Westerland Dream Home: Your Luxurious Beach Getaway Awaits!
Westerland Dream Home: My Beach Getaway (Almost) Lived Up to the Hype!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just returned from a supposed slice of paradise: Westerland Dream Home. Let me tell you, the photos? Sigh. Glorious. The reality? Well, let's just say it's a mixed bag. And I'm dying to spill all the tea, the lukewarm coffee, the everything.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or the Stairs of Doom!)
Okay, so the website promised "luxurious" and "effortless." Effortless? My left knee is still screaming from the stairs. I mean, it is located on a beach, which is gorgeous, duh, but getting there involved a winding path and a surprising number of steps. Accessibility? Let's say it's aspirational. They do have an elevator, thankfully, but maneuvering around some of the public areas in a wheelchair would be, shall we say, a challenge. The entrance had a ramp, which was a massive win, but I’d definitely call ahead and confirm if you need truly easy access. They have Facilities for disabled guests listed, but I didn't explicitly test this. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and hope they’re actively improving things! The Doorman looked mildly concerned as I huffed and puffed up those stairs with my luggage (and my dignity, which took a serious hit).
The Room – My Sanctuary…Minus the Squirrels?
The room itself? Pretty darn close. Let's start with the good stuff. Air conditioning blasting? Check. Blackout curtains to hide my post-beach-day shame? Double check. Free Wi-Fi that actually worked? YES! Thank you, sweet internet gods! They do offer Internet access – LAN, but who uses that anymore? I'm rocking wireless all the way. I loved the Free bottled water and the little Coffee/tea maker. It was a lifesaver after the stairs. They provided a Desk so I could be productive, but lets be honest, I used it to stack my books and snacks. There's a Refrigerator, which is always a win. Daily housekeeping? Absolute luxury!
The bathroom was lovely, with a separate shower/bathtub setup. Toiletries were provided (although I'm a sucker for my own brand). They had bathrobes and slippers (always nice). But… and there's always a but, isn't there? The window opened, which was great for the ocean breeze, until I realized the squirrels loved it. One morning I woke up to the sound of scratching and a beady-eyed rodent trying to steal my banana. True story. I shudder just thinking about it.
And speaking of the room, I'm picky about cleanliness, and honestly, I was impressed. They had Rooms sanitized between stays, and it felt fresh and clean. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, if that's your jam.
Food, Glorious Food…and a Mild Case of the Hangries
Oh, the food. This is where things get really interesting. They had a ton of options, which is fantastic. Restaurants, plural! The A la carte in restaurant was a nice touch, even though I spent most of my time at the Poolside bar. Speaking of which, Happy hour was a must. The Poolside bar had a decent selection of drinks, but the food? Meh. A little bland, honestly. I was hoping for some actual flavor! They have Breakfast [buffet] but the offerings felt a little…standard. Breakfast takeaway service? That would have improved my hangry moods immeasurably. They do have Asian cuisine in restaurant but didn't try it. The Coffee shop was alright, but the coffee was, again, a letdown. (Seriously, good coffee is a basic human right!)
They have Alternative meal arrangement, so that's a plus for those with dietary needs. They also offer Daily disinfection in common areas, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Individually-wrapped food options, which, in this day and age, is reassuring.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax - Kinda)
Okay, this is where Westerland mostly shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, with a Pool with view. The only problem? Getting a decent sun lounger felt like a competitive sport. Towel-cloggers galore! They have a Fitness center that I didn't actually use (shocker, I know), and a Spa/sauna, which I did try! The Sauna was relaxing, but the Spa was…okay. They offer Body scrub and Body wrap, but I opted for a basic massage, which was, thankfully, pretty good. They have a Steamroom, which I skipped. They also offer Foot bath, which I think I'll try next time. They have Ways to relax, though the "relax" part really depends on where you are on the social spectrum.
Cleanliness and Safety - I Felt (Mostly) Protected
I'll be honest, during the whole time I was hoping I wouldn't get sick, and I think Westerland did well enough. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and staff seemed generally conscious of social distancing. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter seemed to be enforced (mostly). They provided Cashless payment service and Rooms sanitized between stays, which helped me feel slightly better. First aid kit, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Hygiene certification all made me feel comfortable also.
