perks:
- FREE Bottle of Wine: Because you deserve it after surviving a bike ride through a Dutch downpour.
- Complimentary Late Check-Out: Sleep in! You earned it. (Subject to availability).
- 20% Discount on Food & Drinks at the Bar: Fuel your exploration with cocktails and snacks at a discounted price.
- Guaranteed Room Upgrade (subject to availability): Because you're worth it.
Don't miss out! This offer is only available for a LIMITED TIME!
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR DREAM GETAWAY TO Ibis Styles Den Haag!
(Ibis Styles Den Haag. It’s not perfect, but it’s got character. And sometimes, that’s all you need.)
Franklin, IN's Hidden Gem: Best Western Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is me, wrestling with the concept of a relaxing trip to The Hague, and spilling it all out for you. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and probably a questionable amount of stroopwafels. Here we go…
Ibis Styles Den Haag City Centre: The Hague… or Bust (And Probably Some Stumbling)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Art of the Dutch Breakfast
- Morning (ish): Landed at Schiphol. Smooth(ish) flight despite the guy in 27B who kept trying to fold himself into the overhead bin (seriously, what was that?). Train to The Hague. Already feeling the glorious, unadulterated freedom of not being at my desk. But… city centres. Crowds. I'm an introvert, people! Trying to channel my inner zen panda. Found the Ibis Styles. "City Centre" – cue a mini panic attack about navigating.
- Mid-Morning (or Early Lunch?): Check-in. Surprisingly painless! Room is… small. Cozy. Let's call it cozy. Window view? Brick wall. Okay, realism check: I'm in a budget hotel, not a Canal House. Deep breaths. Time to embrace the Netherlands.
- Lunch (with a side of bewilderment): Walked out, determined to find a proper Dutch breakfast. Found a café. Ordered a broodje, which I think is a sandwich. Filled with… Gouda cheese, which I adore. Then I saw it. A kroket. A deep-fried, mystery-meat torpedo of deliciousness. Didn’t know if it was breakfast food. But the eyes of pure gluttony has to be the one to guide. Ended up ordering one. And let me tell you, it was glorious! Ate it with a napkin. The whole time I laughed and smiled. Perfect start!
- Afternoon: The Mauritshuis and Sudden Inspiration: Trying to be cultured. Mauritshuis. Home of the Girl with a Pearl Earring. (Note: Picture way tinier than I imagined. Still, incredibly beautiful. Made me feel… peaceful? No, wait, more like… inspired.) Spent ages there, looking at the painting, thinking about Vermeer, thinking about… everything. Suddenly, I need to write a novel. Right now. (This usually ends in a half-written first chapter and a pile of notebooks gathering dust, but still.)
- Evening: The Dutch Dinner and the Deepest Sleep I Have Had in Months : Found a "gezellig" (that's Dutch for cozy, right?) little restaurant. Ordered something with potatoes. (Potatoes are a universal language, I feel.) Enjoyed my meal so much that I ordered another entree, (I didn't recognize. It was not potatoes, I remember). Walked back tired from the day (and from the food) to the hotel to sleep.
Day 2: Market Mayhem, the Peace Palace, and a Stroopwafel Meltdown
- Morning: Woke up feeling… refreshed. Wow. The mattress is terrible. But… still. Fresh air, a new city… I could get used to this. Headed to the Binnenhof, the Dutch parliament. Okay, history lesson time. (I still have no idea how the Dutch government actually works, but hey, I saw the building!)
- Mid-Morning: The Market's Labyrinth. (My Achilles Heel). Found a food market. Heaven. (Okay, maybe a slightly overwhelming heaven. All the smells, the colours, the… choices!) Tried a stroopwafel. Omg. Sweet, caramel-y, pure joy. Ordered another one. And another. Okay, maybe a few too many.
- Lunch (or Stroopwafel Overload): Decided to buy more. Bought way too many. I will eat all, I assure you.
- Afternoon: Peace Palace Pondering: Wanted to see the Peace Palace. (The International Court of Justice! Serious stuff!) Guided tour. Listened. (Tried to listen.) Was slightly distracted by the fact that I'm still full of stroopwafels. I tried to process the weight of global issues. I realized just how little I understood about the world and all its complexities.
- Evening: Fries and Regrets : Walked around some more. Saw a park. Decided I deserved some french fries with mayo. Ate them happily. Ate way too much. It's a recurring theme. Ordered room service because I couldn't bear to leave and wander.
Day 3: Beach Vibes, Birdwatching, and the Bitter End
- Morning: Decided to do something completely different. Hop on a tram to Scheveningen beach. Fresh air, the sea, the vastness of it all. Felt like my soul was finally starting to catch up with my body. Watched a guy trying to fly a kite. Hilarious failure. I was content.
- Mid-Morning: Birdwatching and Reflections. Because Why Not: Sat on a bench. Watched the birds. They were… doing bird things. Flying. Eating. (Just like me!) Realized I'd forgotten to pack binoculars. Dramatic sigh.
- Lunch: Found a beach bar. Ordered a bitterballen (another fried Dutch delicacy). Stared at the sea. Thought about life, the universe, and whether I should have ordered a second pint.
- Afternoon: Final Stroopwafel Rush and Headed Back : Had one last stroke of genius: Stroopwafels for the road! (Yeah, I'm addicted.)
