Luxury De Veluwe Bungalow w/ Dishwasher: Apeldoorn Escape Awaits!
Luxury De Veluwe Bungalow: My Chaotic Apeldoorn Escape (And Dishwasher Dreams!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to lay it all out on this Luxury De Veluwe Bungalow in Apeldoorn. "Luxury," they say. "Escape," they promise. Well, I've escaped alright, and trust me, it was an experience. Think less 'smooth sailing on a yacht' and more 'ferrying yourself across a choppy lake in a leaky rowboat.' But hey, that's life, right? And honestly… I wouldn't trade it for the world. (Except maybe a consistently functioning dishwasher, but we'll get to that.)
The Arrival: A Glimmer of Hope (and a Slightly Wonky Entrance)
First impressions? Pretty darn good. The exterior is charming, nestled amongst the Veluwe's lush greenery. The air smells… well, Veluwe-y. Fresh, piney… kinda perfect. Free parking? YES. (Seriously, a HUGE win in my book. I'm always terrified of parking fees.) The whole vibe is very 'escape to nature, leave your worries behind.' Though, I did find the entrance to our bungalow a tiny bit tricky with my suitcase. Maybe it's just me, but a slightly wonkier path than expected. Minor detail, but hey, I'm being honest!
Accessibility & Accessibility (Or, The Great Wheelchair Debate)
Now, about accessibility. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally need them, but I did poke around. The elevator exists, thank goodness, and that’s huge. But, again, this is just me, I’d want to see first-hand evidence before guaranteeing total accessibility, best to contact them to confirm. They’ve got the basics covered, but for truly top-tier accessibility, they probably need to up the ante a bit.
The Bungalow Itself: Promise of a Kitchen (and the Reality)
Right, let's get to the nitty-gritty: the bungalow. The promise of a DISHWASHER! Oh, how my heart leaped! After a few days of hand-washing dishes on a recent trip? This was paradise. And for the most part, it WAS. Spacious, clean (mostly), and well-equipped. Air conditioning worked like a charm (thank god!), the bed was comfy (extra-long, even!), and the blackout curtains were AMAZING for sleeping in. They even had a scale! (Okay, maybe not a good thing, but a thing nonetheless.)
But… the dishwasher. Let's just say it was temperamental. Half the time it worked like a dream, gleaming dishes emerging like tiny ceramic trophies. The other half? Dishes that emerged looking like they’d been through a mud wrestling competition. This led to a cycle of pre-rinsing, re-stacking, and a healthy dose of frustration. More than once I considered abandoning the dishes and just… eating everything with my hands. But then I’d remember the dream, the promise… the dishwasher.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Bit of a Mixed Bag)
The dining situation is where things get… interesting. A la carte dining? Asian cuisine? Western breakfast? (They're giving it to you, people!). There were a gazillion options, which is great in theory! And the option to have breakfast in your room is also a huge plus. Breakfast takeaway service? YES. The staff were trained in safety protocol, hygiene certification and there was daily disinfection in common areas. Anti-viral cleaning products were used. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. And there was an option to have breakfast in rooms and breakfast takeaway service. BUT, let's just say the execution wasn't always flawless.
I had a particularly memorable breakfast in the restaurant one morning. I ordered the international option. It arrived. Honestly, it was… fine. Edible. But nothing to write home about. The coffee, however, was a different story. It tasted like it had been brewed in the depths of despair. I think I ended up getting my coffee from the Coffee shop, which saved the day for the caffeine cravings.
The "Relaxation" Factor: Sauna, Pools, and the Pursuit of Serenity (Sort Of)
Okay, this is where the "Luxury Escape" really comes into play. Saunas, a pool with a view, a Fitness center, a spa… the works! My goal for this trip? To achieve maximum relaxation. I was on a mission. I booked myself a massage. Oh, sweet, sweet bliss. The massage therapist was amazing! The Spa/Sauna was… well, the view was amazing. It was the kind of view that makes you take a deep breath and think, "Okay, I'm on holiday. I'm doing this whole 'relaxation' thing." I have to say, it absolutely did it’s JOB.
The "Things to Do" (Beyond Dishes and Deep Breaths)
Now, I'm not one to sit still, so I wanted to see what else there was to do besides the pool and the spa. The Veluwe is an amazing place, and I recommend exploring it by way of the Car park [free of charge]. They are things to do like visiting the Shrine or walking on the Terrace. This bungalow is a good location to visit the area.
