De Doelen
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Summary of reviewsDe Doelen in Leiden enjoys consistent praise for its prime location, nestled in the heart of the city near picturesque canals, key attractions and the central train station. The hotel's beautiful historic building is admired for its authentic details, providing a charming and characterful base to explore the old city. Despite this centrality, guests find the area relatively tranquil, enhancing the appeal of this ideally positioned hotel.
The breakfast experience at De Doelen is largely positive, noted for its quality, variety and affordability. Guests particularly enjoy the generous Dutch buffet with fresh bread, meats and cheeses, often served in an elegant, historically charming room. While there are a few mentions of areas needing improvement, the breakfast generally offers good value for money and a pleasant start to the day.
Rooms at De Doelen, though described as clean and functional with comfortable beds and charming views, do receive comments about their outdated decor and furnishings. Despite this, the modern bathrooms and necessary amenities like desks, chairs, fridges and tea and coffee facilities contribute to a convenient stay. Cleanliness is mostly commended, although some areas could benefit from more attention.
The hotel's staff garners overwhelmingly positive reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness. Guests frequently mention the superb service provided by the managing brothers and the entire team, enhancing the overall welcoming and professional atmosphere of the hotel.
Free WiFi at De Doelen is described as strong and reliable by many guests, although some encountered issues with slow speeds and connectivity. However, these issues seem to be occasional rather than the norm.
Families find the hotel particularly accommodating with friendly service and practical amenities such as family group rooms and secure bicycle parking. The warm-hearted atmosphere and facilities for events like family weddings make it an ideal choice for those traveling with children or in large groups.
Located near vibrant nightlife spots, De Doelen offers great access to the city's nightlife while maintaining a relatively peaceful retreat. Although some noise from nearby bars is expected, this is generally considered a fair trade-off for the prime location.
Beds receive mixed feedback with some guests finding them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others mention issues with mattress softness and overall bed quality. This indicates potential for improvement to meet diverse comfort preferences.
As a three-star hotel, De Doelen delivers comfortable and affordable lodging with a historical charm. While some guests feel the value could be better, the hotel maintains a reasonable level of cleanliness and quaint ambiance, making it a budget-friendly option for central lodging.
Lastly, De Doelen welcomes pets, making it a suitable choice for guests traveling with their canine companions. The pet-friendly policy is appreciated, although specific amenities are not widely discussed.
In essence, De Doelen offers a cozy, centrally located retreat with a historical charm, friendly staff and good overall value, despite needing some updates in certain areas.
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The breakfast experience at De Doelen is largely positive, noted for its quality, variety and affordability. Guests particularly enjoy the generous Dutch buffet with fresh bread, meats and cheeses, often served in an elegant, historically charming room. While there are a few mentions of areas needing improvement, the breakfast generally offers good value for money and a pleasant start to the day.
Rooms at De Doelen, though described as clean and functional with comfortable beds and charming views, do receive comments about their outdated decor and furnishings. Despite this, the modern bathrooms and necessary amenities like desks, chairs, fridges and tea and coffee facilities contribute to a convenient stay. Cleanliness is mostly commended, although some areas could benefit from more attention.
The hotel's staff garners overwhelmingly positive reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness. Guests frequently mention the superb service provided by the managing brothers and the entire team, enhancing the overall welcoming and professional atmosphere of the hotel.
Free WiFi at De Doelen is described as strong and reliable by many guests, although some encountered issues with slow speeds and connectivity. However, these issues seem to be occasional rather than the norm.
Families find the hotel particularly accommodating with friendly service and practical amenities such as family group rooms and secure bicycle parking. The warm-hearted atmosphere and facilities for events like family weddings make it an ideal choice for those traveling with children or in large groups.
Located near vibrant nightlife spots, De Doelen offers great access to the city's nightlife while maintaining a relatively peaceful retreat. Although some noise from nearby bars is expected, this is generally considered a fair trade-off for the prime location.
Beds receive mixed feedback with some guests finding them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others mention issues with mattress softness and overall bed quality. This indicates potential for improvement to meet diverse comfort preferences.
As a three-star hotel, De Doelen delivers comfortable and affordable lodging with a historical charm. While some guests feel the value could be better, the hotel maintains a reasonable level of cleanliness and quaint ambiance, making it a budget-friendly option for central lodging.
Lastly, De Doelen welcomes pets, making it a suitable choice for guests traveling with their canine companions. The pet-friendly policy is appreciated, although specific amenities are not widely discussed.
