PLAZA Premium The Hague City Center

The PLAZA Premium Den Haag City Center, formerly known as the Best Western Plus Plaza, presents itself as a four-star hotel with an undeniable strength: its location. Situated at Grote Marktstraat 36-40, this property is literally above The Hague's main shopping street. For visitors who want to experience the city, shop, or be close to cultural attractions, this is a significant factor. However, a central location also brings specific challenges that potential guests should consider. This property offers a mix of excellent amenities and some significant drawbacks that could impact the experience.

The unique structure and facilities

One of the first things you'll notice upon arrival is the unconventional entrance. Instead of a traditional lobby, guests enter an elevator that takes them to the reception desk on the fourth floor. This can be a bit of a challenge for newcomers, but once they reach the top, they'll generally receive a friendly and helpful welcome. The reception desk shares the same floor with a well-equipped fitness center, which several guests consider a major plus. The breakfast room is located on the fifth, and top, floor, offering guests a pleasant view of the city during their first meal of the day. The hotel has 79 air-conditioned rooms and offers free Wi-Fi throughout the building. A welcome bonus is the complimentary coffee and tea available in the lobby.

The hotel's strengths

The advantages of PLAZA Premium Den Haag City Center are clear and confirmed by many guests. The location is undoubtedly its greatest asset. Right in the heart of the shopping district, with countless restaurants, cafés, and cultural hotspots within walking distance, it couldn't be more central. The proximity of tram stops also provides excellent connections to the train stations and other parts of the city, such as Scheveningen.

The rooms themselves receive mixed, but mostly positive reviews. The family rooms, in particular, are praised for their spaciousness, making them a good option for families looking for a comfortable apartment -like setting for their city break. The presence of a refrigerator and sometimes even a microwave in the room offers added convenience. The overall cleanliness and friendliness of the staff are also often positively perceived; employees are described as helpful and proactive, contributing to a pleasant stay . The fitness facilities are modern and well-equipped, a significant advantage for those who want to stay in shape while traveling.

Important considerations and disadvantages

Despite these strong points, there are some serious drawbacks that potential guests should be aware of. These drawbacks can significantly influence the choice of this hotel, depending on personal needs and expectations.

Accessibility: a double-edged sword

The hotel's central location in a pedestrian area is also its Achilles' heel. It's impossible to reach the hotel directly by car or taxi to load or unload luggage. Guests must walk a considerable distance from the nearest taxi rank or parking garage. This is a significant inconvenience for those with limited mobility, traveling with young children, or carrying a lot of luggage. One reviewer noted that even wheelchair taxis don't have access to this area, which casts doubt on the hotel's claim of being wheelchair-accessible. While the hotel is easily accessible internally, its external accessibility poses a significant barrier.

Consistency of rooms and amenities

Another significant problem is the inconsistent quality of the rooms. While some guests enjoy spacious and comfortable accommodations, others report that the standard rooms are on the small side. A more serious and recurring issue is the heating. There are several reports of rooms barely warming up during colder periods, with temperatures of around 15 degrees Celsius reported. This appears to be a known issue for management, but the fact that it continues to occur is a concern.

The bathrooms are another point of criticism. The shower design, in particular, is described as a disaster. Due to a faulty separator or drain, the entire bathroom floor floods, forcing guests to use all their towels to mop up the water. The shower thermostat is also limited, which limits water temperature control. These structural shortcomings detract from the comfort expected of a four-star hotel.

The breakfast experience

Breakfast is described as fresh, but the logistics involved leave much to be desired. Guests report that the food is replenished in minimal quantities, resulting in frequent product runs out. This leads to frustration and long waits, which can be an unpleasant start to the day. While the quality of the food itself is considered good, the service execution is lacking.

Who is this hotel suitable for?

PLAZA Premium Den Haag City Center is a prime example of a hotel where location is paramount. It's an excellent choice for tourists and shoppers who travel light and want to explore the city center. The good family rooms also make it an option for families. However, travelers who rely on direct car access, value a guaranteed comfortable and hassle-free room experience, or expect flawless breakfast service should look elsewhere. Choosing this hotel is a trade-off between a prime location and accepting some potentially significant drawbacks. It's one of many hotels in the city, but with a very specific profile of pros and cons, making it less than ideal for anyone looking for hospedaje or holiday apartments in The Hague.