The High Haer

Located at Lhee 27 in Dwingeloo, De Hooge Haer presents itself as a group accommodation aimed at a specific target group: schools, student groups, youth clubs, and families who don't expect high standards of luxury. The owners themselves are very clear about this on their website: "Don't expect luxurious rooms with private bathrooms or anything like that from us." This honesty is a good starting point for a realistic assessment of this hospedaje , which offers a mix of very different experiences. It's not a traditional hotel or a collection of luxury villas , but a functional albergue focused on group dynamics and parties.

The Attraction: Location and Facilities for Groups

An undeniable advantage of De Hooge Haer is its location. Situated near the tourist town of Dwingeloo and within walking distance of Dwingelderveld National Park, it offers an excellent base for groups looking to explore nature. Past guests have appreciated the proximity to both the village and the forest, making it ideal for camps and weekend getaways. The accommodation itself caters to the needs of younger groups with its own disco bar, complete with sound system and lighting. It's worth noting that music is allowed indoors all night, although the volume and bass are automatically adjusted after 10:00 PM. For those who don't want to compromise, a silent disco is recommended. This facility, combined with the option of building an outdoor fire, makes it a potentially attractive location for student and youth groups looking to celebrate.

The basic facilities for a large group seem well-organized on paper. The website mentions the presence of 12 toilets and 8 showers, which is essential to prevent long waits when the hotel is crowded. An older, very positive review from seven years ago also emphasized this, praising the ample number of toilets, showers, and hot water. This reviewer also praised the exceptional service of the owners, who personally drove the group to the train station. This paints a picture of a hospitable Posada that cares about its guests.

A Downside: Recent Criticism of Maintenance and Hygiene

However, the shine of the positive aspects is considerably dimmed by recent and highly critical guest reviews. A recurring and worrying theme is the state of maintenance and hygiene. Several visitors in recent years describe the Alojamiento as "very outdated" and in urgent need of renovation. Specific problems are mentioned, such as poor mattresses, broken chairs, and faulty toilet locks. This is in stark contrast to the comfort one would expect in modern Hostales or Apartamentos Vacacionales .

Even more alarming are the complaints about housekeeping. One reviewer described it as one of the worst experiences ever, reporting mold on mattresses and crockery stuck together. Another guest confirmed that the property needed better cleaning. Practical inconveniences were also mentioned, such as the lack of sinks in the upstairs restrooms, which is a fundamental hygiene issue. These experiences suggest that the standard of cleanliness and maintenance may have declined in recent years, a crucial point for potential renters to consider.

Analysis of the Contradictory Images

How can these experiences be so different? It seems that De Hooge Haer is a property with two faces. On the one hand, there's the foundation that functioned well in the past: a spacious layout, adequate bathroom facilities, and an owner who prioritized service. On the other hand, there's the current reality, where deferred maintenance and inadequate cleaning seem to dominate the experience of recent guests.

The type of habitats and their layout also contribute to the functional, though not always comfortable, character. One guest noted that the room layout was awkward, requiring people to walk through their bedrooms to reach their own. This lack of privacy may be acceptable for a school camp, but can be considered a significant drawback for a family weekend. It's clearly not a hostería focused on individual comfort, but purely aimed at accommodating a large group.

• Advantages:
  • Excellent location near the Dwingelderveld nature reserve.
  • Facilities aimed at parties (disco bar, music allowed).
  • Large capacity with plenty of toilets and showers.
  • Potential for a budget-friendly group stay.
• Disadvantages:
  • Very outdated and in need of maintenance according to recent guests.
  • Serious complaints about hygiene and cleaning.
  • Impractical layout of some Habitaciones.
  • Basic comfort is minimal (e.g. no blackout, broken furniture).

Who is De Hooge Haer Suitable for?

Potential guests should make a well-considered decision. If you're looking for a luxury resort , a charming cabaña , or a comfortable department , De Hooge Haer is definitely not the right choice. The accommodation is explicitly designed for groups who prioritize a low price, a party-friendly environment, and a good location, and are willing to make significant concessions in terms of comfort, maintenance, and hygiene. The owners are honest about the lack of luxury, but recent reviews regarding fundamental issues such as cleanliness and security (broken locks) are points that should not be ignored. If you are interested, it is advisable to request very specific and up-to-date information about the state of maintenance and cleaning protocols before booking. This albergue could be a success for the right group, but a major disappointment for the wrong group.