Escape to Amsterdam: Cozy Chalet Awaits in Garderen!
Escape to Amsterdam: Cozy Chalet Awaits in Garderen! – A Reviewer's Ramblings
Okay, so "Escape to Amsterdam: Cozy Chalet Awaits in Garderen!" sounds way more romantic than it is. Let's be real, you're not actually escaping to Amsterdam. You're escaping nearby Amsterdam, in a super comfy chalet in Garderen. And honestly? After the week I had? Sign me up. Let's dive in, shall we?
(Full Disclosure: I’m a word-vomiting travel blogger with a serious caffeine addiction. My opinions? Strong. My grammar? Questionable. My love for a good spa day? Immense.)
Accessibility: Let's Get Real (and Practical!)
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE. Seriously. I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I always appreciate a place that thinks about everyone. I saw "Facilities for disabled guests" listed, which made me breathe a sigh of relief. That's promising, but more details are needed. Check the website (which should have accessibility info – hint, hint, Garderen!), or best call the place DIRECTLY. Get the lowdown.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Again, check. This is crucial for folks with mobility issues. No one wants to be stuck in their room ordering room service all day (unless that's your goal, in which case, rock on!).
Wheelchair accessible: See above. Deep dive into the details. Are there ramps? Elevators? Wide doorways? Get the intel!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Perspective (and My Wallet's)…
Alright, foodie time!
- Restaurants: The listing says "Restaurants," plural! This is excellent news. I despise a hotel with one sad, overpriced dining option. A bit of variety is always welcome.
- A la carte in restaurant: Love it. Freedom to choose. No more sad, buffet-induced food comas.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Excellent for us picky eaters (read: me). I'll be sending an e-mail pre-trip inquiring about vegan options. Gotta be prepared, you know?
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Um…hmm. This is interesting. Maybe a fusion thing? Amsterdam-adjacent meets the Orient? I'm intrigued. Would definitely try it if available.
- Bar: Essential. Especially after a long day of…well, relaxing. Or, you know, trying to relax. A stiff drink is always a good idea.
- Bottle of water: A nice touch. Hydration is key, especially when you're indulging in…ahem…"researching" the cocktail menu.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant: Okay, the buffet. Can be a crapshoot. Pray it's a good one. Fingers crossed for fresh pastries!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Okay, SOLD. Caffeine is my lifeblood. If there's a dedicated coffee shop, I'm camping out there until they kick me out.
- Desserts in restaurant: Again…SOLD!! I have a serious weakness for anything sweet.
- Happy hour: Now we're talking! This is basically the whole reason I go on vacation.
- International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Gotta have those bases covered. Variety is the spice of life (and the key to avoiding food boredom).
- Poolside bar: YES! Drinks by the pool? My kind of bliss.
- Room service [24-hour]: Heaven! Especially for late-night munchies. Or, you know, the mid-afternoon slump.
- Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Balancing the decadent with the…less decadent. Good to have options. (But let's be honest, I'm mostly here for the desserts.)
- Snack bar: Essential. Because snacks. Always.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Good for some, bad for others. (I assume there are at least SOME non-meat options. Praying also for a place with vegan foods)
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Germs are The Enemy (and Covid's Still Kicking Around)
Honestly, staying in a place with good hygiene is vital. I'm one of those people who always wipes down everything. Yeah, I'm that person.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: This is what I want to see! All the safety measures. Excellent. Now, I want to see these things in action. (And maybe a little hand sanitizer at the entrance wouldn't hurt…)
- Breakfast takeaway service: Very useful. For the sleep deprived, and the people with early morning adventures.
- Cashless payment service: A must. No more fumbling with cash. Hooray!
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Peace of mind. Always good.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Makes me feel good.
- Shared stationery removed: Good. No one wants to pass germs.
- Shared stationery removed: The removal of communal pens etc? Excellent.
- In-room safe box, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: Nice to know you are secure and safe.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
Okay, this is where a hotel can either shine or…well, not so much.
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning: THANK GOD. Garderen in the summer…can get a bit warm.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars: This sounds like a hotel that can host some meetings or gatherings.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Okay, for those traveling with little ones. Good to know.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage: These are the "expected" things. Good to know they're available. The dry cleaning service is a bonus.
- Exterior corridor: Depends. I prefer interior corridors, but it's not a deal-breaker.
- Facilities for disabled guests: (Again, important!) See above.
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: Nice extras.
- Invoice provided: Handy for business trips (or…ahem… "research trips").
- Meetings, Meeting stationery: More of the business-y stuff.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always good.
- Shrine: A shrine?? Interesting! I need to know more. This instantly elevates the quirk factor. Maybe some kind of local saint? This is going to make for an interesting blog post…
- Smoking area: For those who…ahem…"enjoy" a cigarette.
- Terrace: Love a good terrace. Somewhere to sit with a coffee (or wine) and watch the world go by. (Or, you know, people-watch…)
- Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: For the business travelers
For the Kids – Because Happy Kids Equal Happy Parents (and a Peaceful Getaway)
Seems like this is a family friendly hotel.
