Luxury Lakefront Escape: Edam-Volendam's Chic Restyled Apartment
Luxury Lakefront Escape: Edam-Volendam's Chic Restyled Apartment - A Messy, Wonderful, and Slightly Over-the-Top Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this review isn't going to be some sterile, corporate-speak BS. We're talking genuine experience, warts and all, of the "Luxury Lakefront Escape" in the ridiculously charming Edam-Volendam. Honestly? The name alone sets a high bar. Did it deliver? Let's dive in, shall we? And pray I don't get lost in a tangent… because, well, you'll see.
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Rooms & Accessibility: The Good, the Almost Good, and the "Huh?"
Right, let's start with the basics. Accessibility is always a big one for me (and should be for everyone!). The apartment claims to be decent. The elevator was a godsend, especially hauling my luggage. But the devil, as always, is in the details. The bathroom, while beautiful (more on the beautiful later), could've used some extra grab bars. And while the facilities for disabled guests exist… I'm not entirely sure they're all fully up-to-snuff. It's the kind of place that tries, bless its heart, but maybe needs a review from someone with actual accessibility needs. I'd give it a solid B- on that front.
Now, the rooms themselves? Glorious. I mean, glorious. Think high ceilings, giant windows overlooking the shimmering Markermeer lake (yes, I Googled it; I’m cultured now!), and a design aesthetic that screamed "Scandinavian Chic Meets Dutch Delight." The blackout curtains were a MUST considering the endless summer days and were perfect for when I needed a proper daytime nap after a hearty lunch. The extra-long bed was a game-changer for this restless sleeper, and I appreciated the abundance of pillows. Seriously, I could build a pillow fort in this place. The mini-bar? Stocked. The complimentary tea? Excellent. The free Wi-Fi? Worked like a charm, even with the constant Instagramming. I found all the essentials in the room, including slippers, bathrobes, and a mirror to check my smug face.
But… My biggest complaint? I REALLY wanted to open the window. But I kept forgetting… I am just a creature of habit.
Also, the extra toilet was handy when, well, you know.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germs, Be Gone! (Mostly)
Listen, in these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is paramount. And I have to say, the staff seemed genuinely invested in keeping things squeaky clean. The anti-viral cleaning products smelled suspiciously like pine, but I approve. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha. My room felt legitimately fresh, like I was the first person to ever breathe its air. I loved that they offered room sanitization opt-out and I appreciate the attention to detail and cleanliness. The hand sanitizer was everywhere.
Safety features were also up to snuff: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and a 24-hour front desk. It gave me peace of mind. I felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure With Unexpected Surprises
Alright, food. Where do I even begin? The apartment has restaurants, plural! The Asian cuisine was a delicious departure from the usual Dutch fare. I wasn't expecting to find any, but it was surprisingly excellent. The A la carte in restaurant was a real treat.
But here's where things got… interesting. The breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. Beautifully presented, with a wide array of options. But the quality was… inconsistent. The pastries were divine, the coffee was strong (a must-have, people!), but the scrambled eggs… well, let's just say they weren't exactly Michelin-star worthy. They had a bottle of water waiting for me.
The poolside bar was a scene. Cocktails, sunshine, and the gentle lapping of the lake in the background. Pure bliss. The snack bar was perfect for a quick bite.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Disasters
Okay, the good stuff. THE SPA. Oh, the spa. Pure, unadulterated heaven. I spent a solid afternoon getting thoroughly pampered. The sauna was hot, steamy, and utterly relaxing. The steamroom was… well, like being in a cloud. And the massage? Chef's kiss. I walked out feeling like a completely different human. The pool with a view was gorgeous. I floated there, staring at the lake, and letting all my worries dissipate. They also had a gym/fitness but… I'm not sure if I saw it because I was too busy getting massaged.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The concierge was incredibly helpful, arranging everything from bike rentals to recommending the best stroopwafels in town (the ones from the local market, by the way. Trust me). Daily housekeeping kept the apartment spotless, and the laundry service was a lifesaver. The car park [free of charge] was a definite plus.
They boasted air conditioning in the public areas, which was a relief during the brief, scorching heatwave we experienced. I didn't check it. I was too busy lounging.
