Holiday park the Italian Lakes – Camping Winterswijk

Holiday park De Italiaanse Meren, located on Buitinkweg in the hamlet of Kotten near Winterswijk, presents itself as a versatile destination for campers and holidaymakers who want to experience the Achterhoek region. With a high average rating from visitors, it's clear that this park has a lot to offer, but a deeper analysis of the experiences reveals a picture with both significant pluses and clear areas for improvement. This resort caters primarily to families with children and offers a wide range of accommodations and facilities, situated in a peaceful, green setting right on the German border.

A diverse range of accommodation options

One of the greatest strengths of this holiday park is the diversity and quality of its accommodations. Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodation options. For traditional campers, there are very spacious pitches available, praised by visitors for their generous size. A significant advantage often mentioned is the option to book a pitch with private sanitary facilities. This option offers additional comfort, hygiene, and privacy, which is considered a decisive factor by many families. The sanitary facilities are compact, modern, and kept spotlessly clean.

In addition to camping pitches, the park offers a wide selection of rental accommodations. These range from luxury safari tents, which combine the feeling of camping with modern comfort, to fully equipped chalets and villas . These so-called "glamping" options are ideal for those looking for a comfortable stay without having to bring their own camping gear. The safari tents are spacious and often situated in beautiful locations, such as on the edge of the "gnome forest," which adds a fun extra dimension for children. Whether you choose a simple camping pitch or a luxurious apartment , the basics for a pleasant stay seem to be well taken care of.

Facilities for young and old

The park is richly equipped with facilities specifically geared towards families. The swimming pool complex is the focal point, consisting of an outdoor pool with a slide and a separate toddler pool. This is a major draw for children. However, a recurring comment is that the water in the large pool can be a bit cold, something to keep in mind outside the hottest summer days. The park's sanitary facilities generally receive high praise. The sanitary building at the front of the campsite, in particular, is described as very modern, clean, and with a "wellness feel," which significantly enhances the overall holiday experience.

Activities and animation: a mixed picture

There's plenty of play space for children next to the swimming pool. The camping fields are often equipped with play equipment, and there's a large central playground. An entertainment team is active during the school holidays. Experiences with this team vary. While the presence of entertainment is appreciated, some guests noted that the team's enthusiasm, for example during children's bingo, left something to be desired. This is a small detail, but potentially important for a child's experience. The park's location is ideal for day trips. Winterswijk is a lively town, and the German border is so close that a visit to a German bakery or the town of Borken is easily accessible by bike.

The culinary experience: the main focus

While the park excels in accommodations and the cleanliness of the sanitary facilities, the food and beverage service is a source of disappointment for many visitors. Both the restaurant and the snack bar regularly receive criticism. A common complaint is the inconsistency of service and product. Guests report that drinks are not served simultaneously, even during quieter periods, and that the presentation of an Irish coffee, for example, can vary from day to day. Sometimes it's served with luxurious extras, other times in a simple glass with a standard cookie. This inconsistency, combined with slow service and prices that are perceived as relatively high, results in the value for money being considered inadequate. While there are also positive notes, such as a delicious iced coffee, the general consensus is that the food and beverage service does not meet the standards expected of an otherwise well-rated park. Many guests recommend staying at the campsite but looking elsewhere for meals or drinks.

Peace and rules: a crucial point for the target group

Another significant and potentially problematic point raised by guests is the enforcement of nighttime silence. The park attracts many families with young children, for whom a good night's sleep is essential. Several visitors have experienced considerable noise from other guests even after the official quiet hours (around 10:00 PM). The lack of visible enforcement by park staff is seen as a major drawback. Guests felt compelled to confront noisy neighbors themselves, which can create an uncomfortable situation. For families who prefer the tranquility of a campsite, this can be a reason not to return. This is a crucial aspect of the hospedaje that needs improvement to maintain the satisfaction of its primary target group.

A park with two faces

Holiday park De Italiaanse Meren is a destination with clear strengths and weaknesses. Potential visitors looking for a holiday home in the Achterhoek region will find an excellent base here.

• The Plus Points: The quality of the rooms and cabañas (or chalets), the very spacious pitches, the option for excellent private sanitary facilities, the overall cleanliness of the grounds and sanitary facilities, and the child-friendly amenities such as the swimming pool and playgrounds. The beautiful and peaceful location near the German border is also a major advantage.
• The Negatives: The food and beverage service (restaurant and snack bar) is subpar, with inconsistent service and poor value for money. The most significant drawback, however, is the lack of active enforcement of sleep regulations, which can be a serious problem for those seeking peace and quiet and families with young children.

In summary, Holiday Park de Italiaanse Meren is an excellent choice for families who value spacious, clean, and comfortable accommodations and who don't primarily rely on the park's restaurants. However, those who are sensitive to noise in the evenings should be aware of the reported experiences. It's a beautiful resort with great potential, which, with more attention to its restaurants and public transport, could become an absolute highlight in the region.