Bloemendaal's BEST Lodge? (Combi Microwave Included!)
Bloemendaal's BEST Lodge: A Review That's Honestly Messy (Combi-Microwave Included!)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the ACTUAL tea on Bloemendaal's BEST Lodge. Forget polished travel brochures; this is the real deal, warts and all, and yes, that includes a deep dive into the glorious, yet sometimes terrifying, world of the combi-microwave.
(SEO/Metadata: Bloemendaal's BEST Lodge Review, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Combi-Microwave, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly, Beach Proximity, Netherlands Hotels)
First things first: the hype. I had high expectations, fuelled by those glossy pictures of sun-drenched terraces and promises of "unparalleled relaxation." Did it live up? Well, let's just say it was a rollercoaster, and I'm still a little dizzy.
Accessibility – The Good, The Okay, and the “Hmm…”
Wheelchair Accessible: They say they're wheelchair-accessible. And yes, the main areas seemed okay – decent ramps, elevators that didn't look like they were about to plunge into the abyss. But, get this… some of the hallways were a bit…cosy. Like, "can you really navigate this with a wheelchair?" cosy. I saw a couple struggling, and my heart sank. This is an area where they could step up big time.
Elevator: Yes! Praise be! Because my room was, alas, far up.
Facilities for disabled guests: Mentioned the wheelchair accessibility. Specifics? A little vague. I'd recommend calling and drilling down on the specifics if you need it.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And it was… mostly reliable, thank the digital gods). There was also LAN! Who uses LAN anymore? I dunno, but it was an option.
Rooms: Combi-Microwave Mania and Other Adventures
Oh, the rooms. Comfortable? Yes. Stunning? Okay, mostly. The "extra long bed" was a win. But let's address the elephant in the room… or, rather, the combi-microwave in the room. This thing was a beast. Part oven, part microwave, part… I don't know, existential threat? I spent a good twenty minutes just trying to figure out how to open the dang thing. Once I did, I cautiously made a microwaveable meal. It was… edible. But the experience? A memory. Oh, and the "bottle of water"? Bless. It was complimentary.
- Air Conditioning: Needed that one.
- Alarm clock: Classic.
- Blackout curtains: Slept like a log.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Hair dryer: Thankfully present.
- Mini bar: Yup. Stocked.
- In-room safe box: Because, let's be honest, who doesn't need a safe box when you're surrounded by delicious food and the possibility of total relaxation?
- Non-smoking: Thank you, universe, for this.
- Shower: Good pressure.
- Wi-Fi [free]: A savior.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Journey (with Occasional Mishaps)
The BEST Lodge tries to be a foodie paradise. And sometimes, it succeeds.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was… interesting. The Western breakfast was… okay. The coffee, though? Let's just say I needed a lot of it to wake up.
- Restaurants: There were a few. One had a lovely terrace. The other was more… formal. The food quality? Varied. Some dishes were fantastic, others… well, let's just say they could have used a little more love.
- Poolside bar: Fantastic for a quick fix.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifeline, especially after a late night.
"Things to Do, Ways to Relax" – Spa Day Dreams and Gym-Induced Groans
This is where the BEST Lodge really shines, and also where the potential for disappointment lurked.
- Spa/sauna: Bliss. Absolute bliss. The sauna was hot, the steamroom… steamy. My skin felt like silk afterwards, and all the daily stresses melted away.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful. Picturesque. Perfect for Instagram.
- Gym/fitness: Okay… this? It looked like it hadn't been updated since the early 90s. Still, you couldn't say no to the workout.
- Massage: Worth every penny.
- Body scrub/Body wrap: Did it. Loved it. The masseuse was excellent, and everything was clean and perfect.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Sanitization Station
I'm a stickler for cleanliness, especially these days. The BEST Lodge seemed to take this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: Check, check, check. Everything seemed pretty spotless, and it provided some peace of mind.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed the case. They all wore masks, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Helpful, if a little overwhelmed at times.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Laundry service: Good to have.