Services and Conveniences – What Worked (and What Didn't)
The Concierge was helpful, but not always, which made me have to ask someone else. The Daily housekeeping was great, as mentioned. Laundry service was reliable and quick. The Car park [free of charge] was a godsend. They have Cash withdrawal machine, which I loved. They even offer Facilities for disabled guests, though again, I can't personally vouch for them.
Now for the not-so-great: the Gift/souvenir shop was overpriced and underwhelming. I've seen better trinkets at the convenience store. Dry cleaning costs a small fortune.
Getting Around – Should You Even Bother?
They offer Airport transfer, which is convenient, but expensive. Taxi service is readily available. Bicycle parking is available. Parking is fine.
For the Kids – Probably Awesome, If You Have Them!
They have Babysitting service, which is a big plus for parents. They have Kids facilities, so I imagine the kids would have a blast.
The Verdict?
Westerland Dream Home has potential. It's beautiful. The location is incredible. But it's not quite the luxurious, effortless dream they promise. It’s a solid option for a somewhat relaxing beach getaway, but with a few caveats. 3.5 out of 5 stars. For the price, I'd have liked a little more oomph, a little more attention to detail, and maybe a squirrel-proof window.
Swiss Alps Paradise: Unbelievable Heremence Holiday Home w/ Balcony!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned brochure. This is my Westerland adventure, in all its glorious mess. And trust me, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. Think of it as a travel diary, scrawled on a napkin, after too much Dutch beer.
The Westerland Wrangle: A Week of Wind, Water, and (Mostly) Wonderful Chaos
Pre-Trip Debrief:
- Mood: Excited? Maybe a little. Mostly, I'm terrified I forgot something crucial. Like, my passport. Or my sanity.
- Expectations: Sun, sea, and the chance to pretend I’m a sophisticated European. Also, I really, really hope the Dutch aren’t as brutally efficient as the internet makes them out to be. I like a little chaos.
- Reality Check: Packing is HELL. Seriously, does anyone actually know what to wear on a beach holiday in the northern Netherlands? It’s supposed to be windy. And I’m pretty sure I’ll need a parka and a bikini. Simultaneously.
Day 1: Arrival and Awkward Greetings
- Morning (and a bit of an afternoon): Landed in Amsterdam. It's all charming canals and bicycles… until you try to navigate the train to Westerland with a suitcase and a distinct lack of Dutch language skills. Let’s be honest, the train was a disaster, with a "lost luggage" and a near-miss with a rogue bicycle. (Note to self: learn some Dutch. Or at least the phrase "Help, I'm lost.")
- Afternoon: Finally, finally, arrived at the holiday home in Westerland. It looked picture-perfect online. In reality, it looked… smaller. Way smaller. Like, "cozy" is the nicest word I can muster. The view? Stunning. The tiny kitchen? Potentially where I’ll starve to death.
- Evening: Attempted to introduce myself to the neighbours. Ended up accidentally gesturing wildly at a friendly-looking elderly woman and asking if she knew where to find…the bathroom. Brilliant. Dinner was a microwave meal I could barely warm up. I'm already missing home.
Day 2: Wind, Water, and a Very Determined Seagull
- Morning: Walked along the beach. Westerland is beautiful, but the wind… oh, the wind! It whipped my hair into a tangled mess and almost blew me into the North Sea. I wanted to build a sandcastle, but I gave up when the sand started to migrate to my face.
- Afternoon: Attempted surfing lessons. Failed miserably. The waves weren't the issue. It was me. Turns out, I’m less "surf goddess" and more "flailing, awkward penguin." I ate sand. Several times. The instructor was remarkably patient, bless him.
- Evening: Ordered fish and chips from a local place. Saw some seagulls waiting for their next meal and it seemed that one of them took a particular interest in my direction, eventually stealing the chips from my hands. (I'm pretty sure he planned it).
Day 3: The Island of the Unexpected
- Morning: Decided to be adventurous and took a ferry to a nearby island. It felt like stepping into a postcard. Charming villages! Cobblestone streets! And a shocking lack of shops selling decent coffee. I wandered around, got lost, and stumbled upon a tiny bakery overflowing with pastries.
