Hotel & Restaurant Infinity

Located in the striking former water tower De Lichtmis along the A28 motorway near Zwolle, Hotel & Restaurant Infinity offers an experience that literally and figuratively stands out from the crowd. Formerly known as De Koperen Hoogte, the establishment was acquired in 2022 and underwent a significant renovation promising a fresh, more accessible start. The most eye-catching attraction is undoubtedly the revolving restaurant, but how does the quality of the alojamiento compare to this unique dining experience? An in-depth look at the facilities and guest experiences reveals a story with two sides.

The Restaurant: A Culinary Highlight with Caveats

Infinity's restaurant concept is based on an all-you-can-eat formula, where guests order small, refined dishes via a tablet. Reviews rave about the quality and flavor of the food, describing it as high-quality and delicious. This concept, combined with the unique ambiance and ever-changing panoramic view, makes dining here a memorable experience. Guests can place a new order every 15 minutes, ensuring a relaxed and staggered dining experience. The lunch menu follows a similar approach, offering a diverse selection of dishes ranging from soup and sushi to burgers and stir-fries.

However, there are some things to consider. During peak hours, when the restaurant is fully booked, wait times for dishes can be considerable, up to 40 minutes in some cases. While this is understandable when it's busy, it doesn't always align with the expectations created by the higher price range. A "thick wallet" is a requirement, according to guests. Another unique, yet unpleasant aspect for some, is the physical sensation of the spinning floor. Several guests reported slight dizziness or a feeling of movement, which can affect balance. This is something sensitive individuals should be aware of.

Analysis of the Habitaciones and the Hospedaje

While the restaurant generally receives high praise, the Hoteles experience is more mixed. The rooms, particularly the suites and rooms with special amenities, have been the subject of both praise and considerable criticism. This makes it difficult to give a clear assessment of the quality of the stay.

The Negative Aspects: A Lack of Detail and Maintenance

A recurring theme in guest experiences is a discrepancy between promise and reality. For example, rooms are advertised with an "XXL bathtub" and steam room. Guests expecting a bubbling whirlpool were disappointed; the bubble function doesn't work, something the hotel states in the fine print ("no whirlpool"). The steam function in the shower cabin also turned out to be defective in some cases. This lack of transparency inevitably leads to disappointment.

There are also complaints about deferred maintenance and a lack of attention to detail in the more expensive rooms:

• Outdated decor: The eleventh-floor suite is described as dated, with a worn leather couch that looks like it's been there for decades.
• Maintenance issues: Faulty lighting above the mirrors, dead batteries in a vanity mirror, and a noisy radiator or air conditioner are examples of inconveniences that detract from a luxury experience.
• Cleanliness: While one guest described the room as “really clean,” another guest with a dust mite allergy reported having a terrible night, suggesting potential inconsistencies in cleaning.
• Amenities: For a suite costing nearly €300 per night, the lack of standard amenities is striking. Guests missed items like a laundry bag, sewing kit, shoehorn, bottle opener, and found the toiletries and number of water bottles inadequate for such a room.
• View and sound: The beautiful view, a major selling point, was marred in one instance by extremely dirty windows. In addition, there was constant noise from the elevator.

These points suggest that the finishing and level of service in the habitations are not always in line with the price and the unique appearance of the building.

The Positive Aspects: Comfort and Uniqueness

Despite the criticisms, there are certainly positive aspects to the Infinity hostel . The beds are consistently described as "more than excellent" and comfortable. The unique location and the experience of sleeping in a converted water tower remain a major draw. For those seeking a unique posada or hostería , Infinity offers an incomparable setting. The foundation for a good stay, a clean feeling (as some experience), and a comfortable bed are therefore all present.

General Impression and Service

The overall condition of the building sometimes leaves much to be desired. Visitors noted a cluttered parking lot with a large dumpster full of trash and malfunctioning elevators, which can spoil the first impression. However, the staff's service is generally rated positively. Reception and waiting staff are described as friendly, neat, and helpful. An incident involving a fly in the food was resolved professionally and immediately, demonstrating a customer-focused approach.

The Breakfast: Sufficient but Modest

Breakfast is served in the room, which contributes to a sense of privacy and comfort. However, guests describe it as "just enough" and "not very exciting," and it falls short of the promise of a "full" breakfast. With one roll, a croissant, and an egg per person, the meal is functional, but not luxurious. The lack of the option to order specialty coffees like cappuccino is also considered a drawback.

A Recommendation for Eating, a Bet for Sleeping

Hotel & Restaurant Infinity is a venue of contrasts. As a destination for a unique dining experience in a resort -like setting with high-quality food and unforgettable views, it's highly recommended. The restaurant concept is well-executed, and the atmosphere is unique.

A more nuanced assessment is appropriate for the hotel section, whether it's a standard room or a luxurious villa -style suite. Potential guests looking for an albergue or départamento for an overnight stay should temper their expectations. The unique location can't fully compensate for the reported shortcomings in maintenance, amenities, and the lack of clarity regarding room facilities. Those seeking flawless luxury and perfection down to the last detail may be disappointed. However, those who come for the unique experience and are willing to accept a few imperfections can find a comfortable bed and an unforgettable night in this iconic building. When booking vacation apartments or rooms, it's advisable to specifically inquire about the functionality of the promised amenities.