- Car park: Free!
- Luggage storage: Useful if you have an early flight.
For the Kids…
- It's a fairly family-friendly place. The kids seemed happy!
Getting Around
- Car park [free of charge]: Huge win. Saves a lot of hassle.
- Car park [on-site]: Yep.
- Taxi service: Always an option.
Quirks, Quibbles, and the Verdict
Look, the BEST Lodge isn't perfect. It's got its flaws – some dated gym equipment, inconsistent food quality, and some areas that could be more accessible. But… it's also charming. It's got heart. And that spa? That spa almost made me cry (in a good way).
Would I go back? Maybe. If they sorted out the accessibility and upped their game in the restaurant, absolutely. And if they promised not to judge me for befriending the combi-microwave.
Final Verdict: 4 stars (with a mental note to pack my own coffee). Worth the trip, but make sure you bring an open mind and a good sense of humor. And perhaps a microwave tutorial, just in case.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Pakostane Holiday Home Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average travel itinerary. This is…well, this is me, trying to navigate a bloody COMBINATION MICROWAVE in a "Great Lodge" in Bloemendaal, Netherlands. Wish me luck (and a strong WiFi signal, because I really need to check my bank balance after this).
The Great Lodge of… Anticipation (and Mild Panic): A Bloemendaal Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Microwave Confrontation
- 14:00 (Give or take… I have a terrible sense of time): Arrive at the Great Lodge. First impressions? Uh, it’s…okay. Looks a bit like someone's grandma’s overly-decorated beach house. Which, you know, it probably is. The air smells faintly of pine and…cat food? I hope that's just my imagination.
- Emotional rollercoaster: Pure, unadulterated excitement, followed by a sudden wave of "Did I actually book this?" followed by, ok, well, the cat food smell, and the question of why it is a cat food smell, and where is it coming from?
- 14:30: Unpack. Find a lovely welcome basket, complete with stroopwafels (thank the gods). Then, the real test. The combi microwave. It's a beast of a machine. I swear, I’ve seen simpler operating systems on a Mars lander. I stare at the cryptic symbols for a good five minutes, my brain slowly turning to mush.
- Quirky Observation: Is it just me, or are appliance manuals written in ancient hieroglyphics these days? Did they outsource them to the same people who design escape rooms?
- 15:00-16:00: Trial and error. Attempt to microwave some leftover stroopwafels (don’t judge – they were cold). Smoke alarm goes off. I quickly pull them out. They are…slightly charred and rock hard. Success! (Not really).
- Emotional outburst: OH. MY. GOD. I CANNOT HANDLE THIS THING. I am going to starve. I am going to live on cold stroopwafels and a diet of despair. I need a stiff drink (or three).
- 16:30: Walk to the beach. Bloemendaal aan Zee. It is a gorgeous, windswept thing of beauty. Sea, sand, and enough wind to blow my hair into a permanent state of frizz. A couple of old guys are doing… something… in the water with surfboards. Looks freezing. I love it.
- Opinionated commentary: Dutch beaches are the perfect antidote to overpriced, overly-polished tourist traps. They're raw, they're wild, and they don't give a damn about your perfectly curated Instagram feed.
- 18:00: Dinner at a beachside cafe. Fish and chips (because, cliché… and delicious). The waiter is a goddamn legend, telling jokes, and flirting with the tourists. I'm suddenly a bit less miserable.
- Messy moment: Spill a bit of mayonnaise on my jeans. Pretend it's part of the "relaxed beach vibe." Try not to let the seagulls steal my chips.
- 20:00: Back at the lodge. Microwave-free evening. Crack open a bottle of wine (thank you, welcome basket). Contemplate the meaning of life and the proper way to operate a goddamn microwave.
- Rambling thought: Do you think the aliens are watching us, laughing at our inability to operate our own appliances? Probably.
Day 2: Haarlem & the Quest for Edibles
- 09:00: Wake up. Feel slightly hungover. The Great Microwave Confrontation is postponed until later. Drink copious amounts of coffee.
