B&B The Camel Dairy
BackA Unique Stay with Two Faces: B&B De Kamelenmelkerij
B&B De Kamelenmelkerij in Berlicum presents itself as a unique combination of accommodation and a farming experience. It's not your average hotel or guesthouse ; it offers guests the chance to stay overnight at Europe's only camel dairy. This approach promises an unforgettable stay, but visitor experiences paint a nuanced picture with both notable highlights and significant points of interest.
The Quality of the Hospedaje : Space and Comfort
Regarding the physical accommodations themselves, guests seem to largely agree: the quality is high. The B&B, which primarily caters to groups and can be rented exclusively as a whole, features modern and spacious accommodations . Visitors praise the comfortable, even "fantastic," beds, the clean en-suite bathrooms with rain showers, and the overall cleanliness. Previous guests, including a group of ten colleagues, praised the accommodation as a "wonderfully beautiful house" with a "wonderful space," making it an ideal base for larger groups. The availability of wheelchair-accessible rooms on the ground floor, complete with adapted bathrooms, is a significant advantage that enhances the hostería 's accessibility.
This makes it an attractive option for those looking for a group stay that offers more than a standard vacation apartment or an anonymous resort . The facilities are clearly designed with comfort and functionality in mind.
The Main Attraction: A Safari in Brabant
The absolute highlight is undoubtedly the camel farm itself. The opportunity to go on a camel safari is described by many as highly recommended and a "very special experience." Guests have the chance to see the animals up close, pet them, feed them, and even bottle-feed the calves. This interactive experience is what sets this alojamiento apart from traditional cabañas or villas . It's an educational and entertaining outing suitable for families, groups of friends, and company outings. The unique chance to ride a camel and bake waffles with camel milk makes the stay truly memorable.
Critical Note: Service and Flexibility
Despite the high-quality accommodations and the unique experience, guest feedback highlights clear weaknesses focused on service and hospitality. Several visitors describe the staff as "professionally friendly, but very impersonal." There's a feeling that the business's priority is primarily the camel dairy and less so the B&B guests. This can result in an experience that's less warm and personal than one might expect from a B&B, feeling more like a business transaction than a warm welcome at a posada .
A particularly critical point that emerges is the owners' inflexibility, especially in unforeseen circumstances. A poignant example is a group of friends who had to reschedule their 40th anniversary weekend due to the coronavirus pandemic. Their request to postpone the booking a year was rejected by the owner, despite the exceptional circumstances and the involvement of a booking agent. The group felt pressured to pay the full amount and reportedly received no response by phone or voicemail. The owner's on-site response was perceived as incomprehensible, which severely impacted the group's experience. Although the accommodation itself was rated as "excellent," this inflexible attitude overshadowed the entire stay.
Hygiene and Organization at Activities
Another concern raised in the past concerned the implementation of group activities, such as the safari. One visitor noted that the setup during the pandemic wasn't "corona-proof," with shared food trays and insufficient social distancing in a space with around fifty people. Although the safari was described as "great fun," this raises questions about the organization and attention to the safety and well-being of guests during peak times. Potential visitors, especially in groups, are advised to familiarize themselves with the current protocols in advance.
A Stay with Conditions
B&B De Kamelenmelkerij is a destination that holds a unique promise. It offers the rare opportunity to spend the night among a hundred camels in a comfortable and well-equipped group accommodation. The quality of the accommodations and the unique experience of the camel safari are undeniable advantages. This is no simple hostel or albergue ; it's an experience.
Potential guests, however, should be aware of the downside. The experience can feel impersonal, and the service lacks the warmth and flexibility one would expect from such an establishment. The rigid approach to bookings and the previous criticism of the organization of group activities are serious factors to consider. Ultimately, a stay at De Kamelenmelkerij is a trade-off: do you choose the unique activity and the luxury of the accommodation, or does the risk of impersonal and inflexible treatment outweigh the risks? It is a special place, but one where guests must be aware of the terms and conditions.
