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Beat the Dutch Travel

Looking for the real Holland? Unique places, routes & excursions, the best boutique hotels, friendly local guides and away from the crowds? We would love to host your holiday in the Netherlands! The country of cheese and tulips, windmills and polders, Rembrandt & Van Gogh, stunning architecture and beautiful beaches… We will show you the best places to experience the real Holland. Founded by two young veterans from the travel industry, Beat the Dutch Travel is an energetic and dynamic travel company that is always striving for amazing experiences, looking for new places, ensuring great quality in everything we do, and focussing on your wishes and needs. Whether you would like to focus on culture, travel on a bike, indulge in luxury, relax with your family, we will surprise you with exciting itineraries. Feel free to contact us for your travel adventure in the lowlands

Beat the Dutch Travel is part of the following groups: Belgium Travel Agents, Luxembourg Travel Agents, The Netherlands Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Beat the Dutch Travel

Belgium
Belgium | Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024

J
JEAN B.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2024

Great guides esp in Ypres
Great hotels esp in Antwerp and Bruges
Would include the alter of Ghent in tour and the Madonna sculpture in tour
Thanks

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Oct 05, 2024

Dear Jean,

Hope you had a pleasant and safe journey home!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the hotels, guides and excursions, and I am glad you have enjoyed the trip. Weather has not been the best last week, but I am glad you have made the most of it.

Wishing you all the best,

Mieke.

Emma planned a great trip for us and was very...
The Netherlands | Aug 29 - Sep 3, 2024

Leigh
Leigh H.
Columbus, OH | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2024
Emma planned a great trip for us and was very flexible to our asks and changes. We loved the hotels and all the perks of the notes, tee shirts, and special touches made it extra special. The differentiator with Kim Kim is the personalized service thru the trip and someone to reach out to. We recommend Kim Kim all the time. Love the ability to pull up entire trip online as well any time. Read more

Emma planned a great trip for us and was very flexible to our asks and changes. We loved the hotels and all the perks of the notes, tee shirts, and special touches made it extra special. The differentiator with Kim Kim is the personalized service thru the trip and someone to reach out to. We recommend Kim Kim all the time. Love the ability to pull up entire trip online as well any time.

Hotel Reviews
Singel hotel
Amsterdam

Great location on a quiet street but close to train and city center. Lovely amenities of the hotel and the room itself. Very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
We loved siting downstairs in common areas and outside
Location
Quiet street but a short walk to town
Staff
All
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean and spacious
Hotel Fidder
Zwolle

Loved the location and amenities. Cool to be next to a whiskey bar. Loved the breakfast and just a pretty location. Felt like a local.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to city center
Staff
All
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the robe and slippers!
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Resistance Museum
Amsterdam - Resistance Museum
The Netherlands

Super interesting and love the audio guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
The Netherlands

Can’t come to Amsterdam without visiting. Very moving exhibit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
The Netherlands

Loved walking the city and hearing the history while getting to sample different local foods and drinks. Great guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Loved having this instead of buying individual tickets for each trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Nijmegen, The Netherlands | Replied on Sep 04, 2024

Dear Leigh & Wilbur, thank you for taking the time to review and give all your valuable feedback. It was a great pleasure organizing your trip and we hope to see you again on your next kimkim adventure.
Warm wishes,
Emma

Entire trip was excellent!
The Netherlands | May 25 - Jun 8, 2024

DWANE & KAREN
DWANE & KAREN S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 01, 2024
Mieke was excellent. We had great things planned and plenty of time to explore on our own. It took us a few days to figure out the amazing train system, trams, etc., but then it was a great way to see the rest of the countries we visited. We did a combo with kim kim (Netherlands and Germany) and a cruise with MSC to Denmark and Norway. We loved staying right across (Premier Suites) from the Rotterdam Central Train Station and then visiting different cities from there. Gouda was our... Read more

