Tower room on the fifth floor of the Strijen water tower
BackThe experience offered by the "Tower Room on the fifth floor of the Strijen water tower" places this accommodation in a category far removed from the usual hoteles. This is no standard resort or average Departamento; it's an architectural monument, a restored 1914 water tower, now serving as a highly exclusive space for short-term Hospedaje stays.
The Unique Position in the Accommodation Market
For the traveler tired of the conventional search for an Alojamiento , this tower room represents a radical departure from the norm. Where one might elsewhere seek the luxury of a villa or the community spirit of an albergue , here an intimate, vertical retreat is offered. The location itself, on the fifth floor of a 27-meter-high structure in Strijen, South Holland, ensures that guests are literally above the daily grind. Reviews consistently confirm that the spectacular, breathtaking views are one of the greatest assets, something even the most luxurious hotel suites often lack.
The Character of the Tower Room: Charm versus Practical Use
The specific unit in question here is the round tower room, designed for two people. This is a crucial distinguishing feature. The round shape, while considered charming and unique by some, is described by the owner himself as "really awkward"—a fair indication of the challenges that such a historic repurposing presents. This is the first point potential guests should consider; those seeking the spacious, rectangular layout of modern Apartamentos vacacionales will find an anomaly here. This is not a Cabañas in nature, nor a traditional Posada; it is a technical feat of repurposing.
Amenities: Luxury at High Altitude
Despite the limitations of the cylindrical structure, the room itself is remarkably well-equipped, elevating the experience beyond that of a simple hostería or basic hostel . The available amenities are geared towards the comfort and convenience of a couple:
- A king-size bed for a luxurious night's sleep.
- A modern, private bathroom with shower and toilet, a necessity not always found in very old or very basic hospedaje options.
- Modern conveniences such as a bean-to-cup coffee machine, kettle and microwave allow for a degree of self-reliance, although not full kitchen facilities as in a full Departamento .
- A large television and comfortable reading chairs, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the area.
The attention to detail in the interior design is often praised; it's a successful combination of preserving authentic features with modern, high-quality finishes. This level of care is what sets this place apart from a standard B&B.
The Hospitality and Service: A Highlight
A consistently positive theme in the feedback is the host, Bazz, who is consistently described as very friendly, a "superhost," and who provides a warm welcome. The service throughout the stay is also a strong point. The breakfast, often served as a carefully prepared basket placed on the doorstep, is described as fantastic, extensive, and fresh. For many, this breakfast experience surpasses the service of many larger hotels. The self-check-in via a key box offers flexibility, which is attractive for guests arriving late.
The Outdoor Space: An Unexpected Oasis
A key element that makes the Tower Room more appealing than many other high-rise Habitaciones is its exclusive access to the waterfront garden. This provides a crucial counterbalance to the room's vertical limitations. Guests can enjoy lounge chairs, a picnic table, and barbecue facilities. This outdoor area transforms the stay from a purely "tower experience" to a more complete, relaxing Alojamiento with both elevated and ground-level facilities.
The Disadvantages and Considerations for the Potential Guest
While the Tower Room gets a near-perfect score for originality, there are definite trade-offs a potential customer must make, especially when comparing this place to more traditional options such as Resort accommodations or larger Villas .
1. Fear of Heights and Physical Accessibility
The most obvious drawback, it is mentioned, is a fear of heights; anyone suffering from this should avoid this option. Furthermore, staying on the fifth floor of a historic tower, not originally designed for tourism, involves a significant number of stairs. Although the tower's precise layout (with the Loft reaching floors 9/10) suggests elevators are unlikely, one reviewer notes "a lot of climbing." This makes it less suitable for guests with mobility issues, a limitation compared to the often wheelchair-accessible hotels.
2. The Absence of the Roof Terrace
A potential misunderstanding that the owner is proactively addressing is the separation between the Tower Room and the panoramic roof terrace. This roof terrace belongs exclusively to the larger "Loft" unit in the tower. Guests of the Tower Room on the fifth floor cannot access it. This is an important detail for those who consider the roof terrace an indispensable addition to their hospedaje, as this is the ultimate vantage point they would miss out on.
3. Exclusivity and Scale
This accommodation is specifically designed for one or two people. Its intimate setting makes it unsuitable for families or groups who prefer the space of larger vacation homes or villas. It's a niche Alojamiento that doesn't offer the scale or variety of accommodations one would expect in a traditional hotel or resort .
4. Pets and Additional Costs
Pets are not allowed, which is a limitation for travelers with pets who might otherwise consider a Cabañas or another type of hospedaje. In addition, as with many unique bookings, there are additional costs, such as a cleaning fee and an optional charge for the already highly praised breakfast.
An Experience Above the Norm
The Torenkamer in Strijen is an excellent example of how Alojamiento can evolve from simply a place to sleep to a destination in itself. It's highly recommended for couples seeking an unforgettable, romantic, and unique experience, where the charm of the historic building and the personalized service of the host outweigh the inevitable physical challenges of the stairs or the limitations of the circular shape. In originality, it surpasses any standard Posada or Hostería . Those willing to brave the heights and accept the absence of a private roof terrace will find a Hospedaje that stands head and shoulders above the average, far removed from the uniformity of large hotel and resort complexes.
