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Getting dated, not the most memorable stay
Introduction This is most probably my 4th stay at this property with my last stay approximately 4 years ago. Most of my stay has been a 1 or 2 night stay and for this round, it was a 1 night stay. I was curious on the standard of this property post pandemic, as my previous stays has always been quite a pleasure with good recognition as an Elite member. Location [Updating here since there are some changes in the recent years] The property is not located as close to the city centre of the city as one would expect, for one to go into the city centre, it will require a tram ride (which the tram stop is about 5-10 mins walk away from the hotel) and this should be another 10-15 mins. I doubt that walking down to the centre would be advisable. For touristic attractions, there are a few within walking distance of the hotel but also a short tram ride away. Next to the hotel is the Kunstmuseum and the Omniversum. There are quite a number of international organization close to the hotel including the World Forum congress centre. Behind the hotel, there is a local shopping street with sufficient bars, cafe and restaurants. The area is one of the better area in the Hague. Other than that, accessibility to the main train station is possible via the tram (but does require the walk to the tram stop) which is more or less doable with not too bulky luggage. Check In I had initially wanted to check-in via the Bonvoy app, however I noticed that till the day of the stay, no upgraded room was offered to me and therefore I thought maybe as usual a visit to the front desk would provide better opportunities. Sadly this was not the case too. I arrived just after 13h at the property to a moderate busy lobby area, and initially there was only 1 associate working the front desk with one guest, but as I started to wait my turn, another associate turned up which I was called over. I was checked in efficiently but in a very technical way - not really very welcoming but also not rude - just the run down of business. I was greeted as an elite member, but that was it - so the usual run of the mill "required" procedure - which I really hate as it is just useless in my opinion if it's not sincere. I was asked about my welcome gift option (another big degradation with the Bonvoy program now compared to Marriott Rewards). From the tone of the whole check-in process, it was very clear that I would not be getting my upgrade and for the 1 night I really had not the mood to go into that discussion. I am not sure if this is because I had a rather nice BRG rate that they hotel became stingy on this. However a very sad case compared to my previous experience as a Platinum Mariott Rewards member - especially since checking the room availability the hotel was far from being fully occupied. Room The room was located on the 8th floor with a view towards the grounds of the Kunstmuseum and even towards on a clear day Scheveningen area and the North Sea. The room size was actually on the smaller side (in all my previous stay, I was always upgraded to a nicer spacious room). The room was appointed quite well - however it was very clear that after so many years, wear and tear is starting to show and especially some of the upholstery of the seats showed the impact of the usage. There was a small 2 seater sofa against the window and working desk. To indicate the size of the room, it was impossible to push the chair too far back as there was no space due to the bed blocking it. Other than that, first time at a Marriott, there was no real full wardrobe but a open wardrobe. As this was not a deluxe room, there was no upgraded amenities in the room - no bathrobe nor any speciality coffee machine. The usual coffee/tea making options were available. Internet speed was ok - stable and worked well for usual browsing activities. TV channels were the usual mix of local and international selection. Sadly, for this stay no welcome amenity provided in the room (like my last stay). Sleep quality was in general good - with close to no external nor internal noise disturbance. The climate control unit was ok - with not too much disturbance at low fan speed and it did keep the room to the desired temperature. The bed was just right in firmness.The size of the bathroom reflected back on the size of the room with a bathtub. It was possible to have 2 person in the bathroom at the same time, but not the most spacious. The shower pressure was good with good temperature control. However again due to the wear and tear, it was obvious some renovation is due - with lots of plastic water preventing parts loose, and this of course did not function as intended leading to the bathroom area getting very wet due to water leaking out. The toiletries were all now converted to wall mounted pump size bottles from "The Works" - which is the same encountered at other Marriotts in Europe which did the conversion. There was only a small size tube of body lotion from the same brand. What I noticed was also small towels were gone and it's only the medium and large sized towel.s Executive Lounge The Executive Lounge is located on the 9th floor (as the Fitness centre). I am glad that they did not eliminate the Executive lounge. It is opened from 6.30 - 2200 every day. They do serve breakfast at the lounge (so this means for those elite members without the breakfast included, your only option is to have it in the lounge. For the restaurant, you will have to pay the usual rate). Breakfast starts from 0630 during weekdays and weekends it starts at 0700 until 1030 (If I remember correctly)Outside of that it seems that from 16h, there would be some nuts served with (surprisingly alcoholic drinks) and at around 1730, the usual evening hors dóeuvres would be presented. Outside of these hours it's mainly non-alcoholic hot/cold drinks available. During my stay, I was surprised that there was hardly any guests using the lounge - even during the usual peak hours of the evening happy hour. I felt that the food offerings during the evening hours to be sufficient and actually tasty. As for alcoholic drink options, it seems to be quite limited - for me it was not a real issue as I mainly just drink the wines. Breakfast spread was not too bad with a few hot options and in my opinion for a lounge - it was sufficient for a decent and variety breakfast. I found the server during the breakfast hour (especially Robert) to be very friendly and professional [at least one of the only staff I would say stood out from all the others I interacted with during my stay]The only improvement in the lounge would be the furnitures, it was clearly showing it's heavy usage with lots of the furniture being dirty and not much cushioning support. Service In general, I felt that staff at this property to have degraded (they used to be very friendly in previous times) and especially comparde to the Hilton down in the city centre, much improvement would be needed. Overall All in all, it was quite a dissapointing stay especially when previously it was such a pleasure staying at this property. Will I suggest this property, from this stay I would say not, as there was just not much advantage of this property compared to other same level hotel level - and especially combined with the location, there is really not much advantage or pros to select this property - from rate, service standard and location. Value for money at this property just does not seem to be there based on my experience (if paying the asking rate)For me, I do have another stay later this year again with a nice rate, which I will keep just to have another experience to compare to.
