Hotelvak checks in: Wellness Hotel Goes

Eva Hopstaken: Summer in Zeeland

Since June 2024, the multifaceted Zeeland city of Goes has gained a hotel, Waterstate Wellness Hotel Goes. The paint has - proverbially speaking - barely dried. Here and there, a final touch needs to be made to the stairs, a mirror or the elimination of wiring, but these are trifles. Manager Marco Bobeldijk and his team are ready to welcome guests. To experience what this brand-new accommodation has to offer, HOTELVAK is staying one night in a Luxury Business room.

It is summer in Zeeland. The mercury in the thermometer ticks 30 degrees. Somewhat heated, we arrive at our destination. Service receptionist Evelien gives us a warm welcome in the small reception area. There is only a small counter, with the option of self-check-in. The sea(land) theme is carried through both on the wall and in the rug. "Have a very nice stay," she calls after us as we walk to the lift with keycard in hand. The friendly welcome is already a good start.

Big with a capital G

No matter how many hotels you have been to in your life, when you open the door with the keycard, it is always a bit exciting. What's behind this door? Will you be surprised or is it perhaps a disappointment?

We fall into the first category. A large, very large room awaits us. No less than forty square metres are at our disposal. Immediately upon entering, there is a nice amount of shelf space on the left side to store your luggage. On the same side is a kitchenette equipped with a kettle, coffee machine and fridge. There are coffee cups and tea bags ready for you to use the kettle and coffee machine. 

Not only the room but also the desk, which can be found in the corner, is large. No shortage of a solid workspace. A separate toilet and a walk-in shower form the bathroom together with the washbasin in the room. Not a traditional bathroom as found in many hotels, but slightly different. We love it. The soap dispenser was not filled during our stay. Later, we hear that the supplier is delayed and soap pumps will be filled as soon as possible. Things that can happen when you stay in a hotel that has been open for less than a month. In the bridging time, there is a small hand soap and a tub of bath foam at the ready. 

While the first part of the room is fitted with Novilon, the part where the bed and lounge area is located is carpeted. The beds lie wonderfully, next to the bed is a power socket and the night lights have a connection for a USB cable, exactly what today's guest expects. 

Boating and dining 

As you never know how long the nice weather will last in the Netherlands, we take the opportunity to rent a boat from the in-house rental company in the afternoon. Get in and out in front of the hotel. Convenience serves man. A lovely boat trip to the historic centre or out of town.

Being outside makes you hungry. Luckily, there - also indoors - is Brasserie Westerkade. A large, bright brasserie. Modernly decorated, run by a young, enthusiastic team and featuring a good menu with fine dishes and ditto wines. This is the place you want to sit down every day. 

Relaxed back home

After a good night's sleep, breakfast awaits the next morning, served at Brasserie Westerkade. According to Manager Marco Bobeldijk, the hotel is almost fully booked during our stay. The breakfast crew still needs to grow into their role, providing the bulk of the 89 rooms with a good start to the day is quite a job. 

"Has everything been satisfactory?" asks Evelien from reception when we return the keycard to her. To which she herself already points out the small areas for improvement and attention for the coming weeks. This team knows what still needs to be done, it will be fine. 

We cross the street and immerse ourselves in an oasis of calm in the accompanying wellness centre. Infrared, Finnish sauna, plunge pools and more await us. Between scrub and soak sessions, we enjoy a good lunch in the complex's restaurant and return home at the end of the day satisfied.

When the final touches are added, Hotel Waterstate is a fantastic new player in the Zeeland market.