50% Off Belmont Ede: Netherlands' Hidden Gem Hotel!
50% Off Belmont Ede: Netherlands' Hidden Gem or a Slightly Tarnished Treasure? My Unfiltered Take!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to give you the FULL, unfiltered, and slightly manic review of 50% Off Belmont Ede. This isn't your sanitized hotel brochure nonsense, this is a straight-up, "Did I regret wearing those shoes?" kind of breakdown. We're talking accessibility, spa days, the breakfast buffet (oh, the breakfast buffet!), and enough Wi-Fi to power a small… well, a small Dutch village. Let's dive in!
First Impressions & Accessibility – The (Slight) Hurdles
Finding a hotel, even a "hidden gem," can be a pain. And the "50% Off" sign… felt a little too promising. This place in Ede, Netherlands, aimed to be accessible, and I'd give it a solid B-. Wheelchair accessible… well, it claimed to be. The lobby was fine. The elevators worked – essential! – but navigating some of the hallways felt… a little tight for wider mobility. The entrance was pretty easy, and their staff was ridiculously helpful - genuinely happy to assist. So, points for friendliness, but the physical space could be improved.
Accessibility Verdict: Mostly good but could be better. (They're trying, bless 'em!)
The Rooms: My (Mostly) Luxurious Bubble!
My room? Oh, it was a haven. Truly, the Air Conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after a day exploring. Free Wi-Fi? CHECK! (And it was actually decent – not the dial-up from the 90s experience you get at some places). The non-smoking rooms policy was a winner for my sensitive nose. I'm a sucker for a good bathtub, and well, this one delivered. The blackout curtains? Crucial for sleeping off that jetlag. Minor gripe: the carpeting felt a little outdated, but I could forgive that.
Now, I confess, I love those little touches. Bathrobes and slippers are a must-have, and the complimentary bottled water was a godsend. The seating area was perfect for collapsing after a day of sightseeing and stuffing my face with stroopwafels. There was even a desk and a functioning internet access – LAN (though I'm mostly a Wi-Fi gal).
The Food and Drink Saga: Buffet Bliss & Beyond!
Okay, the breakfast buffet deserves its own paragraph. It. Was. Glorious. A buffet in restaurant featuring Asian breakfast options alongside the traditional Western breakfast. (Hello, bacon and eggs AND dim sum!). The coffee? Not bad, but the endless supply of fresh juices was pure joy. The coffee shop was a nice spot for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and the Poolside bar was a fun spot for a little cocktail.
The restaurants, plural, were a mixed bag. The Asian cuisine was surprisingly good, the Western cuisine was solid, and the desserts? Let's just say, I may have overindulged more than once. The only slight letdown: the salad in restaurant options weren’t always the freshest, but I’m not one to hold a grudge over a dodgy leaf.
And the craziest, best part? They had room service [24-hour]! After a long day of exploring, there's nothing better than ordering a pizza and watching a bad movie (on the on-demand movies system). Bliss. Absolute bliss.
Dining and drinking verdict: The breakfast is incredible. The rest is pretty darn good, with some room for improvement in the salad department.
Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Fiascos!
This is where things got… interesting. The Spa itself (and the Spa/sauna) was beautiful. I had a massage that was truly divine. And the Sauna? Perfect for chilling after a dip in the Swimming pool. (The Pool with view was breathtaking). They also had a steamroom.
I'm not a huge fitness fanatic, but I attempted the Fitness center. Let's just say I didn’t spend too much time there. I prefer relaxing at the SPA.
I absolutely loved the Body scrub experience. The foot bath was also a nice touch.
Spa and fitness verdict: Spa = heaven. Fitness = could be avoided.
Cleanliness and Safety: No Germs (Mostly!)
The staff definitely took hygiene seriously. They were using Anti-viral cleaning products, provided hand sanitizer, and had staff trained in safety protocol. Daily disinfection in common areas was evident. They had First aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call.
The rooms sanitized between stays, and the fact you could opt-out of room sanitization, showed they listened. I never saw a shared stationery removed, which was great. The Safe dining setup. A few of the Individually-wrapped food options were slightly sad, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.
