Scheveningen Dream: Your Cosy Hague Apartment Awaits!
Scheveningen Dream: Where Dreams (and WiFi) Actually Come True… Maybe. (A Thoroughly Disorganized Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because here's the real deal on "Scheveningen Dream: Your Cosy Hague Apartment Awaits!" I just got back, and my brain is still buzzing with… well, everything. Before you go splurging (or not!), consider this less a review and more a haphazardly organized diary entry, peppered with my unfiltered thoughts. Let's dive, shall we? And trust me, my expectations were high - "dream," right? Right away I can tell you its not as good as the name suggest, but not that bad either. This place is a bit of a rollercoaster.
Accessibility: Navigating the Labyrinth (and the Stairs)
First, the crucial stuff. Accessibility: I'm happy to say that Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is promising, but I didn't test this first-hand. The website says elevator's a go, but also mentions exterior corridor, which might be a factor concerning the elements, or if you are sensitive to noises. I'm not sure what to make of that. More practical information on this topic should be available.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germ Wars (and My Panic Attacks)
Alright, this is where they try and win you over. Scheveningen Dream is clearly trying to be responsible during the current climate. They tout Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. They even have a crazy long list of things like a room sanitization opt-out available, and Rooms sanitized between stays. All great, right? Right? Well, after my first week of feeling like I was breathing in pure bleach, I actually wanted to use an room sanitization opt-out available, option. I get that they're trying hard, but it felt a little too sterile, like living inside a plastic bubble. (Cue my neurotic self: "Did I wash my hands enough?")
And the details: Individually-wrapped food options are the norm. Fine. Safe dining setup, also good. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Expected. Staff trained in safety protocol. Okay. Hot water linen and laundry washing. Excellent. The Hygiene certification is probably a good thing… but also made me feel like I should be taking a test.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Bland to Booze
Okay, now the fun stuff, or not. Let's be blunt the Breakfast [buffet]. I can be extremely critical when it comes to food. I am not particularly excited about Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant and am also not interested in Breakfast takeaway service. They offer Alternative meal arrangement . And the Coffee/tea in restaurant was basic. But Hey they have a Bar! I've got a small drink problem (I'd call it passion), and the availability of a bar is a must-have. The Poolside bar? Well, the pool isn't quite right. And a Happy hour would really go down well, but nope.
Here, I saw a Desserts in restaurant and Salad in restaurant. Maybe I'll try it. Then I'd notice a Soup in restaurant. I'm not sure. I'm not here to be challenged.
There's also Room service [24-hour]. This is my bread and butter, especially after a few drinks.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Spa, Spa, Spa (and Maybe a Gym… if You Dare)
Now, the "Dream" part. This is where things get… messy. I'm a total spa addict, so the promise of a Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Sauna got my hopes up. Oh, and a Swimming pool? Sold! I was picturing myself, relaxed, pampered…
Reality check: The Swimming pool [outdoor], the Pool with view, are good and all, but the "spa" situation was a letdown. The Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath sounded great, but the actual execution was… underwhelming. I'm not a picky person, but the water was lukewarm, and the music felt less "zen" and more "elevator music on repeat." Overall the spa facilities and treatments are okay, but nothing to get too excited about. (I did see the facilities for a good looking Fitness center, but let's be real, I'm on vacation.)
Internet, Internet, Internet! (The Digital Dream?)
Wi-Fi [free] is the star of the show, and the one thing they really deliver on! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Praise be!) Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, all available. I could even use the Laptop workspace without feeling like I was at my actual job. And the Socket near the bed? Genius!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
Daily housekeeping was a godsend (especially after, ahem, a few rum and cokes). The Laundry service saved my sanity. The Concierge was helpful, but sometimes they seemed a little… overwhelmed. You know, the kind of overwhelmed where they're smiling, but you can see the panicked look in their eyes? (I feel that.) The Elevator was reliable… sometimes. I'm not sure what the Shrine is about, but that felt out of the ordinary, and I didn't feel the need to know more. The Luggage storage was a welcome lifesaver, and I would have not survived without the Car park [free of charge], which is very convenient, but getting to the hotel with car is a little bit… complicated, to say the least.
