Category Archives: Europe

January 22, 2012

Kurhaus Hotel, Den Haag – The Netherlands

By jenn

Ending my two week European excursion, was a one night stay in a four star hotel known as the Kurhaus Hotel.  Resembling the classical elegance of hotels such as the Ritz Carlton or Plaza Hotel in NYC, this hotel not only impressed us with its style, but with a beautiful view of the ocean.  I was pleasantly impressed by the boardwalk on the beach.  The boardwalk was such a classical “Jenn style,” plush lounge chairs, mood lighting and lounge music playing in the background.  Firewood pits, delicious cocktails and food varied from one restaurant to the next.  Perfect dinner and night entertainment for couples and honeymooners.

The Kurhaus Hotel is located in a city known as Den Haag or also commonly known as The Hague.  Den Haag is the third largest city in The Netherlands. This city includes two distinct beach resorts, the main one is Scheveningen and the other one is Benelux Kijkduin.  The Kurhaus Hotel is located on the  north beach resort, which is Scheveningen.  Major tourist attraction and common to the locals for weekend getaways.  The Kurhaus Hotel could not be missed, it is centrally located on the boardwalk and facing the beach. You could see from the photo below, the perimeter this hotel takes up on the boardwalk.

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Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel - Den Haag

The rooms at the Kurhaus Hotel were obviously elegant and contemporary.  This hotel could be pricey during peak season, but affordable during off-peak seasons.  The one ah-maz-ing part about our room was the side view, in which we opened up our windows and noticed the breathe taking ocean.  Unfortunately, we were in low tide season, waves did not provide the capabilities of surfing or body boarding.  Needless to say, ocean views are calm and relaxing to the mind.  Furthermore, providing an overall perfect ending to my trip.

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Superior Room

** above photo from Kurhaus Official website

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Side view of the boardwalk and ocean

  • Hotel Ambience:  Elegant and Contemporary.
  • Hotel Staff:  Friendly.
  • Hotel Amenities: Unfortunately, I did not check out the restaurant at the hotel.  But, there are many local restaurants around the boardwalk that are worth checking out.  The seafood here is delicious.  Overall nearby attraction is the boardwalk and dueling piano bar next door.
  • Cleanliness of Hotel:  spotless.
  • Overall Experience: Be mindful when traveling outside the US.  I did not know that even though you stated a one night stay, if you do not check out of the hotel registration, they may charge you for the next night because you did not sign off on your check out slip.  This happened to me during my stay at the Kurhaus.  Luckily, I dealt with a hotel staff member who understood the “American check-out” of not having to sign off on a check out slip, at the end of your stay at a US Hotel.  They cleared everything out of the system with the manager of the hotel and did not overcharge me.  However, I did spend a great deal of my time having to sort everything out.  However, I have to admit this hotel is on the highest end, staying in Scheveningen.  Although it is centrally located to the boardwalk and beach, which makes it convenient for traveling as an out of town guest. I would stay here again!

2 comments | posted in Den Haag, The Netherlands, Europe

September 20, 2011

Hotel Faubourg 216-224, Paris – France

By jenn

Bonjour! Oh, Paris… how I love thee!!!

During my two-week trip to Europe, I visited Paris twice.  The second visit included a stay in the town of St. Denis, which is not far from the city centre of Paris.  This hotel was conveniently located near a centralized metro station, Gare du Nord. Hotel Faubourg 216-224 is considered a 3.5 star hotel, narrow in space, but pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and contemporary feel of the room.

Walkway to hotel rooms.

The front lobby staff was friendly and provided courtesy calls for catching some local attractions.  The staff provided us with information on the canal cruises, Moulin Rouge showings and other cabaret shows. This hotel also provided wi-fi, but the signal was not as strong as we hoped it to be.  We were kind of disappointed that their wi-fi access kept kicking us out of being able to use the internet.  But for the most part, we were happy with the room and the comfort it provided.

Double Bedroom

As most hotels in Europe, if you do not specify a double bedroom, you may end up with a room and 2 single beds.  Although the temperature outside was not that hot, the AC in the room was working great.  As you can see in the photo, the room was styled in a minimalist fashion, but overall it was very cozy.  Too bad our room did not have a view of the city, instead we were facing other rooms.  The bathroom and shower functioned well, but of course the bathroom was narrow in space. For the decent price we paid per night, this hotel was definitely better than the ones I’ve stayed in Paris before.

  • Hotel Ambience: Minimalist, but cozy. Contemporary and clean.
  • Hotel Staff:  Provided information on local attractions, although improvement in providing directions would be great.
  • Hotel Amenities:  Did not check out the local spots around the area as much as we would’ve enjoyed.  But, located very close to Metro stations with easy access to the various attractions such as the Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower and more.
  • Cleanliness of Hotel: No visible dust spots or dirt.
  • Overall Experience:  Not a bad place to stay for the price and being a 3.5 star. A cab ride to Notre Dame area would cost anywhere from 7-8 Euros, which is not too bad.  Unfortunately, the hotel does not provide parking and a nearby parking garage was not easy to find.  The wi-fi signal was not strong and think the hotel should fix it.  However, the staff was friendly and noises from the streets could not be heard.  Satisfied with the feel of the room and bathroom.  Space was small, but the minimalist furniture kept it simple and easy to move around in for 2 people.

