Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Eese-Giethoorn
BackSituated on the Duivenslaagte in De Bult, Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Eese-Giethoorn presents itself as a rural retreat, surrounded by the Woldberg and Eese nature reserves. This hotel serves as a base for guests seeking the tranquility of Overijssel and proximity to Giethoorn. However, visitor experiences paint a mixed picture, with the idyllic location juxtaposed with significant improvements in service and facilities.
The Unmistakable Qualities
A consistently positive point in almost every review is the location. Guests praise the beautiful, wooded, and peaceful surroundings. For those looking for accommodation with direct access to hiking and cycling trails, this is a significant advantage. The staff is also frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Visitors feel welcome and heard, which contributes to a pleasant atmosphere. For many, this forms a solid foundation for their hospedaje . There are also positive comments about the quality of the dinners; some describe the food as delicious and the breakfast as fantastic, suggesting the kitchen has potential.
Comfort and Accessibility
Some guests report a pleasant stay in neat and clean accommodations with comfortable beds. The hotel is easily accessible and offers free parking, making it easier to get there. These basic amenities generally seem to be in good order, making it a functional choice for a short stay or as a starting point for exploring the region.
Important Points of Consideration for Potential Guests
Despite the strong points, there are serious caveats that potential visitors should consider. The discrepancy between the promised and the actual experience is a recurring theme in the criticism.
Facilities: A Painful Discrepancy
The most prominent issue is the status of the swimming pool and sauna. Several guests report that these facilities have been closed for quite some time—possibly a year—even though they are still actively advertised on various platforms. The hotel's official website now states that the pool and sauna are "currently closed due to technical issues." For travelers specifically seeking a resort-style experience with wellness facilities, this is a crucial shortcoming. It is essential to verify the current status of these facilities directly with the hotel before booking to avoid disappointment.
Varying Quality of Rooms and Service
The quality of the rooms appears to be inconsistent. While some describe a clean room, others describe their stay in a very outdated space lacking modern conveniences like a refrigerator. Heating via an outdated radiator valve and a renovated bathroom lacking adequate lighting above the mirror are examples of details that detract from the comfort. This suggests that the hotel has been partially renovated, but guests run the risk of ending up in a dated area.
The service also leaves a lot to be desired. There are reports of rooms not being cleaned during multi-day stays, even upon request. Guests had to ask for clean towels themselves or even borrow a dustpan and brush to keep their rooms clean. This level of service is inconsistent with the price charged for an overnight stay, which some consider excessive for the quality offered.
The Dining Experience: From Excellent to Disappointing
The dining experience is equally variable. While one guest enjoys a "delicious dinner," another experiences a disappointing arrangement. A Christmas dinner, for example, was described as a set menu with no options and very small portions. This is in stark contrast to the regular menu, which was rated as good. The breakfast buffet suffers from logistical problems; during peak times, it isn't replenished in a timely manner. The fact that sometimes only one waitress and one cook are present for a full breakfast room points to possible understaffing. One guest even described the quality of the bread rolls as "made of concrete."
Final Verdict: Who is this Hotel Suitable for?
Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Eese-Giethoorn is a two-faceted accommodation. It's an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize a beautiful, natural setting and friendly staff. As a starting point for hiking and cycling tours, it's a kind of luxury albergue or hostería . Visitors who are flexible and willing to accept any inconveniences with the room or service can have a pleasant stay here.
However, for guests counting on the promised amenities such as a swimming pool and sauna, or who expect a consistently high level of service and modern comfort, this might not be the right choice. It's not a traditional resort and doesn't offer options such as separate vacation apartments or villas . The experience can depend heavily on the assigned room and how busy it is at the time of your stay. A critical weighing of the pros and cons is highly recommended, given the hefty price.