Van der Valk Hotel Enschede

This hotel is celebrated for its modern design, spacious rooms, and impressive top-floor wellness facilities offering panoramic city views, making it a memorable stay for many. Its commitment to cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and generally attentive service are frequently highlighted. The hotel's excellent dining options, particularly the breakfast, also stand out. It caters well to diverse guests, including business travelers seeking convenient road access and ample parking, couples looking for a relaxing getaway with good amenities, and families appreciating the spacious rooms and on-site facilities. For an enhanced experience, guests might consider requesting a room on a higher floor to fully enjoy the views, and be aware that while the hotel is easily accessible by car, reaching the city center often requires a short bus ride or bike trip.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of impressive facilities, particularly its wellness area located on the top floor. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and a well-equipped fitness center featuring modern machines and scenic views. While the pool can sometimes be busy and lounge chairs are limited, these amenities provide excellent opportunities for relaxation. The hotel also provides a massive free car park with ample charging points, which is a significant convenience for guests arriving by car. Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the property, though some isolated reports mention connectivity issues in specific rooms. Some guests noted that bathrobes and slippers are not always provided directly in the room and may need to be requested or picked up.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are consistently praised for being spacious, modern, and generally clean. Many guests appreciate the comfortable beds and the luxurious, modern bathrooms equipped with both a bath and a rain shower. Amenities such as a tea kettle, refrigerator, and coffee maker are also commonly found and appreciated. However, some guests have reported issues with cleanliness, including dust on furniture, dirty carpets, hairs in the bathroom or on beds, and even mold in showers or exhaust vents, suggesting a need for more thorough maintenance in some areas. While rooms are generally quiet, some have experienced air conditioning noise at night or highway noise when windows are open. Additionally, some guests found the pillows to be too thick or hard, and a few noted that the twin beds pushed together were not ideal for couples.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as excellent, extensive, and offering a wide variety of delicious options, including notable vegan options. Most guests find the restaurant to offer good quality and delicious food, with a pleasant atmosphere and attentive service. However, some experiences have been mixed, with reports of slow service, salty food, or dishes lacking creativity. The brunch also garners varied feedback; many found it extensive and enjoyable with live cooking stations, while others were disappointed by dirty plates, limited variety, or unexperienced staff. The bar is generally well-regarded for its ambiance and service, though some guests noted it closes relatively early. A few isolated incidents mentioned issues with room service, including long waits and cold food.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly convenient for those traveling by car, situated near a highway exit with easy access to major roads. It boasts a massive free car park and numerous charging points, making it an ideal choice for guests with vehicles. While the hotel is somewhat remote from the city center (approximately 2 km away), it is well-connected by public transport, with a bus stop practically at the door providing good bus connections to the city. Guests can also reach the city center by bike or a 25-30 minute walk. Some visitors found the immediate surrounding area to be less attractive, but the hotel's accessibility to the wider region and its on-site amenities generally compensate for this.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. Many guests highlight the excellent service provided across various departments. The check-in process is generally smooth, though a few guests reported negative experiences with a rude receptionist who lacked hospitality and failed to provide essential hotel information or assistance with luggage. Another concern raised was an inflexible cancellation policy, which caused frustration for some guests. While most issues are handled promptly, some guests noted that housekeeping did not always address reported cleanliness concerns effectively. Overall, the majority of reviews commend the staff's dedication to ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and features that may impact their stay. The late check-out policy is available for a fee, though there have been instances of conflicting information regarding the exact duration and cost. The air conditioning control is centralized, meaning individual room temperature adjustments are not always possible, which some guests found problematic, especially during warmer periods. Families traveling with children might find the children's facilities to be limited, with little in the way of playgrounds, toys, or specific activities. Additionally, some guests have noted slippery floors in the wellness area, which has led to falls, and the hotel is reportedly addressing this safety concern. There have also been requests for more diverse halal or vegetarian options at breakfast.