Bergen's BEST Garden Apartment + BBQ! 🔥 (Netherlands)
Bergen's BEST Garden Apartment + BBQ! 🔥: A Deep Dive (Messy, Honest, and Maybe a Little Bit Crazy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from a whirlwind stay at Bergen's BEST Garden Apartment + BBQ! in the Netherlands, and trust me… it's a lot to unpack. This isn't your sterile, PR-approved review; this is the REAL DEAL. We're talking warts and all, folks. So, grab a coffee (or a Dutch beer, if you're feeling adventurous!), and let's dive in.
First Impressions (and the Panic of Dutch Directions)
Okay, so getting there… that was an adventure. Let's just say my GPS and I had a serious disagreement about the definition of "straight ahead." The apartment itself, though? Beautiful. Nestled in what felt like the Secret Garden, with a charming little cobblestone pathway leading up to it. The "Garden Apartment" name is absolutely accurate – lush greenery, hidden corners… it felt immediately relaxing.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag
Right off the bat, I need to say something very important: This could be better with accessibility… I'm not in a wheelchair, so it wasn’t a problem for me. But there are some things that they need to do better. Elevators and wide entrances are critical. The info wasn't immediately apparent either. If you have questions about accessibility, contact them directly for the best info.
The (Mostly) Glorious Inside – Rooms & Amenities
The apartment itself… wow. Modern, clean, and actually designed for comfort. (Important, because after those labyrinthine Dutch directions, I needed comfort!)
- Room Features: They've thought of everything. Seriously. Everything. Air conditioning that actually worked (bliss!), blackout curtains that banished the sun, and a bed so comfortable I almost didn't get out of it. There was free Wi-Fi in all rooms, of course, but also LAN connection. Who even uses LAN anymore? (Me, sometimes, on VPNs!)
- Kitchen & Bathrooms: Fully equipped. I'm not a big cook on vacation, but having a coffee maker and complimentary tea was a life-saver. The bathroom? Sparkling clean, with a separate shower and bathtub. Extra long bed, oh yes. Essential.
- The Little Touches: Slippers, bathrobes, toiletries… it's the small things that elevate a stay, and Bergen's BEST nailed it. The room sanitization opt-out? HUGE for me.
Internet & Technology: Gotta Stay Connected
Free Wi-Fi? Check. Excellent signal? Double-check. I was able to stream movies, work (unfortunately), and generally be a digital nomad without a hitch. They also offered Internet [LAN], which, as I mentioned, is great for techies and those who love security. I wouldn't necessarily use it, but nice they have it.
The BBQ – And My Near-Disaster
Okay, let's talk about the pièce de résistance: the BBQ! They advertise it, it's right there in the name. The apartment included a private terrace with a BBQ. Me and my partner thought… perfect! Romantic dinner under the stars!
Then came the… cooking. Now, I consider myself a fairly competent cook, but I'm a complete novice when it comes to outdoor grilling. Let's just say there was a moment involving a rogue flame, a near-charred veggie skewer, and a panicked dash for the fire extinguisher (okay, maybe not that dramatic, but the smoke alarm did give us a nasty look!).
Food and Drink – A Culinary Adventure
Breakfast was included, which meant a buffet! They had Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, fruit, local cheese… you name it, it was probably there. I devoured it all, and then almost immediately felt guilty about my lack of self-control. BUT, the selection was great.
- Dining Options: There's an a la carte restaurant, but I didn't actually try it. However, I heard rave reviews from other guests. And, most importantly, they have a snack bar. After my BBQ fiasco, that was all I needed.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service is a HUGE plus. Late-night cravings? Sorted.
- Other Drinks: The poolside bar was fantastic, the bar with the happy hour… fantastic!
Things to Do – Relaxation Station (and a Little Bit of Adventure)
This place is designed for relaxation. Hands down.
- Spa & Wellness: They have a gym, sauna, steamroom, and massage services. Sadly, I didn't make it to the spa but I could only imagine.
- Outdoor Pool: There is also a pool with a view. I loved the view of the water, the sun, and the peace and quiet the place offers during the day.
- Things To Do (Outside of the Apartment): This would change from visitor to visitor.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound
This is paramount. The place was spotless. Clearly, the staff put a lot of effort into hygiene.
- Going the Extra Mile: I especially appreciated the daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff's adherence to safety protocols.