- Emotional reaction: Briefly contemplate canceling the whole trip. Remember the stroopwafels. Push on.
- 10:00: Take the bus to Haarlem. Lovely, charming city. Cobblestone streets, canals, the whole shebang.
- 11:00: Wander around Haarlem. Visit Grote Markt. The St. Bavo Church is immense and absolutely beautiful. Buy a silly hat (impulse purchase, always a good sign).
- Opinionated point: The Dutch know how to do a market! Fresh produce, artisan cheeses, flowers…it’s a feast for the senses (and the stomach).
- 12:00: Food shopping. Search for something that is not the stroopwafels or fried. Find bread, cheese, ham. Realize I have a serious cheese addiction.
- Minor category: Grocery shopping is its own adventure, right? Deciphering foreign labels, trying to calculate grams of cheese, and avoiding the impulse to buy all the cookies.
- 13:00: Lunch in a canal-side cafe. (Cheese and ham on bread, with a side of judgment from the locals for eating a touristy sandwich, but who cares).
- 14:00: Explore Haarlem. More canals, more charming buildings. Get slightly lost. (Always a plus).
- 15:00: The Great Microwave Confrontation (Part Two). Armed with cheese, bread, ham, and a renewed sense of determination, attempt to make… something. Success! (ish). Managed to heat up a slice of bread with cheese and ham. Not terrible, and with no smoke!
- Doubling it down: Ok, this microwave. I am going to master you. I have to. This is a personal challenge. This is war.
- 16:00: Relax, and enjoy the view.
- 19:00: Back in Haarlem for dinner - went to a new restaurant. Amazing dinner!
- Emotional response: The food was amazing! Never before have I felt the satisfaction of a good meal.
- 21:00: Take bus back to Lodge. The Great Microwave Confrontation (Part Three): more stroopwafels.
- Rambling thought: Maybe tomorrow I'll try making something more complex…maybe.
Day 3: Beach Day & Farewell (and the Final Microwave Chapter)
- 09:00: Wake up. Feel surprisingly…rested. Consider a run on the beach, but decide against it.
- 10:00: Head to the beach. Spend the day soaking up the sun and the sea air. Read a book. People-watch. Perfect.
- Quirky observation: Dutch people are remarkably good at just being on the beach. No frantic sunbathing, no posing for selfies. Just…chilling. I love it.
- 13:00: Lunch at a beach shack - this time, a burger.
- 15:00: Back at the Great Lodge. The Final Microwave Confrontation. (Deep breath). I try to heat up a leftover burger. The smoke alarm stays silent! Achievement unlocked!
- Emotional reaction: Victory! I did it! I conquered the combi microwave! (Okay, it was just a burger. But still…)
- 16:00: Pack. Say a sad goodbye to the Great Lodge.
- 17:00: Depart from Bloemendaal.
- Messy closure: Reflect on a journey not only of scenery, but also of personal growth (and microwave mastery).
Post-Trip Ramblings (and Lessons Learned):
- The Microwave: I still have no idea how it worked, but I survived.
- The Dutch: I am in love.
- Future Trips: Definitely need another visit. Perhaps with a microwave expert.
- Final Thoughts: Bloemendaal and Haarlem are fantastic. The Great Lodge, in its own messy way, created a memorable experience. Now, back to reality…where I'll try to avoid any combi microwaves for a while.
Bloemendaal's BEST Lodge: Your Brain's Guide (Probably More Confused Than Helpful Edition)
Okay, so... Bloemendaal's BEST Lodge. Is it actually *best*? I'm skeptical. Like, real skeptical.
Best? Well, that's a loaded word, isn't it? Let's be real, Bloemendaal is amazing, beaches, dunes, the whole shebang. And the *lodge*... it's got its own unique charm. My first impression? "Huh. Rustic." Which, let's be honest, sometimes translates to "needs a good scrub," but hey, I'm adaptable. I went with my partner. We were looking for a romantic getaway. Spoiler alert: romantic it was... in the sense that we survived a week. We got to know each other very well. That's something! It’s not exactly the Ritz, but it’s a world away from a hostel.
