Hotel en Grand Café De Pauw

This hotel offers a unique and vibrant experience, largely defined by its lively integrated cafe and restaurant which boasts a charming riverside terrace. This central feature creates a dynamic atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions and shoppers visiting the nearby Designer Outlet. The hotel's prime location is consistently highlighted, placing guests at the heart of the action. Many guests also commend the friendly staff and the excellent breakfast as key highlights of their stay. While the hotel's traditional charm appeals to couples seeking a cozy getaway, its practical amenities and central position also make it suitable for business travelers on extended stays. To ensure a comfortable visit, guests sensitive to noise might consider requesting a room away from the street or cafe, and be prepared for the hotel's characteristic steep stairs as there is no lift.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently note the hotel's integrated cafe and restaurant as a central hub, offering a lively atmosphere and a popular heated terrace for relaxation. While the hotel maintains a traditional charm, it's important to note the absence of a lift, meaning guests will navigate steep stairs to reach their rooms, which some found challenging with luggage. Rooms are generally equipped with a fan to mitigate warmth, as there is no air conditioning. Practical in-room amenities include a large TV, a fridge, and a kettle with tea supplies, providing convenience for guests. Some rooms feature a wardrobe for storage, though some reviews mention it lacks doors or shelves. The overall impression is of a functional, if somewhat aged, set of facilities that contribute to the hotel's unique character.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many praising the clean rooms and comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. The good shower is also frequently highlighted for its quality. However, some guests have noted that the beds can be on the softer side, and a few mentioned minor issues like a "hole" in a sheet or a mattress that was not perfectly flat. The hotel's location above a lively cafe means noise levels can be a concern, particularly from the street or the bar late into the night; thoughtful earplugs are provided in rooms to help mitigate this. Some rooms are described as warm, lacking a thermostat for individual temperature control, and the dated decor with peeling paint in bathrooms was mentioned by a few, alongside observations of dusty or unfresh carpet.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives widespread acclaim, particularly the excellent breakfast, which is consistently praised for its variety and quality. Guests appreciate the option of freshly prepared eggs and bacon, alongside a good selection of other items. The integrated restaurant and cafe are popular choices for lunch and dinner, with many reviews highlighting the overall food quality and the cozy cafe atmosphere. Specific dishes like ribs, flamkuchen, and pulled pork have garnered positive mentions. While the beer selection is also a strong point, some isolated negative experiences were reported regarding specific food orders, such as an entrecote served incorrectly or a borrelplank deemed overpriced and of poor quality, and occasionally cold soup. Despite these few instances, the dining facilities are largely considered a significant asset.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant draw for guests, offering unparalleled access to the city's attractions. Situated prominently by the riverside, it provides scenic views and is within easy walking distance of the city center and its various shops and restaurants. Its proximity to the Designer Outlet is a major advantage for shoppers, often just a short stroll away. The train station is also conveniently accessible, typically within a ten-minute walk. While the location is highly convenient, some guests noted that being on a busy street can lead to traffic noise. Off-site parking is available, usually within a 500-meter radius, though guests should be aware that it typically incurs a fee, despite some mentions of free options.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff consistently receives high praise, with many guests highlighting their helpful service and attentiveness throughout their stay. Reviewers frequently commend the staff for being accommodating and making guests feel welcome, contributing significantly to a positive experience. The quick check-in process is often mentioned as efficient and smooth. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, there were a few isolated instances where guests reported less satisfactory interactions, such as perceived rudeness from a bar staff member or issues with incorrect change. However, these appear to be exceptions, and the overall consensus points to a dedicated team committed to providing excellent attentive service to their guests.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their dogs, though some noted that finding suitable outdoor areas nearby for pets could be a challenge. A unique aspect of the hotel is its smoking policy on the outside terrace of the integrated cafe. While this is appreciated by smokers, non-smoking guests occasionally reported that cigarette smoke could drift into the hotel entrance, which some found unpleasant. The hotel's traditional building structure means guests should be prepared for its characteristic charm, including the aforementioned steep stairs and the lively atmosphere from the downstairs cafe.