“Am I in another country? No, that could not be possible. I just travelled by train for 30 minutes.”
The crazy lines running on my mind when I arrived in Utrecht. The crowd from The Netherlands’ capital faded. And I finally realised how clever it was to visit another city in Holland where genuine tranquillity can highly be felt. My only regret was I stayed so short in Utrecht. Nevertheless, it’s all worth it as I was accommodated by the city’s first luxury hotel – the Grand Hotel Karel V.
INTRODUCTION
From a historical Teutonic House with a Military Hospital, the Grand Hotel Karel V’s location has been showcasing vast memories since 1348. It was in 1998 when the hotel officially got its name to start giving the guests from all over the world a true experience of luxury accommodation.
Core point to know: Karel V or Charles V, who was declared as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1520, stayed in Grand Hotel (then Teutonic House) when he attended a meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Golden Fleece in 1546.
Know more about rich history of Grand Hotel Karel V’s site here.
ACCOMMODATION
Classical yet contemporary! The spacy room provided for my one night stay at Grand Hotel Karel V is nothing but exceptional.
The room is located in the very end of the floor where I could enjoy the long carpet way from the elevator. It could be the same feeling where artists or royalties walk in a red carpet. I am fascinated with the royal vibe which I can be a Princess for some moments. All thanks to Grand Hotel Karel V.; that childhood dream came into reality!
Inside the room is a well-thought division of every guest’s needs.
Just beside the table is a huge closet to freely fix your stuff.
What is better to do than sleeping after a refreshing shower?
Designed with the classy cloth connected from the mini roof was the most refined bed I had. Blended with the call of modernity, a flat screen TV is attached just in the foot of the bed, which you can turn in a side of your convenience.
To check more of Grand Hotel Karel V’s room offerings, check its website or visit Booking.com.
AMENITIES
From wellness and fitness to places for gatherings, Grand Hotel Karel V offers services and facilities that will surely satisfy the visitors’ needs.
I just had a quick snap of the Hotel’s Wellness corner located in the Roma Wing. With jetstream bath, fitness equipment, solarium, sauna, steam bath, and beauty salon, you can easily find a spot to pamper yourself.
Grand Hotel Karel V can also cater gatherings to their modish and grand 13 function rooms, auditorium, 10,000 m2 courtyard garden, brasserie and to its bar and restaurant.
FOOD
Formerly used as Monastery, the Grand Restaurant Karel V gives wide selection of food and wine. Headed by Chef Vito Reekers, the traditional taste is perfectly blended with today’s culinary expectations.
Guests can also enjoy the dish of their choice in the Garden in the middle of the Hotel.
PEOPLE
Smiles stay free yet luxurious at Grand Hotel Karel V.
Every staff is trained with great hospitality and professionalism so expect your stay as smooth as its best.
AREA GUIDE
Situated in the heart of the Utrecht, Grand Hotel Karel V keeps a mix of dynamic and unruffled ambience with shops, chic and relaxing cafes and restaurants surround the vicinity while the garden lies in the hub of the hotel.
Dubbed as the beating heart of The Netherlands, Utrech preserves the medieval vibe and offers excellent architecture, charming canals, and amusing museums.
Note: Grand Hotel Karel V provided a night of complimentary stay but the views written on this article are my own.
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About the Writer
Jessica Ayun is a Freelance Writer who writes if 5-10 cups of coffee a day will be served. She used to work as a TV Researcher but her feet are always curious to step into new places so she decided to work in the communities of Visayas and Mindanao as a Documenter for almost two years, through a non-government organization (NGO). She tries to see the “real happiness” in every person she meets and every place she goes to. She will always choose mountains than beaches.