Mieke was excellent. We had great things planned and plenty of time to explore on our own. It took us a few days to figure out the amazing train system, trams, etc., but then it was a great way to see the rest of the countries we visited. We did a combo with kim kim (Netherlands and Germany) and a cruise with MSC to Denmark and Norway. We loved staying right across (Premier Suites) from the Rotterdam Central Train Station and then visiting different cities from there. Gouda was our favorite. We did the Cheese Experience (Excellent and so fun) and made our own stroopwafels at Berg's Bakery. Soooo fun. In Amsterdam, we did some things on our own. The Lookout Restaurant was well worth it. The Anne Frank House is so interesting. Very very worthwhile. We did a lot of just walking and visiting shops and restaurants and little cafes, etc. We opted not to do a planned Kinderdijk windmill tour (from Rotterdam) - it was cold that day and we decided to just do other things. We came back to Amsterdam after some time in Norway and Germany (also thru Kim kim) and did a tour to the Zaanse Schans Windmills. They were great! A clog shop and cheese place right there. The only suggestion I have for kim kim is to figure out some way for people to have a phone. Our carrier did not provide coverage there. We contacted Mieke one day from our hotel and she gave us very detailed directions to the Anne Frank house. This was great. However, if we would have had phones with mapquest that worked, it would have avoided alot of looking on our own. We had wifi on germany trains but not in the netherlands. We checked train schedules, platforms, etc. in the morning at our hotel before walking to the Rotterdam train station, and we were fine that way, but it would have been very very helpful to have a phone with wifi. The chip cards are a must (provided by kim kim). They loaded it with sufficient dollars for what we scheduled and then we added to it for some extra places we wanted to go. Then they provided an envelope and on our last day, we mailed them back to them at the train station. You can use them on any form of transportation which is very very convenient. We will never forget this trip - it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. The two words that best describe it all are - Beautiful and interesting. Thank you all!

Hotel Review
Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam
Rotterdam

This hotel is great - right across from the central train station. We had a room that overlooked the central station - very nice and interesting. Restaurants and shops are close. We could walk. They also provide a coffee/expresso machine in their lobby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Gouda - Stroopwafel workshop
Gouda - Stroopwafel workshop
The Netherlands

Berg's Bakery is amazing. It is a 6th generation family bakery. The owner, himself, did our workshop, and we enjoyed chatting with him about his journey in the stroopwafel industry.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jul 03, 2024
Hi Dwane and Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip and send us valuable feedback - especially about having a smartphone and wifi coverage - that is very helpful indeed and a very good suggestion.
I am glad to hear you have enjoyed the trip so much and have found your way with the planned activities and the free time as well. I am not surprised you love the stroopwafel bakery in Gouda, it's a gem of a place. I
Cherish your happy memories of this very special trip -...
Read more

Hi Dwane and Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip and send us valuable feedback - especially about having a smartphone and wifi coverage - that is very helpful indeed and a very good suggestion.
I am glad to hear you have enjoyed the trip so much and have found your way with the planned activities and the free time as well. I am not surprised you love the stroopwafel bakery in Gouda, it's a gem of a place. I
Cherish your happy memories of this very special trip - and I am honored to have been a small part of making it happen.

Best regards,
Mieke
PS: I totally forgot to ask you how you experience the Dutch language! Were you able to follow some of it given your knowledge of Pennsylvania Dutch?? Or a different lingo after all?

Perfectly curated hotels and experiences
Belgium | Jun 17 - Jun 26, 2024

H
Helen T.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024
I took a trip to Belgium to visit military history sites with my teenage son. Having not been to the country, I needed help choosing accommodations and activities. Nadine took all the stress out of planning the trip and suggested hotels and activities I never would have found without her. The whole process was seamless. The private tour guides were excellent, and even gave us special gifts. Nadine and her colleagues were available to help with questions/problems I had while traveling. I... Read more

I took a trip to Belgium to visit military history sites with my teenage son. Having not been to the country, I needed help choosing accommodations and activities. Nadine took all the stress out of planning the trip and suggested hotels and activities I never would have found without her. The whole process was seamless. The private tour guides were excellent, and even gave us special gifts. Nadine and her colleagues were available to help with questions/problems I had while traveling. I highly recommend using her expertise to and experience to make sure each day of your trip is memorable and as stress free as possible.