- Room Sanitization: Awesome!
- Security: the front desk is 24-hours!
Services and Conveniences - Because We're All a Little Bit Lazy on Vacation
Laundry service? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Concierge? Check. The place really has it all. The doorman was friendly and efficient.
For the Kids – Child-Friendly Vibes
There are kids facilities, and babysitting service. Family/child friendly is a true mark of quality and great services!
Getting Around – Navigating the Netherlands (and Maybe Getting Lost)
- Getting There: I used a taxi. But there is also airport and bicycle parking
- Parking: Free on-site car park! A HUGE deal, considering parking fees in many Dutch cities.
The Nitty Gritty - My Rambling Thoughts
- The Vibe: Relaxing, modern, and comfortable. It's the kind of place where you can genuinely unwind.
- The Staff: Super helpful and friendly. They seemed genuinely invested in making sure every guest had a great experience.
- The Little Imperfections: One small thing, I would have liked a better signage system in the garden.
- Who Should Stay Here?: Couples looking for a romantic getaway, families, anyone who appreciates a bit of luxury and wants to relax.
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended (with a Few Small Caveats)
Bergen's BEST Garden Apartment + BBQ! is fantastic. It's a place where you can escape the everyday, enjoy great food, relax by the pool, and just… breathe. Yes, the BBQ nearly took me out. The directions gave me a headache. But the overall experience? Absolutely worth it. Just… maybe ask for some grilling tips beforehand!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned trip to the tulips. This is Bergen, Netherlands, through the eyes (and stomach, let’s be honest) of yours truly. And by the time we're done, you'll feel like you've practically been there.
Day 1: Arrival & Apartment Antics (and Existential Dread?)
14:00 - Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam - (Oh God, the Flight!): Landed. Survived the torture chamber they call airplane food. Pretty sure I've aged five years since takeoff. The sheer volume of screaming children on that flight…it was like a tiny, airborne Hunger Games. Okay, deep breaths. Bergen, here we come.
15:30 - Train to Alkmaar (Then a Taxi. Because, Navigation Skills of a Drunk Squirrel): Trains are cool, right? Except when you're lugging a suitcase that feels like it's filled with lead bricks. And finding the right platform…well, let's just say I spent a solid ten minutes staring blankly at a map, convinced I'd accidentally booked a one-way ticket to Siberia. After the train to Alkmaar, we are going to need a taxi to get the Bergen Garden and BBQ Bergen apartment.
16:30 - CHECK-IN, ALLURING APARTMENT (Potential for Disaster?): The apartment. Ah yes, the Alluring Apartment. The pictures online were… well, alluring. Fingers crossed it's not a total disaster. Okay, breath in, breath out. The keys…THE KEYS! This always happens to me! Where are the keys!
17:00 - Apartment Assessment & First Impressions (The Good, The Bad, and the Utterly Baffling). Okay, so the place is… cozy. Let's call it that. Really, really cozy. The kitchen is miniature, which I'm convinced is designed to test your patience. The "garden" is more of a… patio. Which is fine, I like patios. But the BBQ? Oh, the BBQ. It’s one of those tiny, rusty, charcoal contraptions that looks like it's seen better decades. Still, potential! The smell of fresh bread from the local bakery wafting through the open window is a good sign right? We'll get there.
18:00 - Grocery Shopping - (The "Lost in Translation" Edition): Okay, navigating a Dutch supermarket is a whole experience. I swear, every aisle has a secret code. I spent a solid hour searching for peanut butter (which, as it turns out, is not called "peanut butter"). I think I ended up buying something vaguely resembling peanut butter. Wish me luck.
19:00 - "Welcome to Bergen" Dinner - (Soggy Fries and Existential Dread): Found the nearest bar/cafe and attempted to order a proper Dutch dinner. My Dutch consists of "hello", "goodbye", and "please"- everything else is a gamble. Ordered the fries. Fries are always a safe bet, right? Turns out they were okay. Just okay. But the beer? Glorious. And as I sat there, staring out at the rain, I couldn't help but wonder: Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Are we even going to use the BBQ? Big thoughts.
Day 2: Beaches, Bikes, and (Hopefully) Not Burning the Sausage
09:00 - WAKE UP (Ugh): Sun's up. Or, rather, the sky is grey. Typical. Coffee and a battle with the miniature kitchen.