The Not-So-Pretty Stuff: Little Imperfections
Look, I’m not going to lie. There were a few hiccups. The Wi-Fi could be a bit dodgy at times. The "complimentary tea" turned out to be, well, not that great. Little things, really. Nothing deal-breaking, but worth mentioning.
The Conclusion: Would I Go Back?
Despite the dishwasher drama, the slightly uneven food, and the occasional Wi-Fi woes, this Luxury De Veluwe Bungalow? Yes. Absolutely. Those spa days alone made it worth it. And the overall vibe? Relaxed, peaceful, and a welcome escape from the usual chaos of life. Plus, the potential for dishwasher perfection is just too enticing to ignore. I mean, maybe next time the dishwasher will actually behave. A girl can dream, right? Just… don’t pack your finest china. You might need a lot of pre-rinsing.
Escape to Bavarian Charm: Your Dream Holiday Home Awaits in Bad Kotzting!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, meticulously crafted itinerary. We're plunging headfirst into the Veluwe wilderness, armed with nothing but a semi-functioning sense of direction and a serious craving for Dutch stroopwafels. And a bungalow with a dishwasher, bless its little ceramic heart. Here's the (probably doomed) plan:
The Veluwe Whirlwind: A Human's Attempt at a Dutch Adventure
Day 1: Arrival - Chaos and Croissants (and a possible existential crisis)
- 12:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Schiphol Airport. Okay, so I thought I packed light. Turns out my definition of "light" apparently involves a suitcase large enough to house a small family. And the airport? Sheesh, it's like a futuristic, beautifully designed shopping mall that also happens to be a portal to the rest of the world. Getting through customs felt like navigating a particularly intense game of "Simon Says" - passport, smile, look directly ahead… somehow got through without being questioned.
- 1:30 PM: The train to Apeldoorn. I’m already experiencing a minor panic attack about the luggage storage situation. It’s fine, everything's fine. Deep breaths. The train windows offer the most stunning views. I’m like a simpleton, gaping like a fish at the verdant landscapes. Everything is so… orderly. Makes me want to tidy my life, but then again, that's a lot of work.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at the bungalow in De Veluwe! Oh. My. Goodness. The pictures didn’t lie. It's a ridiculously cute cottage! And the dishwasher! I feel like nobility. Unpacking, trying to figure out how the hell the espresso machine works, and immediately craving a nap. But first, let’s find some damn croissants.
- 4:30 PM: The hunt for sustenance in Apeldoorn. Walked into the town, and spent a fair chunk of time wondering if I should have just gotten a taxi. It’s not far, but my feet are already aching. Found a bakery, and the smell of freshly baked bread almost made me weep with joy. Ended up buying ALL THE CROISSANTS. And something that looked suspiciously like a giant bread pretzel.
- 6:00 PM: Settling in, marveling at the dishwasher, and having a quiet moment of existential dread. Will I ever truly understand the Dutch? Can I handle a whole week of… everything? Decided to channel fear into appreciation for the bungalow's cozy ambiance.
- 7:00 PM: Attempt to make pasta. Burn the pasta. Blame the stove. Order a pizza. Pizza in the Netherlands? Absolutely.
Day 2: Hoge Veluwe National Park – Art, Animals, and Awkward Encounters
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast of champions: Leftovers from the pizza and, of course, more croissants. And the espresso machine, finally conquering that darn thing!
- 10:00 AM: Cycling adventure to the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Okay, so I haven't ridden a bike in… a while. Let's just say my coordination is more "penguin on ice" than "agile cyclist." Scared myself more than I should have on the first few turns, but finally got the hang of it. The park itself is stunning – vast, filled with trees, and the free white bikes are a stroke of genius.
- 11:00 AM: Kröller-Müller Museum. Van Gogh. I think I need time to collect myself. Just stunning. I'm not an art critic, but I can say with absolute certainty that I was moved. Really moved. The emotional power of the art, the scale of the exhibits – it's overwhelming in the best possible way. I wandered off, thinking about the history of the painter.
- 1:00 PM: Picnic lunch (sandwiches and an apple I optimistically thought I’d eat). The deer watching us while we dine. Awkward. They're unbelievably graceful, but also… judging? They probably thought I was the most awkward person they'd ever seen.
- 2:00 PM: More cycling because, apparently, I love to torture myself. Attempt to spot some nature, possibly a wild boar. It was a futile attempt. I saw a squirrel, which, apparently, counts.