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more location information
As other FTs have reported, the major issue this property faces is its remote location. It is located a short walk from the World Forum stop on Tram 1 & 4 stops from the Kuntsmuseum stop on Tram 16 i.e. easily reached by public transit. I did not find Google Maps very helpful and was advised to avoid taxis in The Hague.
Why is it in such a remote location? Its because The World Forum is in what is known as The Internatioanl District - where a numberf of int'l agencieslocated after WW II.Next door to the OPCW and (unfortunately) a long distance from the ICCR. PM me if you need a hotel contact ? |
Quick review
Hi,
A quick review on my 2nd stay this year - on a BRG rate. Did not get any upgrade offered by the Front desk. They did recognize me as a returning customer and asked if I wanted the same room as my last stay (back in Oct). I asked what about an upgrade to a Suite - the FD agent checked and found one for me (on the 6th floor). The check-in process did take while as the person checking me in seems to be the most senior on duty during my arrival and had to handle some issues from staff during the process. (I know, not the most customer friendly attitude). Lounge was good - one of the better one with some nice offerings (instead of just finger food = fried items). Only small irritation is that there are a few long stay guests who seems to treat the lounge as their living room - hogging the TV remote and talking rather on the loud side. It was like an "Up in the Air" film - they were both comparing status - both seems to be LTP (I could have chimed in as LTT :)) and one has Ambassador status. Than they started talking about which Marriott chain hotel they have stayed inclding the Ritz, etc.. even showing photos to the lounge attendant who obviously know who they are. The suite was good - with a nice view. Cheers! https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5e8591fb3b.jpg Living room https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ef940af05a.jpg View of separation to the bedroom https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...41a5d9627e.jpg Entrance hall https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...25e7a6f224.jpg Bathroom https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ad81674b23.jpg Walk in shower (bathroom was on the smaller side) https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4f45d8e7d6.jpg Wardrobe https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7f23a8689c.jpg Bedroom https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7045c31ab5.jpg Executive Lounge |
I will be visiting Delft but there is no Marriott hotels and the closest is in Hague. Does anyone know how easy it is to get to downtown Delft from the hotel? Thanks!
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Originally Posted by gongtiger
(Post 35279200)
I will be visiting Delft but there is no Marriott hotels and the closest is in Hague. Does anyone know how easy it is to get to downtown Delft from the hotel? Thanks!
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The new Residence Inn is in the city center, and closer to the train station.
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Originally Posted by KingCanute
(Post 35279228)
It's an easy train ride from The Hague to Delft. But the Marriott at The Hague isn't too close to the station so you'd need to take a tram or taxi first to pick up the train. There are other Bonvoy hotels closer to the station, or if you are set on Marriott brand the Rotterdam version is next to the station and might be a quicker journey door to door than from the one in The Hague. At the other end it's a short but nice walk from the station to the centre of the old town. Depends where you need to get to really.
Originally Posted by TravisMT81
(Post 35280783)
The new Residence Inn is in the city center, and closer to the train station.
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We are currently at the Residence Inn in The Hague but were just out by the Marriott yesterday as it is next to the Kunstmuseum. Bus #24 will take you downtown; I believe the last stop should get you pretty close to the train station. And yes, the Residence Inn / Moxy are a very short walk to the train station.
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Originally Posted by KingCanute
(Post 35279228)
It's an easy train ride from The Hague to Delft. But the Marriott at The Hague isn't too close to the station so you'd need to take a tram or taxi first to pick up the train. There are other Bonvoy hotels closer to the station, or if you are set on Marriott brand the Rotterdam version is next to the station and might be a quicker journey door to door than from the one in The Hague. At the other end it's a short but nice walk from the station to the centre of the old town. Depends where you need to get to really.
