Indulge in Royal Luxury: Hotel Indigo The Hague Palace Noordeinde
Hotel Indigo The Hague Palace Noordeinde: A Royal(ish) Experience – My Honest Take
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Hotel Indigo The Hague Palace Noordeinde, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Think of it as a surprisingly comfortable rollercoaster ride through the Dutch monarchy, with the potential for a bit of mild chaos thrown in for good measure. I'm talking genuine opinions, no sugarcoating, and maybe a few tangents along the way. Consider this my therapy session disguised as a hotel review.
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The Grand Entrance (and My Almost-Disaster)
Firstly, the location. Chef's kiss. Right on the Noordeinde, smack-dab in the middle of all the royal action… well, almost. Let's just say, if you’re hoping to casually bump into Willem-Alexander while grabbing a coffee, you might be disappointed. But the proximity to the shops, the art galleries, and the general buzz of The Hague? Absolutely divine.
The building itself? Grand, historical, and with a hint of "we-tried-to-be-modern-but-still-love-the-past." The lobby is a beautiful mashup of old and new.
Accessibility: Crucial for me! I actually saw a few wheelchairs, which is always a good sign. The website boasted facilities…and thankfully, the hotel delivered. Elevators were readily available, and while I didn’t personally need it, the ramps and accessible rooms seemed well thought out. (Though, I didn’t personally wheel around the hotel so I can't say for sure.)
Rooms: My Little Palace… Mostly!
Okay, so the rooms. I lucked out and got one on a high floor (I think), hence a decent view. Spacious, modern, and with a lot of little flourishes. The bed? Like sinking into a cloud of pure, unadulterated sleep. Seriously, I could have stayed in that bed for a week. The blackout curtains? Genius! Essential for those late-night Heineken-fueled adventures.
Here's the first real hiccup: I'm a sucker for a good coffee machine. And the one in my room? Let's just say it was… temperamental. It spat out more water than coffee the first morning and I spent far too long messing with it. I called for help, and they sent a technician who said "oh, these are a bit of a pain" and eventually got it working. But the first hour of my day was spent battling a machine – not exactly the regal start I'd envisioned.
Amenities – From Fitness to… Foot Baths?
- Fitness Center: I'm not a gym rat, but poked my head in. Looked sleek and modern, with all the usual suspects.
- Spa: Ah, yes, the spa. This is where things got interesting. I needed to relax. So I booked a massage. The massage itself? Sublime. Pure bliss. The masseuse was friendly and skilled, and I drifted off to a land of serenity. But… the spa area itself? Tiny. Like, really tiny. You’d be hard-pressed to swing a cat (not that I’d advocate that, obviously) in the waiting area. It felt a little… cramped.
- Pool: No pool. (sadface)
- Sauna/Steam Room: Sadly, I didn’t indulge.
- Foot Bath: Now, here's the thing: Did they have a foot bath? I am not sure, it sounded great, but also ridiculous.
- Body Scrubs & Wraps: Again, I am not sure if these were available, but I didn’t see them on the list.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – More Than Meets the Eye (Sometimes)
- Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants: There are a few options available. The hotel restaurant (think the name and I will update lol) was pleasant, but the food was pretty standard international fare, maybe slightly better, it was a little blah. Nothing to write home about, let's say. The breakfast buffet offered a decent spread (including, praise be, real coffee).
- Bar: Decent selection of drinks. The atmosphere was cozy, perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif.
- Snack Bar/Coffee Shop: The coffee shop was convenient, good for snacks and something quick.
- Room Service: The 24-hour room service was a lifesaver after one particularly late night.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: They have a good vegetarian choice, I didn’t try it (whoops)
- Happy Hour: I was too busy enjoying my massage!
Cleanliness and Safety – The New Normal (and Probably Not Perfect)
Okay, let's be real. We're all hyper-aware of this stuff now. Hotel Indigo seems to be on top of things.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. Tick.
- Staff wearing masks. Tick.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. (I assume, I made sure the cleaning lady cleaned the room well)
- Physical distancing measures. Mostly observed.
- Anti-viral cleaning products. Maybe? I didn’t see the label but I didn't catch anything so I have a good feeling on that.
I noticed a couple of instances where things could have been better. For example, I saw the cleaning staff briefly without masks, but I'd also be stressed out if I was cleaning all day, so I can't judge too harsh.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
- Free Wi-Fi: Yes! Strong signal, no problems. Praise be to the internet gods.
- 24-hour front desk/Concierge: Helpful staff! Always available to assist with your needs.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry: Yes, useful when one spills coffee or orange juice on themselves.
