Pillows Luxury Boutique Hotel Aan De IJssel

The hotel offers a truly memorable experience, largely due to its stunning location directly on the IJssel river, providing picturesque views of Deventer's skyline. This unique setting, combined with the convenience of a small ferry right outside, makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic and accessible getaway. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff and service, describing the team as genuinely warm, attentive, and eager to ensure a comfortable stay. The high-quality dining and delicious à la carte breakfast are also frequently praised, contributing significantly to the luxurious boutique hotel experience. For business travelers and those seeking relaxation, the tranquil environment and well-appointed rooms provide a perfect retreat. To make the most of your visit, consider requesting a room with a river view for breathtaking scenery, and be sure to utilize the convenient ferry service for effortless exploration of the city center.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the comprehensive range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance their stay. The hotel offers convenient free parking on-site, including charging stations for electric vehicles, which is a significant advantage. For relaxation and wellness, there is a gym and a sauna, with options for private sauna use that guests particularly enjoy. While some note the gym is modest, it is generally considered decent. Inside the rooms, guests find useful coffee and tea facilities and a well-stocked minibar that often includes complimentary water. The hotel also features a welcoming lobby lounge known as 'The Living,' perfect for enjoying drinks and light bites, and a beautiful outdoor terrace with stunning river views, ideal for dining or unwinding. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring guests can stay connected.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its rooms. Guests frequently commend the spotless condition of both the rooms and bathrooms, noting the meticulous daily housekeeping. The beds are described as exceptionally comfortable, featuring high-quality linens and excellent pillows that ensure a restful night's sleep. Rooms are generally well-appointed with a modern design, though some guests find them to be on the smaller side. The bathrooms are often highlighted for their spaciousness and walk-in showers, with some featuring underfloor heating for added luxury. However, a few guests have noted minor design quirks, such as the placement of the television or the design of the sink area, which can be less practical. While most report a quiet environment, some sensitive guests have occasionally mentioned noise from kitchen ventilation or air conditioning units.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining and food quality are consistently lauded by guests, particularly the à la carte breakfast, which is described as delicious, high-quality, and extensive. Guests appreciate the option to order as much as they desire from a varied menu, often including fresh juices, pastries, and expertly prepared egg dishes, though some note that service can occasionally be slow. The hotel's restaurant, IJssel Restobar, receives glowing reviews for its fine dining experience, offering carefully crafted, well-presented, and flavorful dishes. Many guests highlight the quality of the ingredients and the culinary expertise. While the restaurant primarily offers multi-course fine dining, some guests wished for a simpler, more casual dinner option. The bar area also provides a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying drinks, with some guests praising the unique cocktail selections.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional location directly on the IJssel river, offering captivating views of Deventer's historic city center. Its position provides a serene escape while maintaining excellent accessibility to the city. A key feature is the small ferry located right next to the hotel, providing a quick and charming five-minute ride directly into the heart of Deventer. Guests frequently praise this convenient mode of transport, noting that the hotel often provides ferry tickets. For those arriving by car, free private parking is available on-site, including electric vehicle charging stations, which is a significant convenience. While the hotel is slightly removed from the immediate city bustle, its unique riverside setting and easy ferry access make it an ideal base for exploring the area's attractions, shopping, and dining.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel are consistently highlighted as a standout feature, with guests frequently describing the team as exceptionally friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. From the moment of arrival, guests experience a warm and personal check-in process, often accompanied by a welcome drink. The staff's eagerness to assist with various requests, such as luggage handling, restaurant reservations, and providing local tips, significantly enhances the guest experience. Many reviews commend the professionalism and high-spirited demeanor of the entire team, from reception to housekeeping and restaurant staff. The personalized touches, such as welcome notes and thoughtful gestures, contribute to a feeling of being truly pampered. Overall, the dedication of the staff to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few additional details to enhance their stay. While the hotel often provides ferry tickets for crossing the river, there has been some occasional confusion regarding whether these are complimentary or charged, so it is advisable to clarify upon arrival. Some guests have reported instances of upselling during check-in, particularly concerning room upgrades or breakfast, which occasionally led to billing discrepancies at check-out. The hotel is also noted as a beautiful and professional venue for weddings and celebrations, with staff demonstrating flexibility and excellent organization for such events. It is worth noting that the hotel's restaurant primarily offers fine dining, and guests seeking simpler or more casual dinner options may need to explore alternatives in the city. Additionally, some guests have mentioned that the in-room televisions do not offer streaming services like Netflix.