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Originally Posted by gongtiger
(Post 35287165)
Thanks very much! Do you know how much is the typical train ride to Delft?
The Dutch railways website is great for searching times and prices: https://www.ns.nl/en |
Originally Posted by gongtiger
(Post 35287165)
Thanks very much! Do you know how much is the typical train ride to Delft?
€3.90 from Rotterdam Centraal to Delft , direct train, either 12 or 14 mins. €2.90 from Den Haag Centraal to Delft , direct train, 17 mins. €2.90 from Den Haag Centraal to Delft, with one connection, 11 mins. |
Thanks very much! This is very helpful!! With train rides that accessible, hotel options are much much more.
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With so few reviews here, I was reluctant to stay. Even made an alternate booking at another hotel in Rotterdam just in case.
Location: Mind you, I was not on a first-time trip to the NL, nor was it my first time visiting DH (Den Haag). But I had a great stay! While the hotel is distant from main tourist attractions, there are 2 tram lines directly to the central station (17 and 1), and Tram line #1 also goes directly to Delft Centraal, which made for a lovely day trip. For trams, you can just tap your credit card, no need for tickets, though an unlimited day ticket can be purchased at the train station (visitor center?) as well. The best part for me, looking for more Dutch authentic experience, was that the Marriott is located just a 5 minute walk to the Kunstmuseum, a very good museum that is not crowded but has some very interesting exhibits. Check out their website. In addition, if you walk past the museum another 5 minutes, you will get to a super vibrant, friendly, local neighborhood called "De Fred" that offers some excellent restaurants, cute local stores, bakeries, a decently sized Albert Heijn supermarket, etc. In summertime, the area is popular as it's quite near to the beach. I didnt' go there as the weather was not good, but anyway, the location is bad if you're trying to be a tourist; I'd return and stay there again for a weekend getaway. Was treated well on a 3-night weekend stay as a Titanium. Nice upgrade to a suite. Breakfast in the main restaurant was fine, but heaving with people and understaffed. Not any worse than other hotels post pandemic but not much better. Some staff did actually remember me and even remembered my a la carte order from the day before, so they are trying hard! Also, there is an a la carte menu with maybe 10-12 dishes on it that you can order. Tasted fine. Lounge: Best evening lounge experience I've had in a while: nice view, uncrowded all three nights, friendly attendant, "real food" served-- nice selection of salad, and a very good main dish, usually a fish dish (paella one night, salmon another night, etc). That said, there is ONE option for hot food but it was very good all three nights. A few desserts are put out but not replenished. Drinks are free from 5:30pm to 930pm (!) and the food is there from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, though it does get picked over. So for my needs, it was a 5/5 experience! |
Hi,
Just completed 1 night here as a Titanium elite after maybe close to a year not staying. In general hotel is still ok. Elite benefits: - upgraded to a King Executive room (I did see for my night, there was still 1 Jr Suite available, but was told the room was not ready yet (and could see the agent was not very keen to pursue it further). - breakfast only in lounge (my rate was including breakfast, but there were some confusion on this - more on that later). - Welcome gift was either points or F&B credit (not sure how much as I went for the points) Pros: - lounge was open the whole day with some snacks - breakfast although officially ends at 1030 (weekday) and 1100 (weekend), they do leave things until late, so you can also drop by to grab whatever is left. - evening happy hour is quite long for this property - drinks until 2130 (from 1730) and food until 1930 - offerings was quite good - although presentation wise, it seemed to have dropped compared to the last time, and certainly the beginnings of the property where it was much more elegantly presented. Last night, they did have a proper hot meal - rice with thai green curry and a soup. They did initially have some fried snacks - but it was never refilled. - alcoholic offerings was not too bad - lounge staff was in general friendly and welcoming (those who know Shirley will know what I mean, she was like the last time, quite known to those who visit the property regularly/long stay) Cons: - I still find the front desk agents to be quite unwelcoming. I had one who basically seemed that she could not wait to go home, no smile but did run through the usual sequence of those checking in. - Although sold as an executive room, it was not really to the level of an executive room - no bathrobes, limited toiletries, nothing "executive" about the room - as mentioned, the presentation of items in the lounge seems to have degraded, and they kept running out of cups/glasses and plates. - Lifts were behaving quite strange, seems to have a mind of it's own, for example it shows going down, but it goes up when you step in. At least on my floor, the call buttons worked at times, and sometimes not - for the first time staying when there were some strong wind last night, but I guess due to the building structure or materials used, there were some quite metal scrapping/hitting together with every gush of wind, made sleeping when it started and the whole morning quite distracting - lounge seating/arrangement seems to not be optimized, especially when hotel is full with eligible lounge guests. - Breakfast offerings seems slightly more elegantly presented at the Hilton compare here. All in