OK Hotel, Best is the public areas

The main reason to try out this property was really to check out what this new voco brand is about and the transformation of this former old bank (which I used to pass by and used their ATM back in the "old days")

Due to still current situation, why not another staycation night with at least what I thought a reasonable price.  Truthfully I was going in with quite a high expectation of the hotel.  My comparison here would be mainly to the Hilton which I see as on the same level of comparison from both price and facilities point of view.

The property is in the centre of town - and it does seem that the IHG brand is dominating the area around town - with the Staybridge Suite, Indigo hotel (another property which I wanted to try out but still not done yet) and the Holiday Inn Express within a 500m radius of each other.  Further afar, you have also the Crowne Plaza property.

It is very convenient (without large luggage) to walk to this property from the Central Station, about 15-20 mins or 2 stops with the tram (5 mins).  From the other train station, Holland Spoor, it will be maybe 30 mins of walking or with the tram - about 10 mins.

Since it's really in the centre of town, all tourist attractions are close by and within walking distance.  The tram stop is in front of the hotel (which is a blessing and also a nightmare at the same time - more on that later).

I arrived just before noon - was not sure if I could already check in or not, but the main purpose was just to leave my stuff before leaving again to catcht the train down to Rotterdam for an appointment.  There virtually close to no one in the open lobby/common area.  Just a a couple checking in before me, but I was helped quite soon by another associate who was free.  

The check-in process was fast and friendly - given a welcome as an Elite (Platinum) member and was informed that my room was upgraded to a King Premium room facing the street and the elite welcome points.  Other than that, as expected with the (poor and in my opinion useless) IHG loyalty program, nothing else was offered.  

Access to the different floors via the elevator will need to be activated by the key card (for those worried about security).

Whlie walking to my room and from the impression of the open area, I was initially impressed with what they did.  The interior decoration was based on current trend of modern-vintage (think of the 60/70's meeting current times) and the colour template used through out the hotel was dark yet cosy - nothing felt too dark due to lots of natural light coming in.

The room itself - sadly this where the above positive impression crashed.  Although still following the same theme, due to the small ceiling to floor window and also the size of the room, it was in my opinion just not inviting.  

Behind the curtain was a wall.

At the small hallway leading to the bed, was what I believe is the hotel's signature trunk case wardrobe and amenity unit.  There was a small working desk and next to the bed a single person chair and side table (with a complimentary bottle of (still) water).

Coffee/tea making facilities were available - found inside this trunk case wardrobe.  I am not sure if only Premium room has it, but it had a generic capsule coffee machine that comes with 4 capsules (generic brand) and the usual tea flavours.  They did try to add some twist to the theme by having different style of old cups and saucers - which was cute.  

The bathroom size was ok - with 2 person in the same area you could at least still move without really bumping into each other.  Toiletries were as current trend, big bottles attached to the wall -  Antipodes.  There was only a walk-in shower area with a rainshower and hand held option.  Water pressure and temperature control was sufficient.

The best thing about the room was the TV controls - for me this was the first time at a hotel in Europe the TV had the possibility to stream from your devices.  Instructions were easy to follow and it worked fine.  Other than that, the offerings were the usual one with a mix of local and international channels.  

Wifi worked well (login was done with your IHG account) and sufficient and stable.  The room temperature control was also working good and noise level even at the highest fan speed was ok.  

As for noise level - this is sadly where the location of the hotel and the soundproof quality of the rooms facing the street was insufficient.  The usual motorized vehicles were not too bad, but the noise from the tram especially when everything else is quiet was very significant - you could hear the buzz of the tram, the rails and wheels contact during the cornering.  This of course continued until the end schedule which was to about approximately 1.30am.  Noise from the interior hotel itself was ok - maybe due to the low occupancy?

Therefore tip for all, go for the room facing the gardens especially if you're a light sleeper.

Met up with some friends at the Ultra Marine bar - this was again a very well done bar.  The theme was very nice and did make the establishment very inviting.  Most importantly, prices were very reasonable - on par with even the outside cafe/bars.  

I did not try out their restaurant Botanica - and prices and offerings did look inviting.  

It does seem that the hotel's F&B offerings are designed not only for hotel guests, but also for walk-ins - which is a good direction since I for one am not the type that will visit such establishments if I don't stay.  However for me I will certainly return to try out the restaurant.

Breakfast is offered at the Botanica restaurant area.  I went down for breakfast around 9am and it was still very quiet.  Was welcomed by a friendly host and table selection was open.  

Breakfast spread was quite good with the usual mix of cold (continetal) and hot (English like) items.  As for eggs to order - I was not sure if this was a standard offering as it was not mentioned nor stated anywhere.  Anyway, I did ask one of the host and my request was obliged although options were limited (had wanted poached eggs, but looks like they only do the usual different fried egg styles)

One nice thing was for coffee/tea, they do have the option for barista made ones - although I am not sure how they will cope with this with large crowds as during my time there were only 2 -3 hosts. 

There was sudden surge in the number of guests (I am guessing from a small tour group?) which you did see that things went a notch higher - they had to keep up with restocking items and also rearranging some of the items (especially bread - since that small area got crowded).

All in all - the breakfast spread was OK. (I had a rate which included breakfast)

All in all, the different associates that I met were very friendly and helpful.  

All in all - the stay was ok.  Although in my books, I felt that compared to the Hilton, the price-value level was just not there.  (Yes, rooms at the Hilton without an upgrade is on the smaller side, but it does give you a sense of quality).  I see based on this experience that the voco brand is like an upgrade from a HI Express point but with less value.  Yes, it was styfully decorated, but outside of that I still am not sure the direction of this brand.

In addition, just wanted to point out (yes I understand the hotel is stil quite new), but there were a few fixes that is still needed.  For my room, i had the following items that needed a fix

- the electronic door after I left did not want to lock, I did notify the front desk to get it fixed which was done 

- there was an electrical outlet in the room which was basically sticking out (and did not work)

- fixtures that were nok - one of the towel/clothes door hook could not be used

I would certainly return to this property for their F&B establishment, but for overnight stay, I will just return to the Hilton (at least I also have better recognition on the base as an Elite member).