Van der Valk Hotel Hoorn

This modern and welcoming hotel distinguishes itself with an integrated entertainment complex, featuring a cinema and casino, offering guests a comprehensive leisure experience without leaving the premises. Visitors consistently praise the spacious and clean rooms, the extensive and high-quality breakfast buffet, and the generally friendly and attentive staff. The hotel is an excellent fit for families seeking entertainment and comfortable accommodations, business travelers who appreciate convenient access and well-equipped facilities, and couples looking for a relaxing escape with diverse dining and entertainment options. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for potentially better views, and it is advisable to check the functionality of room amenities like air conditioning upon arrival to ensure maximum comfort.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of modern facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. A notable feature is the indoor swimming pool, often accompanied by a sauna and fitness center, providing options for relaxation and exercise, though some guests have noted the pool can be small or its water/air temperature cool, and it has occasionally been closed for maintenance. The lounge bar and outdoor terrace are popular spots for drinks and socializing. For those traveling by car, ample free parking is available, including electric vehicle charging stations, which are highly appreciated. Guests also value the secure covered bike storage. However, some visitors have mentioned the elevators can be slow during busy periods, and a few missed having a small convenience shop or in-room phones.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious, modern, and well-appointed, contributing to a comfortable stay. Many appreciate the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful night's sleep. The large bathrooms, often featuring both a walk-in shower and a separate bathtub, are frequently praised for their design and cleanliness. Rooms on higher floors often provide pleasant views. In-room amenities like a Nespresso machine and smart TV are also well-received. However, some guests have reported issues with the air conditioning, noting it can blow warm air or be noisy, leading to rooms being too warm or cold. There have also been isolated comments about dust on surfaces, worn furniture, or minor maintenance issues like windows not closing properly, which can lead to noise from the highway.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed but generally positive feedback. The breakfast buffet is consistently praised for its extensive variety, fresh food, and high quality, with many guests highlighting the wide selection available from early morning. For dinner, the restaurant offers a pleasant ambiance and a live cooking buffet that many find enjoyable. However, a significant concern raised by multiple guests is the presence of mice in the restaurant area, which has been met with perceived indifference by some staff, leading to a highly negative experience for those who encountered it. While many guests enjoy the food quality and attentive service, some have reported issues with dishes being lukewarm, tasteless, or having overcooked/raw components, and occasionally experiencing slow service during busy periods.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location with easy access to the highway, making it ideal for travelers arriving by car. It is situated a short distance from the historic city center of Hoorn, which is accessible via a pleasant walk or bike ride, allowing guests to explore local attractions and canals. The proximity to an ice rink and other sports facilities is also noted. Ample free parking is available on-site, a significant advantage for many visitors. While its location offers good connectivity for regional exploration, some guests have found it to be a bit out of town for easy access to public transport or taxis, making independent travel without a car somewhat challenging. Noise from the nearby highway can also be a factor for rooms facing that direction, especially if windows are open.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel generally receive high praise, with many guests commending the team for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Visitors frequently highlight the attentive service provided across various departments, from the quick check-in process to assistance with specific requests. The staff's willingness to accommodate needs and their overall pleasant demeanor contribute significantly to a positive guest experience. However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies, with occasional reports of slow service or a perceived lack of attentiveness, particularly in the bar and restaurant areas during busy times. A few guests have also expressed disappointment regarding the staff's response to reported issues, noting a lack of follow-up on complaints or insufficient communication regarding hotel facilities and policies upon arrival.

Additional Information
Guests frequently highlight the unique movie-dinner-stay arrangement, which allows for a seamless evening combining a film at the adjacent cinema with a meal at the hotel restaurant and an overnight stay, creating a convenient and enjoyable experience. However, some specific hotel policies have caused frustration for guests. There have been instances where extra beds were booked and paid for but not provided or were found to be uncomfortable, leading to dissatisfaction. Issues with the parking exit card not being activated correctly upon checkout have also been reported, causing delays and inconvenience. Furthermore, some guests have expressed concerns about the hotel's cancellation policy, particularly when changes are needed on the day of arrival, finding it inflexible and not offering partial refunds or alternative compensation.