Okay, now to the weird bits:
- Smoking area: This one always surprises me. It seems they are trying to accommodate everyone, but it feels out of the ordinary.
- Couple's room: Hmm… what could it be? A separate room for couples?
- Exterior corridor: Well, alright.
For the Kids: Family Fun? (Maybe)
I didn't travel with kids, but the Babysitting service and Family/child friendly atmosphere are a definite plus. Kids meal? More like a maybe…
Getting Around: Hop On, Hop Off… Then Pray
I didn't use it, but the Airport transfer is an option. They also have Taxi service and a Car park [on-site], but navigating the roads around Scheveningen is a nightmare. Seriously, bring your GPS, a strong will, and possibly a therapist. (I'm kidding… mostly.)
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the "Is That a Stain?"
The Rooms sanitized between stays is fantastic. They also have Non-smoking rooms, which is essential for me. Some rooms have an Additional toilet and some have a Separate shower/bathtub. Smoke detector and Smoke alarms make you feel safe. The Air conditioning was great, and the Wake-up service actually worked! The Free bottled water was a nice touch. Most of them feature Free Wi-Fi, which is amazing.
However, I felt a little let down and experienced an emotional reaction when trying to find a Reading light, I was able to get reading in bed.
Overall: Dreamy? Maybe. Worth It? Possibly.
So, is Scheveningen Dream a dream come true? Nah. Is it awful? Not at all. It's a mixed bag, like a box of chocolates where you're not quite sure what you're going to get. Some things are amazing (the WiFi, for the love of all that is holy!). Others are… less so (the spa, the slightly generic breakfasts).
My recommendation: Approach it with realistic expectations. Know that it's trying hard to be safe and convenient. And maybe… just maybe… you'll have a pretty good time. And if you do happen to go? Tell me what you think! I'm still trying to process my experience.
Czech Republic Paradise: Lampertice Holiday Home with Private Pool!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your pristine, Pinterest-perfect travel itinerary. This is my actual plan, which, let's be honest, probably won't go exactly as planned. We're talking a cosy apartment in Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands. Get ready for some chaos, some beauty, and a whole lot of me.
SCHEVENINGEN SLOPPY-CHIC: A DUTCH DISASTER (HOPEFULLY IN THE BEST WAY)
The Apartment of Dreams (Or, You Know, A Place to Put My Stuff)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God, I'm Actually Here!" Moment
- Morning: Arrive at Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam – because flying straight to The Hague would be too easy, apparently). Pray my luggage makes it. (Last time, I spent three days wearing the same travel outfit and smelling vaguely of airplane air. Not a good look.) Take the train to The Hague Central.
- Afternoon: Navigate the public transport. (My Dutch is limited to "dank u" and "stroopwafel," so this should be fun). Find the apartment in Scheveningen. Fingers crossed it looks like the photos! I swear, I've been catfished by Airbnb before. I'm picturing a charming space, maybe with a balcony overlooking the sea. I really, REALLY hope it doesn't smell like mothballs.
- Evening: Settle in. Unpack (or shove things haphazardly into drawers – let's be real). Walk to the beach, even though the sea will probably be freezing. This is mandatory. The first sight of the North Sea is always a moment. I'll probably feel overwhelmed by its vastness and beauty. Then I'll probably get a little misty-eyed. Possibly followed by a frantic search for a decent burger and fries. Because, you know, balance.
Day 2: Beach Bonanza (And Potential Seagull-Related Trauma)
- Morning: Actual beach time! I'll probably wander around the pier, maybe take a ride on the Ferris wheel. The sea breeze always makes me feel wild and free, or like my hair is a complete disaster. I'll try to resist the urge to buy a million touristy souvenirs. No promises
- Afternoon: Visit the Museum Beelden aan Zee, which is like art, but on the beach so it should be fun. Then, maybe some people watching from a café, or strolling along the beachfront promenade.