- Afternoon: A bike tour through the island. I should've walked… Biking was a disaster. My legs are screaming. I was so focused on not falling into the canals that I missed half the scenery. I ended up on a muddy path. It was a mess.
- Evening: Back in Westerland, and craving some quiet time. Watched the sunset from the beach. This is what it's all about, right? Okay, my camera lens got a bit of sand on it, but, still. I was starting to warm up to this holiday thing.
Day 4: Art, Anxiety, and a Near-Catastrophe
- Morning: Visited a local art gallery. I have no idea what I was looking at half the time, but I pretended to be sophisticated. I think I saw an original Picasso. Or maybe not? I was a bit overwhelmed by the pretentiousness of it all.
- Afternoon: Started feeling a bit homesick. I attempted to send a bunch of postcards. I’m an awful writer. I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to share anything fun here. Anxiety had me in its claws. I spent a few hours by myself.
- Evening: I burned dinner. Seriously. I set off the smoke alarm. The neighbors were already in the habit of not speaking to me. After this, I just buried myself in a pile of cheese and crackers.
Day 5: Doubling Down on Delight!
- Morning: Okay, forget the sophistication. Today, I decided I would do something I actually enjoyed. I booked a horse-riding lesson! I found a stables with horses and a riding instructor.
- Afternoon: Horse-riding proved to be one of the most gratifying moments of this trip. I just rode, and the stress, worries, and anxieties just melted away with the wind.
- Evening: I felt much better. I went out and grabbed dinner at a local restaurant. I felt like I was coming to life. It was a good day.
Day 6: The Unexpected Twist
- Morning: Decided to throw my previous plans away. I spent all the morning at the beach. I decided to jump in the water. The swim was great! I was happy.
- Afternoon: I decided to explore the local area. I took a walk around the area. I found hidden locations in the region. It was beautiful.
- Evening: I found a bar, I had some drinks, and it was truly great.
Day 7: Goodbye, Westerland (for Now)
- Morning: Packing. A mixed bag of emotions. I'm leaving with sand in my shoes, windburn on my face, and a slightly better understanding of the Dutch.
- Afternoon: Last stroll on the beach. One last look at the sea. It really is beautiful, even when it's trying to blow you away.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. A quiet moment to reflect on the chaos, the joy, and the sheer, delightful unpredictability of it all. I'll be back. Maybe. Assuming I can find my luggage and my sanity.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. Far from it. But it was mine. It was filled with screw-ups, moments of wonder, and a whole lot of wind. I may have failed at surfing, and cooked a truly terrible dinner. But I also saw a glorious sunset, laughed until my stomach hurt, and found a place that somehow, despite all the chaos, felt a little bit like home. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just pack a parka, a sense of humor, and maybe…some earplugs. You're going to need them.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Beach House in Noordwijk Awaits!
Westerland Dream Home: The Beach House of Your (Potentially Messy) Dreams - FAQs
Is Westerland Dream Home *actually* a dream? (Or just a really nice place to spill coffee on the white sofa?)
Okay, real talk: "dream" might be a *slight* overstatement. It's more like… a really, really *nice* beach house. Think Instagram-worthy views, sure, but also sand EVERYWHERE. I mean, *everywhere*. Like, I'm pretty sure I’m still finding grains in my suitcase from our last trip. And yes, the white sofa? DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED. My husband, bless his clumsy heart, managed to leave a coffee stain the size of Rhode Island on it within, oh, five minutes. But even with the coffee, and the sand, and the occasional rogue seagull dive-bombing, it's pretty darn dreamy. Just… pack stain remover.
How close *is* 'close to the beach' exactly? Because some places exaggerate.
Okay, the beach is, like, *right there*. You walk out the back door, down a short boardwalk, and BAM! Sand. Seriously, my kids used to run out there in their pajamas first thing in the morning. I'd be yelling, "WAIT! At least put on some sunscreen!" But they were already halfway to the ocean. It's *amazing.* We even saw dolphins swimming! The only downside? You'll be hearing the waves ALL NIGHT. Which, after a while, might actually be… kind of nice. Unless you're a light sleeper like me, in which case, earplugs are your new best friend.
