Good location and good alternatives in current lockdown

I had always wanted to try this property out but pre-pandemic I just could not bring myself to pay the asking price.  However at least for me as a consumer, one bright point from current situation some reasonable prices can be found which led to this stay(cation).  I found a very good rate for this property.  This stay was just a day before the Dutch govt, relaxed some of the lockdown rules (eg. letting terraces to open from 12-18h), so lots of alternative in service offerings.

I had a one night stay just before King's Day in the Netherlands (which normally would mean hotels are all packed and filled up even with the ridiculous prices)

The property is located about 5-10 mins walk from the main central train station.  (Exit the front side of the station walk to the left).  It should be doable without problems even if hauling/rolling large suitcases.  It is basically already at the doorstep towards the city centre - with the station/transportation hub around the corner.  There's lots of cafes and restaurants within walking distance including quite a famous Chinese restaurant, Jumbo, just opposite the entrance of the hotel.  Other than that, on a nice summer days, there's lots of possibility to hang around the edge of this small habour area.  

Again I did not bother to do the usual online-checkin using the app since I knew I would have to pass by the front desk for the different verification forms and collect the different information sheets.  A few days before my stay, I did also receive an email from the FD manager on the different procedures and changes.  

As an elite HHonors member, I was proactively upgraded at least a day before when I checked the Hilton app to their King Suite.

On the day itself, I did arrive much earlier than the official check-in time, and I was happy that the room was ready.  (these days I believe the room needs to be at least the day before cleaned and left untouched for the next guest).

Due to not wanting non-guests with reservation entering the hotel, the main entrance was shut and entrance was via the night entrance - only accessible via your key card or hotel employee.  Was greeted warmly on arrival and after the slightly longer check-in due to the all the different registration, etc. I was given the keys to the room.  I have to say tha that the check-in lobby was actually quite spacious and airy for a DT hotel.  Also in the afternoon there was a live DJ music session - one of the more funky-trendy surprise of this property.

The hotel is divided quite uniquely due to its architecture (by itself quite unique).  The room was located at the corner of one of these divide/glass connector.  From the location, I was suprised that the inteior itself was again very roomy and welcoming.  

Interior deco was simple - nothing too extravangant - more Scandinavish style - which to me is also fine as it did give quite a nice home environment.  Lots of light in the room due to the ceiling to floor windows (which guests should be careful as it is all to see from the streets).  The view was towards the city centre and the small harbour area.  There were small columns which you can open the windows.  The noise isolation from outside sources were in my opinion sufficient ( you only hear sirens and only if someone shouted very loud).  

The room had a large living room area - divided into the normal sofa area, a small table for dining/working for 2 (which worked out fine with current inroom dining) and at the corner a relaxation chair to wind down and enjoy the view.  

2 TV's were available on the wall separating the living and bedroom area - one TV on each side.  There was an (empty) minibar and good coffee/tea facilities available.  I was also given 2 (glass) bottles of water - would have been niced if they offered sparking water as an option.  TV offerings was the usual mix of local and international channels.  The climate control (in both living and bedroom) was quite an easy to operate system - though I did not really try it out since the temperature in the room was ok without turning it on.

The bedroom size was ok - just sufficient to move about.  The wardrobe was situated in this room.  Again it was ceiling to floor glass - so make sure to close the curtains unless you want to show it all.  

The bathroom was located at the end of the entrance hall - it had both a bathtub and a walk-in shower.  It was slightly on the smaller side.  For the first time, I saw that it was equipped with the wall mounted body soap and hand soap - although (maybe because it had a bath) still the individually packed amenities.  The water pressure and temperature control was good.

All in all, the room was well layout and nothing major to find fault on.  There was sufficient electrical outlet points (including one for UK plug styles, but none for USB style).  Internet speed was fast and stable.  There were 3 options to log into the internet, I used only the free option and the one inserting your room number and name - did not really notice any difference in speed.

One advantage of this property compared to the NDSM property is that it looks like elite gets a welcome drink and snack (1 per guest) - which I believe from other experience, normally can be consummed at the SkyLounge (the rooftop bar).  Since this was closed in current lockdown, the snack and drink are the same items you order from the take-out menu and by calling down to room service.  I was happy with this alternative as both items were quite substancial in my opinion - of course the location at the SkyLounge would have been better. 

I ordered a cocktail as an option - and to my surprise, the hotel really went out and took creativity to the next level - they had a bartender push around his cart to your room (only limited to the front door) and you could order any of the traditional cocktail. (I had asked to surprise me - aka house cocktail - but sadly not sure if lost in translation or...was asked how i liked my cocktail - ended up with a Mojito.

 All in all, was happy with this alternative offering.

A breakfast list was provided during check-in - and ordering was done via room service.  The list was quite substancial, however there were limits to what you can order from each different sections.  This was known as your breakfast box - and coffee/tea was directly from the Starbucks (located within the hotel itself) menu.  

Breakfast was delivered within 15-20 mins after calling to order - which was in my opinion very good.  The food delivered was still warm - and well organized on propert plates/dishes (which was sadly not the case at the Hilton the Hague - which I had expected the same type of service).  Quality was good.  There was a small mistake in the order - which they accidentally include a service of American pancake - which turned out to be a nice surprised as it was really delicious, maybe one of the best one I've had.  (I don't really fancy American style pancakes since i find it quite bland even with loads of maple syrup).

I also was surprised with the special King's day pastries that they added making it more festive.

All in all, the stay was very good and service level in current times was maintained at a high level.  Only thing is not all the employees at the hotel were Dutch - so there were times that at the initial start of the conversation, especially via the room service, got a bit weird.  

All the different employees that I met or came in contact were friendly and helpful.  

Other than that, I would return to this property and fully recommend this property.  Might even pop by the property in the summer time just to experience the SkyLounge if there's change in lockdown rules by that time.  

There were also on some of the floors some outside balcony where you could have skyline views.