Hotel Reviews
La Merveilleuse
Dinant

I would recommend staying in a deluxe room in the newer addition of the hotel (gray stone building behind the abbey). My first night I stayed in a room in the older building, which was not what I was expecting. However the hotel upgraded me to the deluxe room which overlooked a beautiful garden. The breakfast was very good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Only the deluxe room met the standard I wanted. I would not stay here unless it was a deluxe room.
Comic Art Hotel
Ghent

I loved everything about this hotel. Spotlessly clean, charming art, good view, well located, and the best breakfast of the trip. They serve omelettes and have a great selection of breakfast items,

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel FranQ
Antwerp

This hotel was very clean, luxurious, well appointed and quiet. The breakfast was excellent!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel des Galeries
Brussels

Excellent location near the best restaurants, and short walk to the train station. Despite its central location, it is quiet and peaceful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kayaking on the Lesse from Dinant
Kayaking on the Lesse from Dinant
Dinant

The kayaking on the Lesse River from Dinant was an incredibly physical but rewarding experience. It was hot, but the adventure was worth it. We had initially planned to do some climbing afterward, but due to scheduling issues, the climbing wasn't available in the morning. We ended up kayaking first and were too tired to go back for climbing. For future travelers, I would recommend planning only one of these activities per day, especially if it's hot, to avoid fatigue. Overall, kayaking was enough to fill the day with excitement.

Waterloo - Namur - Dinant
Waterloo - Namur - Dinant
Belgium

The visit to the battlefield was definitely the highlight of our whole trip. The guide was so knowledgable, and it was so informative!

Local specialist: Nadine Hikisch
Nadine
Nadine Hikisch
Local specialist in Huissen | Replied on Jul 01, 2024

Hi Helen and Finn,
Thank you for taking the time to review your trip. I am glad you both had such an amazing adventurous trip and many thanks for your kind words.
Wishing you all the best,
Nadine

Netherlands and Belgium tour
Belgium | Jun 9 - Jun 18, 2024

Holly
Holly A.
North Ridgeville, OH | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2024

We interacted directly with mieke during the later half of planning and during the time we were there. Everything was good. When we needed help finding our way we were messaged with help right away. We love all the places, but our favorite was Bruges, Gent, the Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and then Antwerp.

Local specialist: Bas Naus

Transforming Dreams into Reality: A Glowing Review for Mieke's Dutch Adventure Planning Expertise
The Netherlands | Jun 2 - Jun 11, 2024

Kristie
Kristie B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jun 13, 2024
Mieke's exceptional expertise and meticulous planning truly transformed our 9-night adventure in the Netherlands into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her guidance led us to extraordinary accommodations and facilitated our exploration of three distinct locations—Rotterdam, Texel Island, and Amsterdam—allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the Dutch culture. Thanks to Mieke's thoughtful recommendations and bookings tailored to our family's (2 adults and a 11 and 12 year old) preferences,... Read more

Mieke's exceptional expertise and meticulous planning truly transformed our 9-night adventure in the Netherlands into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her guidance led us to extraordinary accommodations and facilitated our exploration of three distinct locations—Rotterdam, Texel Island, and Amsterdam—allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the Dutch culture.

Thanks to Mieke's thoughtful recommendations and bookings tailored to our family's (2 adults and a 11 and 12 year old) preferences, every activity she arranged seamlessly aligned with our interests, creating unforgettable moments throughout our journey. Her availability for questions and assistance was invaluable, reassuring us about using public transportation, which indeed proved to be the most convenient way to navigate the country. With her guidance, we quickly adapted to the Dutch transport system, becoming adept travelers in no time.

During our trip, Mieke remained accessible and supportive, ensuring that our travel experience was smooth and enjoyable. Her dedication to curating a personalized and enriching itinerary reflected her passion for creating memorable experiences for her clients. Without her expertise and attention to detail, we would have missed out on the charm and diversity that each location offered.

In summary, Mieke's exceptional planning skills, hands-on support, and commitment to delivering a tailored Dutch experience made our journey unforgettable. We are grateful for her dedication and expertise, which made our trip truly remarkable. Thank you, Mieke, for orchestrating a dream vacation that exceeded all expectations!

Hotel Reviews
Huize Welgelegen
Amsterdam

Our 3-night stay at Huize Welgelegen within the ARTIS zoo was nothing short of extraordinary. The location was superb, with easy access to transportation and a plethora of excellent dining options nearby. The highlight of our stay was the exclusive access to the zoo after hours—a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the animals up close and personal, with the entire zoo to ourselves. This magical experience was a huge hit with our children and left an indelible mark on our memories and our favorite stay while in the Netherlands. The daily delivered breakfast, thoughtfully left in our fridge, added a delightful touch to our mornings. The historic charm of the home, juxtaposed with its modern and remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, provided a perfect blend of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort. The spacious layout allowed us to relax and unwind, with the primary bedroom offering breathtaking views of the zoo. Every detail, from the comfortable beds and bedding to the overall ambiance, contributed to a restful and rejuvenating experience. We highly recommend Huize Welgelegen for those seeking a unique and unforgettable retreat, as it truly offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that surpasses expectations.

