Hotel Ernst Sillem Hoeve

The accommodation provides friendly, multilingual staff and excellent breakfast. Its central location offers easy access to nature and outdoor activities. Rooms are spacious, clean, and offer a tranquil environment.

Hotel Ernst Sillem Hoeve is situated in a stunning and idyllic part of the country that is remarkably still only half an hour away from Amsterdam city centre. The hotel grounds are literally part of the woodland and the natural beauty frequently took my breath away. However, the natural aesthetics continue on inside the hotel with a gorgeously designed and furnished restaurant, coffee break area, terraces, and plenty of large windows looking onto the verdant environs. The rooms are possibly a little too business-like in their design, but still maintain a decorum and do have lovely bathrooms. The food offered at all meals was flawless if not overly varied (admittedly during a quiet period). Dinner operates on a buffet style for starters and dessert but seasonal mains are cooked to order. Diners also help themselves to fresh bread, butter and tapenade. And I want to emphasise that "buffet" does not do the quality of the starters and desserts justice whatsoever! They are freshly prepared individual dishes, well balanced and beautifully plated. And the gratis offerings of water, fruit, pastries and coffee machines at the coffee break area was a real treat too. I should mention something that ideally shouldn't require mentioning: I began my stay alone, I was frequently the only native English speaker in the place, I don't speak Dutch, and yet I was always made to feel utterly welcome at all times. (Unfortunately, this is not a given at other hotels, so I will always appreciate it when I experience this level of welcoming hospitality.) Finally, the last word has to be reserved for the eternally upbeat, smiling, happy and incredibly helpful team of staff that never failed to deliver exemplary service throughout even when the hotel was not busy. The housekeeping team and maintenance staff also contributed mightily to a pleasant and efficient atmosphere. In particular, Astrid at the front of house was always only too happy to help us with our queries with a warm personality. Brigite, Damian and Bo in the restaurant were always incredible to us - quick to help, happy to chat, bespoke service and each with radiant smiles. They genuinely seem to love their jobs, and are an absolute credit to the restaurant team. I highly recommend this hotel and cannot wait to return to this beautiful part of the Netherlands in future. (Also posted to Google)