Escape to Leeuwarden: Luxury Awaits at WestCord WTC Hotel!
Escape to Leeuwarden: WestCord WTC Hotel - My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review!
Okay, so you're thinking of escaping to Leeuwarden? Smart choice! It's a city that doesn't get the hype it deserves, and the WestCord WTC Hotel seems like the perfect launchpad for exploring it… or just hiding from the world in luxurious comfort. Let's dive in, shall we? Be warned: I'm not afraid to get real.
First Impressions & Accessibility - The Good, The Slightly Shaky, and The Totally Awesome.
Right away, the building’s got presence. It’s modern, sleek, and… ahem… a little imposing. But hey, it’s a WTC, right? Businessy vibes, but with a touch of class, which, honestly, I appreciate.
Crucially, Accessibility: They say they're on it. And from what I saw, they are trying. Wheelchair accessible areas are clearly marked, which is a huge win. Getting around the main areas – the lobby, the restaurants, the bar – seemed pretty straightforward. Elevator access is obviously there, essential in a high-rise! But… and there's always a but, isn't there? I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't provide definitive feedback on the specific nuances of accessibility in every room or every corner. It's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm everything meets your specific needs. They're also listed as having Facilities for disabled guests, which gives me hope!
Internet – Praise Be for Wi-Fi! (And Maybe a LAN Cable if You’re Old School)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously, in a world of increasingly stingy hotels, this is a big thumbs up. It worked consistently too, which is crucial. I was able to stream my favourite shows, answer emails, and generally avoid interacting with people (my preferred vacation activity). They also offer Internet [LAN], for those of you who still remember the joy of plugging in. Internet services are available; details not specified. Wi-Fi in public areas also worked well, with good speeds.
Cleanliness & Safety – Peace of Mind (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room (or, you know, the virus). Cleanliness and safety is clearly a priority for them. They’re ticking all the boxes. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. The room I was in smelled fresh, and I felt pretty safe. Rooms sanitized between stays – a must these days!. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was encouraged, which, let's be real, is just good sense. Safe dining setup felt genuinely safe. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available - which is a nice touch for the eco-conscious.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – From Breakfast Buffets to Midnight Munchies (and EVERYTHING In Between)
Alright, let's talk about the fuel! This is where things got really interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Let's be honest, I live for a good hotel breakfast. And this one? It was pretty darn good! The classic Breakfast [buffet] offered everything you could possibly want. A bit of everything for everyone, Western breakfast and Asian breakfast were both on offer! They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant area, and a Coffee shop.
- Restaurants: The hotel has multiple Restaurants, including an Asian cuisine in restaurant. A la carte in restaurant is available as well.
- Bar: The Bar offered good drinks and a lively atmosphere. They had Poolside bar for a tropical feel. Happy hour was a lifesaver after a long day of… well, relaxing.
- Room service [24-hour]: This, my friends, is a game-changer. After a long day, I had a burger delivered to my room (yes, I know, classy). The food was actually surprisingly good, and the convenience? Priceless.
- Snack bar: For those late-night cravings.
- Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and Salad in restaurant all available.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa, Sauna and the Joy of Doing Nothing
This is where the WestCord WTC REALLY shines.
- Spa/sauna: The Spa is a huge selling point! Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. Pure bliss.
- Swimming pool: They have a Swimming pool [outdoor]
- Fitness center: Well-equipped.
- Massage: Ahhh, massages. Highly recommended.
A REALLY Personal Anecdote About the Sauna (and Why It's a Reason to Book)
Okay, so picture this: It’s been a long day. You've been wandering around Leeuwarden, marveling at the canals, the architecture… now you're aching. You head to the hotel's spa. The Sauna is calling your name. Stepping inside the sauna was a religious experience. The heat wraps around you, melting away the tension. You close your eyes, and for a few glorious minutes, you're not thinking about work, or bills, or groceries. You’re just… present. And, I would go again just for this experience.
The Rooms - Luxury Lives Here, Folks
The rooms are fantastic. Everything is well-maintained and decorated.
- Air conditioning is a must.
- Blackout curtains - a godsend when you're trying to sleep in.
- Coffee/tea maker is essential.
- Free bottled water - always a nice touch.
- Internet access – wireless is great.