Leave a comment | posted in Europe, Paris, France

September 15, 2011

Park Hotel, Amsterdam – The Netherlands

By jenn

 

Front Lobby Entrance

Although my hotel stay started in Paris, I thought I’d write about Park Hotel in Amsterdam first.  I absolutely loved this hotel, which clearly was 4 stars and had paid the price for it also.  I have to admit, the price was definitely reasonable for this hotel, based on the amenities provided. I stayed in room 260 which had a front view of central Amsterdam, with the boats streaming across the canal.  This hotel was centrally located to nearby restaurants, shops and The Heineken Factory.  I would compare this hotel to Starwood’s W Hotel, in which I always enjoy staying in.  The staff was very attentive, hotel lobby was sleek and the room was spotless.

Doubleroom

One thing about Europe that you always need to keep in mind is making sure to choose your room wisely.  In the US, we typically just select a room for 2 and then the website provides you with the option for double beds or king size.  In Europe, the option they give you is: single or double; but, there are times when you choose double and they still give you a room with 2 twin beds.  Luckily for the doubleroom I booked, they provided us with a queen size bed.  If you choose a single at Park Hotel, the bed they provide is not a twin, but a full.  Perhaps you don’t mind saving some costs and sharing a full size bed for 2 people, that would be an option at this hotel.

Bathroom

The black tiles in this modern bathroom made it feel chic and sexy.  By far, this bathroom was the largest I’ve seen during my stay in Europe this time around.

Park Hotel

Altogether, I was impressed with this hotel and the room size for a European country. Unfortunately I stayed for one night, but made the most out of  my stay in this fabulous hotel. I would definitely book this hotel again…

  • Hotel Ambience: Modern/Contemporary and Chic.
  • Hotel Staff: Accomodating and friendly.
  • Hotel Amenities:  Lots of nearby eateries, shops and tourist attractions. Walking distance to various museums, the Heineken factory and surrounding hotels. 24 Hour room service.
  • Cleanliness of Hotel: Spotless.
  • Overall Experience:  Room was bigger than I expected, I was pleasantly surprised.  Amenities were fabulous! The bed was comfortable and the bathroom was clean.  The negative point was the fact that wifi was not free and costs 19 Euros for 24 hours.  Whereas, we were informed that wifi was free in local 2-3 star hotels around the area. Irregardless, if I were to stay in Amsterdam again, Park Hotel would be my first choice.

Leave a comment | posted in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe

May 8, 2011

Ten Manchester Street Hotel, Marylebone, London – England

By jenn

Ten Manchester Street Hotel Brownstone

 Something about Boutique Hotels I truly appreciate.  The big chain hotels are always nice, but this hotel speaks to intimacy.  This hotel maintains 45 elegantly appointed bedrooms and I had the opportunity to stay in one of them.  The hotel staff were very courteous and always willing to help.  I stayed here after a week trip to India and decided to stopover in London for a few days.  This hotel was nicely situated in a posh area known as Marlyebone.  Oxford Street shopping was literally 2-3 blocks down the road.  What I truly appreciate were the short blocks to dining/shopping, unfortunately my flight got canceled after thinking I would be in London for only 2-3 days.  I had to then extend my stay for another 2 days, but I had no trouble finding things to do and meandering around the wonderful city. 

Outside Hotel

 
During the month of December, temperatures were in the 10′s/20′s, weather conditions in which an LA native is definitely not used to.  However, this hotel had heated bathroom floors and heated towel posts.  It was nice to take a hot shower and still feel warm, with a heated towel.  The room was very chic/shabby.  Bed was unbelievably comfortable and might I add, equivalent to our Starwood Hotels – “heavenly bed.”   The amenities offered in the bathroom were sufficient for me to not have to go out and buy more from the local drug store. 
 
Since my flight was canceled and I had to extend my stay here, I had a lot of room time.  I felt safe and the walls/windows were thick enough to not hear any noise from other rooms or outside.  The room was very cozy and might I add very clean.  I couldn’t find a spot of dust anywhere.  I would definitely rate this hotel 10/10 stars.
 
 
 
 
If I were to travel back to London, I would definitely like to stay here again.  This hotel was definitely a Jenn style!
  • Hotel Ambience: Chic/Contemporary
  • Hotel Staff: welcoming/courteous and helpful
  • Hotel Amenities:  Impeccable (check it out for yourself)
  • Cleanliness of Hotel:  very clean.
  • Overall Experience:  A must stay.  No complaints and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the town and its surroundings. Nicely situated w/ plenty of shops and eateries. Easy to access the tube to check out the London Big Eye/Picadilly Circus, etc.

Leave a comment | posted in Europe, London, England

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