Velthorst - 6 persons

TLDR: Never again at Europarcs. Be especially careful if you have health issues related to dust or allergies.

We reported in advance that a thorough cleaning was needed due to health issues. They agreed to it. They didn’t do it.

Upon arrival, we found this: a layer of dust on the range hood that you could leave a fingerprint in, dust … flakes and dead insects on the cabinets, hair and caked-on grime around the shower drain, grit and crumbs on the floor, and cobwebs everywhere with live and dead spiders in them. That night, I personally removed about fifteen spiders and cleared away the webs and dust nests. The front desk was already closed, so on the first night of our three-night stay, we spent our own time doing the most essential cleaning.

Layers of dust and webs with dead spiders like that don’t accumulate in just a few days. It seems that the only regular cleaning that takes place here is what’s expected of departing guests: leaving the cottage swept clean. As far as we could tell, the hot tub isn’t cleaned between stays either. This was also confirmed to me during our previous visit to Europarcs de Hooge Veluwe when I spoke with the cleaning crew.

The next day, five people came to clean it up after all. I appreciate that, but it also speaks volumes about the condition in which the cottage was handed over. And even after that, there was still a thick layer of dust on the lamps, dead insects were still on the ceiling, and the spiderweb I had pointed out myself was still hanging there.

EuroParcs has acknowledged in writing that the accommodation was not up to standard and that insufficient action was taken in response to our prior report. The compensation offered: dinner at their own restaurant and two rental bikes. When I explained that we couldn’t accept that for personal reasons and suggested settling the matter with a €90 refund, the response was that no financial compensation would be provided and that they consider the complaint resolved. No alternative was offered.

This was our second stay with EuroParcs and the second time the cottage wasn’t clean upon arrival.

The cottage and the surroundings are nice in and of themselves. But if you have asthma or an allergy, or if you simply expect a clean cottage that you’re paying for: don’t count on it here, even if you report it in advance. Also, don’t expect to be treated with respect if you file a complaint about it.
Take photos immediately upon arrival, and warn others or post a review if you find yourself in a similar situation. You may also, as I intend to do, file a complaint against Europarcs with the Recreation Disputes Committee.

Photos from the day of arrival and after cleaning have been added. Read more Show less

Still a beautiful area. Cottages for sale or rent and you can also camp there.

A beautiful, well-maintained campground with many facilities, especially for children.
The location is perfect—next to the forest and less than 2 km from Otterlo, which has restaurants, a supermarket, and more.

Nice campground. Friendly staff.
The food there is great.

⚠️ Warning: Terrible self-check-in, misleading information, and rude staff.

We had the exact same frustrating experience as another recent reviewer. We arrived outside reception hours. They forgot to include the lockbox code, so we were locked out and couldn't get our keys. We called the emergency number multiple times, but no one ever … answered.

To make matters worse, Booking.com sent us a message saying the hotel had refused our check-in. It was incredibly stressful, especially after a long journey. Fortunately, some passersby kindly helped us and we eventually found the key ourselves, so we could finally get in.

Important note: Their listing on Booking.com clearly states check-in is available from 16:00 to 23:00. However, the reception actually closes at 17:00. They have not updated this information, which is completely misleading. If you arrive after 17:00, you are on your own.

And when we checked out the next morning, the front desk staff had the audacity to blame us for the whole situation. They took zero responsibility for their mistake and showed no empathy at all. We never received an apology.

Overall, a horrible experience. Avoid if possible. Read more Show less

Very nice and friendly staff...
The cottage was super clean and tidy... a top-notch park