Giethoorn Getaway: Your Dream Terrace Holiday Home Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a deep dive review of It's gonna be a bumpy ride, full of opinions, random thoughts, and maybe even a few tears (of joy, hopefully!). This isn't your grandma's dry, corporate review; this is the real deal, unfiltered, and hopefully, helpful.
First Impressions: The Access Factor - Did I Stumble or Glide?
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. They say they're thinking about everyone, which is HUGE. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" – good start! We’ll need to check if that means ramps everywhere (essential), accessible rooms (double essential), and maybe a way to alert staff if I'm struggling (triple essential!). The "Elevator" is listed, a big win! I'm not keen on lugging suitcases up flights of stairs. I’d love to have a personal guide.
On-Site Grub & Booze – Fueling the Adventure or Causing Chaos?
Food and drink: Important. Damn important. They've got a whole smorgasbord of options. Multiple restaurants! Asian, Western, buffet, a la carte, coffee shops… it's slightly overwhelming, honestly. Like, "where do I start?" And a poolside bar? Yes, please! Happy hour? Sign me up! The fact that they have 24-hour room service is a blessing. Because, let's be real, sometimes you just crave a midnight burger.
I'm hoping the "Vegetarian Restaurant" isn't just a sad side salad and a plate of grilled vegetables. I need to know this.
Internet - The Lifeline (Or The Headache)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! We live in the age of endless scrolling, posting Insta stories, and keeping up with email. The mention of "Internet access – LAN" makes me think they're still clinging to the dial-up days. But, hey, options are good, right? Wi-Fi in public areas is another important checkmark.
(Side note: I once stayed in a hotel where the Wi-Fi was so bad, I considered writing carrier pigeons a letter. It did not go well.)
The "Relaxation" Zone – Will I Achieve Bliss or Just Sweat?
Spa, sauna, steam room… are you kidding me? Okay, okay, I can already feel the stress melting away. A pool with a view? Sold! The fitness center is listed, but I'm not entirely convinced I'll use it. Maybe. After a hefty dose of food and drinks…
Body scrub! Body wrap! This could be dangerous… for my wallet. But, honestly, after all the stress of deciding where to eat at the restaurant, I deserve it.
Cleanliness & Safety - Is it Actually Safe?
Anti-viral cleaning products? Daily disinfection in common areas? Professional-grade sanitizing services? Okay, I'm starting to feel a little better. Especially with the whole pandemic thing still hanging around. It’s nice to know they're taking it seriously. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Good!
The Room Itself - My Temporary Kingdom
Okay, this is where the rubber meets the road. A lot of the amenities in the rooms are really quite nice: Air conditioning, bathrobes (crucial!), blackout curtains (sleeping is the enemy, so I need these), coffee/tea maker (instant happiness), in-room safe box, mini bar (dangerous!), private bathroom, and a shower. Now that's good! No shared bathrooms!
However, the mention of a ‘window that opens’ make me wonder. Is it a window that is secure?
Services & Conveniences - Are They Actually Convenient?
Cash withdrawal is a must. Concierge, always helpful. Daily housekeeping, because, well, I make a mess. Dry cleaning – necessary for the business traveler. Laundry service is important. The option for food delivery is handy.
For the Kids - The Tiny Tyrants
Babysitting service? Good for the parents! Kids facilities indicated, which is great if you enjoy it, but I’m not a fan of kids!
The Real-World Experience (My Anecdote That Will Probably Be Rambling)
Okay, I'm going to spill my biggest gripe. Last time, I went a hotel, and… and the whole experience was tainted by a single, tiny thing: the coffee sucked. Seriously. The coffee was the most awful stuff I have ever tasted. It was burnt, weak, and tasted vaguely of sadness. It. Ruined. My. Entire. Morning. I felt like I was drinking mud!
My Offer – The Tempting Hook
Ready to Discover Your Escape?
Are you craving a vacation that caters to you? Are you searching for moments of pure indulgence, relaxation, and maybe a little bit of adventure?