Cleanliness and safety verdict: They tried! I felt mostly safe.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Hotel Walls!
The hotel itself had loads to keep you occupied. The terrace was great for drinks and people-watching. There was an outdoor venue for special events (I didn't see any, but good to know!) and a shrine (that was…unexpected, but hey, Dutch culture, right?). They even have a bike park.
Getting Around: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confusing.
They offered airport transfer, which was convenient. But the Car park [free of charge] was a bit of a hike from the main entrance. I didn't see any car power charging stations, which might be a problem for some. And the taxi service was available, but a bit pricey.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras
The Concierge was amazing, helping me with everything from booking tours to finding the best stroopwafel shop in town. They also had Facilities for disabled guests. Daily housekeeping kept everything spotless. The Luggage storage came in handy. A convenience store and shops were a bonus.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
I didn't have kids with me, but the hotel seemed pretty family-friendly, with a Babysitting service and some Kids facilities.
My Overall Verdict:
Look, 50% Off Belmont Ede isn’t perfect. There are some minor accessibility quirks, the salad in the restaurants could be better, and the car park could be closer. But honestly? I loved it. The staff was incredibly friendly, the spa was sublime. The location in Ede was beautiful, and the breakfast? I'm still dreaming about that breakfast.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially for that buffet. And, if I’m being honest, the half-off price makes it even more tempting.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars. With a hearty recommendation to grab a plate of that bacon ASAP.
Buenos Aires Bliss: Hotel A&B Internacional's Unbeatable Luxury
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is a vibe. This is the 50|50 Hotel Belmont Ede, Netherlands, itinerary… or at least, what I hope it'll be. Expect detours, existential crises brought on by too much cheese, and the distinct possibility of me losing my phone within the first five minutes.
Day 1: Ede, Expectations, and a Suspect Hamster (Possibly)
Morning (Because "Morning" is relative when you're jet-lagged): Arrive at Schiphol Airport. Deep breaths. Try to find the train to Ede-Wageningen. (An issue already! I swear, the signs in Amsterdam are designed to confuse. Spent approximately 20 minutes staring at a map, convinced I was being watched by a particularly judgemental tulip.) Hopefully, make it to the hotel by mid-afternoon? Fingers crossed.
Afternoon (The Hotel's Ambience… and My Room's Ambience, which might be different than what I'm anticipating): Check into 50|50 Hotel Belmont Ede. Okay, so the website promised "sleek design" and "breathtaking views." Let's see. "Sleek" could mean anything, especially in a hotel. I'm hoping for clean lines and maybe a tiny balcony. Breathtaking views? I'll settle for "not facing a brick wall." Side note: If the room has any questionable odors, I will, without hesitation, blame the previous guest, and possibly the cleaning staff.
- Initial Room Assessment: Right, let's be honest. The moment I walk in, I'm going to thoroughly inspect the place, like a detective on the case. Smell tests are crucial. Then, the bed. Is it… bouncy? Because I need a bouncy bed. Also, is there even a functioning coffee maker? My survival hinges on that. Bathroom check! The shower pressure is paramount.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Ede Exploration - Food is Key! Alright, time to find some grub. Pre-trip research indicates a place called… hmmm, a "local cafe" offering a "traditional bitterbal" and "delicious fries." Sounds like a mission to me! But wait, what if the bitterbal is actually disappointing? (I have high expectations.) Should I go straight for the fries? Are there any hidden gem snack shops I should investigate? I'm already dreaming of this. I'm going to go all-in on the fries, maybe start with two portions, just to be sure.
Evening: Attempting Relaxcation. (If the Bitterbal Doesn't Destroy Me). Back to the hotel. Reading. Maybe a little journaling. I actually brought a travel journal, but who am I kidding, I probably won't write in it for a week. If I'm being honest with myself, most of my journal entries will probably only be about whatever food I've eaten that day.
Late Night: The Hamster Situation The hotel's pet policy must be very good if I even so much as suspect I see a hamster wheel. If there is a hamster in the hotel, it's going to be a long night.