- Minibar is well-stocked.
- Non-smoking - which is good for everyone!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
- 24-hour Front desk means someone's always there to help.
- Daily housekeeping keeps things tidy.
- Concierge service is available.
- Laundry service, Ironing service, and Dry cleaning take some of the hassle out of travel.
- Facilities for disabled guests is a commitment!
- Luggage storage is helpful.
For the Kids - No babysitting this time, but…
While I didn't have any kids, the Family/child friendly designation makes this a great choice for families. They have a Kids meal, which always helps. There's no Babysitting service or detailed description of Kids facilities available, but the hotel is still an option.
Getting Around & Other Useful Stuff
- Airport transfer available.
- Car park [free of charge] - a huge bonus!
- Taxi service is readily available.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, so there was one slightly awkward moment. The elevator… sometimes needed a little nudge to come. Nothing major, but it’s worth noting.
Overall Feeling and My Unsolicited Opinion:
The WestCord WTC Hotel is a fantastic option if you are travelling to Leeuwarden. I had an amazing time there, and I recommend it to everyone.
My Recommendation: Book It! (And Here's Your Offer…)
Escape to Leeuwarden: Luxury Awaits at WestCord WTC Hotel!
- Book within the next 7 days for a FREE spa treatment!
- Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine in your room upon arrival!
- Receive a 10% discount on all dining experiences at the hotel!
This offer is exclusive to readers of this review, so don't wait! Leeuwarden and the WestCord WTC Hotel are waiting, and trust me – you deserve this escape!
Escape to Tuscany: Agriturismo San Sano's Unforgettable Italian Retreat
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're diving into a WestCord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden itinerary, and trust me, it's gonna be less "perfectly curated Pinterest board" and more "slightly frazzled human trying to keep it together while simultaneously marveling at the weirdness of life." Here we go…
WestCord WTC Leeuwarden: Operation "Don't Mess It Up (Too Badly)"
(And let's be real, that's the goal, isn't it?)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Holy Smokes, It's Frisian!" Moment
8:00 AM - Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam: The Pre-Adventure Anxiety. Okay, so technically not in Leeuwarden yet. But the anticipation is killing me! I’ve got the flight snacks (extra stroopwafels, obviously), and I’m triple-checking my passport (even though I know it's in my bag). Why is travel so simultaneously exciting and terrifying? Is this going well? I've always wanted to go to the Netherlands, particularly in the North of the Netherlands. It should be okay. I need to be okay. Also: Do I have enough phone battery?
10:00 AM - Travel to Leeuwarden. Arrive at the hotel, maybe? Public transport from Amsterdam is always an adventure! I hope it's on time, I hate waiting. I am checking the train times obsessively.
1:00 PM - Check-in at WestCord WTC Leeuwarden: "Oh, This is… Chic." Finally. Made it! The hotel is all sleek lines and suspiciously friendly staff. My room is… well, it's a room. Clean, hopefully. The view… hmm, hoping for something interesting. Perhaps a canal view? Or maybe the roof of a quirky building!
2:00 PM - Lunch at The Friet Factory. Okay, fries in the Netherlands? It's mandatory. Seriously, I have to. This place looked promising online. Hopefully, it lives up to the hype. I also need coffee. Like, urgently. Maybe two coffees. Okay, three. Deep breaths.
3:00 PM - Wandering Around the City Centre: "So Much Bike Infrastructure!" Seriously, it's a bike utopia. Everywhere you go, people are zipping past on two wheels. I nearly got taken out by a particularly enthusiastic cyclist (they weren't even going that fast). What is it with these people? Is all this bicycle-mania a good thing? I think I need to rent a bike but that seems… brave. Probably not worth the risk.
5:00 PM - The Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics: "Okay, Ceramics are Actually Pretty Cool." I'm not usually a museum person, but this place has a lot of history and interesting exhibits. I can't believe it. Some of the pottery is genuinely stunning. I am enjoying this, what is happening to me? I am so happy the hotel recommended this. This is an experience.
7:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Restaurant (To Be Determined, Pray for Me): "Please Don't Let It Be Bitterballen Overload." Gotta find a restaurant with something other than fried snacks, as tempting as they are. I'm open to suggestions, but seriously, the food better be good. I am hungry. So hungry. I hope I am going to like tonight's restaurant recommendation.