Things To Do: Out and About in Edam-Volendam (and Maybe Getting Lost)
Okay, so the apartment is awesome, but you have to actually leave it, right? Luckily, Edam-Volendam is a treasure trove of adorable. From canals to cheese shops. I took a taxi service to the windmills and the bicycle parking was readily available.
I would have liked to go for a swim in the swimming pool [outdoor], but I am not good at swimming.
For the Kids: (Almost) Family-Friendly Fun
I didn't travel with kids, but the family/child friendly vibe was definitely there. They had kids facilities. They offered babysitting service. The playground was full of kids.
The Verdict: Is This Lakefront Escape Worth It?
Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. Despite a few minor hiccups and the occasional slightly-off scrambled egg, the "Luxury Lakefront Escape" is a winner. The stunning location, the luxurious rooms, the killer spa, and the genuinely friendly staff all combine to create a truly memorable experience. It’s a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and accessibility (with a few caveats).
Final Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars (minus a half-star for the slightly wonky breakfast and the aforementioned accessibility issues). Go. Just go. And tell them I sent you. (But don't expect a free massage. I already used them all.)
Andalusian Dream: Your Private Farmhouse Oasis with Pool near Antequera!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized brochure itinerary. This is… me – in the Netherlands, wrestling with a duvet and a whole lotta cheese. Here's how the Markermeer and Edam-Volendam will become my latest (and potentially messy) adventure.
Day 1: Touchdown (and a Mild Panic)
- Morning: Amsterdam Schiphol! The airport's a chaotic ballet of clogs and indecipherable announcements. Found my luggage (miracle!). Grabbed a coffee, which tasted suspiciously like dishwater. (Note to self: Research proper Dutch coffee.)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Train to Hoorn. Okay, this is what I came for! Picturesque, canals, and the air smells like… well, not dishwater. More like… fresh-baked bread and possibility! The train ride, however, was a masterclass in Dutch stoicism. Everyone just stares ahead. No smiling. No talking. Just… staring. I felt like a tourist alien from a sitcom.
- Afternoon: Taxi (slightly lost, per usual) to the restyled apartment on the Markermeer. And… holy moly. The view. The water. The little docks. My inner Instagram influencer almost exploded. The apartment itself? Chic, modern, with a giant window practically begging me to meditate… or, you know, drink wine and judge the seagulls.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Settling in, with a side of mild panic. Apartment key? Check. Wi-fi password? Check. Ability to operate the incredibly sophisticated Dutch washing machine? Hmm… will it eat my clothes? This is a real concern. Dinner: Cheese and crackers (the Dutch cheese is AMAZING), bread from that bakery smelled great in Hoorn, and a healthy dose of "Wow, I'm actually here." Feeling surprisingly… content. And also slightly terrified of the laundry situation.
Day 2: Edam, Cheese, and Questionable Decisions
- Morning: Edam! Oh, Edam. The town, the cheese… the history! Wandered the cobblestone streets. Found the exact Instagram-worthy shot of the canals. Took about fifty more, because perfection is a lie. The cheese market… well, let's just say I left with more than I came with. I think I bought an entire wheel. Is that a problem? Don't answer that.
- Late Morning: Got slightly lost (shocking!). Turned a corner and stumbled upon a hidden courtyard, complete with a tiny fountain and a cat who looked like it judged all my life choices. Sat there for a while, just breathing. Dutch air is legit good for the soul, even if I have no idea how to pronounce “plein.”
- Afternoon: The cheese shop experience! This is where things get interesting. I went in expecting a quick transaction. I left with a cheese-induced lecture from the shop owner about “the art of the Dutch cheese.” It was like he was a cheese guru or something! He even showed me how to tell if cheese is ripe. I sampled like, 20 different cheeses, and left with a wheel of aged Gouda. Will I remember any of this? Probably not. Will I go back for more? Absolutely.
- Late Afternoon: Back to the apartment. The wind is screaming at the window. The sky is gray. I swear the seagulls are laughing at me. Contemplating the washing machine. Taking deep breaths. Cheese and crackers round two. Laundry…. later. Maybe.