Day 2: Biking, Breathing and a Bridge - or My Existential Crisis Continues
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Here's hoping they offer some decent bread. I feel like I've had a lot of bread in my life. I will probably eat too much of it, leading to potential carb-induced regret later.
- Morning/Mid-day: Rent a bike! THIS is what I'm looking forward to. The Netherlands is practically built for cycling. The plan is to meander through the Veluwe National Park. I expect lush scenery, a feeling of utter freedom, and the potential for a major wrong turn that leaves me stranded miles from civilization with nothing but my thoughts and a rapidly depleting water bottle.
- Mid-day. So, I’ve been rambling through Veluwe National Park on a bike for an hour now. I'm probably going to reach the edge of the park at some point. It's beautiful; really beautiful. The trees are… what are those, conifers? They smell amazing. I might start eating snacks.
- Late Afternoon: Bridge Contemplation, or The Existential Crisis Takes Hold. Find a bridge over a canal (because, Netherlands). Stand on the bridge. Stare into the water. Contemplate the meaning of life, or at least, the meaning of this trip. Will I find inner peace? Will I just find some ducks? Both would be acceptable. The ducks might be better.
- Evening: The Quest for the Perfect Pancake. I'm on a mission. I've heard whispers of the perfect Dutch pancake shop. I will find it. I will order a pancake. I will judge it. (The judgment will be brutal. I have high standards.)
- Late Night: Journaling (maybe? Probably not.) Another attempt at relaxation. Praying the hotel has good Wi-Fi so I can binge-watch something comforting.
Day 3: The Great Departure (or, "Goodbye, Ede!")
- Morning: Hotel Farewell and Last-Minute Panic. Final breakfast. Double-check the room for forgotten belongings. (I always forget something.) Pay the bill. Attempt to do the whole check-out process with a modicum of grace and not a single, panicked scream.
- Mid-day: Depending on the train schedule, maybe one last stroll around Ede? Maybe another attempt to find that perfect cheese shop I've heard about? (Cheese is essential.) Or, you know, maybe just sit on a bench and absorb the atmosphere. I'm not good with atmospheres.
- Afternoon: Train to Next Destination. Assuming I don't miss the train. (I've done it before. More than once.) Reflect on the past few days. Did I embrace the chaos? Did I find my zen? Did I eat enough cheese? (The answer to the last one will probably be "no.")
Post-Trip Reflections (If I Ever Actually Write Them):
This itinerary is just a guideline. The real trip will be what it is. I expect to be pleasantly surprised, mildly frustrated, and constantly hungry. And that’s the whole charm of it, isn't it? Now, let's get messy!
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Belmont Ede: 50% Off?! Is This Real Life?! My Slightly Disorganized, Yet Mostly Positive, FAQ
Okay, so, 50% off... *that* caught my eye. Is this actually legit? No hidden fees or tiny-font catches? Spill the beans!
Alright, deep breaths. Yes! The discount *is* real, or at least, it was when *I* booked. (Side note: Always check the terms and conditions, because, you know... lawyers.) From my experience, they weren't sneaky about it. It's like, "Here's a discount, enjoy!" And honestly, for the price I paid and what I *got*... I’m still a little suspicious I didn't accidentally wander into some elaborate Dutch scam. But the staff seemed genuinely happy, the rooms were clean, the breakfast was... well, we'll get to breakfast. Point is, so far, so good.
Ede? Where *is* Ede? I'm picturing tumbleweeds, which is probably wrong.
Ede, my friend, is smack-dab in the middle of the Netherlands. Think... rolling hills, forests (really, *a lot* of forests), and friendly folks who probably know more about biking than I know about breathing. It's not Amsterdam – you won't be dodging hordes of tourists. It's *peaceful*. Like, seriously, I almost shed a tear of joy when I stepped off the train. It's also surprisingly easy to get to from Amsterdam – the train trip was a breeze. I spent an entire day just... breathing. (Okay, and probably eating too much cheese, but the point stands.)
What's the vibe at Belmont Ede? Is it fancy-pants or more... cozy-sweatpants-and-a-book?
