Hotel ML

Hotel ML in Haarlem, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently garners positive reviews for its charming blend of historic ambiance and modern comforts, coupled with exceptional dining and a prime central location.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel ML holds a "Very Good" overall rating of 8.3 out of 10, based on over 1,000 reviews. The general sentiment is highly positive, with guests frequently praising its unique character, comfortable accommodations, and excellent service.

Key Highlights

Guests particularly love Hotel ML for several standout features:

• Historic Charm Meets Modern Style: The hotel is housed in a beautiful, monumental building, a former printing house, exuding an atmosphere of the past while offering a modern, stylish, and comfortable setting.
• Prime Location: Its central position directly across from the iconic St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk) and Klokhuisplein is a major draw.
• Exceptional Dining: The presence of a Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurant ML, along with a popular bistro, is a significant highlight.
• Comfortable Beds: Hotel ML is one of only two hotels in the Netherlands fully equipped with Hästens beds, contributing to a wonderful night's sleep.

Room Quality

The hotel offers 17 unique rooms and suites, each designed to be spacious and well-equipped. Many rooms feature atmospheric touches like wooden beams, small windows, and cozy alcoves, providing a distinct character. Guests consistently describe the beds as very comfortable, and rooms are generally found to be clean and quiet, even those with views of the lively square. In-room amenities include air conditioning, an Illy coffee machine, and luxury bath products from Marie Stella Maris. Some suites also provide bathrobes and slippers. However, some guests have noted that comfort rooms might not always match photos, and issues such as inadequate lighting, the absence of a comfortable chair, or a leaking tap have been mentioned.

Dining Experience

Hotel ML boasts a renowned culinary offering:

• Restaurant ML (Michelin-starred): Awarded a Michelin star again in 2024, Restaurant ML, led by Chef Mark Gratama, offers high-quality, elegant, and bold cuisine with exciting flavor combinations. The sleek, modern decor and open kitchen allow guests to witness the passion behind the dishes, which playfully combine textures and push culinary boundaries. The wine list is carefully curated by sommelier Lisa Muuse.
• Bistro ML: This bistro provides an approachable, cozy, and affordable dining option throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner, and features a charming terrace with views of the St. Bavokerk.
• Breakfast: A comprehensive breakfast is served daily (Mon-Fri 7-11 AM, Sat/Sun 8-11 AM), costing €19.50 per person (some sources indicate €22.50). Guests consistently rate the breakfast highly (8.8/10), describing it as "amazing," "fantastic," and "exceptional," with an impressive array of food, including assorted breads, pancakes, muffins, cheese, yogurt, granola, fruit, meat, and eggs. While generous, one guest noted the breakfast as pricey.

Service & Staff

The service at Hotel ML is frequently highlighted as a strong point. Guests describe the staff as super friendly, accommodating, helpful, personable, and very welcoming. There are instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting a guest who fell ill.

Location & Accessibility

Hotel ML enjoys an excellent location in the heart of Haarlem's vibrant and monumental center, situated directly on Klokhuisplein. It is just 350 feet from the center of Haarlem. Key attractions like the Grote Kerk and Teylers Museum (2 minutes walk) are easily accessible on foot. The surrounding area offers numerous shops and restaurants. For transport, it's an easy ride from Schiphol Airport via Bus 300. The Haarlem train station is about a 12-15 minute walk from the hotel, which some older guests found a bit far after a day of extensive walking. Haarlem itself is often chosen by visitors for its quieter atmosphere compared to Amsterdam.

Value & Pricing

The hotel receives a "Very Good" rating of 8.2 for value for money. While the hotel states its rooms with Hästens beds are available at "affordable rates," the comprehensive breakfast, currently priced at €19.50 or €22.50 per person, has been considered pricey by some guests. Prices for rooms vary depending on dates and room type.

Common Complaints

Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring criticisms include:

• Lack of Facecloths: Some guests have noted the absence of facecloths with the towels, which is a common observation for European hotels but still mentioned.
• Room Discrepancies/Functionality: One guest found their "Comfort Room" did not look like the photos. Issues like inadequate room lighting, the lack of a comfortable chair, and a reported leaking tap have also been mentioned.
• Sloping Roofs: In some rooms, particularly those with quaint features like sloping roofs, guests found it necessary to maneuver around them.
• Breakfast Price: While highly rated, the breakfast cost has been noted as expensive by some.
• Walk to Train Station: For some, particularly older guests, the 12-15 minute walk to Haarlem train station was considered a bit unwelcome after a long day of sightseeing.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. mlinhaarlem.nl
5. mlinhaarlem.nl
6. google.dk
7. mlinhaarlem.nl
8. mlinhaarlem.nl
9. ricksteves.com
10. booking.com
11. michelin.com
12. mlinhaarlem.nl
13. mlinhaarlem.nl