Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Gelderse Poort

This hotel offers a practical and often budget-friendly option for travelers, particularly appealing to cyclists and nature enthusiasts due to its prime location near scenic routes and the Waal river. Many guests find it a convenient base for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside and accessing nearby Nijmegen, making it ideal for those seeking an active getaway or a quiet retreat. While some aspects of the hotel are noted as being dated, it generally provides a clean and comfortable stay, with many appreciating the spacious rooms. The hotel's friendly staff and good dining options, especially breakfast, are frequently highlighted as positive experiences. However, a recurring theme is the noise level within the hotel, which can impact guest comfort. For a more restful experience, guests might consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas like the elevator or stairwells, and it's advisable to confirm specific in-room amenities if they are crucial for your stay.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, though some guests note a lack of certain in-room conveniences. While free Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests reported intermittent issues with connectivity for their devices. The hotel offers ample free parking, which is a significant advantage, though it can become crowded, especially late at night, leading to difficulties finding a spot. A large playground is available behind the hotel, which is a positive feature for families traveling with children. Guests appreciate the presence of vending machines in the lobby for drinks and snacks, providing options when the bar is closed, which often happens early in the evening. The hotel also provides bike rental and secure bike storage, making it an excellent choice for those exploring the area on two wheels. However, the elevator can be noisy, and some areas of the hotel show signs of age, impacting the overall ambiance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed but generally leans positive for cleanliness, with many describing rooms as clean, neat, and well-maintained. However, some reviews mention isolated issues such as stains on walls or carpets, dust, or mold in the bathroom. The beds receive varied comments; while many find them comfortable and good, a significant number describe them as too soft, sagging, or prone to sliding apart, impacting sleep quality. A major concern for many guests is the noise level, with complaints about thin walls, slamming doors, and sounds from neighbors or stairwells being easily audible throughout the night and early morning. In-room amenities like a kettle or coffee maker are frequently missed, and some bathrooms have issues with clogged drains or loose fixtures. Rooms can also be warm in summer, with only fans provided, leading to discomfort for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives varied feedback. The breakfast is widely praised for being extensive, varied, and delicious, with many options available, though some guests note issues with items not being refilled promptly or the buffet area becoming crowded, sometimes requiring guests to wait for clean plates or cutlery. The restaurant offers a menu that some find limited, but the food quality is generally rated as good or excellent, with specific dishes like hamburgers receiving positive mentions. However, several guests experienced long wait times for dinner, and some found the bar closing too early, often by 9 PM, limiting evening drink options. There were also instances where advertised menu items were unavailable, or guests were unable to dine at the restaurant due to understaffing, leading to disappointment.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw for many guests, particularly those interested in outdoor activities. It is situated in a quiet village environment, offering easy access to scenic cycling routes and walking paths along the Waal river and through the Ooijpolder. Guests appreciate its proximity to Nijmegen, which is easily reachable by bike or public transport, making it a convenient base for city visits, including events like the Four Days Marches. While the immediate surroundings are peaceful, some guests note that the hotel is located in a residential area next to a cafe, which can sometimes contribute to noise. Parking is available and generally free, though the lot can become full, especially during peak times, requiring guests to find alternative spots nearby. Public transport connections are also available within walking distance.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel receives mixed but often positive feedback. Many guests commend the team for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and providing good service. Specific instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with medical issues, accommodating early check-ins, or being flexible with dinner reservations, are highlighted. However, a recurring issue is staffing shortages, which lead to individuals performing multiple roles, resulting in long wait times at reception or in the restaurant. Some guests experienced unfriendly or unresponsive staff, particularly during late check-ins or when issues arose, and some noted a lack of proactive greetings. Communication can also be a challenge, with some staff having difficulty with foreign languages, leading to misunderstandings regarding services or billing.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel often operates with limited staff, which can impact service speed and availability, particularly in the evenings when the reception may not be consistently manned after 10 PM. While the hotel is pet-friendly, guests with pets should plan for suitable outdoor areas, as these may not be immediately adjacent. A common point of feedback is the absence of certain in-room amenities, such as a mini-fridge or kettle for hot beverages, which many guests miss for personal convenience. Some rooms feature balconies that are not private and can be accessed by neighbors, raising privacy concerns for some. Additionally, some guests reported issues with key cards not working, requiring assistance from staff, which can be challenging if personnel are not readily available.