The Combi Microwave. The *actual* burning question. Does it work? And can I make proper food?
Oh, the combi microwave! The heart of any self-respecting vacation! Okay, look, it WAS a highlight. It's... well, it *exists*. Let's say that. I tried to make a pizza. I really, REALLY did. The instructions were in Dutch, which, let's just say, my level of Dutch is limited to "hallo" and "two beers, please." It was less a pizza and more a... solidified blob of cheese and sadness. But! It *did* heat things up. Those frozen fries? Game changer. So, yes, it works. In its own, slightly baffling and potentially fire-hazard-adjacent way. Expect to experiment. And maybe bring your own pizza cutter. (Just my advice.)
What about the bedrooms? Are they clean? Or am I gonna be sharing with some unwanted housemates?
Clean? Well, this is where things get... subjective. Let's just say, the bedsheets *felt* fresh. That's a win, right? The rest? Well... I'd recommend bringing a can of disinfectant wipes. And maybe your own vacum cleaner. Look, I'm not trying to scare you, but some of the corners... let's just say they've seen things. Unwanted housemates? I didn't *see* any, but I definitely heard some things scurrying around at night. My advice? Embrace the "rustic" vibe. And maybe pack some earplugs.
Is it near the beach? Because... beach. That's why I'm going, you know?
Oh, the beach! The reason we all brave the potential for questionable cooking appliances, the dubious cleanliness and the slightly strange noises. YES. It's close. Walking distance. That's the BEST part. Seriously, the beach is gorgeous. Soft sand, the wind whipping your hair, the salty air... it's magical. Best Lodge is like a portal to awesome beach fun! Even after the pizza incident, it was all worth it. The beach is what makes it awesome, and you'll have to go there.
Okay, you've painted a picture. But what's the *vibe*? Is it family-friendly? Party central? Or something in between?
The *vibe*... Okay, imagine a slightly disorganized, but generally pleasant, gathering. Lots of families were there. The whole scene is very casual. There’s a bit of a "let's all just chill and have a good time" vibe, which is nice. It's not, like, Ibiza. It's not exactly quiet contemplation. It's… somewhere in the middle. You're going to be fine. It's all about the beach and the relaxed atmosphere. Bring your kids, bring your parents, bring your questionable cooking skills. Just bring an open mind (and maybe some wipes). That's important.
Seriously, do I need to bring my own everything? What's provided?
Okay, let's talk about what you get. They give you bedsheets, thank goodness. They do provide cutlery and plates, though I wouldn't bet on the quality of a Michelin star restaurant. Towels? I *think* they were supplied. (My memory gets a little foggy on the details). Shampoo and soap? Highly unlikely. Bring your own. Trust me. Toiletries are a must. Basically, think of it as "glamping," but swap out the "glam" with... well, you get the idea. Basic necessities are pretty much it.
What was the WORST part of the entire experience? (Be honest!)
Okay, fine. My turn to be completely honest. The worst part? Actually, it wasn't the slightly dodgy combi microwave or the questionable corners in the bedrooms. It was the *constant* need to find a parking spot. Bloemendaal is a popular spot, which means the parking situation is a NIGHTMARE. Be prepared to drive around for ages, hoping for a miracle, and maybe bribe a local with a bag of stroopwafels. Seriously, that's a low point. Plan ahead.
Is it worth it? Considering everything.
Worth it? You know what? YES. Absolutely. Despite the slightly chaotic aspects, the slightly questionable cleanliness, the combi microwave food experiments that could have ended in disaster, and the parking woes, it was worth it. Because of the BEACH. Because of the chilled-out vibe. Because it was an adventure. It wasn't perfect, but it was memorable. And that, my friends, is what makes a vacation worthwhile. Plus, you develop a whole new level of patience. And aren’t we all about that these days? Would I go back? Possibly. But this time, I'm packing a pizza cutter. And a hazmat suit. (Just kidding... mostly.)
