gAmsterdam was completely booked due to a convention, so we picked Apeldoorn because this hotel offered a good internet rate and it was only an hour to Schipol.

It's also convenient to Hoge Veluwe and immediately across the street from Palais Het Loo's hunting grounds and less than a 10 minute walk to the palace.

Check-in was efficient. Our room was clean, and rather large, with a large television, two leather chairs, a table between the chairs, and a desk. It was a smoking room (my spouse smokes) but one window opened completely for my breathing pleasure (I do not smoke).

However, I requested a double, and it was two twins separated. No big deal for one night, but I do typically sleep in the same bed with my spouse so it would be nice if I requested a double room that I receive a double room.

The bathroom was gigantic with two sinks, toilet, tub and bidet. A lot of wasted space in the bathroom, but it was appreciated after 13 days in small rooms and bathrooms.

It was about a mile to the downtown/main part of town, a huge shopping district complete with a Marketplace. It was a nice walk, with sidewalks all the way to town.

We ended up eating at the hotel. The eating room is quite pleasant, as is the service. The prices were a bit steep for our tastes, or the portions a bit small for the price, but it was hot, tasty and well prepared. I would recommend being cautious about the house wine - I felt (after I saw the bill at check out) that we were charged the "large pitcher" portion, but only received the small portion. We would have been better off with a bottle had that been the correct size.

Wi-fi signal was strong and easy to access.

One issue - we were only issued one key. The key must be inserted into a special slot in order to have electricity. Well, that's fine, except you can't have one spouse leave with a key, because the other spouse will be in the dark. Further, because it was the day before returning to the US, we were trying to charge up 2 computers, 2 phones, 2 PDAs, etc., which is damn near impossible if you don't have electricity in your room while you go to dinner. Also, I was trying to upload my website and 200 photos, and because the power was cut off, so was my upload. I understand conservation - but I don't understand this particular policy. I pay my room rate - I should have electricity as I need it. I didn't leave the lights or the t.v. on, I just wanted to charge my equipment so it could be used later that night, and be ready for the journey home.

The location near the palace made it easy to find and parking was free and readily available.

Breakfast was added to our bill at 12 Euros each, and promptly removed when I told her I didn't eat breakfast. I do not think it is a good policy to add it automatically. It should only be added if you show up and eat.

I would recommend this hotel if you'd like a pool and want to be away from town, and you were able to obtain a fair rate. I would not pay rack rate just for the fact that the power cut off if you left the room. For 65 Euros, it was an good value, however, and we'll deal with the inconvenience about the power.