Camping Noorthey
BackCamping Noorthey, located at Noortheylaan 27a in Leidschendam, presents itself as a unique accommodation option within the Dutch market. It's a mini- campsite operating in the heart of the Green Heart region, a location that strikes a remarkable balance between rural tranquility and urban accessibility. For potential guests seeking an alternative to traditional hotels or even more basic hostels , Noorthey offers a distinctive atmosphere that draws both praise and some reservations.
The Unique Position: Peace and quiet in the Randstad
What immediately sets Camping Noorthey apart is its location. It's an oasis of tranquility, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of nearby cities. This tranquility isn't just a promise; reviews emphasize that the campsite becomes exceptionally quiet after 10:00 PM, contributing to a peaceful stay. This serenity contrasts sharply with its proximity to major city centers. For example, The Hague is only a fifteen-minute bike ride away, and both Leiden and the coastal region are reachable within half an hour. This central, yet peaceful, position makes it an excellent starting point for both nature lovers who want to walk and cycle through meadows and forests, and city breakers who want to fill their days shopping or relaxing on terraces in historic towns. This type of hospedaje combines the flexibility of an albergue (or a small-scale posada ) with the picturesque setting associated with a rural resort, albeit on a much more intimate scale.
The Variety in Accommodation Options
Although the core of Noorthey is a campsite, the accommodation offered is more diverse than one might expect based on its name. The campsite has a limited number of pitches, divided into comfort pitches (approximately six) and standard pitches (approximately twenty). The experience at these pitches can vary considerably. Guests using caravans, in particular, seem to experience the luxury. Their pitches are described as beautifully maintained, often with a paved surface, which is an upgrade from standard grass pitches. This level of care and the general cleanliness of the campsite reminds some of the facilities one would expect at a luxury resort, albeit without the abundance of luxury rooms or villas .
A significant plus that is repeatedly mentioned is the quality of the sanitary facilities. The toilets and showers are consistently described as fresh and clean. This is a crucial element for any short-term stay , and Camping Noorthey clearly scores highly in this category. Furthermore, the hospitality of the staff is praised; they are perceived as friendly and helpful, which enhances the overall friendly atmosphere.
Trust as the Cornerstone of Service
A unique aspect that emphasizes the small-scale and personal nature of this hostel is the shop system. There's a small shop on the campsite where you can purchase basic necessities. The trust system is striking: guests write down what they bring and only pay for it upon checkout. These kinds of unusual, honest transactions are rare in the modern accommodation industry and contribute to the unique, almost nostalgic charm of the place.
The service surrounding breakfast is also appreciated. Fresh bread rolls and freshly squeezed orange juice are available for order, a luxury for campers who don't want to drive to get basic provisions. For those who prefer not to sleep in a tent, in addition to the camping pitches, there are also two apartments or holiday apartments available, offering an option for guests seeking more conventional accommodation with more privacy than a hotel room , but with more comfort than a tent.
The Downsides: Limitations and Space Issues
Despite the many positive aspects, there are clear drawbacks that potential visitors should consider before booking their stay. The most significant operational drawback is the limited availability of the reception and staff. Information points to extremely short opening hours for service points, often limited to just a few morning hours on Mondays, and sometimes on other weekdays as well, while weekends appear to be closed for service. This implies that guests who experience problems or have questions outside these short windows are left to fend for themselves, a stark contrast to the 24-hour service often associated with a larger resort or modern hotel.
Furthermore, there's a clear divide in the quality of the camping pitches . While the caravan pitches are spacious and luxurious, the situation for tent campers is severely criticized. The area specifically reserved for tents is described as extremely cramped, "crammed together." This means there's hardly any privacy, with tents only a meter apart, and people regularly have to walk through each other's demarcated space. For travelers hoping for a secluded piece of nature, this specific accommodation option within the campsite is unsuitable.
Accessibility must also be considered. Available data indicates that the wheelchair entrance is currently not equipped, which is a significant limitation for guests with mobility issues seeking fully accessible accommodations, something one might expect at some modern villas or resorts .
Comparison with Alternative Forms of Overnight Stay
When comparing Camping Noorthey with other types of accommodation, its niche becomes clear. It's not a place that mimics the luxury of a full-fledged villa or the strict organization of a resort. Nor is it a budget-friendly youth hostel that accommodates groups. It's a small-scale, controlled hostelry experience, geared towards those seeking peace and quiet with their own camping equipment (primarily caravans) or those who can secure one of the two apartments . The fact that the campsite is designated as "car-free" enhances its tranquility, but also requires planning for loading and unloading equipment, which differs from the amenities found elsewhere.
Optimization of the Visit to Noorthey
To get the most out of a stay at Camping Noorthey, strategic planning is essential. Given the limited office hours, it's advisable to make reservations and any necessary communications in advance via the website or by phone. It's also strongly recommended that, if you're traveling with a tent, you explore the options to see if alternative, more spacious pitches are available, or if you have to settle for the cramped pitches offered. This is less of a problem for caravan owners; they can enjoy the well-maintained, paved pitches and the general tranquility.
The proximity to Leidschendam and the direct connections to The Hague and Leiden via the cycling network are the true gems of this accommodation . Guests can enjoy the peace and quiet in the morning and experience the cultural richness of the region in the afternoon, without the constant presence of city traffic on the campsite itself. This is where Noorthey distinguishes itself from a city-center hotel ; it offers a home base that facilitates both relaxation and adventure.
In summary, Camping Noorthey is a well-rated accommodation with a strong 4.4 out of 5 stars, appealing to a very specific target audience. The focus is on personalized, trustworthy service, exceptionally clean sanitary facilities, and idyllic tranquility. The drawbacks lie in the extremely limited opening hours, the lack of privacy on the tent pitches, and the lack of general accessibility. It's a place where the quality of the stay depends heavily on the type of accommodation chosen – a luxurious resort feel for caravanners and a very compact "lodging" experience for tent campers. Those who understand and accept these nuances will find Camping Noorthey a very pleasant and relaxing base in South Holland, much quieter than most hostelry options in the area.
