Review of 'DIKKER AND THIJS FENICE'
24 July 2005
We chose the Dikker and Thijs Fenice Hotel because it included breakfast and 4* comfort all for £228 for three nights. On arrival, the bedroom and bathroom were clean, yet compared to other 4* hotels we have stayed in in Europe, it didn't compare. The bathroom was in need of attention with quite an old-fashioned decor and cracks in the tiles. The shower ran hot and cold water intermittently at extreme temperatures, with the hot water almost scalding me. Washing my hair was not fun! Even though it may sound pedantic, the towels were of poor quality, which, for us, summed up the 'cheapness' of the place and certainly not what we have come to expect from 4* accommodation. On the plus side, the room was clean and comfortable and of good size. It had all the mod cons expected apart from air con. Considering we went in July, the room was boiling when we arrived, which made sleeping difficult. Being in the centre of town around high buildings, even with the windows open not much air got around. Having the windows open every night was a must, but it meant a noisy night! If you want some peace and quiet, don't come to the Dikker! The tram goes right outside the building which makes everything vibrate, along with the constant dinging of their bells and engine roaring. The hotel is also very close to the Leidseplein, which is an open square of street entertainers. Also, it is a hotspot for drinking and late night revelry, and being as the Dutch are so liberal, this continues well into the early hours with large groups of people walking by the hotel shouting and laughing at 4.30 in the morning! Fortunately for us, we tired ourselves out every day walking round the city and discovering the museums, so we managed to sleep alright after the first night, but if you are a light sleeper it is something to consider. The hotel is placed in a very good location though, within easy reach of all the main attractions, museums and entertainment places. Three tram lines operate outside the hotel that travel in various directions all over the city and they are clean and always on time (although avoid rush hour!). It is best to go to the tourist info centre across the street from the hotel for a comprehensive map as the hotel does not provide a good one! They serve a continental breakfast in a lovely beamed room every morning, but the breakfast is pretty average - enough, but not very wide-ranging. The days we were there, the staff seemed quite stressed and not too polite at times, s
nimnog, bournemouth, uk
Young Couple (18-35)