In essence, De Doelen offers a cozy, centrally located retreat with a historical charm, friendly staff and good overall value, despite needing some updates in certain areas.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Small Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
"De Doelen" hotel in Leiden consistently receives high praise for its prime location. Nestled in the heart of the city, it stands near picturesque canals and is within walking distance of key attractions, shopping streets and the central train station. Guests admire its beautiful historic building, full of authentic details, which enhances its charm and character. Visitors frequently highlight the hotel’s ideal positioning for exploring the old city with the central location offering easy access to museums, restaurants, bars and the University of Leiden. Despite its centrality, many reviews mention the relative tranquility of the area, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the vibrant city life. Overall, the location of De Doelen is described as unbeatable, making it a perfect base for any stay in Leiden.
The breakfast experience at De Doelen hotel draws a consistent wave of commendation from guests, focusing on its quality, variety and value for money. Guests frequently describe the breakfast as great, extensive and rich, ensuring that no one leaves the table hungry. The spread, often presented as a generous Dutch buffet, includes fresh bread and various types of meat and cheese.
Diners appreciate the well-organized and affordable nature of the breakfast, often described as good or excellent. Several reviews mention the elegance and historical charm of the breakfast room, adding a unique ambiance to their morning routine. The service also stands out with mentions of friendly and attentive staff who contribute to a pleasant dining experience.
However, there are a few points of contention. Some guests found the breakfast to be basic or mediocre, noting a limited variety and describing it as sufficient but lacking luxury. A few reviews highlighted specific issues such as the occasional running out of fruit and in one case, moldy rolls being served.
Overall, the breakfast at De Doelen is portrayed as mostly positive, offering good value for money, a pleasant setting and a satisfying start to the day, albeit with room for some improvements.
'De Doelen' offers guests a satisfactory breakfast to kickstart their day, which complements its prime location. Despite its central setting, the hotel ensures a quiet room for a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the ample dining options nearby with numerous restaurants and cafes just a short walk away. While some visitors note the noise from the busy street and nearby bars, particularly at closing time, this is generally expected given its city center location. Overall, the accessibility to various eateries and the peaceful rooms make 'De Doelen' a convenient and enjoyable choice for many travelers.
Nestled in a central location with undeniable historic charm, 'De Doelen' offers a range of experiences for its guests. The spacious rooms are often highlighted for their comfortable beds and charming views, particularly those overlooking the canal or with picturesque city vistas. Many reviews appreciate the cleanliness and functionality of the accommodations with some guests praising the modern bathrooms and the spaciousness of their rooms. Rooms often come equipped with necessary amenities like desks, chairs, fridges, tea and coffee, adding convenience to the stay.
However, despite the positive aspects, the overall decor and furnishings lean heavily on the outdated side with many guests noting that the rooms feel dated and in dire need of refurbishment. Issues like noisy environments, particularly for rooms facing the street and a lack of soundproofing have been mentioned. Additionally, the lack of an elevator in the multi-story building poses a challenge for guests with rooms on the upper floors.
While the old-fashioned furniture adds a touch of character, the need for modernisation and a fresh coat of paint is evident throughout. Some rooms are described as very small, yet adequate for short stays, balancing the rustic charm with basic comfort.
In essence, 'De Doelen' manages to offer a cozy, clean and centrally located retreat with all the fundamentals for a pleasant stay, though some aspects might remind guests more of bygone eras than contemporary luxury.
Nestled in an excellent location, 'De Doelen' hotel features beds that have garnered mixed feedback from its guests. Many reviewers appreciated the beds, describing them as comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep. The extra blankets provided during colder months were a much-appreciated touch.
However, a recurring concern mentioned by guests was the softness of the mattresses with several people finding them too soft and lacking adequate support. Issues like sagging, narrow width and outdated bed components such as broken legs or flat pillows were also noted. Despite these criticisms, some guests did still find the beds to be just fine for their needs.
Overall, while the hotel's convenience and comfort have some highlights, guest reviews suggest that the beds and bedding could use some upgrades to meet a wider range of comfort preferences.
The feedback on the cleanliness of the guestrooms at De Doelen reveals a mixed but largely positive picture. Many reviewers consistently noted that the rooms were clean and well-maintained with phrases like "very clean," "spotless," and "tidy" appearing frequently. Guests appreciated that rooms were cleaned every day, describing the cleaning staff as efficient and accommodating.
Several reviews mentioned recently updated or neat bathrooms, which contributed positively to their stay. However, some guests pointed out issues such as stained carpets, visible dust and occasional dirt on blankets. There were complaints about specific areas needing more attention, like carpets that could use a deep cleaning and some instances of mold or water stains in the bathrooms.
The hotel has a charming, old-fashioned feel, which some found appealing, describing it as 'dated elegance.' However, this characteristic also brought criticism with some furnishings appearing worn and in need of refreshing. Regular maintenance issues like creaking floors and low water pressure in showers added to the sentiment that the establishment requires some general updating.