- Evening: Attempted to cook. Failed spectacularly. The smoke detector went off. The apartment is now slightly smokey. Dinner: Cheese and crackers. Comfort food wins again.
Day 3: Volendam, Fish, and Existential Thoughts
- Morning: Volendam! The colorful houses. The wooden shoes. The tourists… lots of tourists (including yours truly). Took a million photos in front of the harbor. Felt like I was in a Dutch painting.
- Late Morning: Found a small seafood restaurant. Had fish and chips. The fish was… divine. But the service? A study in Dutch efficiency. Order taken. Fish delivered. Bill presented. No chit-chat. No wasted words. Just delicious, perfectly fried fish. Contemplating the pros and cons of living a life of profound efficiency.
- Afternoon: Wandered through the souvenir shops (and bought more cheese, naturally). Had my photo taken in a traditional Dutch hat. Looked like a slightly overwhelmed mushroom. Contemplated buying wooden shoes. Realized I'd probably trip and break an ankle. Decided to leave the wooden shoes to the professionals.
- Late Afternoon: Back to the apartment. The wind is still howling. The view is breathtaking. The laundry remains undone. Starting to feel a weird, quiet kind of contentment. Like, I’m slightly disheveled, cheese-obsessed, and have no idea what's happening, but I'm somehow okay with it. This is the Netherlands, baby!
- Evening: Stared at the sunset. Drank wine. Ate cheese. Wondered if I could live here forever. Then remembered the laundry. Maybe not forever. But definitely a while.
Day 4: Departure (and a Promise)
- Morning: Spent an hour wrestling with the washing machine (VICTORY!). Actually sorted, washed, dried, and folded my clothes, it felt I had achieved a PhD!
- Late Morning: Last walk along the Markermeer. Said goodbye to the seagulls (maybe). Packed my bag. Feel a pang of… sadness? Surprise!
- Afternoon: Train back to Amsterdam. Airport. Flight home. Thinking about all the cheese I "acquired".
- Evening: Back home (and I'm missing the Netherlands already and the fresh cheese!
- The Ultimate Takeaway: This trip was a mess. A beautiful, slightly cheesy mess. I got lost. I ate too much cheese. The laundry conquered me. I talked to a lot of people and I made a lot of memories. But it was also exactly what I needed. A reminder to slow down, to breathe, and to embrace the beautiful, messy, imperfect adventure of life. And I promise myself: I'll be back. For more cheese. And maybe, just maybe, to finally master that washing machine.
Okay, so this "Luxury Lakefront Escape" thing... is it *actually* luxurious? Like, no questionable stained carpets lurking?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" is a loaded word. I've stayed in places that *claimed* luxury and felt like I'd stepped into a poorly lit IKEA showroom furnished entirely by toddlers. This place in Edam-Volendam... it's actually pretty damn good. They really did a number on the restyling. Think clean lines, seriously comfortable furniture (that I actually wanted to *sink* into after a long day of cheese tasting!), and zero offensive floral patterns. I was expecting some sort of "rustic chic" attempt that probably involved burlap curtains and a wonky rocking horse. Nope. This was proper, well-considered design. And the best part? No suspicious carpet stains! I even checked! (Okay, maybe I *slightly* freaked out and did the sniff-test on a corner… judge me.)
But, (and there's always a but, right?) remember, *perfection* is an illusion. I did notice a tiny, TINY smudge on the window, right where you'd be looking out at the lake. And the remote control… it was covered in those weird, almost-sticky fingerprints that no amount of wiping seems to remove. (I’m pretty sure those are the remnants of someone who's been living in a tent, right?!) So, yes, luxurious. But human-level luxurious. Not the sterile, surgically clean kind that makes you afraid to breathe.
The location… is it *really* lakefront? Because, you know, "lakefront" can mean anything these days. Like, "lakefront" could be a parking lot with a sad puddle.
