Escape to Luxury: Thatched Lodge in Green Twente, Netherlands (AC & Dishwasher!)
Escape to Luxury: Thatched Lodge in Green Twente - A Review (With the AC and Dishwasher, OMG!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at a thatched lodge in Green Twente, Netherlands, and I'm still processing it. "Luxury" they called it. Did it live up to the hype? Well, let's dive into this chaotic, wonderful, and slightly muddy experience, shall we?
Metadata/SEO Stuff (Gotta appease the Google gods, right?):
- Keywords: Twente, Netherlands, Thatched Lodge, Luxury, AC, Dishwasher, Spa, Wellness, Hotel Review, Green Twente, Accessible Accommodation, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly, Romantic Getaway, Dutch Holiday.
- Title: Escape to Luxury Review: Thatched Lodge in Green Twente, Netherlands (It HAS an AC, People!)
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, My Quest to Find the Ramp):
Okay, so imagine driving through ridiculously picturesque Dutch countryside. Windmills, cows with the BEST eyelashes, and then BAM! This cluster of thatched roof lodges. It's all very picture-perfect, the kind of place Instagram dreams are made of.
Accessibility: I mean, the brochure definitely said "facilities for disabled guests". But finding the actual accessible entrance felt a bit like an Indiana Jones adventure. There were gentle slopes… then sudden steps. Then what looked like a designated ramp, but was blocked by… a strategically placed bicycle. (Don't get me wrong, the bicycles are gorgeous, but priorities people! Especially a hotel that calls itself "luxury"!) Eventually, with some help from a friendly staff member (shout out to Peter!), we found the right route.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, wheelchair accessible: I didn't specifically hit up every single nook and cranny with a wheelchair in mind, mainly because I don't have one. But the paths were generally wide and the main areas I saw looked accessible enough. The main restaurant seemed to have plenty of space to maneuver.
Internet & Tech Shenanigans (Or, My Wi-Fi Addiction Needs a Fix):
Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: Okay, the Wi-Fi. Crucial. Absolutely non-negotiable. And praise be, it was mostly reliable. I mean, I needed to stream my Netflix (ahem, research). The Wi-Fi was available in EVERY room, which is a total win. There were LAN options as well, but who uses those anymore?
The Lodge Itself: A Cozy Cocoon (and a Dishwasher!)
Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Okay, the details: The lodge itself was glorious. Think rustic chic meets modern comfort. Thatched roof, exposed beams, the whole shebang. The AC? Bless its little cotton socks! It was a scorcher outside, and that icy blast of air was a lifesaver. The Dishwasher. Oh, the dishwasher! After a week of cooking (we did a lot of that), it was a godsend. I'm still dreaming of it. There were the usual amenities – super comfy bed, blackout curtains (essential for beating the Dutch sunrise), a ridiculously comfortable sofa. I loved the bathrobes! And the fact that it has all the other stuff you'd expect from a high-end place - a minibar, in-room safe box… the works. The rooms were spacious, and the whole place just gave this sense of cozy isolation, which is exactly what I was after.
Cleanliness and Safety (Did I Survive?):
Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, 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, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
I'm a bit of a germophobe, so safety is important to me. I was genuinely impressed. Everywhere you looked, there was hand sanitizer and evidence of rigorous cleaning. The staff were clearly trained, masked up, and friendly. They even had those fancy anti-viral cleaning products. I never felt unsafe, which says a lot.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (My Stomach's Odyssey):
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The dining options were plentiful and varied. The Breakfast Buffet (praise be!) was a solid start to the day. They had everything, from the usual suspects (bacon, eggs, pastries) to some more adventurous options. The restaurants themselves offered both Western and Asian fare (and vegetarian options, which I appreciated). The poolside bar was a nice touch, although I didn't get a chance to enjoy it as much as I'd of liked.
But the best part? The room service!
Let me tell you about a very specific, very important dining experience: The Pizza Incident of 2024. We were exhausted after a day of sightseeing, and the thought of venturing out was simply not an option. We ordered pizza from room service (24-hour!), and I had never been so happy about anything in my life. It arrived quickly, piping hot, and the pizza was delicious. It was the perfect culmination of a long day of enjoying the area. It was truly a moment. Services and Conveniences (The Perks of Being Pampered):
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
They thought of everything. Seriously. The Concierge was incredibly helpful (thank you, Peter!). The Daily Housekeeping was so efficient, it was like magic. Luggage storage, dry cleaning, the works. They even had facilities for disabled guests. Oh, and a convenience store! I was able to get all the essentials!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Day Bliss!)
Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Here's where things get REALLY good. The spa! Oh, the spa! From the moment I stepped inside, I felt my shoulders relax. I went for a massage - seriously one of the best I've ever had. There was a sauna and steamroom (heaven). There was also a swimming pool (outdoor) with a view. It was utterly, completely relaxing. The Fitness Centre was also impressive if you have that kind of dedication.
I was so relaxed after my spa day, I practically floated back to my lodge.
For the Kids (Family-Friendly Fun):
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
While I didn't have any kids with me, the hotel seems very family-friendly.
Getting Around (Wheels, Roads, and Other Adventures):
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Getting around was easy enough. There's free parking on site, which is a huge plus.
Quirks and Things to Note (Because Life is Never Perfect):
- The walk to the spa from some of
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're going to Twente, baby! Specifically, that swanky, probably-slightly-kitschy-but-hopefully-comfy thatched lodge in Hooge-Hexel. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is REAL LIFE travel, warts and all. Get ready for some glorious mess.
The Grand, Slightly Chaotic, Twente Adventure: Lodge Edition
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Dishwasher Mystery (aka Disaster Averted… Mostly)
- Morning (Pre-Doom):
- Flight lands at Amsterdam Schiphol. I swear, every time I fly, I simultaneously love and despise the airport experience. The people-watching is top-notch, the lines are a soul-crushing purgatory. Anyway, rent a car… hopefully, it's the one I booked, and not that tiny death trap they always try to foist on me.
- Mid-Day (The Great Drive):
- The drive to Twente. Google Maps said two hours, but Google Maps clearly hasn't accounted for my innate ability to choose the scenic route – which, in the Dutch countryside, is basically “how close can I get to a cow?” This is good, I love the cows. I love the quiet of the roads.
- Stop for lunch somewhere… I’m thinking a roadside broodjes place. Don't forget to try the frikandel – it's an abomination to some, a delicious mystery meat tube to others. I'm in the latter category.
- Afternoon (Lodge Liberation):
- Finally. We find this thatched lodge. Ooooh, the kerst! The smell of fresh air. I'm giddy. Unpack, trying my best to remember where I hid the good wine.
- The Dishwasher Debacle: Okay, first order of business: TEST. THE. DISHWASHER. I’ve been burned before. Turned it on. Ran a quick cycle with a single, sacrificial spoon. Hope and pray. We wait. I paced. My heart hammered in my chest. And then… clean! Glorious, sparkling clean! I did a little victory dance (much to the amusement of my travel companions).
- Evening (The First Meal, the Unexpected Guest):
- Prepare a simple dinner. Something Dutch, obviously. I’m thinking stamppot, and I have a feeling I’ll be butchering the pronunciation.
- The problem is I can’t get the damn stove to light. The instructions are in… well, a language I don’t speak. I'm pretty sure it's Dutch. I start frantically googling "how to start a Dutch stove" as a cloud of smoke billows and the fire alarm chirps. This is going to be a long week.
- Dinner finally eaten! (After the stove has been sorted, eventually.)
- We notice some friendly sheep hanging near our windows.
Day 2: Windmills, Wonder, and a Near-Death Experience with a Bicycle
- Morning (Windmill Worship):
- Visit a real windmill. Yes, a proper, historic windmill. I'm a sucker for history. I want to learn something. I want to feel like I belong. The gears whir and grind, and the wind whispers secrets.
- We try our luck at the Dutch bikes next. The old ones, the ones without brakes. In practice, it's more like a very slow, slightly terrified dance.
- Mid-Day (Cycling Catastrophy):
- RENT. A. BICYCLE. Yes, I'm serious. I am not going to back down. I've got this. Except. Except I don't.
- Cycling through the Dutch countryside. The flat landscape lulls me into a false sense of security. Then I realize I’m going downhill, the brakes aren't working, and I'm heading straight for a water-filled ditch.