- Luggage Storage: Yes! Convenient.
- Currency Exchange: Yes, if you need it!
- Safety Deposit Boxes: Well organized.
- Business Facilities: Standard, I am not so sure.
- Babysitting Service: Yes for those with kids.
- Pets Allowed: I am not sure if they allow them.
Getting Around – Convenient, Mostly
- Airport transfer: Maybe?
- Car Park: Expensive, but available.
- Public Transport: Easy access to trams and buses. Very easy to get around.
- Bicycle Parking: Yes! Well, it might be, I am not sure.
The Quirks (And The Almost-Disaster, Continued)
- The "Proposal Spot" on the website: Okay, this is where the "indulge in royal luxury" thing kinda fell apart for me. I am not sure if it was an actual spot. I saw pictures of the hotel, and they were great.
- The Elevator Drama: Again. My entire elevator experience. The elevators were great! (I hope).
The Verdict: Worth the Stay?
Absolutely.
Hotel Indigo The Hague Palace Noordeinde is a great hotel. A beautiful hotel. The location, the comfort of the rooms, the helpful staff – all of it adds up to a very pleasant experience. It’s not perfect – the coffee maker incident, the slightly cramped spa, the lack of a real, jaw-dropping “wow” factor – but it's a solid choice.
Would I go back? Yes. Maybe. Probably. I'd definitely consider it again. Just… maybe pack my own coffee maker. And maybe make a note to check the "proposal spot" (again).
Final Thoughts: It's a good hotel, a nice hotel, and you'll enjoy it.
**Luxury Redefined: Uncover the Secrets of Guangzhou's Sofitel Sunrich**
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is a me itinerary, and "me" is a gloriously messy, overly-concerned-with-snacking, easily-overwhelmed traveler. We're headed to Hotel Indigo The Hague - Palace Noordeinde, by IHG, in The Hague, Netherlands. Let's do this (with a healthy dose of panic simmering under the surface, naturally).
The Hague & My Soul (A Very Tentative Schedule)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Architectural Swooning (Pray for Me)
- Morning (aka "The Pre-Trip Freak-Out"): I'm already a wreck. Did I pack enough socks? Did I remember to turn off the iron? Are my succulents going to thrive while I'm gone, or will they stage a slow, dramatic suicide? The answers, as always, are murky.
- Afternoon (aka "The Flight Attempt"): Okay, flight to Amsterdam Schiphol. Pray for a smooth landing. I'm a white-knuckle flyer, so any turbulence, and I'm convinced the plane is spontaneously combusting. Once we land (alive!), the real adventure begins. Trains! Navigating those is another feat to overcome.
- Late Afternoon (aka "The Hunt for the Hotel"): Getting from Amsterdam to The Hague. Google Maps better not fail me. I'm envisioning myself, luggage and all, wandering lost in a maze of Dutch canals, weeping softly while eating a questionable stroopwafel. But, we survive! Arrive at Hotel Indigo. Breathing a sigh of relief, the hotel is just stunning!
- Early Evening (aka "Pure Architectural Appreciation"): Room check-in. First impressions? The hotel has an elegant vibe. The Palace Noordeinde is right there, the perfect beginning to my grand adventure. The mix of old and new is beautiful. I spend a good 20 minutes just staring out the window, marveling at the architecture. This is where the "soul-soothing" part of the trip is supposed to kick in. Let's see if that works.
- Evening (aka "Food, Glorious Food, and the Eternal Quest for a Decent Coffee"): Okay, time to eat! I'd like to eat delicious food. I'll be seeking out a local cafe. A proper Dutch dinner is a must. And coffee. Oh, the coffee. I need good coffee. The kind that doesn't taste like dishwater. I'm already planning my morning coffee ritual. Failure on this aspect might break me.
- Night (aka "Existential Dread, Then Sleep"): Back at the hotel. Final check of the travel documents. I write in my journal: "Am I really doing this? Is this real life?" Before I drift off, I'm convinced I've gained five pounds just by thinking about delicious food. Good night!
Day 2: Culture Shock, Croquettes, and a Tidal Wave of Guilt
- Morning (aka "Coffee Quest Victory & The Palace!"): Coffee is amazing. Success! Breakfast, too. I take a moment to truly appreciate my surroundings. It's like the room is part of a painting. Then, it's across to Palace Noordeinde, just a stone's throw away! I take photos, try to remember basic Dutch phrases (spoiler: I can't), and almost get run over by a bicycle. This is living!
