Inn the old Practice
BackWhen searching for a unique place for your next stay, it's essential to look beyond the beaten path of standard hotels and large-scale resorts . Inn de Oude Praktijk in Arkel, located in the province of South Holland, presents itself not as a typical hostería or a traditional posada , but as a small-scale guesthouse with a distinctive character. This accommodation is housed in a former Groene Kruis building, the former practice of the village doctor, which in itself tells a story about the unique nature of this accommodation.
A Unique Concept: More than a Standard Room
Inn de Oude Praktijk offers a specific type of accommodation: a single, fully equipped apartment designed for an intimate stay, suitable for up to three people. This immediately distinguishes it from the many rooms one might expect in larger hostels or albergues . It is a fully equipped unit with its own entrance and private terrace, giving guests the sense of privacy and independence often sought in apartamentos vacacionales .
The apartment, approximately 35 square meters in size, is efficiently laid out. It features a spacious kitchen/diner, a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, and a multifunctional living room. This living room underscores the owners' creative approach: a cozy sitting area during the day, but at night, it transforms into a bedroom with a pull-out bed. This clever use of space is a clear advantage for couples or small families who prefer an apartment to separate rooms.
The Aesthetics: Brocante Meets Industrial
What immediately stands out about Inn de Oude Praktijk is the interior. The owners have a clear passion for an eclectic style, a mix of industrial, worldly, and antique/vintage. The emphasis is on wood and the reuse of old objects, resulting in an atmospheric, tasteful, and yet humorous atmosphere. Unlike the often uniform look of many hotels, this accommodation feels personal and lovingly decorated. It's a conscious choice not to be taken too seriously, which contributes to a relaxed atmosphere.
A special detail that enhances the guest experience are the two water turtles, Shelly and Bill, who live in the kitchen. These living "housemates" add an unexpected charm to the cooking and dining area. While the lack of a television is a deliberate choice, which might be seen as a drawback for some, this is compensated for by free Wi-Fi for personal devices and the availability of board games. For guests looking for a place to truly unwind and unplug from the hustle and bustle of a large resort, this offers an excellent alternative.
The Environment and Unique Service: A Plus Point Compared to Fixed Accommodation
The location itself offers a view that the owners describe as "an old Dutch postcard" from their private terrace: a scene of chickens, a ditch, a dike, a cyclist, and a windmill. This rural panorama stands in stark contrast to the urban setting of many hostales or the artificial surroundings of some resorts.
The surrounding area invites you to explore actively. Guests can use the available canoes or bicycles to navigate or ride the nearby Linge River. Furthermore, the historic fortified town of Gorinchem is only 5 kilometers away, offering opportunities for cultural excursions. These kinds of facilities, which actively encourage outdoor living, are rare in standard accommodations and make a stay more appealing than a simple room in a hostería.
The Flexibility in Payment and Meals: A Big Advantage
One of the most remarkable and positive aspects of Inn de Oude Praktijk is the flexibility offered by the owners. For stays shorter than a week, a pay-what-you-want policy is available for guests who are short on cash. Payment can even be made in kind, such as a stack of pancakes or a song. This level of hospitality and understanding is virtually unheard of in regular villa or apartment rentals and goes far beyond the standard hotel transaction.
Regarding meals: breakfast is not provided as standard, in keeping with the apartment's character and private kitchen. However, a simple breakfast can be provided upon request for €3.75 per person. Some guest reviews suggest that the breakfast provided (when requested) was very good, with fresh products. Another social interaction is the optional "Pizzer Day," where guests can join the owners. This fosters a very personal bond, something rarely found in an anonymous resort or even a larger hostal .
Points of Attention and Less Ideal Aspects
Despite the many positive aspects, it's important to paint an objective picture, as required for a directory review. The apartment is a converted space, and this entails specific characteristics that may not be ideal for everyone. The most frequently mentioned concern is the staircase. It's described as "somewhat challenging," implying that it can be steep or unconventional. Although it can be closed off from both the top and bottom, it's something families with very young children should consider, unlike the often single-level layout of some villas or standard rooms in modern hotels.
Since the Inn is adjacent to the owners' home, noise from the owners' kitchen/diner may occasionally be audible. This is an inherent disadvantage of staying in an annex or part of a house, as opposed to a detached cabaña or a fully independent apartment far from the main house.
It's also important to note that the concept relies heavily on self-sufficiency. While there is a kitchen, there is no television. This is a deliberate choice that aligns with the philosophy of tranquility and disconnection, but it could be a drawback for guests accustomed to the full entertainment facilities of a resort or larger hotel.
Comparison with Larger Accommodation Forms
When comparing Inn de oude Praktijk to larger accommodation categories like a traditional resort, a hotel with hundreds of rooms, or even an albergue for groups, the scalability is negated. It lacks amenities like a 24/7 reception, a swimming pool, or a large restaurant. However, it is precisely this small scale that creates its charm. It offers a niche experience somewhere between a luxury B&B and a self-catering apartment. It is the antithesis of mass tourism accommodation .
Based on the available information, Inn de oude Praktijk is an excellent option for travelers who value personal interaction, unique interiors, and a rural setting with opportunities for outdoor activities like canoeing and cycling along the Linge River. It's an accommodation that stands out for its flexibility (such as the *pay-what-you-want* principle) and the warm, welcoming hosts, making it a memorable destination, far removed from the anonymous experiences one sometimes finds in larger hostels or hotels. It proves that a high-quality stay doesn't always have to mean luxurious amenities, but rather unique experiences and genuine hospitality, far removed from the standard Apartamentos vacacionales.
The absence of a standard breakfast is a factor, but the option to book it for a small fee, or the option to cook for yourself, makes it flexible. Extras like the free loan of canoes, high chairs, and towels underscore the hospitality. This is a place geared towards the discerning traveler seeking an authentic, peaceful base in South Holland, not necessarily the amenities of a five-star resort or a larger hostería. The experience is that of a well-equipped, private apartment with a unique soul.
In summary, Inn de oude Praktijk offers charming, independent, apartment-style accommodations with a strong emphasis on character and personalized service. While the drawbacks are minor and inherent to its small scale and unique architecture (the staircase), the advantages—the flexible payment options, the personal atmosphere, the green surroundings, and the unique decor—make it highly recommended for those seeking a change from more conventional hotels or hostels.