Then look no further.
's offer isn't just a hotel stay, it is an experience.
Here’s what makes it truly special:
- Unwind & Rejuvenate: Imagine lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail, and soaking up the sun. Later, dive into the Spa with Body Scrub, Body wrap and Spa/sauna.
- Connect & Celebrate: Host your upcoming business seminar or simply rest.
- Comfort & Convenience is our priority: From seamless check-in and contactless technology to Wi-Fi everywhere, your experience is comfortable
- Embrace the Flavors: Indulge in an array of culinary delights, from Asian and Western cuisine to your favourite refreshing drink.
Book your stay at at and unlock your ultimate escape.
Important Considerations:
- Accessibility Verification: Verify specific accessibility features by contacting the hotel directly.
- Inquire About Promotions: Search for special offers, packages, or discounts to maximize your experience.
- Read Reviews Carefully: While I've given you my honest, slightly messy perspective, cross-reference with other reviews to get a more complete picture.
So there you have it! I hope this review has been helpful, entertaining, and given you a good sense of what to expect. Now, go forth and book your trip!
Tuscan Dream: Asciano Farmhouse with HUGE Garden & Pool!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't just an itinerary, it's a dive into the soul of a slightly-too-enthusiastic traveler trying to survive a weekend in Giethoorn. Prepare for rambling, second-guessing, and a whole lot of "Ooh, shiny!" moments.
Giethoorn Getaway: A Weekend the Dutch Would Probably Judge
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for a Non-Tourist Trap (Probably Impossible)
1:00 PM: The train from Amsterdam. Already regretting wearing those "cute" rain boots. They're chafing. My brain's yelling, “You're an idiot, you should've worn sneakers!” The scenery is gorgeous, though. Fields, cows, canals… it’s like someone painted a landscape designed to make me feel perpetually relaxed. Except for the boots.
2:30 PM: Arrive in Steenwijk. Taxi…ugh. The driver, bless him, had a radio on a channel that sounded like a death metal polka festival. Trying not to make eye contact, because in Netherlands (as an American expat) I feel like a child lost in the supermarket constantly.
3:00 PM: Check-in at the Pleasant holiday home. My initial reaction: OH MY GOD, a terrace! This is what Instagram dreams are made of. Actually, the reality is that the lock is a bit finicky. And there's one slightly wonky chair. And the Wi-Fi is slower than a snail on tranquilizers. But, details, details! We're in Giethoorn, people! I'm ready to embrace the postcard life.
3:30 PM: The Boat Drama Begins. Walk to the (inevitably) crowded rental place. Giethoorn is cute, but good LORD is it packed. Navigating the human traffic is like trying to surf a crowd of oblivious tourists. Find a boat. Actually learn how to drive this thing? Never. Prepare for me to look like a total idiot. (Spoiler alert: I do).
4:00 PM-6:00 PM: Boat tour. My personal hell. I’m sure the canals are beautiful. I hope to see Giethoorn from the water, but I keep bumping into things, desperately trying not to ram anyone. The water smells faintly of…well, let’s call it “aquatic life.” I’ve already almost fallen in twice when trying to take pictures. Fail. I manage to get stuck under a bridge and the whole thing is awkward. But… the houses are utterly charming. The windows are always perfect. The swans were glorious. One did hiss at me though. I feel vindicated as my husband drives and I enjoy my dutch beer.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner-search and minor existential crisis. Okay, okay. I'd heard about the crowds, but the actual hunger is a beast. Trying to find a restaurant that isn’t a tourist trap, is like looking for a unicorn in a petting zoo. Ended up at "De Grachthof," which… was good. Solid. Not the life-changing meal I was hoping for. (The quest continues…)
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Sunset on the glorious Terrace. Okay, NOW, the magic. The light on the water is incredible. The Wonky chair is less offensive now. The beer tastes divine. The sounds of the village are soft and romantic. Okay, I take it back, Giethoorn, you are magical.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Rummage through the grocery store. The options are quite varied, and I keep picking up things I can't read. Dutch to-do list: learn Dutch. Try to avoid buying too many cookies. Fail.