- 3:00 PM: A minor detour to the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus (St Hubertus Hunting Lodge). The architecture is so striking; all sharp angles and a story to tell. The hunting lodge is really something – the whole thing is designed to look like a stag.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the bungalow, covered in (mild) dirt and triumph. A much-needed shower, a glass of wine, and collapse into the comfiest chair in the world.
- 7:00 PM: Trying a new Dutch dish - bitterballen. I like them. A little bit too heavy, though. But I am not complaining.
Day 3: Apeldoorn and the Royal Family - Oranje-Nassau, and the Bicyclist
- 9:00 AM: The usual breakfast. I am starting to feel like a local now, and my Dutch has improved to the point where I now understand the word “hello”.
- 10:00 AM: Paleis Het Loo. Well, this is absolutely stunning. The grounds are a perfect combination of formal and informal, and the palace itself is so grand. Strolling through the palace is an amazing walk through the history of the Oranje-Nassau family, feeling as though I'd stumbled backward into a bygone era.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Apeldoorn. I’d found a delightful little cafe and, in a moment of utter brilliance, ordered something I couldn't pronounce. Turns out it was delicious.
- 2:00 PM: More biking, because apparently I'm a masochist. Thought I knew my way around, but got thoroughly lost. Ended up in a completely different part of the park. Saw a field of wildflowers. It was pretty, so I won't complain.
- 4:00 PM: Ice cream!! A perfect Dutch ice cream in a ridiculously huge waffle cone. I feel like I am still a child.
- 6:00 PM: Cooking attempt number two. Managed to avoid burning anything this time. Victory is mine!
- 7:30 PM: An extremely cheesy movie to finish the day.
Day 4: Day Trip to… Somewhere! - The Unexpected Detour
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast and a serious debate about where to go today. Amsterdam is too far. I'm not ready for the crowds of tourists. Perhaps a smaller town. Decided on something and hopped on a train.
- 11:00 AM: [To be filled in later after the day is finished.] This is exactly the point where my perfectly imperfect plan will unravel. I’m trusting the cosmos, and my gut.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the bungalow. Exhausted. Dirty. Changed from the plan. But happy.
- 7:00 PM: Ordering out. I need a break.
Day 5: Return and Reflection
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I'm getting quite the routine down.
- All Day: Relaxing. Doing nothing. Sitting. Reading.
- 7:00 PM: Another amazing movie.
Day 6: Last day
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I'm getting quite the routine down.
- All Day: Relaxing. Doing nothing. Sitting. Reading.
- 7:00 PM: An attempt to cook. Fail. Pizza it is.
Day 7: Departure - Goodbye, Sweet Bungalow!
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast – stroopwafels, of course.
- 10:00 AM: Packing (more heavy lifting).
- 11:00 AM: Final sweep of the bungalow, feeling a pang of sadness at leaving this sanctuary.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the train.
- 1:00 PM: One last stroopwafel at the station.
- 2:00 PM: Flight home.
Honestly, I can't promise this will be a smooth, perfectly curated adventure. There will be moments of blissful beauty, moments of frustration (probably involving a map), and definitely moments of utter bewilderment. But that's half the fun, right? Here's hoping I don't accidentally start a fire, and more importantly, that I manage to find a decent coffee shop. Wish me luck!
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Dutch Holiday Home Near Appelscha!
Luxury De Veluwe Bungalow: Apeldoorn Escape - FAQ That Doesn't Sugarcoat Things
Okay, so, "Luxury." Is it *actually* luxurious, or just... nicer than my apartment?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" is a subjective word, innit? I went in expecting marble floors and a butler named Jeeves. Didn't quite get that. What I *did* get? A damn comfy couch. Seriously, I sank into that thing and may or may not have accidentally napped for a solid two hours. The kitchen? Shiny enough that my reflection made me momentarily believe I resemble a slightly less grumpy George Clooney.
The bathrooms? Clean. Not spa-level, but clean enough that you wouldn't be afraid to take a shower after traipsing through the forest. And the big windows? Oh, the windows! We'll get to that, trust me. So, yes, *nicer* than my apartment? Absolutely. Full-blown, five-star "luxury"? Depends on your definition. I'd say it's a very comfortable basecamp for exploring the Veluwe. Think of it as a well-dressed adventurer's haven, not a palace of the gods.