10:00 - Bike Rental & Bergen aan Zee (Embracing the Dutch-ness): Cyclists everywhere. The Dutch are practically born on bikes. I, on the other hand, am slightly more clumsy. But, I rented a bike. Time to head to the beach! The sea here is different than any I've seen! The wind is whipping, the sky is a bruised purple, and the waves are crashing. I feel a kind of freedom here that is so different from my normal life.
12:00 - Beach Time! ( Sand, Sea, and Slight Panic): Okay, this beach is gorgeous. Wide open. A little bit of cloud cover that is still beautiful. The sand is soft, the sea is bracing, and the air smells… well, like the sea. Spent an hour wandering, shell collecting, and feeling genuinely at peace (a rare occurrence).
13:00 - Lunch at a Beachside Cafe (Pretending to be Refined): Found a cute cafe. I ordered some fish and chips. I think I've finally gotten used to the way people eat here. I'm starting to feel like a temporary local.
15:00 - Back to the Apartment (BBQ Prep - Mayhem Anticipated): Okay, the BBQ is officially on the agenda. Time to get the sausage ready. This is where things could go horribly wrong. The kitchen is small and a disaster. But, I'm excited! Let's do this.
17:00 - THE GREAT BBQ EXPERIMENT (Smoke, Flames, and Possible Food Poisoning?): So… the BBQ. Remember the rusty little thing? Yeah. It took me a solid hour and a half to get the charcoal lit. The smoke alarm went off twice. I may or may not have almost set the patio on fire. Eventually, through a combination of sheer stubbornness and a healthy dose of luck, I got the sausages cooked. They were slightly charred, but edible. Definitely a victory. The beer, on the other hand, was perfect. Everything comes back to perfection when you have beer!
19:00 - Evening Stroll & Trying Not to Get Lost (Again): Walk in the town, maybe some gelato? Okay, the gelato was great. My Dutch is still pretty bad, but the gelato was great.
Day 3: Art, Architecture, and the Sweet, Sweet Taste of Departure (Maybe? Depends on how good the coffee is)
09:00 - Coffee & the Reality of Leaving : The moment when I wake up and realize, ugh, tomorrow I'm actually leaving! The coffee better be good. Time to go find some new experiences.
10:00 - Exploring the Town of Bergen (Charming, Quaint… and Possibly Haunted?): Bergen is a town that somehow has its own quaint charm. I walked the small town. I went into some shops.
12:00 - Picnic Lunch & Contemplation (Again With the Existentialism): I bought some cheese, bread, and fruit for a picnic lunch. I sat by the canal. This time, instead of dread, I am looking forward to going home. It has been a ride.
14:00 - Departure Preparations (Packing, Panic, and the "Where Did I Put My Passport Again?"): I have to pack. Always the worst. Passports, wallets, keys. Okay, time to gather the supplies I bought!
17:00 - Final Dinner - (A Celebration of Survival): I went back to the local cafe. I ordered a celebratory beer. I'm proud of myself.
19:00 - Goodbyes The next day I would have to part. I said my goodbyes and went to bed.
And there you have it. Bergen, warts and all. It wasn't perfect. There were moments of frustration, moments of blissful peace. But hey, that’s life, isn’t it? And that's what made it… well, alluring. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a good burger and a strong cup of coffee. Cheers!
Escape to Alpine Bliss: Luxury Chalet & Hot Tub in Hopfgarten!
Bergen's BEST Garden Apartment + BBQ! 🔥 (Seriously, though… is it?)
Okay, real talk. Is this Bergen Garden Apartment *actually* the best? Like, is the hype real?
Okay, buckle up. The *best*? That's a bold claim, isn't it? Look, I've seen some questionable "best of" lists in my time. But this place... this place has *potential*. It's got that elusive "je ne sais quoi" that makes you wanna unpack your life and stay forever. Or, you know, at least until your flight home. It *feels* good. The garden is seriously lovely, and that BBQ... oh, the BBQ. More on that later (a lot later). But is it *objectively* the best apartment in Bergen? Probably not. Is it a seriously good contender? Heck yes.
Here's a little confession: I saw pictures first and thought, "Meh, looks nice." That's because pictures are often lying liars who lie. But then... the *smell* hit me as I walked in. Fresh air, hints of lavender, and something indefinably... *cozy*. It’s a vibe, people. A real, tangible vibe. So, is the hype real? Mostly... yeah. But don’t expect perfection. Life (and apartments) rarely are.