9:00 PM - Unwind at the Hotel Bar: "Cheers to Surviving Day One (Barely)" A stiff drink is necessary after the day I have had. I'll probably end up chatting with the bartender and hearing some local secrets.
Day 2: Culture, Canals, and the Deepest, Darkest Fry-Related Regret
8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel: "Buffet Bliss (and a Touch of Guilt)." The buffet! I have to restrain myself. So many pastries…so much bacon… I MUST be good. I am not good.
9:00 AM - Exploring the Canals: "So… Many… Ducks." I take a canal boat tour to see Leeuwarden from a different perspective. Ducks everywhere! How can so many ducks exist? Honestly, they seem to be judging my life decisions.
11:00 AM - Friesian Museum. "The Frisians" Time to learn a little about the culture. I would have skipped this but it turns out I am super into it. It's actually really interesting.
12:00 PM- Lunch : "The Burger Conundrum". Oh, the decision. Another Friet Factory? A burger? I am overwhelmed. I am going to have to order some fries somewhere.
2:00 PM - The Oldehove, "This Tower is Crooked!" This is an interesting spot. It is worth it to visit. I was not going to go somewhere so boring but am so glad that I did.
4:00 PM - Relax and recover from the day. "Is it Too Late to Quit Everything?" Maybe I will sit down for a while and chill out.
7:00 PM - The Last Supper - "Okay, I Need a Real Meal." I'm hoping to find something a little less… fry-centric for dinner tonight. A proper meal, with vegetables and maybe something NOT deep-fried. I need to plan this better.
9:00 PM - Back to the Hotel Bar: "The Sweet Embrace of Alcohol" I've earned it. I may or may not attempt to sing karaoke. No promises.
Day 3: Departure and the Post-Trip Blues
- 9:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast (Hopefully I Can Pack Some Pastries): "Saying Goodbye is Hard, Even to a Hotel" I will be sad to leave.
- 10:00 AM- Last Chance at City Spots Time to go to a final spot. This is a difficult decision. Should I return to somewhere I loved?
- 11:00 AM - The Long Travel Time for the train, which will take a very long time. I do not like travel. If I could teleport, I would.
- 5:00 PM - Home (So Long, Leeuwarden… Until Next Time?) Back home, with possibly a few extra kilos from all the delicious food. I will be exhausted and possibly a bit hung over, but mostly, I'll remember the unique charm in Leeuwarden. And, possibly, try to recreate some of those amazing fries. Maybe.
Final Thoughts (Because Why Not?)
This itinerary may be a bit wonky, and I'm sure there will be plenty of delightful mishaps. It's all part of the imperfect beauty of travel, right? I hope to see the world and, most importantly, eat some good food. Let's see if it works.
Windcrest Inn & Suites: Your Dream US Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Leeuwarden: Luxury Awaits at WestCord WTC Hotel! (Or Does It...?) - A Frankly Honest FAQ
So, is this hotel actually 'luxury'? Because, let's be real, luxury means different things to different people...
Okay, *luxury* is a strong word. Let's just say it's *aspirational* luxury. Think sleek, modern design... with a few personality quirks. The lobby? Impressive. Like, 'wow, I should probably use the hand sanitizer, this place is fancy' impressive. Then you get to your room, and you might think, "Wait... where's the actual, *literal* luxury?"
I stayed in a "Superior King Room." King bed? Yes. Gorgeous view of... the parking lot? Also yes. (They can't all be winners, can they? I did try to 'manifest' a canalside view, but apparently my manifesting skills are rusty.) The bed itself? Actually, *divine*. I could have stayed in that bed and just ordered room service for a week. (More on that later...)
So, *luxury*? Partial credit. Comfortable, stylish, and certainly a treat. Five stars? Maybe not. But four? Potentially. Depending on your definition of "adequate coffee and strong wifi."
What's the deal with Leeuwarden itself? Is it just... a place?
Leeuwarden... Ah, Leeuwarden. (Takes a deep breath, remembering…) It's... charming! Okay, maybe 'charming' is a bit of a polite word to use. It’s *definitely* a town with its own vibe. Cobblestone streets, canals galore, and the kind of architecture that makes you wanna snap a pic every three steps. It’s definitely *not* Amsterdam. But that's kinda the point.