Authenticity & Character
This is truly a once in a lifetime place to stay
Location
Close to public transportation
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wikkelboats Wijnhaven
Rotterdam

Our stay at Wikkelboats Wijnhaven in Rotterdam was a fantastic experience that catered perfectly to our family of four. The well-laid-out accommodations made us feel right at home and garnered attention from passersby, giving us a touch of celebrity treatment during our vacation. The location was ideal, being conveniently close to all the amenities one could need in downtown Rotterdam. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the hot tub, which provided a luxurious and relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The comfort of the beds was much appreciated, ensuring a restful night's sleep for all of us. Overall, Wikkelboats Wijnhaven offered a unique and memorable stay that exceeded our expectations, making it a highly recommended choice for families looking for a truly special accommodation experience in Rotterdam.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to everything in downtown Rotterdam.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Daalder
Oost

Our stay at Daalder, the country cottage on Texel Island, was a delightful retreat that offered a clean and well-appointed space for our vacation. The presence of 1.5 bathrooms and shared laundry facilities was a convenient and welcomed perk, adding to the comfort and ease of our stay. The cottage lived up to its description, providing a peaceful atmosphere that allowed us to unwind and relax amidst the island's serene surroundings. While the location was tranquil and ideal for a peaceful getaway, it was a bit distant from most of the island's attractions and activities. However, this seclusion added a sense of tranquility to our stay, allowing us to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of Texel Island. The thoughtful welcome bag filled with Texel goodies was a charming gesture that added a touch of local flavor to our experience. The kids were thrilled to have their own room, adding an element of excitement and independence to their stay. Daalder on Texel Island provided a cozy and comfortable retreat that met our expectations and offered a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's a recommended choice for those seeking a peaceful and idyllic escape in the heart of nature.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We felt it was a little far from amenities of the island with kids. If you have a car, this would be of no issue at all.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Rotterdam food tour by bicycle
Rotterdam food tour by bicycle
Rotterdam

AMAZING - Astrid was great with the kids, food preferences and overall made the experience fun for the whole family. The biking made us a little nervous at first, but in the end, it was a fun addition to the trip and we can now say we biked in Rotterdam. Astrid did an incredible job of understanding we were still a little jet lagged and the kids being tweens and them not being fully engaged at all times. We were concerned with it being a private tour that there wouldn’t be anywhere to “hide” if we didn’t care for a food selected, but that was never an issue. Astrid was very understanding that we may not like/enjoy every food we tried. That made the whole experience more enjoyable as we didn’t have to pretend what we liked/didn’t care for. This also allowed us to try everything and not feel forced to eat the entire portions given if we didn’t want to. The tour was certainly more than just about food - but a cultural experience with traditional Dutch food along the way.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Astrid was wonderful to spend our afternoon with!
Transport
It was fun to bike around in Rotterdam.
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
The Netherlands

This food tour was truly delightful, offering us valuable insights into Rotterdam. The transition from Texel to Amsterdam felt quite overwhelming, yet Jelte's expertise truly helped us feel more connected to the city and appreciate its history and charm. Our son has a passion for architecture, and it was truly fascinating when Jelte, who holds a degree in architecture, shared intriguing insights about Amsterdam's architectural aspects during our tour. Jelte also interacted wonderfully with the kids and was empathetic to the fact that we might not enjoy everything we tasted. The only drawback of the tour was the repetition of foods we had already sampled in Rotterdam. However, the silver lining was comparing our preferences between the same dishes from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Jelte was fantastic in offering us a new item to taste when we mentioned we had tried and disliked herring (we hear the taste grows on you). We certainly appreciated his flexibility and attentiveness he gave throughout the tour.

