Recently I traveled to Scheveningen to attend a seminar in AFAS Circus Theater and I decided to stay in Bilderberg Europa Hotel to spend the rest of my weekend in Scheveningen, a historic fishing village that now is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. Looking back it wasn’t the best weekend to stay in Scheveningen since it was uncomfortably cold and Scheveningen is known as a famous coastal town to relax at the beach, soaking up some sun and enjoying a sundowner at one of the beach bars along the boardwalk.
Off course there are plenty other things to do in and around this popular destination that make it worth visiting Scheveningen all year round. In this blog I will explain 7 reasons why Bilderberg Europa Hotel is the perfect hotel to enjoy Scheveningen or The Hague for a few days.
For a list of the most beautiful places to visit in The Netherlands, click here. Including a map of where to find these top sights. Some of them are really close to the Hague and Scheveningen, don't miss them on your Netherlands trip.
1. Location
The hotel is perfectly located within the bustling city of Scheveningen, very close to one of the prettiest and most famous beaches in the Netherlands and the well-known AFAS Circus Theater where you can visit several musicals, like the famous Lion King and other shows.
According to Bilderberg you’re at Scheveningen Beach in exactly 198 steps. I didn’t count the steps myself but I was at the beach in no time, facing the iconic renovated Pier that stands several meters above the sea. Aside from its panoramic boardwalk with bars, restaurants and shops, the pier contains several attractions. The daredevils have the opportunity to Bungee jump from the Pier and for those who aren’t afraid of heights can enjoy a 20-minute ride in Europe’s first giant Ferris wheel above sea! It stands 8 meters above the sea and is 50 meters high with glass bottom air-conditioned cabins that fit 6 people.
From the Ferris wheel you have great views of the Scheveningen beach and the skyline of the city. You can even enjoy fireworks from the Ferris wheel as part of the International Fireworks Festival, which is held every year in August. During that period it is advised to book your room at Europa Hotel in advance.
Bilderberg Europa Hotel is also close to other highlights of the area like Madurodam, Museum ‘beelden aan zee’, the famous Muzee Scheveningen, the Lighthouse and Sea Life. In the evening I would recommend visiting Crazy Pianos, one of the most famous beach bars in Scheveningen where you will enjoy an evening full of live music with popular songs played on pianos.
Europa Hotel is also only a few minutes from The Hague by car, but the best options to visit The Hague is either by public transportation (tram 9 or bus 22) or by (rental) bike. The Hague has some nice shopping areas, but the city is most famous because it’s the seat of government of the Netherlands. Don’t forget to visit The Binnenhof and Noordeinde Palace, where King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima work.
2. Modern renovated rooms
Bilderberg Europa Hotel offers 174 comfortable rooms with several room categories and views of the village and/or the sea. I was given a recently renovated modern Deluxe Room with a king-size bed, bathroom with walk-in shower, a small working place, huge 40-inch flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a small balcony with pretty views of Scheveningen village and the dunes in the distance.
You can also opt for sea-view rooms. When entering the room there was a small gift waiting for me: a written welcome message and some chocolate bonbons. It obviously made me smile and I couldn’t resist the bonbons!
Although the room and bathroom was a bit small, I loved the modern look of the clean newly renovated room and the comfortable mattress in the king-size bed made me sleep like a baby. I also enjoyed the hot rain shower.
If you like some more space I would suggest the superior or executive room or one of their huge suites, although the Deluxe room offered everything I needed for a few days Scheveningen. Because of the good value for money I would choose that type of room again in the future.
3. Modern but cosy SALT bistro, bar and restaurant
The SALT bar and restaurant has a nice, modern and cosy look. Usually I always go out for drinks and dinner, but because of the look and feel of the SALT Coastal bistro and bar, with nice comfy seats and a gas fireplace I stayed for a drink at the bar.
I went out for dinner but if I had an extra night I would definitely make a reservation in their new restaurant SALT. It has a nice atmosphere and gives you the possibility to order all starters and main dishes as tastings or to share. I always love to share!
The buffet breakfast was pretty good, with a huge selection of juices, (bio) bread, eggs, (fair trade) fish, meat, cheese, yoghurt, American pancakes and so on.
Coffee and tea will be served at your table. Breakfast is served from 7.00 am till 10.30 am and in weekends even till 11.00 am, which is perfect for me since I love to sleep a little longer.
4. Private parking lot
Bilderberg Europa Hotel has a private secured parking lot for 21,50 euro per day in the basement of the hotel. The hotel also offers 2 electricity points to charge electric cars. Although I think it’s a great facility it’s a lot of money to park your car for a day. In my opinion they should reduce the price for hotel guests. Paying around 20 euro is a normal tariff to park your car in Scheveningen, but if you already spend a lot of money on a room it would be great service to offer guests a parking space at a reduced tariff.
5. Wellness
After a day exploring the beauty of Scheveningen and its surroundings you are able to relax in their sauna, steam cabin or in the pool. The wellness area is located in the basement of Bilderberg Europa Hotel and is free accessible for hotel guests.
I sadly didn’t have time to use the pool or sauna, but I took the elevator down to have a quick look. The area looked reasonable and some hotel guests with kids were enjoying the pool. The fitness area looked a bit dark and could use an upgrade to give it the modern look that fits their renovated rooms and the reception- and restaurant area. If you step into their elevator you don’t need 198 steps to the beach, because it feels like you’re already on the beach enjoying the North Sea.
6. Bike rental
Since the Netherlands is a famous biking country; I like the bike rental service of Bilderberg Europa Hotel. It’s only 15 euros per day and it’s good fun to explore Scheveningen by bike. The area is quiet flat, so I would definitely recommend renting a bike to enjoy Scheveningen and The Hague at your own pace.
7. Golden Green Key certificate
A big plus to this hotel (and all other Bilderberg hotels) is their golden Green Key certification. It’s one of the largest eco-labels for the hospitality industry worldwide and aims to contribute to the prevention of climate change by awarding and advocating facilities with positive environmental initiatives. That means Bilderberg Europa Hotel is environmentally conscious and they invest in facilities that make them more environmentally friendly. They try to keep the CO2 emissions as low as possible and they use pure and honest products with a sustainability label, like BIO, EKO and Fair Trade.
With the above 7 reasons to stay in Bilderberg Europa Hotel I would choose this centrally located hotel again in the future. For both business and leisure travellers, this hotel has everything you need. The service was good and the staff very friendly. The receptionist also offered us free entrance tickets for Holland Casino, only a few minutes walk from the hotel.
Check The Bilderberg Scheveningen rates below!
This is article is written by the professional travel photographer Kim Paffen, part of the Traveltomtom Team. She also wrote the amazing articles about traveling in Uganda and about the Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Check out her world class photos.
