We were celebrating a special occassion this weekend and this hotel provided the right setting for it. Nice room with a nice modern yet with a cottage kind styling and nice standalone bathtub and separate big shower. The beds were good and the pillows fine. Sockets next to the bed for charging devices. A separate toilet, which is really convenient if you share a room.
Ok it were two single beds set side by side as if it was a double. The gap in between was still there to notice. Toiletries and enough bathrobes available. Regular hairdryer as well. Yet a vanity set was missing but bathrobe and slippers were standard provided. A iron and iron board were brought up on request. Service was absolutely lovely in our experience. Very sweet cheerful kind and helpful lady guided us to our room, showed us around and provided the necessary information. Well done. Also a compliment for the hostess of the breakfast team. So kind, patient and helpful. She even remembered some of the wishes of the first day on the second day. And she covered our needs where possible. Breakfast may appear small and basic but actually there was plenty of choices and options. Ok perhaps some smoothies or fresh fruit mix drinks could be a good addition. Can we find something to pick on? Nope not really. We were fully satisfied and look back on a very nice and memorable weekend.
Regarding the Merlet restaurant: Star dining comes with expectations. If these are reasonable or not, the position of a michelin star restaurant is eventually one where you really come with expectations. Merlet restaurant is no different. Besides that, it made this review one of the more difficult reviews. Lets start! First of all we had the feeling that we had such a moment, situation, table or however you want to call it, where for some reason, routines where no routines suddenly and small things needed extra attention and anticipation. It was if they were nervous for some reason.We arent Michelin guide inspectors or so. Just a reviewer with over 100.000 readers ;). Only the sommelier appeared to be on his full power and enthousiasm regarding the wines that came with courses. He brought a nice relaxing and spontanuous vibe to it with some comfortable humor and knowledge.
Back to the overall experience. For some reason the host wasnt at the desk when arrived. One of the waiters improvised and guided us to our seats just fine. The host appeared to be nervous but eventually guided us through the menu etc. By accident a wrong course was served and later on an item missed by dessert.
Back to the menu. We choose the four course menu which actually could have been seen as a 8 course meal. We started with a tickle to the tastepods, then the amuse in three versions, the starter, the second course, the first part of the main course (actually two plates), the second part of the main course, some cheese and extras came in between, then the first part of dessert and then the two remaining parts of the dessert with at the end the macarons and coffee. We were stuffed afterwards in all honesty. But in general we enjoyed every second. Maybe the scallop could have been kept more in its simplicity and then within its power. This course was a bit overdone and the scallop on itself dissappeared. For the starter actually the sushi was the nicest one but could have had a bit more structure. It was a bit too soft and weak/wet. At the otherhand they did a good job in providing alternatives for the elements where allergies or diets came in place. Staff was preinformed and acted correctly upon it. With the main course they came with a funny twist via an envelope in which a story tells you the history of the main course and how it won a prestigeous award. Before the spoom to follow to clean your pallet, several cheeses have been offered. Out of a wide variety of choices with predominantly very interesting Dutch cheeses, you can make your selection. In basic they let you choose out of five different kind/sorts of cheeses. You can experiment and try something new. Keep in mind that this course comes often with a surcharge and does take extra space in your stomach, because next to the cheese yet get some other bites as well per person. And as the desert comes in two ways as well after the spoom. Something to keep in mind.
To close the evening there was a good cup of coffee with some macarons, nougat and chocolats. The coffee could be a bit better and refined. Perhaps even let the guest make a choice in strength, depth flavor of preferred coffee. It has become a long review but it covers it all. Now the final verdict. You can choose to be picky on the details which should not have happened and perhaps for most guests dont happen. We enjoyed the food and had a good time together. Cant give it five stars due to the events but four suits it well.