Can I actually COOK there? Or am I stuck with takeout forever?
Okay, food is important, right? Westerland has a *decent* kitchen. Not the gleaming gourmet kitchen of my actual fantasy (still working on that Lotto win!), but definitely good enough. There’s a gas stove, decent-ish pots and pans (I think I even saw a whisk!), and a dishwasher! Which, let's be honest, is worth its weight in gold when you're on vacation. One minor BUT MAJOR caveat: bring your own knives. The provided ones… let's just say they're not exactly chef-approved. I learned that the hard way trying to slice a tomato, and then promptly nicked my finger. Bloody disaster, and the only thing I got out of it was a trip to the little medical kit and a lot of colorful language. Other than that? Have at it! We cooked huge seafood feasts. Perfect for those nights you just want to collapse and eat until you can't move.
Is it family-friendly? (As in, will my kids destroy the place in five minutes?)
Mostly! The house is pretty resilient. The furniture is okay (except that white sofa, again… shudder). There are some breakables, obviously. And the balconies? Keep a close eye on toddlers. That said, there’s plenty of space for kids to run around, the beach is right there (hello, built-in entertainment!), and there are even some games and books. My kids, in particular, are obsessed with the swing on the porch. Be warned though, when they're *bored,* watch out! The cushions have seen some serious abuse. And there was that one time my son decided the curtains were perfect for climbing... but we're not going to dwell on that. So, yes, family-friendly. Bring extra patience and a whole lot of wipes.
I hate the beach. Seriously. What else is there to do?
Okay, okay. Not everyone is a sand-and-sea devotee. Believe me, I understand. There are actually some *really* cool things to do besides burying your toes in the sand. The town is super charming, with cute shops and restaurants (the ice cream is, admittedly, a MUST). You can rent bikes and cycle along the coastal paths (gorgeous views, I recommend a breezy morning), or go kayaking in the nearby lagoon. There's also a little art gallery that has beautiful paintings and a really nice café. I even took a pottery class there once—which was a hilariously messy experience, by the way. Think more clay on my face than on the actual pot. So, yeah, non-beach activities abound! The only possible downside? Your beach-loving friends might side-eye you if you spend your entire vacation *away* from it.
What about the internet? Because, you know, adulting never sleeps.
The internet is… *present*. Let's put it that way. It's not blazing-fast, so if you're planning on streaming a whole season of your favorite show on Netflix, you might want to download it before you arrive. I found, however, that it's totally fine for checking emails, doing some light browsing, and posting those envy-inducing beach photos to Instagram (priorities!). It's also great for the kids to watch their favorite shows, although, again, prepare for some buffering. The important thing, in my opinion, is to *try* to disconnect. Seriously. Put the phone down. Look at the ocean. Breathe. It's good for you, and trust me, the emails can wait. (Mostly.)
Are pets allowed? Because I can't live without my furry best friend, Mr. Grumbles.
This is a BIG one, and it varies! Check the specific listing or ask the owners *directly*. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. If they do, great! Mr. Grumbles can join the beach party. However, be aware that there might be extra fees or restrictions (like no pets on the furniture... good luck with *that*!). If they *don’t* allow pets, well, that's a bummer. But hey, maybe a friend can pet-sit while you're living the beach life. Just make sure Mr. Grumbles has plenty of belly rubs in the meantime. And check the rules *before* you book, *seriously*. I learned that the hard way once, and let me tell you, a frantic phone call to a pet hotel while you're already packed and ready to go is not a fun way to start a vacation.
What's the deal with parking? I don't want to spend half my vacation circling the block.
Parking is… *decent*. There’s usually a dedicated space (or two, depending on the property), which is a huge relief. You won't necessarily be fighting over spots, which is a massive win, especially during peak season. Keep in mind that the streets might be narrow, and sometimes you might have to do a bit of maneuvering to get your car in. Also, be sure to *pay attention to the signs*! I got a parking ticket once (a rather expensive one!) because I wasn’t paying attention. Trust me, it's a real mood killer. But overall, parking is manageableExplore Hotels
