This is really, truly a hotel. Designated as such by the Netherlands Tourist Board, 3 stars and they have the sign to prove it. However... it isn't really a hotel. It feels much more like a bed and breakfast, or maybe more like you are a guest in Eddie's home. So this review and rating is based on what it is, it is impossible to compare to some enormous big hotel chain. It's one of a row of rowhouses in the trendy Statenkwartier, right next to the Fred, and going in and out you have your own front door key - a real front door. When you leave or come home, you really feel like you are coming in and out of a real house, not a hotel. I'm including a picture of the door, that's how symbolic it was to me to feel this big door open and close.

But onto the stuff people really want to know.

Reception - So when you walk in, there's a little seating area and front desk with some brochures. But Ed was never there, he was in the office, sort of the front parlor room. You can hang your room key behind the desk if you don't want to take it with you, Ed will tell you anything you need to know! There are some chairs where you can sit and wait for people.

Room - there are I think 8 rooms here. My room was enormous! There is a wardrobe with plenty of hangers, a big bathroom with a huge shower (not a tub). The towels were marigold colored - I was in the Yellow Room - and not institutional white. There is a flat screen TV with cable and a fair number of English channels including CNN, TLC and NatGeo. The windows open so you can actually get some nice fresh air if you like! I found the bed comfy and the temperature very comfortable. The water pressure and temperature for the shower was very nice as well. Note that there is no safe in the room. Ed was very concerned it might be too loud, as I was facing the street but I didn't find it noisy at all.

Breakfast - Fantastic! There's a really cute breakfast room in the ground floor with big windows giving light from the street. When you come in you tell Ed whether you want tea or coffee - coffee was good! - and out comes your breakfast on a tray. Sliced cheese and ham, boiled egg, yoghurt, fresh fruit (one day it was strawberries and the next pineapple), many kinds of bread. I also asked for and happily received a cold glass of skim milk each day. Breakfast was included in my room price.

Location - The location is amazing. It is near the chic shops and restaurants of the Fred, close to Schevengen both to walk to and if you want to take the #1 tram there or to the Peace Palace it's not far. It's close to the Europol HQ and the World Forum Centre. And it is right on the #17 and 10 tram lines, stops right in front of the hotel. The neighborhood is mostly closed by 7 but it feels very, very safe and quiet.

Amenities - Can Ed be considered an amenity? I'm being funny but he was one of the biggest selling points. He felt like a house mother and was just super in every way. So helpful, so funny and interesting. He really likes talking to you and making you feel at home and that you feel comfortable. And it shows. Ed is constantly working - cleaning, administrating, cooking, washing dishes, you name it. He is always gracious and always has time for you. There is no gym but if your room is on the second floor (2 floors above the lobby) you will get your workouts! There is wifi everywhere in the hotel and it is very good - fast and easy.

Things to know - As this is not a big commercial, standardized hotel, there are a few things people should know. (1) Credit cards - they don't really like to take credit cards and will charge an additional 4% if you use one, that's what they get charged. When I was there the machine was actually broken, so I took out cash and paid that way. (2) Elevator - there is not one. The two floors of rooms are one and two long and steep flights up, so you need to be able to be okay with stairs.