- Late Morning (aka "Haagsche Markt - My Sensory Overload"): The Haagsche Markt is a chaotic wonderland of sights, sounds, and smells. I'm going to try to keep my cool. All the vibrant colors of the flowers, the spices, and the people. It is intense, and that's the beautiful part about experiencing a new city and culture.
- Lunch (aka "Deep-Fried Bliss & Regret"): Okay, croquettes. I hear they're a Dutch staple. I find a little cafe and stuff my face. They are delicious…and probably not on any healthy eating plan. I eat way too many of them. I feel a tidal wave of guilt wash over me. Oh, well. It's a "when in Rome" situation, yes? Or, in this case, "when in The Hague," which, essentially, still applies.
- Afternoon (aka "Art & Angst at Mauritshuis"): Time for the Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring! I feel like a proper tourist now! I actually cried a little when I saw it. She's even more beautiful in person. The art is sublime. I feel…cultured. Followed by some pretty strong feelings about my complete lack of artistic talent. Let the self-loathing begin!
- Early Evening (aka "Beach Bums, and a Sudden Craving for the Sea"): I go to Scheveningen Beach. I'm wearing a dress, but I have to take my shoes off and dip my toes into the sea. It's cold! But I feel good. I'm breathing deep, trying to soak up the atmosphere.
- Evening (aka "Dinner in the City & Trying Not to Be Judgy"): Trying to find a restaurant that isn't totally geared to tourists. I eat local foods. The food is good, and I have a good time. But there is this little nagging voice in my head. "Are you really taking it all in? Are you really appreciating the culture? Or are you just another tourist, snapping photos and judging everything?" I need to chill and embrace the experience. I am here, and I am having fun.
- Night (aka "Journaling & Panic about Returning to Normal Life"): Back in the hotel room. I write in my journal, reflecting on the day's adventures. I'm already starting to think about going home. I experience mixed emotions. I'm excited to see my friends and family, but also feeling an odd sense of dread. Life back home—the job, routine, and the endless chores—looms in the distance. I have a brief moment in my life… before the endless chores.
Day 3: Farewell, Farewells, and the Bitter Taste of Leaving
- Morning (aka "Last Breakfast & Hotel Swoon"): Final breakfast at the hotel. Savoring every last crumb. Another sweep of the hotel room, taking in every detail. This place, its charm, its vibe. Then, time to pack. This is the worst part, always, for me.
- Late Morning (aka "Souvenir Hunt & Mildly-Frantic Gift Shopping"): Last-minute souvenir shopping. I need to bring something back for everyone. I wander around the shops. I get overwhelmed. The best souvenir, I decide, is the memory. I buy some cheese. Because Dutch cheese is amazing.
- Lunch (aka "The Final Dutch Treat & Trying to Slow Down Time"): One last delicious lunch. Slowing down time is impossible, though. I soak up every last moment, every sight, sound, and smell. I wish I could stay longer.
- Afternoon (aka "The Journey Home & the Post-Travel Blues"): Goodbye, Hotel Indigo! The trip is over. Train to the airport. Security lines are brutal. I feel so sad to be leaving this beautiful country. The flight is long, and I arrive home exhausted, both physically and emotionally.
- Evening (aka "Unpacking, Laundry, and the inevitable letdown"): The unpacking will begin, laundry. The aftermath of a trip is never as glamorous as the trip itself. Still, I try to remember the high points. And make plans for the next trip, which, hopefully, involves less anxiety and more stroopwafels. I am already planning it.
Important Notes (Aka My Very Specific Needs):
- Snacks: Mandatory. I need snacks. Pack lots of them.
- Coffee: See above. It's crucial.
- Comfort Zone: I will be pushing my comfort zone. Slightly. Don't expect anything drastic.
- Journal: I will write down my thoughts, no matter how silly or embarrassing.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Be prepared for a ride.
So, there you have it. The Hague, here I come! (Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Atlas City Center Hotel, Prilep!
Frequently Asked Questions: Indulge in Royal Luxury at Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde (Because Honestly, We All Want to Know!)
Okay, spill the beans! Is it *really* as fancy-pants as it looks on the website? Like, actual royals wandering the halls fancy?
Alright, alright, let's get real. The website photos? They're…accurate. Maybe even *understated* in some ways. It's a gorgeous building. The details, from the chandeliers to the *insane* staircase, are genuinely impressive. You *feel* like you should curtsy or something. Did I see an actual royal? Nope. Did I spend a significant amount of time pretending I was one? Absolutely. There's that "buzz" in the air, a subtle elegance, but it’s not starchy or stuffy. Relief!
