I am currently in the Executive Lounge in the Hilton The Hague on my second stay Since April this year.

The hotel was built on the site of former Postal Service headquarters, with only the foundations and columns remaining from the former building. So this is a brand new hotel. The exterior is dark red brick, and blends in with the surroundings. The hotel is located a few blocks from the Queen's palace and within walking distance of the Parliament.

The hotel is right next door to Mesdag Panorama, the largest painting in The Netherlands. The painting depicted life in Scheveningen, the beach village outside of The Hague.

The first time I came here in April, I took a taxi from Centraal Station, and the fare was €13 (the fare starts at €13 when you get in the taxi), even though the hotel is less 2 miles from the station. I took the bus afterwards. Bus fare has changed in the past two weeks. It used to be €1.60 from the hotel to the Centraal Station, now it's €2.50 if paying cash. This is a very good reason for me to buy an OV-chipkaart this time since I'll be here for 5 days. The tram to the beach this afternoon was only €1.29 with the chipkaart, vs €2.50 cash. From Centraal Station to the Hilton, take Bus #24, direction Kijkduin, and get off at Mauritskade, 5 stops from Centraal Station. Look along the canal and you'll see the Hilton a block away.

The hotel has an atrium in the middle, and most of the rooms have windows facing the atrium. The hallway has exterior windows that offer views of The Hague. As a Diamond, I was upgraded to an Executive room on the 5th floor. The Executive room is decent sized, 31 m2, and nicely furnished, with 37" LCD TV. The bathroom is all glass walls and marble, with separate shower and soaking tub. The odd thing is the make up mirror is attached at almost 6" to the right side of main mirror above the sink. Most people will have to pull the make up mirror forward and tilt down to be able to see.

Executive rooms are on the 5th (top) floor where the Lounge is located. The Lounge is very narrow (<15 ft) and long. Breakfast is quite good, with smoked salmon, smoked fish, so so scrambled eggs and thick bacon (only hot items), assorted breads, yogurt, cereal and drinks. The WMF coffee machine makes a very good cappuccino. Lunch time had smoked salmon and steak tartare sandwiches today. This evening had chicken on skewer, little spring rolls, some kind of balls, assorted cheeses (all flavorful), canapes of shrimp and meat on toast. Drinks included Beck's and Heineken beers, Chilean sauvignon blanc, Italian blush wine, and Spanish red wine (Tempranillo and Syrah blend).

As a Diamond, I was upgraded to an Executive room on the 5th floor. The Executive room is decent sized, 31 m2, and nicely furnished, with 37" LCD TV. The bathroom is all glass walls and marble, with separate shower and soaking tub. The odd thing is the make up mirror is attached at almost 6" to the right side of main mirror above the sink. Most people will have to pull the make up mirror forward and tilt down to be able to see.

Most of the front desk and Executive Lounge staff are students, all very young and friendly. The hotel restaurant is quite good.

It pays to search for the hotel rates carefully. There is considerable fluctuation in the room rates. I paid €175 to €198 in April for 3 nights. This week I'm paying €100 per night for 5 nights on Corporate Benefits rate, individual nights would have been €100 on the weekends and €143.20 weekdays. Regular rates are over €200.

There is construction in the lot next door, apparently there will be new Spa for the Hilton and undergroung parking.

I would definitely stay here if I'm in The Hague.