Hotel Des Indes

Hotel Des Indes, located on the stately Lange Voorhout in The Hague, is more than just a place to stay; it's an institution with a rich history dating back to 1881. Originally built as a city palace for King William III's treasurer, the building exudes an atmosphere of grandeur and exclusivity that few other hotels in the Netherlands can match. Guests who step inside expect a five-star experience that matches the majestic surroundings and the illustrious guests who have preceded them, from statesmen to world-famous artists. However, the reality proves to be a complex story, in which sublime luxury and profound disappointment can sometimes be surprisingly close together.

The Promise of Grandeur and Comfort

For many guests, Hotel Des Indes truly lives up to its promise. Their positive experiences paint a picture of a perfect stay. The historic ambiance is often mentioned first; the stylish decor, designed by French architect Jacques Garcia, respects the building's classic character and combines it with modern comfort. This isn't a modern resort with clean lines, but rather a classic inn of the highest order, where the splendor of the 19th century is palpable in the marble staircases, ornate ornamentation, and plush lounge furniture.

The rooms and suites are praised for their impeccable condition. Guests describe their exceptional cleanliness, luxurious amenities such as bathrobes and slippers, and, above all, the quality of the beds. The availability of both soft and firm pillows demonstrates the attention to detail essential for luxury accommodations. A notable additional service is the evening round of towel changes and room make-up, a service that enhances the feeling of pampering. Breakfast is also described as fantastic and very extensive, served with a warm welcome that sets the day off to a good start. Its central location, within walking distance of museums and the political heart of the Netherlands, makes it an ideal hospedaje for both tourists and business travelers.

A Tale of Two Sides: When Service Fails

Despite the many praises, a significant group of guests has experienced a very different side of Hotel Des Indes. Criticism focuses almost exclusively on one aspect: the service. The stories are consistent and alarming for an establishment of this caliber. Several guests report feeling completely ignored. A potential diner begins with a ten-minute wait without a greeting, followed by another thirty minutes at an uncleared table, while staff walk past without making eye contact. Such experiences, where guests ultimately leave without even seeing a menu, are detrimental to the reputation of any hospitality establishment, let alone a five-star hotel.

This problem doesn't seem to be limited to the occasional off-day. Complaints about the service are diverse: from having to ask four times for a drink that never arrives, to the feeling that the staff is inexperienced and doesn't speak Dutch. A lack of urgency and customer service is mentioned repeatedly. These service issues are in stark contrast to the luxurious surroundings and the high prices charged.

The High Tea and Other Price-Quality Question Marks

A specific and recurring sore point is the famous High Tea at Des Indes. Although it's touted as a Hague tradition, recent guest experiences have been overwhelmingly negative. For a substantial sum of over sixty euros per person, expectations were high. The reality, however, was disappointing: lukewarm, weak tea served in small cups and limited servings. The dishes, while partly tasty, sometimes deviated from the traditional High Tea concept, such as a course with pumpkin risotto. The most disturbing experience for guests, however, was the feeling of being rushed. After a certain time, guests were asked to leave their table because it was needed for dinner, which abruptly ended the relaxed atmosphere. This kind of experience doesn't align with the expectations of a luxury accommodation .

Another example of a discrepancy between price and quality is the experience of a guest who booked a "VIP table" for €175 and was subsequently seated at a bare Formica table without any decoration. Incidents like this reinforce the feeling that the hotel is sometimes profiting from its reputation without delivering the corresponding quality and service. Exacerbating the situation, several guests report that they sent the hotel feedback emails after their disappointing experience, but never received a response. This lack of aftercare is perhaps the biggest shortcoming.

Who is Hotel Des Indes Suitable for?

Hotel Des Indes is clearly not a one-size-fits-all accommodation . Anyone looking for a budget-friendly hostel , a self-catering apartment , or rural cabanas is in the wrong place. This is a classic, upscale city hotel. The core of the experience—staying in the hotel rooms—seems to be overwhelmingly positive. The combination of historical splendor, comfortable rooms , and a prime location remains a strong asset. It's a place perfect for a special weekend getaway, where the focus is on the tranquility and luxury of your own room.

However, those who come for the culinary experiences, such as a drink at the bar, dinner in the restaurant, or the famous High Tea, should proceed with caution. The service is unpredictable, and judging by the reviews, the risk of a disappointing experience is considerable. It appears that the operational management in the dining areas isn't always up to par with the rest of the hotel . This makes Hotel Des Indes a two-faced establishment: a magnificent historic palace for a princely stay , but at the same time a place where service can be a risky gamble.