Hotel Review:
The Hague is The Netherlands’ third largest city after Amsterdam and Rotterdam and the administrative capital of the country. It’s the home of the Dutch royal family, the government and the base for numerous international organisations. Rich in history, art and architecture this compact city is the perfect location for a weekend city break.
Location:
The Hague lies on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands and is also home to Scheveningen, the most popular seaside resort in the country making it an ideal place to visit at any time of year.
Arrival and check-in:
KLM operate daily city hopper flights to Amsterdam Schiphol from numerous U.K. regional airports taking approximately one hour. From the airport there are regular rail services to The Hague, return tickets approx. €18 (£15.15) and with a journey time of around 25 minutes you are soon stepping out into the beautiful city centre. Moxy, The Hague is just a five minute walk from the railway station.
The brightly decorated entrance lobby is very inviting and the two receptionists on duty (Moxy like to refer to them as hotel ambassadors) were very welcoming and friendly. After a speedy check-in, I was handed my key card and offered a welcome cocktail which I decided to take after I had settled into the room and freshened up.
The Room:
Four high speed lifts whisk guests up to their rooms and with spacious corridors it was easy to pull my trolley case along to the door. This was the first time that I’d stayed in a Moxy and I was interested to discover if it lived up to its hype. On opening the door I had nothing to worry about as the Scandi style, uncluttered spacious bedroom suited me perfectly.
With its light oak wooden flooring, luxurious ‘Moxy Sleeper bed’, a spacious walk-in shower, 55″ Chromecast and Netflix enabled television and small desk it more than met my expectations. A feature of the room I really liked was the cantilevered bed fitted with motion sensor guide lights meaning that I didn’t need to turn the bedside light on to go to the bathroom during the night. Mixing it up with old and new styles there was a retro telephone and ample USB sockets to accommodate all my devices.
Instead of a wardrobe, rooms have a trendy metal grid fitted to the wall supplied with four hangers so you can see at a glance the clothes you’ve brought with you. As I was travelling alone and staying for three nights there was adequate hanging space for my coat and three dresses but guests sharing a room might need to leave some things in their suitcases.
Dining:
A varied buffet breakfast is served each morning, priced at €17.50 (£14.75). It’s served in the lounge bar and is a very relaxed affair with freshly squeezed juice, yoghurts, fruit, cheese, cold cuts of meat, salad, pastries and bread alongside cooked options of scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages. Guests help themselves to fresh coffee and can make their own toast and waffles.
Small plates and daily specials are available throughout the day and although I only had breakfast, the food coming out of the kitchen looked nicely plated and of a good size.
The Facilities:
The focal point of the hotel is its 360 degree lounge bar which is furnished with a mixture of armchairs, banquette seating and long tables with high stools enabling guests to relax, work and play. Board games are scattered around the tables from Scrabble to Chess and Jenga, there’s something for all the family as well as a play corner with colouring books and games for young children.
I enjoyed my complimentary vodka based ‘Foxy Moxy’ cocktail in the cosy bar (mocktails also available) and also cups of tea and coffee whenever I wanted them from the free to use high end coffee machines. This more than made up for the fact that there wasn’t a hospitality tray or kettle in the bedroom.
The lobby boasts a semi secluded library with comfy seating to curl up with a book, a small shop, and for those in need of exercise, there’s a well equipped fitness centre up on the 9th floor.
Out and About:
The Peace Palace
On some weekends throughout the year and for a couple of weeks in summer, the famous Peace Palace in The Hague opens its doors to the public. Standard admission €16.50 (£13.90). Take a 45 minute guided tour of the palace and learn about the building and the institutions housed in it. The iconic building is characterised by its decorative works of art, sculptures and ceiling paintings with the theme of peace being reflected in every detail. View the Great and Small Hall of Justice, stroll along the sumptuous corridors and marvel at the exquisite tapestries in the Japanese Room. Peace Palace Guided Tours
Information Centre Binnerhof Renovation
The historical Binnenhof complex in the centre of the old town is currently closed whilst undergoing major renovation works. It is over 800 years old and one of The Hague’s most famous landmarks. The Binnenhof was constructed as a castle by the Counts of Holland in the 13th century, who held their residence there. The vast complex comprises some 4,000 rooms, chambers, halls and corridors but it has been necessary to close them for several years in order to preserve the cultural heritage. During the renovation period an information centre has been opened where visitors can learn all about the progress of the restoration work and take a look at archaeological finds that have been unearthed during the works. Information Centre Binnenhof Renovation
Escher in the Palace
View over 120 prints of Maurits Escher (1898-1972) on display in the regal setting of the former winter palace of Queen Emma, the Queen Mother. Escher was The Netherlands most famous printmaker and graphic artist creating woodcuts, lithographs, and mezzotints, many of which were inspired by mathematics. Standard admission €12.50 (£10.50) Escher in the Palace.
Scheveningen
Take a short tram ride to The Hague’s seaside resort of Scheveningen. During the summer you can spend the day on the beach whilst in winter you can enjoy a bracing stroll along the promenade, warm up with a delicious mug of hot chocolate and enjoy some fun activities.
Skyview Pier – Stroll along the 300m pier which is unusual in its construction as it comprises two levels and an island section with a 60m tall viewing tower. At the far end of the pier stands a giant Ferris wheel where you can enjoy a 20 minute ride over the water.
Delft
The beautiful old town of Delft is also easily reached by tram from The Hague. The town is noted for being the home of Vermeer and of Delft Blue ceramics. A short walk from the tram stop takes you through an ornate archway to the large market square which is dominated at one end by the Nieuwe Kerk, dating from 1381 and the impressive city hall on the other. Stroll through the town and enjoy a walk beside the canals before visiting the museums.
Royal Christmas Fair
The Christmas market takes place each year with the festivities centred along the beautiful tree lined Lange Voorhout which is said to be one of the most romantic avenues in The Netherlands.
Overall:
Staying at The Moxy was an absolute joy, I adored its edgy design, relaxed atmosphere and comfortable accommodation. As part of the Marriott hotel group Moxy say “we don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we’re seriously into showing you a good time with smart rooms, stylish communal spaces and bars you’ll love” and they’ve definitely nailed it. Moxy might be marketed for Gen Z and Millennials but it’s a perfect place to stay for the young at heart too!