- I swerve. I wobble. I scream a primal yell that echoes across the fields. Somehow, against all odds, I survive.
- The aftermath: a bruised ego, a slightly bent bicycle, and a profound respect for Dutch cyclists. I'll be more careful next time. Maybe.
- Afternoon (Hexel Exploration):
- Lost: The Great Hexel Stroll: I wandered off, got lost, felt panic rise, and calmed myself by repeating, "I'm in the Netherlands, it's safe." I met some nice people who helped me. A local brewery or two.
- Evening (Cozy Comforts, and More Wine):
- Dinner back at the lodge. I'm starting to feel at home. The dishwasher has become a trusted friend. The wine has become a necessity.
- Board games. Some lighthearted laughter. Then, more wine. What. A. Wonderful. Life.
Day 3: Culture Shock, Cheese, and That Darned Stove (Round Two)
- Morning (Museum Madness):
- Visit a museum in Almelo. Get lost in the art, which is quite difficult to find.
- This museum is weird, and full of strange things. I like it. It's perfect.
- Discuss the existential nature of art and existence.
- Afterwards, the coffee is great… And the bakeries are amazing.
- Mid-Day (Cheese Coma):
- Find a cheese farm. Seriously! I'm going to be so cheesy.
- Sample all the cheese. Buy way too much. And I’m not even a big cheese person.
- The shop owner is adorable. We become best friends.
- Afternoon (Trying a New Stove):
- Okay. Dinner time. The problem is the stove again. I try to recreate the stovetop again, and again, the smoke billows. This time, it's an even bigger mess.
- Evening (Comfort food, and the beginning of an obsession)
- The cheese is my best friend right now. I feel like I know what I'm doing.
- I decide to watch a movie. I've been meaning to become obsessed with one. I hope it's a good one. I hope it's a great one.
- Another board game! And more wine.
Day 4: Spa Day, and the Great Lodge Reflection
- Morning (Spa Day Bliss):
- Book a spa day. I need to feel relaxed after all that excitement!
- I feel great.
- Mid-Day (Nature's embrace):
- I go to the forest. Feel nature.
- Afternoon (The Great Reflect):
- I decide to reflect. Is my life good? Am I good?
- Evening (The last time the stove fails):
- This is the last time.
- I've done it.
- And yet, the stove doesn't work.
Day 5: Departure (and a Vow to Return… Eventually)
- Morning (Last Lodge Love):
- One last look at the lodge. A sigh. A promise to clean up the mess, and to return.
- Pack. (Sigh). Say goodbye.
- Mid-Day (The Final Frikandel):
- One last roadside lunch. One last chance to savor the mystery meat.
- Afternoon (Homeward Bound):
- Drive back to the airport. Reflect on the journey. The beauty. The chaos. The dishwasher.
- Board the plane.
- Consider booking another trip. Maybe to a place with reliable stoves… or maybe not. After all, what's life without a little adventure?
Notes to Self (and You, Dear Reader):
- Embrace the imperfections. That's where the best stories come from.
- Pack extra socks. You'll need them.
- Learn a few basic Dutch phrases. "Dank u wel" (thank you) goes a long way. And maybe "help!" when the stove fails.
- Don't be afraid to get lost. It's part of the fun.
- Enjoy the cheese. Seriously.
- Take plenty of photos. Or don't. Just be present.
- The greatest experiences are created with mess, and mistakes. Let them in!
So there you have it. My Twente adventure. I hope this was helpful, and maybe, just a little bit inspiring. Now go out there, and have some adventures of your own.
Escape to Austria: Luxurious Sauna Apartment in Sankt Lorenzen!
Okay, so, Thatched Lodge in Green Twente... Seriously, is it AS luxurious as it sounds? My inner princess (or prince!) is demanding answers.
Dishwasher! Do I have to do dishes on vacation?! (Serious question, people!)
"Green Twente"? Is it just... fields? Will I be bored?
Is it REALLY as private as it looks in the pictures? I crave total solitude.
What about the kitchen? Is it properly equipped for cooking, or just a sink and a microwave?
Are pets allowed? Because my fluffy companion is basically family.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know, gotta stay connected (but also, kinda don't want to...).
Any downsides? (Be honest!)
Would you go back? And, more importantly, would YOU recommend it?
