Van der Valk Hotel Apeldoorn - De Cantharel

This hotel offers a truly comfortable and luxurious experience, distinguished by its unique wellness garden featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings of the Veluwe. It is an ideal destination for couples seeking a relaxing getaway, families benefiting from its child-friendly facilities, and active travelers like hikers and cyclists due to direct access to numerous routes. Pet owners will also find it accommodating, and business travelers appreciate its well-equipped meeting spaces. Guests consistently praise the hotel's comfortable and spacious rooms, the attentive staff, and the excellent dining options. To enhance your stay, consider taking advantage of the direct access to walking and cycling routes from the hotel, and for a more tranquil experience, inquire about adult-only times for the wellness area, especially during peak seasons.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides an array of impressive facilities designed for relaxation and activity. Guests particularly enjoy the extensive wellness garden, which includes a heated indoor/outdoor pool and various saunas, such as an infrared sauna, along with a steam room. A well-equipped gym is also available for those wishing to maintain their fitness routine. For outdoor enthusiasts, bike rental is conveniently offered on-site, providing direct access to scenic routes. The hotel ensures connectivity with free Wi-Fi throughout the premises. Additional conveniences include free coffee, tea, and water stations in the lobby and spa areas, as well as private cinemas for entertainment. While most guests find the facilities excellent, some note that the pool can become quite busy during holiday periods, and a few observed that some charging stations for electric vehicles were not always fully functional.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's spacious rooms for their comfort and cleanliness, often highlighting the comfortable beds and modern amenities. Many rooms feature a sunshower and a separate toilet, with some offering a freestanding bath within the room, which guests find luxurious, though some consider it an unusual layout. The rooms are typically well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. However, some guests have reported issues with noise levels, particularly from the motorway or car park, and occasionally from other guests in the corridors, suggesting thin walls. A few reviews mentioned that rooms could be too warm with limited climate control, and a small number noted minor cleanliness oversights or found the pillows to be uncomfortably firm. Some rooms also have surprisingly small wardrobes with limited hanging space.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives widespread acclaim, particularly the excellent breakfast buffet. Guests consistently praise its extensive variety, including fresh options like salmon, scrambled eggs, and pancakes, along with a fresh juice machine. The main restaurant is highly regarded for both lunch and dinner, offering delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere. The exclusive Huisje James chef's table is frequently highlighted as a top-tier culinary experience. The lunch buffet is also popular for its extensive choices and value, though some guests noted a recent reduction in variety. While most feedback is positive, some diners experienced slow service or forgotten orders in the restaurant. A few found certain dishes, like the schnitzel, to be bland or the accompanying sauces watery, and some observed flies and wasps near the buffet area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a fantastic location nestled in the Veluwe, offering immediate access to a beautiful forest and numerous walking and cycling routes directly from the property. This makes it an ideal base for nature enthusiasts and those seeking outdoor activities. Despite its proximity to the motorway, guests report that the hotel remains quiet at night, ensuring a peaceful stay. It is also conveniently located near Apeldoorn and popular attractions like the Kroller Muller Museum. The hotel provides ample parking for guests, including charging stations for electric vehicles. For those relying on public transport, a bus stop is conveniently situated directly in front of the hotel, ensuring easy accessibility to the surrounding areas.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the welcoming reception, quick check-in process, and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests. Many reviews commend the attentive service provided by the restaurant and housekeeping teams, contributing to a positive overall experience. The reservation staff is also noted for their helpfulness in resolving booking issues. While the vast majority of feedback on service is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests experienced isolated instances of slow service in the restaurant or bar, and some felt that staff could be more attentive to etiquette during busy periods. Overall, the dedication of the team to providing excellent service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably pet-friendly, welcoming dogs and even accommodating guests traveling with horses, which is a unique offering. It caters well to families, providing various child-friendly activities such as a large chess board, a small soccer field, and private cinemas. While there isn't a dedicated children's menu, the hotel offers flexible options for younger guests. Guests should be aware that the wellness area can become busy with children during holiday periods, though the hotel does offer adults-only times for a more tranquil experience. Some family rooms may lack windows in the bedrooms, which could affect fresh air circulation. The hotel also offers e-chopper rental and horse carriage rides for exploring the scenic surroundings.