Remember that time I accidentally tripped on my own feet (in the lobby, naturally) and nearly took out a priceless-looking vase? That's the *real* royal experience, am I right? No, but seriously, it's definitely a step up from a Motel 6. A *huge* step.
The rooms – are they actually comfortable, or just "looking pretty" comfortable? Because I need my sleep.
Okay, here's where the hotel *really* won me over. Forget about the gold leaf and fancy furniture for a sec. The beds are… well, let's just say I didn't want to get out of it. Heavenly. Cloud-like. My chiropractor would probably hate me for saying this, but I actually *slept* well. And I'm a notoriously bad sleeper! The pillows were perfect (a HUGE win), the blackout curtains worked (another HUGE win). Yes, the rooms are beautiful, dripping with style, but they are *also* designed for actual, honest-to-goodness comfort.
I remember once, I stayed in a supposed "luxury" hotel where the bed felt like sleeping on a park bench. The Indigo? No such issue. Pure, unadulterated blissful sleep.
Let's talk food. Is the restaurant just overpriced Instagram bait, or is it actually good?
Alright, the restaurant. Here's the deal. Yes, it's stylish. Yes, the presentation is gorgeous. And yes, the prices are… well, you’re not exactly getting a bargain Big Mac menu. BUT! The food…the FOOD! I had the steak. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Honestly, worth it (at least once). And the breakfast buffet? Don't even get me started. The fresh pastries were a danger zone. A beautiful, dangerous, flaky, buttery danger zone.
Side note: I may or may not have attempted to smuggle a croissant back to my room. Judge me if you must. But honestly, it was the best croissant I've had in months. And the coffee? Strong enough to raise the dead. (Almost.)
What's the vibe like? Is it for people who just want to show off, or can a normal person actually enjoy themselves?
Honestly? It's not as pretentious as you might think. Yes, you'll see some well-dressed people. Yes, there's a certain level of…polish. But the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and welcoming. I felt more comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt! I never felt like I didn't belong. They’re really good at making you feel, well, welcome.
And here's a confession: I was worried. I'm not exactly what you'd call a "luxury hotel" person. But I left feeling relaxed, pampered, and slightly (okay, maybe a lot) obsessed with the experience. It's a place where you can treat yourself without feeling like you need to win an award for being fashionable.
I remember chatting with the bartender - nice guy, a local. Totally grounded. We talked about football, and the best places to get fries in The Hague. That’s the real vibe. Genuine. Relaxed. Luxurious, but not uptight.
Accessibility – is it easy to get around if you have mobility issues?
I didn't personally use any mobility aids on my visit, but I did take a look around. Honestly, I didn't notice any obvious major issues. The hotel seems to be pretty well set up with ramps and elevators in place. I recommend contacting the hotel directly to absolutely confirm all the details, but it *appears* to be designed with accessibility in mind.
Okay, the location. Is it actually convenient for seeing the sights, or do you spend all your time stuck in a car?
The location is AMAZING! Seriously, you're right in the heart of things. The Palace Noordeinde is right there, you can practically see it from the window. (Okay, maybe not *practically*, but it's close!) All the main attractions are very easily accessible, you can walk to a lot of them. The shopping streets, the Mauritshuis (home to the Girl with a Pearl Earring!), and the Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament) are all within easy reach. This is a huge plus. Seriously, no long commutes stuck in traffic. You're in the thick of it.
I remember one afternoon I just wandered for hours. Dipping in and out of shops, grabbing a coffee, then stumbling upon a tiny, amazing art gallery. Being able to just *be* there, without the stress of needing a car or public transport, was invaluable.
And one tip? Take a canal cruise! The hotel can probably arrange it. Seeing the city from the water is a completely different perspective, and utterly charming. You'll have to dodge some bikes, though. (That's a Hague thing.)
Any hidden gems or things you wish you'd done differently?
Okay, yes! Several things. First, don’t skip the rooftop bar, even if you're tired. The views are incredible, especially at sunset. Second, I wish I'd spent more time *just* relaxing in the hotel. I was so busy running around sightseeing, I didn't properly enjoy the spa or the lounge area. Big regret. The spa looked divine, honestly.
And third, I wish I'd asked more questions about the history of the building! I mean, it's the Hotel Indigo, in a palace. But I was so busy being dazzled by the present, I totally neglected the past. There are probably amazing stories to uncover. Learn from my mistake! Do your research. Find out all the juicy gossip. It will make the whole experience even more enriching.
Oh, and a final tip: be sure to get a photo with the Palace in the background! It's the biggest cliché, but it makes a great souvenir. And maybe take a deep breath and allow yourself to not feel guilty about enjoying yourself! It’sBest Hotels Blog