- Evening: The Scheveningen Pier, and the food stalls. Is it cheesy? Absolutely. Does it feel right? Absolutely. I will eat all the things. Croquettes. Bitterballen. Dutch beer. I'm already drooling. I might even try to brave the wind and watch the sunset. (Spoiler alert: the sunset will be gorgeous and make me want to cry. Again.)
- An anecdote: Once, on a beach in France (close enough, right?), a seagull stole an entire baguette right out of my hand. It was brutal, humiliating, and secretly, kind of impressive. I fully expect a similar encounter here. I will guard my fries with my life.
Day 3: The Hague…Or Bust! (And Maybe a Canal-Bound Mishap)
- Morning: Take a tram (hopefully the correct tram) into The Hague. My sense of direction is abysmal, so wish me luck. Visit the Mauritshuis museum to see Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring." I know, cliché. But I've always loved that painting. I can't wait to see it in person. I'll probably get lost in the museum, wandering around aimlessly until I stumble on it.
- Afternoon: Explore the Binnenhof, the Dutch parliament. Pretend I understand politics. Take a picture of myself looking important, and then promptly forget everything I learned.
- Evening: A canal cruise! Sounds romantic, right? Well, knowing me, I'll probably spill something on myself, accidentally insult a local, or at least end up with a crick in my neck from craning to see the sights. But still, a canal cruise is perfect. Dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant. I'll try everything. I really will. Even the herring. (Okay, maybe not. But I'll consider it.) And after a day of exploring maybe a relaxing evening at the apartment with a few books.
- Rambling moment: Sometimes the most unforgettable travel moments aren’t the perfectly planned ones. They’re the ones where you get lost, or make a total fool of yourself, or have a moment of unexpected connection with a place or a person. I hope that happens. I really do. But even if I spend the whole time covered in seagulls, it will still be a good trip. Probably.
Day 4: Art, Adventures, and the inevitable Farewell
- Morning: Visit the Escher in The Palace Museum. (If I am able to understand the Escher designs…I'll be surprised. It's probably going to hurt my brain.) Then maybe a bit of shopping, browsing vintage boutiques. (I'm a sucker for a good flea market find.)
- Afternoon: One last stroll on the beach. Maybe a picnic with some stroopwafels and a book. Savoring the last moments of peace and quiet. (Unless the seagulls attack again.)
- Evening: Time to pack. Say goodbye to Scheveningen. Try to make myself feel like I'm ready. Try to keep it together at the airport.
Day 5: Departure and the "I'm Already Planning My Return" Moment
- Morning: Taxi to Amsterdam-Schiphol. Check in. Go through security. Board the plane.
- Afternoon: Take off. Cry.
- Evening: Home! Unpack. Start planning the next trip.
Important Considerations (The Fine Print)
- Food: I intend to eat ALL the food. Expect photos of stroopwafels, fries, and questionable-looking Dutch snacks. My stomach is ready.
- Weather: I'm prepared for rain, wind, and possibly even a hint of sunshine. I will pack layers. And a waterproof jacket. And a positive attitude (even if it’s a forced one).
- Mood Swings: Travel makes me emotional. Expect moments of pure joy, existential pondering, and the occasional meltdown. All part of the charm, right?
- Language: I speak terrible Dutch. I will rely on gestures, smiles, and the kindness of strangers. I'm hoping the Dutch are as tolerant as they're rumored to be.
- Flexibility: This is just a guideline. I am open to spontaneous adventures. I might change plans on a whim. I'm embracing the chaos.
This is my journey. It will be a mess. It will be beautiful. It will be perfectly imperfect. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Escape to Madrid: Charming Galapagar Cottage Sleeps 3!
Scheveningen Dream: FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You're Probably Wondering...)
Okay, so... is this place *actually* a dream? Or is it just a regular apartment with a fancy name?
Look, let's be honest, "Scheveningen Dream" sounds a bit much, right? And yes, technically, it's an apartment. A *cozy* apartment, I'll give you that. But the "dream" part? Well, that depends on your definition of dream. For me, after spending a week wrestling with a faulty washing machine (more on that later...), it felt like a slightly less dreamy version of reality.