9:00 PM: Bedtime with a book. And a fierce mental battle with my phone. Do I scroll, or do I sleep? The book wins. For now.
Day 2: Canal Craziness, Hidden Gems, and Cookie Coma
8:00 AM: Wake up to a watery sunrise. The terrace is a treasure. The air smells clean. This is what the brochure was selling. I approve.
9:00 AM: Breakfast on the terrace. Stroopwafles, cheese, tiny tomatoes, and coffee strong enough to raise the dead. Feeling smug about my grocery skills.
10:00 AM: The Bike Ride of Doom(?). Renting bikes. Giant bikes with even bigger baskets. This is going to be a disaster. The locals all whiz by, effortlessly. I’m wobbling like a newborn giraffe. I want to be one of those picturesque people with the wind in their hair, looking effortlessly cool. I’m sadly not.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: The Bike Ride. Explore the quieter canals and areas. We find a little bakery with the most amazing apple pie. My inner monologue: "Eat all the carbs!" I’m starting to actually enjoy the cycling. I can see a lake, a quiet place, ahh, I like the quiet.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at De Rietstulp. Found a little hidden gem. Food is fantastic. So full. The bike ride actually worked up my apetite.
1:00PM - 2:00 PM: Afternoon walk. We stumble upon a little art gallery. A little taste of culture! Admire the paintings… and the beautiful light in the space. It feels quiet and serene.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Double-Down on the Apple Pie! We go back to that bakery for another slice. Worth it. Seriously, if I could marry that pie, I would.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to the holiday home for a terrace rest. Contemplate my life choices…mostly involves trying to decide if I should go for a swim.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempting a Swim. The water is freezing. I last approximately two minutes. The swans are amused.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Another dinner search. Still searching for a wow meal. Trying a new restaurant, “Restaurant 't Achterhuus.”
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Meal at Restaurant 't Achterhuus. It was great. Not mind-blowing, but delicious. Food and drink are enjoyed and good.
8:00 PM: Final terrace moments. Reflecting on the weekend. Giethoorn, you’re a tricky one. Beautiful but busy. Charming but crowded. I’ll probably return. The wonky chair might be a dealbreaker. But the apple pie… that's a commitment.
9:00 PM: Pack and try to mentally prepare myself for the departure.
Day 3: Farewell, Giethoorn! (Until next time… probably)
9:00 AM: The final breakfast! The rain has started. Cozy in the home.
10:00 AM: Do a final walk around the village, the canals, the little shops. One last look at the swans.
11:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the terrace (tear).
12:00 PM: Head back to Steenwijk for the train. Adios, Giethoorn. I'll be dreaming of apple pie and swan interactions until we meet again. And I'll definitely be looking for a better boat-driving instructor next time… and probably another pair of boots.
So, What *is* This "Stuff" Anyway? (And Why Should I Care?)
Alright, let's get this out of the way first. "Stuff" could be *anything*, okay? Literally. It's that catch-all term we use when we're too lazy or too… frankly, emotionally exhausted to be specific. Think of that drawer of mystery cables, the collection of knick-knacks your grandma “gifted” you, or that half-finished project gathering dust in the corner. It’s the *things*. And why should you care? Because "stuff" reflects who you are, what you value, and sometimes... what you secretly hoard. It's the physical manifestation of your life! (Or, you know, a giant headache.)
Okay, Fine. But How Do I *Deal* With This "Stuff"? I'm Drowning in It!
Oh, honey, I feel you. Truly. I *get* the drowning feeling. I’ve got a closet that’s basically a black hole where socks disappear and old clothes breed in the dark. BUT! The first rule of "stuff" management? Take a deep breath. Seriously. Then, maybe… just maybe… start small. Like, REALLY small. One drawer. One shelf. Don’t try to conquer the entire mountain in one weekend. You'll burn out faster than a cheap lightbulb.