Dishwasher. Thank God. Is it a decent dishwasher, or one of those soul-sucking death traps that barely cleans a plate?
Okay, this is where I got *really* excited. Because let's be honest, I despise washing dishes. It's a chore of epic proportions. The dishwasher? It's a *game changer*. I mean, it's not a Michelin-star dishwasher (those probably exist, right?), but it's effective. Plates came out… clean! Glasses? Sparkling! I even ran it after the "epic" spaghetti bolognese night (more on that later) and it held its own. No complaints here. Saved my sanity, truly. It's a small thing but it makes a big difference. Peace and quiet, the aroma of fresh forest air, and a dishwasher working its magic... oh yeah.
What about the location? "Apeldoorn Escape" sounds idyllic... is it?
Idyllic? That's a strong word. It *is* near Apeldoorn, which is a perfectly lovely town with shops and restaurants. The real magic, though, is the Veluwe itself. It's *stunning*. You're practically in the forest! Deer wandering past your window in the morning kind of stunning. (Yes, that happened, I swear! I may have briefly shrieked with joy. Don't judge.) There are trails, perfect for walking, hiking, and, if you're braver than me, cycling.
The air smells of pine and adventure. The only downside? Those sneaky little midges. Bring bug spray. Seriously. You'll thank me later. And the walk to the nearest grocery store? Not exactly a hop, skip, and a jump. Plan your shopping accordingly. But, the peace and quiet? Worth every second of planning.
Tell me about the "epic" spaghetti night. Sound intriguing (and possibly disastrous).
Okay, buckle up. This is the story of spaghetti sauce, broken dreams, and a slight fire alarm incident. We were feeling ambitious. "Let's cook a *real* meal!" we declared. We envisioned a romantic dinner, candles, fine wine, the works.
The sauce, we chose to make from scratch (mistake number one). Sautéing onions, tomatoes bursting... it was all going so well. Until, I got distracted by the… yep, the adorable deer outside the window. (I told you the windows were a big deal!). Then, *poof*! Smoke pouring out of the pan. The fire alarm, a shrill, piercing siren, shattered the already fragile atmosphere.
We opened windows, waved towels, and generally panicked. The sauce, by this point, was a charred, smoky mess. We ended up ordering pizza (a small victory, really). Moral of the story? Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, order takeout, and leave the gourmet cooking to the professionals.
How close is it to the Hoge Veluwe National Park? Worth a visit?
Hoge Veluwe is a stone's throw away, practically! Which is awesome. This park is absolutely worth a visit, maybe even two. It's *massive*. You could spend days exploring the sculpture garden (don't miss it!), the Kröller-Müller Museum (art, art, art!), and just wandering the heath and the woods. Bicycles are available (white bikes actually! Part of the deal), making exploring super easy and it's a great experience overall. I spent a whole day there, got gloriously lost, and loved every single second. Bring your camera. Seriously, bring it.
The only (minor) downside? It can get crowded, especially in peak season. But even with other people, the beauty of the place still shines through.
Are there any restaurants nearby, and are they any good?
This is where things get a little… variable. Restaurants right *next door*? Not really. You'll need to drive into Apeldoorn or one of the surrounding villages. There are plenty of options, from cozy pubs to upscale restaurants. I had a lovely meal at [<Insert restaurant name>], which served delicious [<Name of dish>]. (I'm drawing a blank on the name, sorry, it's the wine's fault.) But it was definitely good and memorable. Definitely check online reviews before you commit to a restaurant, because, well, some places are better than others. If you're feeling lazy (and after a long day of hiking, I totally understand!), delivery might be an option. Always a good backup plan!
What about Wi-Fi? Because, you know, the modern world and all that...
Wi-Fi? Yes, there is Wi-Fi. It worked. Most of the time. Occasionally, I had to restart the router (classic, right?). It's not lightning-fast, mind you. If you're planning on streaming 4k movies or have to have constant, uninterrupted video calls, maybe bring a back up plan. But for checking emails, browsing the web, and, you know, sharing those glorious deer photos, it's perfectly adequate. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect a little. Unless, you know, you're dependent on the internet. No judgment.
Overall verdict? Would you recommend it?
Absolutely. Yes. One hundred percent. Despite the slightly charred spaghetti sauce incident, the occasional Wi-Fi hiccup, and the midges (damn those midges!), I loved my time at the De Veluwe Bungalow. ItBoutique Inns