But here's the thing: waking up to the sound of seagulls and smelling the sea air *is* pretty dreamy. Seriously, the location is killer. You're practically tripping over the beach. So, maybe the dream is more about the location than the perfectly Instagrammable decor (which, FYI, is also pretty nice, just not *life-altering* nice).
The reviews mention the location being amazing. Tell me more! Is it really *that* good?
Okay, picture this: you stroll out the front door, practically fall onto the beach, and BOOM! Sand between your toes. The location? It's the winner of the "Best Thing Ever" award. No contest. Seriously. I'm not a particularly beach-obsessed person, but even *I* became addicted to a morning stroll on the sand. It was ridiculous.
And the pier! Don't even get me started. It's all kitsch and flashing lights, but in the best possible way. I ate the most questionable but delicious stroopwafels there.
What about the apartment itself? Is it furnished? What kind of amenities are there?
Yes, it's furnished! Thank goodness. Because let's be real, schlepping furniture while on vacation is NOT my idea of fun. (Unless it's a really, really charming antique shop. But that's another story). The kitchen? You've got your basics. Coffee maker (essential!), fridge, stove, utensils. Nothing fancy, mind you. Think "comfortably functional."
Important note: the washing machine. Oh, the washing machine. I spent a solid chunk of my holiday wrestling with that thing. It decided to stage a full-blown rebellion. It would heat the water to arctic temperatures. It tried to eat my socks. Finally got the thing working, only to find a giant puddle of water on the floor. Lesson learned: Learn to do laundry in Dutch or something. (The host was super helpful, by the way, eventually, after about three frantic phone calls from me). So pack extra clothes. Just in case.
Is it noisy? I need peace and quiet! I'm a light sleeper!
Okay, look, the beach is right there. And the beach is lively. So, it's not silent. You'll hear seagulls, the occasional party (Scheveningen *is* a resort area, after all), and sometimes the murmur of people enjoying themselves.
I *am* a light sleeper. Honestly, the first night was a bit rough. But the apartment itself is fairly well-insulated. I recommend bringing decent earplugs. And maybe some noise-canceling headphones. Just in case. Consider that the whole dream is a bit of an exercise in immersion, even auditory immersion.
I'm bringing my kids. Is it kid-friendly?
From my viewpoint? That depends. The beach is obviously a huge draw. There are playgrounds, things for kids to do. The apartment itself... it's not exactly a kiddy paradise, but it's clean and safe, which is a good start.
The main drawback would be the stairs. There are stairs to access the apartment. If you're lugging a stroller? Good luck. Seriously. I saw people navigating those stairs and mentally gave them an award for perseverance.
What's the deal with parking?
Parking in Scheveningen... is a *nightmare*. Be warned. There's some street parking, but it's a free-for-all and can be tricky to find. Paid parking garages are your best bet and it is expensive. Like, "consider selling a kidney" expensive. Factor that into your budget. I took the train in from Amsterdam. Life hack. Cheaper, and less stressful, than hunting for a space and worrying about getting towed.
Anything else I should know? Any secret tips?
Okay, some random observations and then, some secret tips! First, the Wi-Fi worked! *That's* a win in my book. The bed was comfortable. The shower had good water pressure. The host was super responsive (even when I was freaking out about the washing machine). There are cafes *everywhere*. And the sunsets over the North Sea? Forget about it. Glorious. I would recommend checking the local weather and taking a raincoat!
Now for the secret tips!
- Go to the market! It's near the apartments. Grab some fresh produce, and make your own picnic, so you don't eat overpriced tourist traps.
- Hit up the local supermarket. Save on your groceries.
- Bring a book. Seriously. There's nothing quite like reading on a beach chair!
- Do the sunset thing. Seriously. It's worth it.
Would I recommend Scheveningen Dream? Yes. (After you've figured out the washing machine situation. Godspeed with that.) Just go with the flow. Embrace the imperfections. And enjoy the beach. Because the beach is truly the dream.