I remember this one time, I tried to "Marie Kondo" my entire apartment in a single afternoon. Disaster. Absolute chaos. I ended up surrounded by piles of… well, "stuff"… crying into a box of forgotten holiday decorations. Lesson learned: progress over perfection. And maybe order pizza. You deserve it.
What About Selling or Donating? How Do I Decide?
Ah, the golden question! Selling versus donating. Here’s my brutally honest take: if something can bring you money, sell it! Especially if it’s something you barely use. eBay, Facebook Marketplace, a good ol' fashioned yard sale (God bless the brave souls who host those)... it all helps. Gives your bank account a teeny tiny hug. Plus, it forces you to confront the actual *value* of your "stuff".
Donating is fantastic, too! Giving things a new life and helping others is a wonderful feeling. Just be realistic about what you're giving away. That stained t-shirt from your high school drama club? Maybe the donation bin is its final performance.
I Have Sentimental Stuff! Like, *Lots* of It! Help!
Sentimental "stuff"... oh boy. This is where things get *tricky*. That box of your childhood drawings? The Valentine's Day cards from… well, *someone*? It's like a minefield of memories and potential emotional landmines. Okay, deep breaths again.
You don’t have to get rid of everything! (Whew, right?) Choose a few key items that truly spark joy (I’m a hypocrite, I know), and keep those. Frame a favorite drawing. Compile the cards into a scrapbook. The rest? Honestly? Take a picture. Seriously! Digitize that memory. That way the memory is safe and you gain more space. I had to cull my deceased mother's stuff. That's hard. The one thing I truly regret? Not taking more digital photos of her belongings. I got rid of so much, and years later, wish I had kept more for memory. You can’t carry it all, and sometimes, that photo is enough.
What About the "Just in Case" Items? The Ones I Might Need Someday?
The "Just in Case" crew. Ah, the eternal optimists of the storage world. Listen to me carefully: if you haven't used it in the LAST YEAR, chances are, you're not going to need it. Ever. I know, it’s harsh. But those extra buttons? The old phone charger? That ancient sewing machine you *swear* you’ll learn to use? (I have one of those!) Be honest with yourself.
One time, I held onto a box of CDs. YES, CDs! I told myself I "might" need them for some reason. This was also in the age of streaming music. Finally, after 10 years (yes, TEN!), I realised I hadn't looked at them. I even lost the CD player! Gone! I gave them away. Freedom.
Okay, Okay! But What If I Just DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH IT RIGHT NOW?!
That’s valid! Honestly. Sometimes, life throws you curveballs, and the last thing you want is a confrontation with your "stuff". That’s fine. Seriously.
If you genuinely truly don't want to think about it, then store it well and mark a date to address. The more you leave clutter, the more your mental state suffers.
What If I'm Just a Bad Buyer? I Keep Accumulating Things! Help!
Oof. Okay, let’s be real. Some of us are… well, let's just say we have a *complicated* relationship with shopping. Me included! The instant gratification, the dopamine rush… I get it. The first step is admitting you have a problem. (There, I said it). Then, take a little time to think before you purchase!
Create a budget. Make a list of things you already own. Unsubscribe from those tempting emails… And maybe, just *maybe*, start journaling about why you feel the need to buy things. Is it boredom? Anxiety? Retail therapy gone wrong? It might sound silly, but taking a moment to reflect before you click "buy now" can be a game-changer. It helped me a lot, or at least, a little.
Any Final, Painfully Honest Advice?
Yes. Prepare to feel more than a little overwhelmed. It's a process. There will be tears. There will be moments of joy when you discover that missing sock. There will be times when you want to throw everything out the window. (Resist that urge, unless you want to upset your neighbors.)
Be patient with yourself. This isn’t a race. It’s about creating a homeHotel For Travelers