Getting Around – (Because You're Probably Not Walking To Amsterdam!)
- Airport transfer: Essential! Especially after a long flight. This is a must.
- Bicycle parking: Perfect for exploring the local area.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: You can transport yourself on your own.
In the Rooms – My Sanctuary (Or My Temporary Mess)
- Additional toilet: Always appreciated. Especially if you're sharing with a…ahem… "friend."
- Air conditioning: See above. Vital.
- Alarm clock: For those early morning spa appointments (or, you know, catching your flight).
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Luxury! I love a good bathrobe.
- Bathroom phone: For the important calls.
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: Again…luxury. I’m a bath person.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping in. And for, you know, avoiding the harsh morning light.
- Carpeting: Depends on the cleanliness.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. We're heading to Garderen, Netherlands, and then Amsterdam, armed with a welcoming chalet, garden, and a serious penchant for chaos. Prepare for bumps, detours, and the occasional existential crisis.
The Unofficial, Unstructured, Utterly Human Itinerary: Garderen & Amsterdam
Day 1: Arrival & The Garden-Delight-and-Deer-Disaster
Morning (or what passes for morning after a red-eye flight): Land in Amsterdam. Whew. This is where things already get messy. My luggage? Missing. My sanity? Questionable. My hope? Riding a bicycle. (Spoiler: I will probably fall off it.) Thankfully, there's a pre-booked transfer to the Welcoming Chalet in Garderen. The website promised 'rustic charm,' which in my book usually translates to 'possibly haunted, definitely drafty.' I'm bracing myself.
Afternoon: Garderen & the Garden's Embrace: Arrive! The chalet is charming, in a 'grandma's house after she's gone to the great bakery in the sky' kind of way. It smells faintly of cinnamon and desperation (mostly from me). The garden is a proper fairytale: tulips bursting with color, winding paths, and – wait for it – deer. Holy moly, these elegant creatures are snacking on someone's meticulously planted rose bushes. My internal monologue is a symphony of "Awww!" and "Get OUTTA there, you adorable, thieving jerks!" I try to shoo them but end up tripping over a gnome and looking like a complete fool.
Evening: Culinary Catastrophe (with a Dash of Delight): The chalet has a kitchen! I attempt to cook. "Attempt" is the operative word. The Dutch cheese is amazing, the sausages…less so. I burn the bread, forget the potatoes, and end up eating a slice of cheese the size of my head. But! I manage to make a decent (if slightly burnt) apple turnover using apples from the garden. A triumph! Followed by a deep, introspective moment staring into the fire (pretending it’s my life I am contemplating).
Day 2: Cycling Calamities & Woodland Wonders
Morning: Cycling (and Praying I Don't Die): Rent a bicycle! Big mistake. Massive, bone-jarring, possibly life-threatening mistake. The cycle paths look idyllic. They are not. They are filled with children with bikes, elderly on electric bikes, and other cyclists moving at the speed of light. I nearly take out a gaggle of geese, crash into a strategically placed tree with the bark covered in artful graffiti, and spend most of the time praying. But! The scenery is gorgeous. Seriously stunning. The air smells clean, and for a few glorious moments, I actually feel Dutch. Then, I almost cycle into a ditch, and the illusion shatters.
Afternoon: The Veluwe's Velvet Embrace: Today I'm brave and take a hike in the Hoge Veluwe National Park. It's one of those moments, you know, pure, almost-sacred beauty. The heather is purple, the trees whisper secrets, and a gentle breeze sweeps away the worries about my impending doom-by-bicycle. The Kröller-Müller Museum is an absolute MUST. The Van Gogh collection makes me weep with joy, and the sculptures in the garden are utterly enchanting. (I'm thinking this is the redemption moment for the cycling mishap.)
Evening: Chalet Chat & Stargazing (with a Side of Melancholy): Back at the chalet, the fire is roaring, and I’m feeling all sentimental. I am thinking about all the things that made me happy in my life, and things I could improve. I sit outside, wrapped in a blanket, and stare up at the stars. The night sky is breathtaking, and I am flooded with a mix of awe, loneliness, and the sheer, bewildering complexity of being human. I try, with the best of intentions, to actually journal. I write three sentences before deciding I'll just have another apple turnover.
Day 3: Amsterdam! Hectic, Happy, and (Possibly) Head-Spinning.
Morning: The Train to Temptation: After one last, frantic attempt to eat the rest of the Dutch cheese, it's time to head to Amsterdam. Train travel is smooth, which is a nice change of pace. I have a solid plan – visit the Anne Frank House. (It’s a deeply moving experience so it’s better to book in advance).
Afternoon: Canals, Craving Stroopwafels, and Mild Panic: Amsterdam. The city. The canals! The bikes! The crowds! It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. I navigate the maze of streets, getting hopelessly lost but managing to stumble upon a charming little bakery selling stroopwafels. This is a necessary sustenance. They're warm, gooey, and the perfect antidote to the minor panic arising from the overwhelming amount of beauty. I wander along the canals, snapping photos, eavesdropping on conversations (don't judge), and feeling like I'm in a real-life fairytale.
