1898 The Post

This hotel offers a truly unique and memorable experience, set within a beautifully restored historic building that was once a post office. Its tasteful design and gothic-inspired decor create a captivating, story-like ambiance that transports guests to another era. The hotel's super central location makes it an ideal base for sightseers and tourists eager to explore the city's main attractions on foot. Many guests describe it as a hidden gem, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway due to its intimate and charming atmosphere. While the hotel consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service and comfortable accommodations, some guests note that the unique room layouts, often featuring stairs, might be challenging for those with mobility concerns. To enhance your stay, consider inquiring about room configurations if stairs are an issue, and be prepared for potential street noise, especially if your room faces the lively Korenmarkt on weekends.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities that enhance the guest experience. The Cobbler bar is consistently highlighted as a fantastic and cozy spot, known for its great drinks and super cocktails, often with engaging bartenders. This bar also serves as the breakfast room, though it can become quite lively and crowded with non-residents in the evenings. Guests also appreciate the unique Honesty Bar, described as a pleasant and inviting space to relax. While the hotel features an elevator, guests should be aware that the main entrance involves navigating some steps before reaching it. Reliable Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring guests can stay connected. Rooms are equipped with tea and coffee facilities, though some guests found the provision of Nespresso pods and tea bags to be somewhat limited. The overall lighting in some rooms, with their dark walls, is often described as dim, creating a moody ambiance but occasionally making it difficult to see clearly.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's spotless cleanliness and the overall comfort of the rooms. The beds are frequently described as very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, complemented by high-quality linens and snuggly pillows, though a few guests found the beds to be a bit firm. The bathrooms are often luxurious, featuring spacious designs with large showers and sometimes soaking tubs. Many rooms offer incredible views of the city or nearby landmarks, enhancing the stay. However, a frequently mentioned aspect of room comfort is the unique split-level layout found in many accommodations, where the toilet is located on a different floor from the sink and shower, often requiring guests to navigate winding stairs. This setup, particularly the absence of a sink with the downstairs toilet, was noted as inconvenient by some. Noise levels can be mixed; while some rooms are quiet, others, especially those facing the lively Korenmarkt, may experience street noise from nightlife or early morning city operations, for which earplugs are thoughtfully provided.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as amazing, delicious, and a superb start to the day. Guests appreciate the rich and varied buffet, which includes a good selection of breads and cheeses, with hot food options like omelets cooked on the spot. The staff in the breakfast area are often commended for their attentiveness and willingness to assist. However, some guests note that the breakfast experience, served in the Cobbler bar, can be impacted by the tiny tables and low seating, which may not be ideal for comfort or digestion, especially for older guests. While the quality of the food is generally excellent, a few guests found the coffee from the machine to be disappointing. The hotel does not feature a full-service restaurant for dinner, but the bar offers a limited menu, with one guest specifically enjoying the hummus.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, placing guests right in the heart of the city and within walking distance of all major attractions, including historical sites, shopping areas, and dining options. Its proximity to the river and canal adds to its charm and convenience. However, parking and accessibility for vehicles are frequently mentioned challenges. The hotel is situated in a car-free zone, meaning there is no onsite parking. Guests arriving by car are advised to use a nearby underground car park, which requires carrying luggage a short distance over cobbled streets. Instructions for parking can be confusing, and some guests reported receiving fines for inadvertently entering the restricted area. The hotel's entrance itself is described as somewhat hidden and involves steps before reaching the elevator, which can be difficult for those with heavy luggage, as concierge assistance at the immediate entrance is not always available.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from providing a warm welcome and smooth check-in process to offering valuable recommendations for local restaurants and attractions. Many appreciate the personalized touches, such as assistance with luggage and detailed explanations of room features. The bar staff are also highly commended for their engaging personalities and skill in crafting excellent cocktails. While the overall service is outstanding, a few guests noted that during peak times, particularly at breakfast or in the bar, service can occasionally be slower or less efficient, with some staff appearing less experienced. Despite these minor points, the dedication of the team to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme, making for a very positive service experience.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard amenities, the hotel offers several unique aspects that contribute to its distinctive charm. The property's historical significance as a former post office is woven into its design, creating a captivating atmosphere that some guests liken to staying in a castle or museum. The hotel thoughtfully provides earplugs in rooms, acknowledging the potential for street noise from the lively city center, especially on weekends when events or nightlife can be active. Guests have also noted the hotel's distinctive and pleasant scent throughout the hallways, adding to the immersive experience. While the hotel does not have a full restaurant, its cozy bar is a popular spot for both guests and locals. One guest mentioned a minor issue with a room key occasionally malfunctioning, and another noted a policy of selling, rather than lending, plug adapters. The hotel's unique and often multi-level room layouts are a defining feature, contributing to its character but also requiring guests to be comfortable with stairs.