Hotel Greenside

Let me start with the positive: the luxury room we had was beautiful, spacious and well maintained. We stayed for four nights because we were attending a course, and from a room perspective there was nothing to complain about. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience was very disappointing. We had clearly indicated that we eat vegetarian: no meat and no fish, which should not be a complicated dietary requirement. During our stay, the hotel’s chef was ill and the hotel used an external caterer. On the first evening, the vegetarian options were already extremely limited. When we raised this at reception, the response was not helpful at all. We were basically told: “Our chef is ill, and there is food, isn’t there?” That set the tone for the rest of the week. As the week progressed, the quality of the food became worse and worse. It felt as if the caterer had no real idea how to provide decent vegetarian meals. On Wednesday, there was supposed to be a wine tasting with wines paired to the dishes. Without any proper communication, this simply did not happen. The person serving us only said that we could order four drinks with our meal instead, but there was no explanation, apology or acknowledgement that the planned wine tasting had been cancelled. The farewell dinner was the lowest point. The vegetarian meal consisted of dry white rice and a tray of carrots and green beans, completely overcooked and without seasoning. There were black specks on the carrots, and many of the green beans still had their stems attached. Dessert was supposed to be crème brûlée, but it had not been caramelised and was more like a poorly prepared custard. Lunches were not much better. There was often soup, but it was unclear whether it had been made with meat-based stock. Other options included things like croquettes or frikandels, with no apparent effort to provide a vegetarian alternative such as a vegetarian croquette. In my view, the combination of poor communication, poor food quality and a lack of care towards guests makes this hotel very hard to recommend. I would especially advise vegetarians to avoid it. The room was good, but the overall hospitality experience was far below what I would expect from a hotel hosting guests for a multi-day course.

We decided to have an early break, before the prices go up. So the weather was left in the lap of the gods, very blustery with a cold wind. Our warm welcome compensated for the cold conditions. I was unsure that the room would be suitable for my wife's wheelchair but after looking at the room my fears were calmed. We were asked to tell them in advance and they would warm up the sauna for us, which was great. They had no chef, but as the town was within walking distance (5 minutes) that was no problem. The breakfast area overlooks a small canal so as you are enjoying breakfast you can observe the coots, ducks, and other aquatic birds that frequent that area during the various seasons. The breakfast was well arranged and the staff helpful when needed. A wide variety on food on display, to satisfy every culinary palate, including gluten free. The staff and housing keeping where very good despite their fluency in English but we all coped with a smile. Plenty of car parking space, two supermarkets across the road and the beach not too far away. However the Post Office is in a bike shop so bear that in mind.

The location is perfect, not so much options for breakfast, the service is a minus point. The receptionist was not friendly. She pointed her finger to the customer, threaten us if we want to check-in or not. and very bad liar about the extra beds. She ruined my holiday. on my room i saw a note from previous guest, "slechte service, ga niet terug" see the picture

The fact that this hotel has a four star rating is proof of how low the bar has been set by the European Hotelstars Union. Tick all the boxes and you get the official classification. But a breakfast buffet is not just a breakfast buffet. Provide the minimum needed to tick that box and go on to the next one. I could provide several examples like this one. The point is that a four star hotel should at least provide some semblance of luxury. This was definitely not to be found here. A restaurant that only provides dining possibilities for its guests on three days in the week because „we can’t get a full time cook“. A bar that doesn’t serve drinks outside unless you go chasing for someone or that throws you out at 10.30 because „they have to get up at 6 O’clock“ That ain’t luxury. The hotel is severally understaffed and over priced. It is symbolic of today’s tourist industry.

The wonder! a professional and kind attentive staff. They absolutely know how to do their job and treat guests of other nationalities as well. Extremely clean! the rooms are a dream and the breakfast is gigantic and stocked with every thing one could wish for!! In short, it's perfect! Thanks to the staff who smile and indulge in some laughs and jokes...especially the manager, Justus....ask for him and you won't be disappointed at all!! Thank you Greenside Hotel, you gave us two memorable days.. better than staying at home... served and revered like King and Queen!!