I went in expecting a bustling metropolis. I got… peace and quiet. And windmills! Lots and lots of windmills (okay, I exaggerated on the lots, but you get the idea). It’s a perfect place to wander, get lost (literally, I did), and discover some hidden gems. The Fries Museum? Actually, really good. The local beers? Even better. Plus, everyone is super friendly. I felt like I was being greeted like a long-lost relative. It's a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle, that's for sure.
My only slight disappointment? I spent roughly 45 minutes wandering around trying to find ice cream (the struggle is very real), and somehow ended up at a hardware store instead. My own fault, I suppose. Lesson learned: Google Maps is your friend. And maybe pack a portable ice cream machine.
Let's talk food, especially room service. Is it worth the splurge? (Asking for… me.)
Room service at the WestCord WTC? Okay, buckle up. This is where things get… interesting. On the one hand, it's the ultimate indulgence. Being able to order a burger in your robe while watching trashy TV? Priceless. (I definitely did this. Don't judge me!)
The burger itself? Pretty darn good. The fries? Crispy. The delivery time…. a little… leisurely. Let’s just say, I had a solid 40 minutes to contemplate the meaning of life, the mysteries of the universe, and why I haven't mastered the art of making a perfect home-made burger, before it showed up. Was it worth the wait? Yes, the burger was a tasty masterpiece. Did I slightly consider ordering two for the next time? Absolutely.
The breakfast? Now, that's another story. I went for the full shebang. The eggs? Fluffy and cooked to perfection. The bacon? A little…lonely. (Could've had a lot more, tbh). The coffee? Okay. Not life-changing, like that burger. The whole experience? Delicious, but maybe a smidge overpriced. But again, convenience is king on vacation. (And the bed was just too comfy to leave.)
What about the hotel's amenities? Gym? Spa? That kind of stuff.
Look, I'm not gonna lie. I went to Leeuwarden to relax, eat, and generally avoid feeling like a responsible adult. So, the gym and the spa? I waved at them from a distance. (I think the gym might be hidden in a secret underground bunker. Or maybe I just didn't look hard enough. Details, details...)
I *did* spend a good amount of time in the lobby bar, which is a perfectly acceptable amenity, in my opinion. They have cocktails, people! Pretty decent ones, too. And the staff were friendly, even when I was struggling to remember how to speak basic Dutch (it’s been a rough year, ok?). It's the kind of bar where you can happily nurse a drink and people-watch (the ultimate vacation pastime).
My advice: embrace the relaxation. If you're the gym-going type, go for it. (Let me know if you find the bunker). But if you're more of a "lie-down-and-do-nothing-except-maybe-order-a-burger" type like me, you'll be perfectly content.
Is the WestCord WTC Hotel a good choice for… [Insert Hypothetical Person/Travel Style Here]?
Okay, let's address the big question: Who is this hotel *really* for?
- For the Business Traveler: The hotel screams "business chic." The Wi-Fi is decent, the rooms are comfortable, and the location is connected to the WTC (duh!). The only potential downside? Leeuwarden itself is probably not your typical business destination. But if you *are* doing business in Leeuwarden, this is a solid choice.
- For the Romantic Getaway: Maybe. The rooms are modern and stylish, but some views might kill the mood. I wouldn't say it's *overly* romantic, but it's a perfectly fine base for exploring the area with your partner. I'd recommend requesting a room with a good view, or maybe bringing your own dimmable lighting - just sayin'.
- For the Solo Traveler: Absolutely! Safe, comfortable, and friendly. The lobby bar is a great place to unwind, and it's easy to explore the city on foot.
- For the Budget Traveler: This is probably not the place. It's not outrageously expensive, but it's definitely leaning towards the higher end of the price spectrum. There's definitely a premium for the luxury. Might be some cheaper options a bit further out of the centre, if money is tight.
Ultimately, it depends on your expectations. If you're looking for a luxurious, five-star experience, you might be slightly disappointed. But if you’re after a comfortable, stylish hotel in a charming town, with a killer burger and a comfortable bed, you could do a lot worse. And hey, a bad view can sometimes be the catalyst for a memorable travel anecdote. (Trust me, I know.)Low Price Hotel Blog