all - not too bad of a stay, and will only return when needed/good rate. Just some other observations - hotel is quite popular with Americans, with the lounge filled with maybe 80% of them yesterday. And as usual, when there's free alcoholic drinks, you see most of the time interesting behaviours. Had a group that sat there from 1730 (I believe) until after 2000 hours and they had no shame of basically taking 2-3 whole bottle of wine to the their table within the 4 of them, and before leaving, filling the wine glass to the rim with wine for the room. :eek: [Ok I have seen this before with even Dutch guests during my last stay, but at least during their stay, they did not go overboard with it] - I was surprised that United airlines sent their crew so far from Schiphol to this property. Noticed some had lounge access while other did not and even had to pay for their own breakfast. Did not remember seeing them the last time. Cheers! |
Originally Posted by nldogbert
(Post 36351789)
Hi,
Just completed 1 night here as a Titanium elite after maybe close to a year not staying. In general hotel is still ok. Elite benefits: - upgraded to a King Executive room (I did see for my night, there was still 1 Jr Suite available, but was told the room was not ready yet (and could see the agent was not very keen to pursue it further). - breakfast only in lounge (my rate was including breakfast, but there were some confusion on this - more on that later). - Welcome gift was either points or F&B credit (not sure how much as I went for the points) Pros: - lounge was open the whole day with some snacks - breakfast although officially ends at 1030 (weekday) and 1100 (weekend), they do leave things until late, so you can also drop by to grab whatever is left. - evening happy hour is quite long for this property - drinks until 2130 (from 1730) and food until 1930 - offerings was quite good - although presentation wise, it seemed to have dropped compared to the last time, and certainly the beginnings of the property where it was much more elegantly presented. Last night, they did have a proper hot meal - rice with thai green curry and a soup. They did initially have some fried snacks - but it was never refilled. - alcoholic offerings was not too bad - lounge staff was in general friendly and welcoming (those who know Shirley will know what I mean, she was like the last time, quite known to those who visit the property regularly/long stay) Cons: - I still find the front desk agents to be quite unwelcoming. I had one who basically seemed that she could not wait to go home, no smile but did run through the usual sequence of those checking in. - Although sold as an executive room, it was not really to the level of an executive room - no bathrobes, limited toiletries, nothing "executive" about the room - as mentioned, the presentation of items in the lounge seems to have degraded, and they kept running out of cups/glasses and plates. - Lifts were behaving quite strange, seems to have a mind of it's own, for example it shows going down, but it goes up when you step in. At least on my floor, the call buttons worked at times, and sometimes not - for the first time staying when there were some strong wind last night, but I guess due to the building structure or materials used, there were some quite metal scrapping/hitting together with every gush of wind, made sleeping when it started and the whole morning quite distracting - lounge seating/arrangement seems to not be optimized, especially when hotel is full with eligible lounge guests. - Breakfast offerings seems slightly more elegantly presented at the Hilton compare here. All in all - not too bad of a stay, and will only return when needed/good rate. Just some other observations - hotel is quite popular with Americans, with the lounge filled with maybe 80% of them yesterday. And as usual, when there's free alcoholic drinks, you see most of the time interesting behaviours. Had a group that sat there from 1730 (I believe) until after 2000 hours and they had no shame of basically taking 2-3 whole bottle of wine to the their table within the 4 of them, and before leaving, filling the wine glass to the rim with wine for the room. :eek: [Ok I have seen this before with even Dutch guests during my last stay, but at least during their stay, they did not go overboard with it] - I was surprised that United airlines sent their crew so far from Schiphol to this property. Noticed some had lounge access while other did not and even had to pay for their own breakfast. Did not remember seeing them the last time. Cheers! It's not a new building, if you look carefully up at the external signage you can see where it was rebadged from a Bel Air. I was upgraded from base room to a junior suite as an Amb, but no other perks on top of yours. The room did have bathrobes and a nespresso machine. The lounge was much busier last night than Tuesday. The staff in there all seemed friendly (not just Shirley), and I also found the 3 or 4 front desk staff I spoke with to be fine with me. Also the lobby level bar was very busy on Tuesday night as they were showing the NL football match. Despite perhaps looking a touch understaffed for the numbers, those working there were relaxed, friendly and efficient, and everything came without delays. I also experienced some non-functioning lift call buttons, but can't say I noticed any external noise either night. Overall I would say the staff were good, but some parts of the building might enjoy a little freshen up. It's not a "boutique" style property for those that may prefer cutting edge, and it is also a bit out of the way. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e5fcdc1857.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...35eeae7bf7.jpg |
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