In summary, despite minor drawbacks and areas needing improvement, the rooms at De Doelen are generally clean, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize cleanliness in their accommodations.
The reviews for De Doelen highlight overwhelmingly positive feedback about the hotel's staff. Guests frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful and accommodating with comments emphasizing the superb attentiveness and warm reception received. The managing brothers, Franz and Willem, are particularly noted for being exceptionally attentive and helpful, ensuring a pleasant stay for visitors. The service team consistently excels in providing a welcoming and professional atmosphere, making check-in and check-out processes smooth and efficient.
The staff's willingness to go the extra mile, their readiness to assist with bags and their general client-oriented approach contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether it's the friendly owners, accommodating receptionists or the courteous service staff, each member of the team plays a crucial role in creating a hospitable environment. Additionally, the staff's accessibility and quick responsiveness further enhance their reputation for top-notch service.
Overall, guests appreciate the genuine friendliness and supportiveness of the De Doelen team, leaving many with fond memories of their interactions with the hotel personnel.
De Doelen offers a mixed experience when it comes to its WiFi service. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the quality of the internet, describing it as free, strong and even superfast. Some found the WiFi to be more than adequate, satisfactory and in working order. Terms like decent, good and okay were also used to describe the overall WiFi experience. There were mentions of a helpful and fine reception, suggesting a supportive staff presence regarding connectivity issues.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Some guests experienced slow speeds, poor internet quality and audio-visual delays. A few reviews hinted at trouble connecting, indicating that the WiFi did not work for every guest. Despite these issues, most reviews did not explicitly mention the WiFi, suggesting that for many, the internet service was not a defining aspect of their stay.
'De Doelen' stands out as a family-friendly hotel, perfect for those traveling with children or multi-generational family groups. Guests have highlighted the warm-hearted and accommodating staff, which contributes to a pleasant family atmosphere. Several reviews praise the hotel's facilities for families, such as family group rooms and suites and mention the availability of a sitting room for families to gather.
Parents traveling with children, including babies, found the service to be particularly friendly and accommodating, making their stay more enjoyable. The hotel offers practical amenities like borrowing slippers and umbrellas and there is a secure area in the courtyard for parking bicycles, an added convenience for those exploring the area on two wheels.
Although some reviews noted the decor as outdated, the overall sentiment is that 'De Doelen' is a great spot for a short weekend or an overnight stay. The family-oriented vibe and the capability to cater to various family needs, including for events like family weddings, make it a good choice for families. The hotel's rooms offering pleasant views, such as those overlooking the canal, add to the positive experience reported by guests.
Located in the heart of the city, De Doelen offers guests unparalleled access to vibrant nightlife. Its central location makes it easy to explore a variety of nightlife spots, all within walking distance. Despite being adjacent to nightlife areas, many guests appreciate the quietness at night, though some mention occasional noise from nearby bars and student gatherings. While the sounds of nightlife can sometimes be a minor inconvenience, it is an expected trade-off for staying in such a lively district. Effective sound insulation varies with some rooms experiencing more noise disturbances than others. Bringing earplugs might be a good idea for light sleepers. Overall, De Doelen provides a superb base for those eager to enjoy the city’s nightlife with the added benefit of a serene canal-side setting to retreat to at the end of a bustling evening.
De Doelen is an affordable three-star hotel that provides reasonable and comfortable lodging. The hotel is centrally located, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Housed in a charming, historic building, it has a detailed, elaborate design reminiscent of a bed and breakfast. This adds to its unique ambiance, which guests find appealing if they set their expectations appropriately for a three-star facility.
The overall price is considered reasonable by some, though a few guests felt it was slightly higher than the value offered. While the hotel maintains cleanliness, there are mentions of structural aging and outdated decor. The visual concern about its appearance being more akin to a hostel than a hotel did not detract from the cleanliness maintained.
However, some negative aspects have been noted. Issues with the overall feeling of cleanliness and lack of staff engagement have been reported, as well as some disappointment with the price-quality ratio. Despite these drawbacks, De Doelen remains a budget-friendly option for those seeking central and affordable lodging with historical charm.
De Doelen is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, particularly towards guests traveling with their canine companions. The hotel has a clear pet-friendly policy and warmly welcomes dogs. Guests highlight the friendly reception, noting the ease with which they could bring their pets along. While some reviews did not mention specific dog-friendly amenities, the general sentiment points towards a positive experience for those traveling with pets. However, details about specific dog-related facilities and services are not widely discussed, so prospective guests may want to inquire directly with the hotel for more precise information.