Quality of Experience
The food was exquisite, and our guide was exceptional, seamlessly fitting in with our family.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5 stars for Jelte!
Transport
n/a
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
The Netherlands

Our private canal boat tour in Amsterdam was a truly remarkable experience that brought a unique perspective to our exploration of the city's iconic waterways. The boat itself was impeccably clean and well-appointed, with thoughtful amenities like sunscreen, and beverages available for us, ensuring our comfort throughout the tour. Our guide Julian was not only informative but also engaging, making the tour both educational and entertaining. His insights and knowledge of the city added depth to our understanding of Amsterdam's rich history and culture. What set this tour apart was the flexibility it offered—we had the freedom to request specific sights or let our guide lead us to hidden gems and must-see locations, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience tailored to our preferences. Cruising along the canals in the comfort of our private boat, surrounded by the charm of Amsterdam, was an unforgettable experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the beauty and uniqueness of the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jun 15, 2024

hi Kristie and family,
I am so glad you have had such an amazing family time. The places you have stayed at were indeed very bespoke and one-of-a-kind. I loved seeing your pictures of family fun. Lots of happy memories and quality time with the 4 of you. It has been a great pleasure organizing the trip for you and I am thrilled that it was such a success! Kudos for trying all the local specialities and cycling too!
Till next time! :)
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Our wonderful trip to the Netherlands!
The Netherlands | May 13 - May 22, 2024

Jan
Jan P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 30, 2024
Mieke did an outstanding job of listening to our wants and needs as she assembled and refined our Netherlands trip plan to address both our preferences, as well as those of our daughter and son-in-law who travelled with us. The finalized trip plan we received was extremely detailed and thorough, including turn-by-turn directions to orient us upon arrival in each city. Our hotels were clean, comfortable and centrally located. We were pleased to discover that they had period charm and/or... Read more

Mieke did an outstanding job of listening to our wants and needs as she assembled and refined our Netherlands trip plan to address both our preferences, as well as those of our daughter and son-in-law who travelled with us. The finalized trip plan we received was extremely detailed and thorough, including turn-by-turn directions to orient us upon arrival in each city.

Our hotels were clean, comfortable and centrally located. We were pleased to discover that they had period charm and/or amenities that made them much more special. As they had requested, our daughter and son-in-law even had balcony rooms in two cities!

Traveling in and between cities was simple because Mieke provided us with OV-chip cards for public transportation which made hopping on trains, buses, subways and water taxis quick and convenient.

Additionally, Mieke scheduled some activities for us with private guides. One of the highlights of our trip was our driver, Maarten who took us to the flower auction at Aalsmeer and then drove us into the country to see tulips in the fields. He was absolutely delightful and provided us with many helpful observations and suggestions. Another trip highlight was our guide, Tamara who led us on a 3-hour private cycling tour in Rotterdam. Not only was she informative, but she had a wonderful sense of humor!

In Amsterdam, Mieke arranged tickets for us to visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. In Rotterdam, Mieke not only included the Cube Houses but also the Markthal. We marveled at the architecture of both. Our boat cruise of the Rotterdam harbor enabled us to have a unique view of the one of the world's busiest ports.

No visit to the Netherlands would be complete with a visit to windmills - Mieke arranged for us to see both the mills in Schiedam and those in Kinderdijk.

Besides our scheduled activities, Mieke provided us with numerous tips and suggestions of places to eat and explore in each city.

We cannot than Mieke enough for a wonderful trip to the Netherlands! Her thoroughness and attention to even the smallest detail was simply amazing!

Hotel Reviews
Singel hotel
Amsterdam

This hotel is conveniently located near the central train station. The staff was helpful and our room was clean and comfortable. The only drawback was that our stay coincided with a very warm spring day and the window in our room opened to another building only 6-7 feet away. As such, airflow was greatly reduced and our room was quite warm. Other than that, we would defintely recommend the Singel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Corps de Garde
Groningen

The Hotel Corps de Garde is a charming, characterful small hotel conveniently located just on the edge of the city center just opposite a canal. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and provided exceptional service. Our room had beams and a window overlooking the canal. Air conditioning as a welcome bonus. Best of all was the breakfast each morning served in the pleasant dining room overlooking the canal. Breakfast included eggs prepared to order, sliced meats and cheeses, a variety of breads and croissants, as well as cereals, fruit, juice and coffee or tea.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Leonardo Hotel Utrecht City Center
Utrecht

This is a large hotel located in the city center. Our room was on the ground floor with a door to a courtyard seating area. Unfortunately, this proved to be quite noisy in the evening. Additionally, the men in the room next to us were easily heard through the wall which kept us awake until 2 a.m. While the bathroom was spacious and clean, the rest of the room looked "tired" and in need of updating. The carpet was not clean. The redeeming aspect of this hotel was the breakfast buffet that provided a wide variety in a top-floor dining room with a commanding view of the city.

