Camping de Molenhof
BackCamping de Molenhof in Reutum, Overijssel, presents itself as a five-star family campsite, and it lives up to that promise in many ways. The site is clearly geared towards families with young children, which is both its greatest strength and a potential drawback, depending on the composition of the group. Guest experiences vary, but paint a clear picture of what to expect from this alojamiento.
A Paradise for Children
The main attraction of De Molenhof is its extensive facilities for children. Almost every visitor with children praises the play options. A unique feature is the design, where almost every camping field has its own centrally located playground. This ensures that children can play safely and within sight of their own host family , a major plus for many parents. In addition to these fields, there are larger playgrounds, an indoor playground for rainy days, and of course, water attractions.
The "PlonsPlas" is a shallow water play paradise that is especially popular with our youngest guests. The campsite also features an indoor and outdoor pool, which can be combined to form a large swimming paradise in good weather. The entertainment team is also praised for their enthusiasm and dedication, even when only a handful of children participate in the activities. They organize a wide range of activities that make the holiday unforgettable for children.
Accommodation and Sanitary Facilities
The campsite offers various types of alojamiento . In addition to spacious pitches, which are equipped with modern conveniences as standard, there are various rental accommodations. These include fully furnished lodge tents, chalets that feel like luxury cabañas , and even a large family home for larger groups. While not a traditional hotel, the most luxurious villas and rental accommodations offer a level of comfort comparable to apartamentos vacacionales .
One area that receives almost unanimous praise is the hygiene. Guests describe the sanitary facilities as "superb" and "very clean." The buildings are cleaned several times a day, a detail greatly appreciated by campers and contributing to the five-star experience.
Room for Improvement: Hospitality and Adults
Despite the many positive aspects, there are also clear points of criticism. The catering facilities in the central square, "the plaza," are a recurring theme. Several guests report long waits, both when ordering and when the food is prepared. The quality of the pizzas, in particular, is considered downright poor. This contrasts with the otherwise high standard of the campsite. Another notable, though less significant, point is the eclectic music selection in the plaza and restrooms, where Rammstein can be followed by Céline Dion or a Christmas song in the summer, which causes considerable surprise.
A significant drawback for some visitors is the lack of entertainment for adults. While children will never be bored, there's no cozy terrace with atmospheric music or facilities like a dartboard or pool table in the evenings. This makes the campsite less suitable for those looking for some socializing after the kids have gone to bed.
Practical Considerations and Contrasting Experiences
The popularity of De Molenhof also has a downside. During peak season, the campsite can feel very busy and crowded. Some pitches feel cramped, requiring careful maneuvering to park a car and a small tent next to the caravan. The paths on the campsite are relatively narrow, making maneuvering a large caravan in oncoming traffic a challenge. Also, keep in mind that registration for popular activities must be done days in advance, as they fill up quickly.
While most reviews are positive about the hospitality, there's a significantly different tone. One visitor described the campsite as "five-star inhospitable," especially in the off-season. Communication was entirely via an app, with no personal welcome or information. A €10 fee was charged for a simple technical service on the TV, and there was a nuisance from noisy, speeding maintenance staff. This demonstrates that the experience can vary greatly depending on the time of year and personal expectations.
Camping de Molenhof is undoubtedly an excellent choice for families with young children looking for a resort -like experience with numerous play and water facilities and spotlessly clean restrooms. The focus is so strongly on young people that adults without children or with different preferences may feel less at home. Potential visitors should be aware of the potential for crowds, the mediocre hospitality experience, and the limited offerings for adults. Those who prepare themselves for this can look forward to a very successful holiday in the Twente countryside.