The BBQ! Tell me EVERYTHING about the BBQ! (My inner carnivore is screaming.)
Alright, meat lovers, gather 'round. The BBQ is… well, let’s be honest, it’s a *game changer*. Think outdoor cooking bliss. It’s not just a grill; it’s a promise. A promise of smoky deliciousness, happy conversations, and maybe a slight char to your perfectly cooked burger (which, in my experience, is always a good thing).
One unforgettable evening, after a slightly (okay, REALLY) miscalculated trip to the local butcher, we had enough sausages to feed a small village. It's a classic rookie mistake, I admit. But! We ended up having a truly epic BBQ. Laughter, stories, and far too much beer (or, you know, the appropriate amount, depending on your tolerance). The garden, lit by fairy lights, felt magical. The slightly-burnt sausages? Perfect. There was a rain shower, but we were fine. We were *happy*.
Now, a word of warning: the BBQ might require a *smidge* of effort. (Okay, maybe more than a smidge.) Cleaning up? Not my favourite task (who am I kidding, I’m terrible at it) but utterly worth it. Bring foil. And maybe some tongs. Unless you’re into hand-to-flame combat. Highly inadvisable.
Is it actually *in* Bergen? Because Google Maps has let me down before.
Yes! It's actually in Bergen. I mean, unless your definition of "in" is on the moon, it's definitely in Bergen. It's close enough to the action (shops, restaurants, those adorable Dutch houses - I could go on and on), yet far enough to feel like a peaceful escape. You know, that ideal balance? It has it.
I had a moment of near-panic when I first booked it. "Oh god," I thought, "What if they forgot to move the apartment to Bergen?" (We've all had those pre-trip freak-outs, right? The "Did I accidentally book a yurt in Mongolia?" moment.) Thankfully, my anxieties were unfounded. It was precisely where it was supposed to be. Thank heavens, otherwise I'd be writing this from... wherever the heck this hypothetical yurt is.
What's the deal with the garden? Is it just a patch of grass, or…?
The garden is… enchanting. I cannot stress this enough. Okay, it's not Versailles. But it's a proper garden, not one of those tiny, sad “courtyards” that are barely big enough to swing a cat in (not that you should, of course!).
Think comfy seating, maybe some flowers (depending on the season and the landlord's green thumb), and a general sense of serenity. I spent a whole afternoon there, reading a book and feeling like I'd stumbled into a fairytale. (My book was probably about murder, but the *setting* was idyllic). It's the perfect place for a morning coffee, an afternoon snooze, or a late-night chat under the stars. Just… watch out for the occasional rogue bumblebee. They're friendly, mostly, but can be a little intense.
Are there any downsides? Come on, spill the tea!
Okay, honesty time. Because every rose (or, you know, perfectly manicured Dutch garden) has its thorns. It's a rental. It is not perfect. And, you know, it's not *my* house. And if you're anything like me, that's a downside.
The wifi wasn't perfect, but it was good enough for basic stuff. (If you're streaming 4k movies, maybe lower your expectations.) Also, I, personally, am not that good at cleaning. I can't vouch for the person before me, or the next person. So, yes, sometimes, you might notice a dog hair. I’m not making excuses, okay? But I saw it, and I'm putting it out there. And the oven? Well, let's just say I never baked a cake there. But I hear they have great things to order.
Is it good for families? Or more for… romantic getaways? (Or single people who love BBQ?)
It’s versatile, my friend! I mean, the garden is great for kids to run around in – assuming they're not the type to eat everything they find (I’ve met those kids). The BBQ is a family-friendly goldmine. You can imagine a romantic getaway there, or the perfect spot just for you.
The truth? It's adaptable. It's not specifically a "family apartment" or a "romantic hideaway". That's what I like about it. It's a great all-rounder. Maybe with a few tweaks… but I think the BBQ alone makes it perfect for single people who love BBQ!
Okay, last question. Would you go back? (Be honest, did you love it?)
Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, *yes*. I loved it. Despite the wifi. Despite my own personal cleaning shortcomings. Despite the occasional rogue buzzing insect. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
There’s something about that place. The garden, the BBQ, the general vibe… It just felt *good*. It felt like a little slice of heaven. I left feeling relaxedRooms And Vibes