- Evening: Departure: Train. Airport. Home. I feel refreshed. Tired. Possibly slightly over-sugared. Was worth it.
Final Thoughts:
The Hague. Not bad. Next time, I'm definitely bringing a Dutch phrasebook, a larger suitcase for stroopwafels, and maybe an actual plan. But hey, at least I survived. And you, dear reader, if you followed this madness to the end… well, congratulations. You're probably in need of a vacation yourself.
Bedford's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Ibis Styles Den Haag: The BEST City Center Hotel in The Netherlands? (You Decide!) - A Messy FAQ
Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're about to dive headfirst into the Ibis Styles Den Haag experience. Is it the BEST city center hotel in the Netherlands? Ha! That's a loaded question, and I'll give you my gut reaction... then try and justify it (or completely contradict myself). Let's get messy!
1. Is the Location ACTUALLY good? Like, *really* good?
Okay, location, location, location. They hammer it home, right? And yeah, I gotta admit, the Ibis Styles Den Haag *does* have a killer spot. You're practically tripping over the Grote Marktstraat shopping street (which, let's be honest, is both a blessing and a curse for my bank account). The train station? A short, easy walk. The beach? Tram 9, sorted.
My first time, I was a nervous wreck about public transport (classic tourist move, I know). But honestly? Even *I* managed it. And that’s saying something. I remember getting off the train, absolutely starving (as always), and being able to dump my bags, freshen up, and be *devouring* a stroopwafel from a nearby bakery in like, 15 minutes. Priceless. So yeah, the location? Solid gold. But… and there's always a "but," isn't there… it *is* a busy area. Expect street noise, especially on weekends. Earplugs are your friend, people!
1a. Fine, but is it too central? Like, chaotic-central?
Okay, full disclosure: I *hate* crowds. I mean, I truly, viscerally dislike them. And yes, the area is buzzing. Especially during the peak season. This isn't some quiet, tucked-away haven. You're in the thick of it.
One time, and I swear this is true, I was trying to find a decent coffee place, and the sheer mass of people was making me actually sweat. I ended up defaulting to Starbucks (shame, I know, I know!), because the sheer *effort* of navigating the crowds to find a local cafe was too much. So, if you're a hermit at heart (like yours truly), maybe... maybe consider a slightly less central option. Otherwise, embrace the chaos! Think of it as...atmosphere? Yeah, let's go with that.
2. What's the Vibe Like, Man? Is it stylish *enough* for "Styles"?
The "Styles" part of the name? Yeah, they *try*. It’s not exactly a roaring fireplace and tweed sofas situation. They definitely lean into the, shall we say, *modern* aesthetic. Think bright colours, bold patterns, and art that's… well, it's *there*. It's not stuffy. It’s… accessible.
One thing I *did* appreciate was the room I got once with a themed photo on the wall. I think it was related to The Hague, because the photo was of the Peace Palace. It was a nice touch! But honestly, I'm more concerned with a clean bed and decent water pressure than the exact nuances of the decor. So, it's stylish-ish. Not going to win any design awards, but it's cheerful enough. Think functional fashion, not high-end couture.
3. The Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? (And the BIGGEST gripe...)
Okay, the rooms. Here's where things get a little… uneven. They're generally quite clean, and the beds are comfy enough (essential!). But space? Let's just say, if you're traveling with more than a carry-on, you might be doing a Tetris-style reorganizing session.
My BIGGEST gripe (and this is a rant, fair warning): the *showers*. Oh, the showers! They're often… aggressively compact. And the water pressure? Sometimes it’s magnificent, other times, it's like a gentle, apologetic trickle. One time, I swear, I spent five minutes just *waiting* for the water to warm up. Five minutes I'll never get back! Honestly, if they could fix the shower situation, it would drastically improve the whole experience. So, yeah, rooms: usable, but don't expect a palatial suite.
3a. Are the Rooms Actually *Quiet*? (Because sleep is sacred!)
Again... the location! While they do try to soundproof the rooms, if you're on a lower floor or if you have windows on the street side, you're going to hear some activity. Sirens, late-night revelers (me, sometimes!), the occasional trolley.
I always pack earplugs, which is definitely a pro-tip for any city centre hotel. I'm also not the lightest sleeper, so I've got to take every measure! But again, it's part of the territory. If you're a super-sensitive sleeper, or you're after perfect silence, this might not be the ideal choice. Consider asking for a room on a higher floor, and definitely invest in some decent earplugs – trust me, your sanity will thank you.
4. Breakfast: Worth Waking Up For?
Breakfast. Ah, the most important meal of the day (debatable, I know!). At Ibis Styles, it's… fine. It's a buffet, the classic hotel breakfast offering. There are your usual suspects: eggs, bacon (sometimes crispy, sometimes… less so), pastries, bread, cereal, some fruit.
Don't get me wrong, it's not going to blow your mind. But it *does* fill a hole. And frankly, after a night out, the simplicity is sometimes exactly what you need. There's also the option to grab some fruit on the run if you're in a rush, which is always a bonus. My advice? Don't expect gourmet, but it's a decent, convenient way to start the day. A good base for fuel! A great way to avoid having to leave the hotel before you want to!
5. Is the Staff Friendly? (And do they speak English?!)
The staff are generally pleasant. Always polite. They're used to tourists, so yes, they all speak excellent English. I've never had a bad experience on that front.
Save On Hotels Now