HAHA! I *totally* understand the skepticism. I've booked "ocean view" rooms that faced a dumpster. This… this is the real deal. You wake up, fling open the curtains (which, BTW, are blackout curtains, a godsend after a few too many Dutch beers the night before!), and BOOM. Lake. Like, *right there*. So close you could practically dip your toes in. It's ridiculously pretty. Like, postcard-worthy pretty. I sat on the balcony with my morning coffee (which, thankfully, was good coffee – crucial) and just… stared. At the boats, the ducks, the occasional bewildered-looking tourist. It was blissful.
Now, here’s a little confession: The balcony… it *might* have been a tad small. I'm a big fan of sprawling out. And let’s be honest, setting up a proper breakfast of croissants and Dutch cheese was a bit of a balancing act. But the view… it erased all balcony-related gripes. And hey, it's not like you expect a mansion, right? It's a charming little apartment. And the lake? It truly IS lakefront. No puddle disguises here!
Edam-Volendam… is it as charming as the photos make it look? Because, sometimes those photos… they lie. They really, *really* lie.
Okay, so the photographs? Mostly accurate. Shocking, I know. Seriously though, Edam-Volendam is *adorable*. Think picture-perfect canals, those cute little houses with the wonky angles, and more cheese shops than you can shake a Gouda at. (And trust me, I tried.) It's like stepping into a storybook.
That being said… let’s talk about the crowds. Especially if you're visiting during peak season. It gets *busy*. Really busy. Trying to navigate the narrow streets with a suitcase felt like a contact sport. And the selfie sticks? Oh. My. God. I swear one nearly took out my eye. So, yeah, charm overload is real, but be prepared to share it with a few hundred (or thousand) of your closest travel friends. My advice? Go early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive, and soak it all in while dodging the aforementioned selfie sticks.
Also, and this is crucial: Learn a few basic Dutch phrases. The locals appreciate it (even if you butcher them, which I definitely did). And always, *always*, try the herring. (Even if you think you hate fish. Just… trust me.) Because that's the real "charm" of Edam-Volendam, too. It's not all perfect, but it's absolutely worth it.
What’s the deal with the apartment itself? Anything… inconvenient? I get cranky without good coffee in the morning. It’s the simple things, you know? Oh and is the wifi alright, because I work remotely (ugh).
Okay, coffee first, because I feel you. The coffee situation? Acceptable. Not *amazing*, but definitely drinkable, and they supplied plenty of Nespresso pods, which is a major win in my book. (I brought my own coffee just in case. Never underestimate the importance of a caffeine safety net). So, you'll survive.
Now the wifi… well it existed, which is a great start. It was certainly faster than dial-up, no doubt. It seemed to have a bit of a mind of its own, though. There were times when I could download a whole movie, and then other times when loading a simple website felt like watching paint dry. I had some urgent work emails to send, and the frustration levels were rising… and fast! I ended up tethering to my phone a lot, but data roaming is a nightmare.
The apartment itself was pretty good overall though. The kitchen was well-equipped (dish soap, though? I had to buy some), the bed was comfy, and the bathroom was perfectly functional. But... and here’s the messy bit... finding the light switches was a bit of a treasure hunt! Like, did they hide them on purpose? I spent a good five minutes fumbling around in the dark on the first night. And the washing machine? Small. *Very* small. I did a load of laundry, but my clothes came out practically wrinkled! (Thank goodness for the iron). But, on the other hand, the view! Did I mention the view? It makes you forget all those little imperfections, those little annoyances. It’s hard to complain too much when you're looking out over a lake like that, even with slightly crumpled clothes. It’s human, its real, and I'd choose it over a sterile hotel any day.
Seriously, the cheese. How much cheese did you eat? Give it to me straight.
Okay. Deep breath. I… I lost count. There was Gouda, of course. (A lifetime supply, I think.) Edam (duh!). And then some kind of smoked cheese that was so good it almost made me cry. Almost. (Okay, maybe I teared up a little.) I may or may not have bought a whole wheel of something or other that I *planned* to bring home. Said wheel *may* have been completely, utterly, and irrevocably devoured by the time I reached the train station.
Let me put it this way: I considered getting a cheese-themed tattoo. It was a fleeting thought, fueled by a particularly delicious piece of aged Gouda, but it was a thought nonetheless. I also visited a cheese *factory*. I watched them *make* cheeseTrip Stay Finder