Authenticity & Character
Please see above.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Please see above.
The James Hotel Rotterdam
Rotterdam

We had asked to have a room no higher than the third floor since we do not use elevators. Upon our arrival we were informed that our room was on the sixth floor. Although the hotel was fully booked, they were able to accommodate us on the fourth floor and even upgraded us to a comfort room. We were amazed at the size of the room - large by American standards, but positively palatial for Europe! Our room had a king-sized bed, a seating area with tv, a refrigerator, and a spacious bathroom. Breakfast was included for which we were provided 10 euro vouchers per person with which we could select a variety of breakfast pastries, juice, smoothies, cereal, coffee, tea, yogurt, and miscellaneous. The hotel staff were friendly and accommodating. We greatly enjoyed our time at The James.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
CitizenM Schiphol
Amsterdam

Although this appears to be a somewhat non-descript hotel from the exterior, the interior is a highly polished with a modern, clean design. Many of the ground floor furnishings appear to be Herman Miller Eames design. Our hotel room was "pocket-size" but well-appointed with an i-Pad to operate the window shades and even the color of the lighting! Fun and funky decor and our room was spotlessly clean. Breakfast the next morning was buffet-style and included a wide variety of both hot and convenient grab & go options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Within walking distance of the terminal.
Staff
Helpful and efficient.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotlessly clean!
Activity Reviews
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

It allowed us to hop on and off busses, trains, subways and even a water taxi.

Aalsmeer Flower Auction
Aalsmeer Flower Auction
Amsterdam

The sheer volume of flowers that are moved through this huge facility in a highly orchestrated fashion is nothing short of amazing. And the flowers were varied and beautiful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our private driver to this attraction was a highlight of our trip!
Transport
Rotterdam - Private Guided Cycle Tour
Rotterdam - Private Guided Cycle Tour
The Netherlands

Tamara, our guide, was informative and had a lively sense of humor. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rotterdam - harbor boat tour
Rotterdam - harbor boat tour
The Netherlands

The tour gave us the opportunity to see one of the world's busiest ports in action from a vantage point that we would not otherwise have had.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 31, 2024

Dear Jan & family, Thank you for taking the time to review your trip. Glad you have enjoyed and have survived climbing the Martini tower in Groningen and spending time with your family here.
Your feedback about the different hotels is also very valuable for us, thank you so much!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Nadine, our specialist, is AMAZING!
The Netherlands | Apr 22 - Apr 30, 2024

Brian
Brian G.
Cambridge, MA | Reviewed on May 28, 2024
Nadine is exceptional! I have used Kimkim for several trips, and this was, by far, the best experience with a specialist. Nadine was responsive and knowledgeable, ensuring we had all the information needed for a safe and fun trip. I truly appreciated all of the additional tips, recommendations, and the welcome package at the hotel. Finally, our airport transfer driver, Robert, and the hotel hostess, Lisa, were phenomenal. I am genuinely grateful for Nadine and her helping curate an... Read more

Nadine is exceptional! I have used Kimkim for several trips, and this was, by far, the best experience with a specialist. Nadine was responsive and knowledgeable, ensuring we had all the information needed for a safe and fun trip. I truly appreciated all of the additional tips, recommendations, and the welcome package at the hotel. Finally, our airport transfer driver, Robert, and the hotel hostess, Lisa, were phenomenal. I am genuinely grateful for Nadine and her helping curate an unforgettable experience!

Hotel Review
Hotel des Arts
Amsterdam-Centrum

Hotel des Arts is a great boutique hotel in a great location. The staff is amazing, especially Lisa! The only downside is that there is no elevator/lift, which makes traveling with heavy luggage difficult.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nadine Hikisch
Nadine
Nadine Hikisch
Local specialist in Huissen | Replied on May 30, 2024

Nice to hear from you Brian and thanks for your lovely review. I am glad to hear that you and Mom had a wonderful time in the Netherlands and appreciated my part in planning it. I will tell Robert and Lisa as well🤩
Wishing you all the best,
Nadine

A truly amazing trip!!!
The Netherlands | May 16 - May 20, 2024

Belen
Belen J.
Ecuador | Reviewed on May 27, 2024
We recently had the most amazing trip thanks to Nadine, and we can't thank her enough for the incredible experience. From the moment we told her what we were looking for this trip, and met her in person, it was clear how kind and thoughtful she is. Nadine accompanied us throughout the journey, ensuring that every detail was perfect. What truly stood out was her remarkable attention to detail. On May 19th, she surprised us by booking a stunning hotel in Belgium to celebrate our anniversary.... Read more

We recently had the most amazing trip thanks to Nadine, and we can't thank her enough for the incredible experience. From the moment we told her what we were looking for this trip, and met her in person, it was clear how kind and thoughtful she is. Nadine accompanied us throughout the journey, ensuring that every detail was perfect.