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Location
Breakfast
Diners appreciate the well-organized and affordable nature of the breakfast, often described as good or excellent. Several reviews mention the elegance and historical charm of the breakfast room, adding a unique ambiance to their morning routine. The service also stands out with mentions of friendly and attentive staff who contribute to a pleasant dining experience.
However, there are a few points of contention. Some guests found the breakfast to be basic or mediocre, noting a limited variety and describing it as sufficient but lacking luxury. A few reviews highlighted specific issues such as the occasional running out of fruit and in one case, moldy rolls being served.
Overall, the breakfast at De Doelen is portrayed as mostly positive, offering good value for money, a pleasant setting and a satisfying start to the day, albeit with room for some improvements.
Dinner
Rooms
However, despite the positive aspects, the overall decor and furnishings lean heavily on the outdated side with many guests noting that the rooms feel dated and in dire need of refurbishment. Issues like noisy environments, particularly for rooms facing the street and a lack of soundproofing have been mentioned. Additionally, the lack of an elevator in the multi-story building poses a challenge for guests with rooms on the upper floors.
While the old-fashioned furniture adds a touch of character, the need for modernisation and a fresh coat of paint is evident throughout. Some rooms are described as very small, yet adequate for short stays, balancing the rustic charm with basic comfort.
In essence, 'De Doelen' manages to offer a cozy, clean and centrally located retreat with all the fundamentals for a pleasant stay, though some aspects might remind guests more of bygone eras than contemporary luxury.
Beds
However, a recurring concern mentioned by guests was the softness of the mattresses with several people finding them too soft and lacking adequate support. Issues like sagging, narrow width and outdated bed components such as broken legs or flat pillows were also noted. Despite these criticisms, some guests did still find the beds to be just fine for their needs.
Overall, while the hotel's convenience and comfort have some highlights, guest reviews suggest that the beds and bedding could use some upgrades to meet a wider range of comfort preferences.
Cleanliness
Several reviews mentioned recently updated or neat bathrooms, which contributed positively to their stay. However, some guests pointed out issues such as stained carpets, visible dust and occasional dirt on blankets. There were complaints about specific areas needing more attention, like carpets that could use a deep cleaning and some instances of mold or water stains in the bathrooms.
The hotel has a charming, old-fashioned feel, which some found appealing, describing it as 'dated elegance.' However, this characteristic also brought criticism with some furnishings appearing worn and in need of refreshing. Regular maintenance issues like creaking floors and low water pressure in showers added to the sentiment that the establishment requires some general updating.
In summary, despite minor drawbacks and areas needing improvement, the rooms at De Doelen are generally clean, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize cleanliness in their accommodations.
Staff
The staff's willingness to go the extra mile, their readiness to assist with bags and their general client-oriented approach contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether it's the friendly owners, accommodating receptionists or the courteous service staff, each member of the team plays a crucial role in creating a hospitable environment. Additionally, the staff's accessibility and quick responsiveness further enhance their reputation for top-notch service.
Overall, guests appreciate the genuine friendliness and supportiveness of the De Doelen team, leaving many with fond memories of their interactions with the hotel personnel.
Wi-Fi
However, not all feedback was glowing. Some guests experienced slow speeds, poor internet quality and audio-visual delays. A few reviews hinted at trouble connecting, indicating that the WiFi did not work for every guest. Despite these issues, most reviews did not explicitly mention the WiFi, suggesting that for many, the internet service was not a defining aspect of their stay.
Family
Parents traveling with children, including babies, found the service to be particularly friendly and accommodating, making their stay more enjoyable. The hotel offers practical amenities like borrowing slippers and umbrellas and there is a secure area in the courtyard for parking bicycles, an added convenience for those exploring the area on two wheels.
Although some reviews noted the decor as outdated, the overall sentiment is that 'De Doelen' is a great spot for a short weekend or an overnight stay. The family-oriented vibe and the capability to cater to various family needs, including for events like family weddings, make it a good choice for families. The hotel's rooms offering pleasant views, such as those overlooking the canal, add to the positive experience reported by guests.
Nightlife
3 Star
The overall price is considered reasonable by some, though a few guests felt it was slightly higher than the value offered. While the hotel maintains cleanliness, there are mentions of structural aging and outdated decor. The visual concern about its appearance being more akin to a hostel than a hotel did not detract from the cleanliness maintained.
However, some negative aspects have been noted. Issues with the overall feeling of cleanliness and lack of staff engagement have been reported, as well as some disappointment with the price-quality ratio. Despite these drawbacks, De Doelen remains a budget-friendly option for those seeking central and affordable lodging with historical charm.
Dog Friendly
No, De Doelen doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at De Doelen.
Yes, De Doelen welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at De Doelen.
No, De Doelen doesn't have a gym.
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