Definitely the latter! Cozy-sweatpants-and-a-book all the way. It has a relaxed, almost family-run feel, which is my kind of vibe. It’s not overly pretentious, which, let’s be honest, is a *huge* win. The lobby had a comfy armchair that I may or may not have practically lived in. (Don't judge, travel is tiring!) The staff were super friendly, always willing to help, and they actually seemed genuinely interested in how your day went. I got more helpful advice about local hiking trails than I've ever gotten at a five-star hotel. That said, the décor is *slightly* dated. Think "early 2000s hotel," with a charming, rather than off-putting, effect. I actually found it kind of... endearing.
The rooms! Tell me about the rooms! Clean? Comfy beds? Horror stories?
Okay, rooms... They were clean, which is the most important thing, right? The bed was comfy – I slept like a log, which is rare for me. No bedbugs, no funky smells – a win all around. My room wasn’t gigantic, but it was perfectly adequate. And you know what I really loved? The *silence*. Seriously, I haven't slept that well in years. (City life, am I right?). The bathroom was functional, the shower had decent water pressure (a crucial element!), and the towels were... well, they were towels. My only critique? The wi-fi, it was a little spotty at times. But hey, embrace the digital detox! It forced me to actually *read* a book.
Breakfast! The make or break meal of any hotel stay! What secrets do you have?
Alright, breakfast... It was included in the price, which, again, score! It wasn't some Michelin-star extravaganza, but it was decent. Think a buffet with the usual suspects: eggs (cooked, not raw!), bacon (crispy!), bread (lots of bread!), cheese (Dutch cheese, glorious Dutch cheese!), fruit, yogurt... You get the idea. Coffee was strong. They had a juice machine that I may have gone back to a few too many times. Now, was it the *best* breakfast I've ever had? No. But it absolutely did the job. And honestly, after sleeping so well, I was ready to eat *anything*. However, If you're a breakfast snob, maybe bring your own gourmet avocado toast recipe. Just sayin'!
What is there to *do* in Ede? I'm not just going to stare at the hotel walls, am I?
Oh, heavens no! You can't just sit there! Ede is a fantastic base for exploring the Hoge Veluwe National Park. That park. Oh, that *park*! You can bike (they have bikes to rent!), hike, and see the Kröller-Müller Museum, which is home to a *massive* collection of Van Gogh paintings. I spent an entire day in the park, cycling through the woods, stopping for picnics (cheese, obviously), and generally being at peace with the world. (Spoiler alert: I took like, a million photos of the trees. Don't judge my Instagram.) The town itself is also charming, with cute shops, cafes, and that general "Dutch village" vibe everyone craves. And don't forget the nearby town of Arnhem. It's known for its history, particularly the Battle of Arnhem. If you're into history (I am!), it's well worth a visit. Basically, there’s more than enough to fill your days, and then some. Though, to be honest, I was so relaxed, the idea of doing *anything* other than reading and wandering around felt exhausting...
Would you go back? Honestly?
Absolutely! Yes, in a heartbeat! For the price, the location, the peace and quiet... it's a no-brainer. I'm already plotting my return trip. (Maybe I’ll finally learn to ride a bike properly this time! Or at least, not fall off it.) The Belmont Ede is not fancy, it’s not flawless, but it *is* a real gem. A quiet sanctuary, and a great deal. If you’re looking for a relaxing escape, a base for exploring the Veluwe, and a break from the crazy world, I highly recommend it. Just don't go expecting a five-star hotel experience. Go expecting a comfortable, friendly, and affordable stay, and you won’t be disappointed.
Any "gotchas" I should be aware of? The devil, as they say...
Okay, the gotchas. Mostly small potatoes, but here are a few things: The wi-fi, as I mentioned, could be a little unreliable at times. Don't expect ultra-luxury décor. It's clean, comfortable, but not what you'd call "chic." And the location, it's perfect if you want peace and quiet, but if you're looking for nightlife or constant hustle and bustle, it might not be the right fit. The gym... well, let's just say it *had* exercise equipment. I didn’t use it. And finally, ParkingBoutique Inns