What truly stood out was her remarkable attention to detail. On May 19th, she surprised us by booking a stunning hotel in Belgium to celebrate our anniversary. Her thoughtful gesture made our special day even more memorable.

Nadine went above and beyond, making sure everything was perfectly organized. She patiently taught us how to navigate each mode of transportation, making the entire trip smooth and stress-free.

Her warmth and dedication transformed our trip into an unforgettable adventure. We felt so cared for and looked after. Thank you, Nadine, for your incredible service and making our journey so magical. We can't wait to travel with you again!

We even got the chance to meet in person Nadine, and Emma; who also did a wonderful job making our special trip :)
A big shout to the kimkim team and Beat the Dutch!

Suki, Daniel, and Julian

Hotel Review
Hotel FranQ
Antwerp

We recently stayed at Hotel Franq in Antwerp, and it was truly the best hotel experience we've ever had. The family room was excellent – comfortable, and impeccably clean, and the bathroom was simply outstanding. The bathrobes provided were fantastic and added a touch of luxury to our stay. What really took our breath away was the incredible gesture of roses placed in our room. We were also welcomed with a complimentary glass of champagne, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The breakfast was fantastic, offering a wide variety of delicious options to start our day. The service was fantastic, with every staff member going above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. Hotel Franq made our visit to Antwerp unforgettable, and we can't wait to return. Highly recommended!

Authenticity & Character
The patio outside is gorgeous. Also loved the detail of wooden room cards.
Location
Walking distance everywhere!
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nadine Hikisch
Nadine
Nadine Hikisch
Local specialist in Huissen | Replied on May 30, 2024

Hi Suki, Daniel, and Julian! Dank je wel, for the fantastic review🤩. It was great to plan your special family holiday and we loved meeting you all. Wishing you all the best, Nadine

Netherlands and Belgium our way!!
The Netherlands | Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024

Tanuja
Tanuja R.
Brentwood, TN | Reviewed on May 14, 2024
Our group of 6 travelers had the most amazing trip to Netherlands and Belgium. Nadine and Mieke were wonderful… attentive to what we wanted to see and do. We try to pack in a lot in a short period of time and they helped us do exactly what we wanted to. We really appreciate the details that were shared with us … the hotels, the modes of transportation, optional activities as well
as food/dining suggestions. Every day was organized but yet had some flexibility built into it!
When... Read more

Our group of 6 travelers had the most amazing trip to Netherlands and Belgium.

Nadine and Mieke were wonderful… attentive to what we wanted to see and do. We try to pack in a lot in a short period of time and they helped us do exactly what we wanted to.

We really appreciate the details that were shared with us … the hotels, the modes of transportation, optional activities as well
as food/dining suggestions. Every day was organized but yet had some flexibility built into it!

When train tickets weren’t available, it meant a lot that the team was available to correct the issue immediately.

Our trip was planned around the tulip blooms and I must say that was the highlight for us! While the weather was not ideal, it didn’t stop us from enjoying the spectacular display of the miles and miles of colorful flowers.

Geithoorn will always be my favorite, but we enjoyed walking around the canals of Amsterdam, Ghent and Bruges.
We definitely got a lot of walking in and not quite as much biking as we would have liked.
We left the two countries in awe of how easy it was to travel by train.

It was a fun adventure filled 9 days of vacation… something we would highly recommend to friends and family. Thank you Kimkim for introducing us to the awesome local consultants “Beat the Dutch” … loved working with Nadine and Mieke!

Local specialist: Nadine Hikisch
Nadine
Nadine Hikisch
Local specialist in Huissen | Replied on May 16, 2024

Hi Tanuja,

On behalf of Mieke and myself, we sincerely want to thank you for your lovely words, we loved organizing your special trip. Luckily you could still take beautiful pictures in your saree around the blooming tulips. We love the pictures!

Wishing you all the best,
Nadine & Mieke