Evening: The Red Light District (a Curious Experience): It's a must-see… I guess. I stumble around, wide-eyed, and bewildered. It's not what I expected (which is probably a common thing). It's intense, and the air is thick with a strange mix of electricity and the unsettling feeling of observing something I shouldn’t be. I want ice cream.
Late Night: The Van Gogh Museum (again!) & a Midnight Snack: I have an urge to revisit the Van Gogh Museum. I want more art, more beauty. The brushstrokes of agony and joy – he was a man, too, just like all of us. Then, to the nearest fries with mayonnaise place, and a huge pile of crispy goodness. My brain is fried. My feet are aching. I’m happy.
Day 4: Last Day Blues & Departure
- Morning: A Final Canal Cruise & Farewell: One last canal cruise to absorb the city before the return. The morning light, the gentle rocking of the boat… it is perfect. It’s also a little bittersweet as I know it’s almost time to go. I feel utterly exhausted.
- Afternoon: The Airport Ordeal: Arrive at the airport. A final Dutch cheese sandwich, and (of course) my flight is delayed. I realize my luggage is still lost but at this point, I just sigh and accept the chaos.
- Evening: Heading Home: I am on my way home, a little battered, a little bruised, and a whole lot richer for the experience. I’ve witnessed natural beauty, enjoyed art, experienced a cycling disaster, and eaten a frightening amount of cheese. The journey has been imperfect, messy, and absolutely, wonderfully human.
So, Garderen. Seriously? Is it… boring? My Instagram algorithm is screaming Amsterdam!
**But the boredom anxiety!** Yeah, that hit me hard. I paced. I checked Instagram (duh). I even considered trying to *learn Dutch.* (Spoiler alert: I failed miserably. "Goedemorgen" is about as far as I got). But it’s a good contrast though.
The "Cozy Chalet." Is it actually cozy? Or, like, a glorified shed? Spill the tea!
**My Advice:** Bring extra blankets and a good book. And maybe a backup plan if the coffee maker decides to stage a revolt. Mine certainly did!
Logistics: Getting there from Amsterdam, dealing with a rental car (or not), and general advice.
Rental Car: Pain in the arse! Honestly, unless you're planning to explore every single windmill and tulip field in the Netherlands (which, let's be honest, you might be, I did... later!), the car is a bit of a luxury you don't need. The drive up to Garderen is pretty straightforward, and the parking at the chalet was… adequate. But driving in Amsterdam? Pure chaos. Cyclists everywhere! Narrow streets! The constant fear of denting a rental (yes, this happened; no, I'm not going into detail). My advice: only rent if you are going outside of Amsterdam for several days, otherwise, you can use public transport.
Public Transport The journey would be a lot more fun with a car!
General Advice: Pack light. Seriously. The chalet is cozy, but the storage space is… compact. Also, the supermarkets in Garderen are… well, stock up on snacks in Amsterdam before you leave. You'll thank me later. Because they are small.
Okay, actual *things to do* in the area, besides stare at trees? Be honest!
* The Hoge Veluwe National Park: This is the biggie. Seriously, go. It's like… a real-life Bob Ross painting. The Kröller-Müller Museum inside is worth the trip, even if you’re not a massive art buff (I'm not!). The Van Gogh exhibit was surprisingly moving. And the free white bikes scattered everywhere? Genius! (Just, uh, try not to crash. I almost did. Multiple times.)
* Garderen itself: It's cute, right? Very quaint. The local bakery is a must. If you can find it. (I may have gotten hopelessly lost trying to find it on my first day. Thank goodness for Google Maps!). The surrounding villages… they're cute and quaint. Like, "Hallmark movie" quaint.
* Day Trips to Amsterdam: Of course, Amsterdam is still there. The train journey is fine.
My biggest regret?: Not spending enough time at the park. I barely scratched the surface. My advice: Plan for a full day there. Pack a picnic. Breathe the fresh air. And don't be afraid to get lost.
Did you *actually* escape? Or was it just a change of scenery? And more importantly, how did it make you feel?
The first few days? I was twitchy. The lack of constant noise, the slow pace… it was unsettling. I missed the buzz of the city, the constant stimulation. I was genuinely grumpy. I kept checking my phone, even though there was nothing to check. I missed my friends and my life.
But then… something shifted. The silence, the fresh air, the slower pace… it started to work its magic. I started to *think*. Really think. I started to… relax. I read books. I stared at the clouds. I even started writing in a journal (something I haven’t done since, like, high school!). I learned to *breathe*.
It wasn’t a total transformation. I still had moments of anxiety. I still missed my friends. But I felt… different. A little bit lighter. A little bit… saner. I didn't have to be "on" all the time.
And the strongest feeling? Gratitude. I’m a city person, through and through. But I left feeling… refreshed. And that is the best part!
Verdict: Yes, I *escaped*. Even for a little while. And I needed every single minute of it. Go. You might need it too.
