Villa Augustus

Villa Augustus in Dordrecht, Netherlands, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently garners high praise for its unique charm, exceptional dining, and picturesque setting. Housed in a converted 19th-century water tower, the hotel offers a distinctive experience that blends historic architecture with contemporary design and a strong focus on sustainability.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Villa Augustus enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reputation, with an average overall score of 8.9 out of 10 on Agoda, 8.9/9.0 on Booking.com, and 9.4 out of 10 on Expedia. Guests frequently describe it as "gorgeous," "unique," and "a truly enjoyable place to stay," highlighting its special atmosphere and high-quality offerings. The general sentiment is one of delight and appreciation for a memorable and tranquil escape.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Villa Augustus for several standout features:

• Unique Design & Atmosphere: The hotel's setting in an old waterworks building, resembling a castle, with quirky decor and modern art touches, creates a truly special ambiance. Many find it "aesthetically pleasing" and "like staying at a modern art museum".
• Stunning Gardens: The spacious grounds, including decorative gardens, an organic kitchen garden, and even a children's playground, are a major draw. Guests appreciate the opportunity to wander through the lush surroundings and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The garden is a key source for the restaurant's ingredients.
• Exceptional Food & Dining: The farm-to-table concept, with fresh, seasonal ingredients often sourced directly from the hotel's own garden, is a significant highlight. The restaurant is celebrated for its delicious and fresh cuisine.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The staff consistently receives high ratings (9.0 on Agoda, 9.4 on Booking.com), with guests frequently describing them as welcoming, friendly, and helpful.

3. Room Quality

Villa Augustus offers a variety of thoughtfully designed rooms, ensuring each has its own unique character, atmosphere, and decor. The 45 rooms are spread across the former water tower, garden annexes, and even floating on the Wantij river.

• Design and Comfort: Rooms are described as light, spacious, and comfortable, featuring extra-long beds, flat-screen cable TVs, minibars, and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests praise the comfortable beds, mattresses, and pillows.
• Unique Types: Options range from "Double Room - Reservoir" to "Luxury Suite with View," "Garden Rooms" with private terraces, and the highly sought-after "Lantern Room" at the top of the tower, offering panoramic views of Dordrecht. The "Floating Rooms" also offer unique views.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Some rooms are noted for having mosquito nets.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Villa Augustus is a cornerstone of its appeal, with a remarkable rating of 9.3 for food and dining on Agoda.

• Restaurant Concept: The renowned restaurant, located in the former pump house amidst the vegetable garden, operates on a farm-to-table philosophy. It's open all day, seven days a week, and serves a diverse, seasonal menu with dishes expertly crafted from ingredients harvested directly from the hotel's own garden and local suppliers.
• Menu Highlights: The menu features a limited selection of dishes that change every two months, with a focus on organically grown and sustainably produced ingredients. A wood-fired oven is a central feature, used for roasting and baking various foods, including seasonal pizzas.
• Breakfast: An extensive buffet breakfast is available daily, offering croissants, yogurt with granola, seasonal fruit, salads, roasted vegetables, sourdough sandwiches, and items from the on-site bakery. Filter coffee or tea, sparkling water, juice, and homemade squash are included.
• Other Offerings: The hotel also features a market shop and café selling seasonal produce, home-baked sourdough bread, biscuits, cakes, and deli-style items. Afternoon tea, complete with scones, clotted cream, jams, and savory snacks, is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Villa Augustus consistently receives high marks for their hospitality, with a staff performance rating of 9.0 on Agoda and 9.4 on Booking.com. Guests frequently highlight the team's friendly, welcoming, and helpful demeanor. They are described as attentive and ready to assist, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Villa Augustus is situated in a former water tower in Dordrecht, a charming and historic city in the Netherlands.

• Neighborhood & Attractions: It's located in the 19e Eeuwse Schil neighborhood, overlooking the picturesque Wantij River. The hotel is about a 15-minute walk from Dordrecht's historic center, offering easy access to cultural highlights such as the Augustiner Church and the Main Church. Nearby attractions also include the Energieplein, The turningpoint, and Energiehuis Dordrecht. The famous windmills of Kinderdijk are a 20-minute drive away.
• Transport: The hotel is easily accessible by car, with complimentary private parking available for guests. From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a direct train to Dordrecht Central Station takes approximately an hour. From Rotterdam Central Station, it's about a 20-minute train ride. Dordrecht Central Station is about a 24-minute walk or short bus ride away (Arriva bus 4 to Parklaan stop). The Waterbus also stops at Merwekade, a 15-minute walk from the hotel, offering connections to Rotterdam and other towns.

7. Value & Pricing

While Villa Augustus is generally considered to offer good value, especially given its unique experience, some guests note that the overall cost can add up quickly.

• Average Price: The average price per room is around $161, which is slightly higher than the average hotel room price in Dordrecht ($142), but many feel it offers exceptional value for the quality of the experience. Rates currently average around €175 per room, with weekdays being slightly cheaper.
• Cost Considerations: Some guests mention that the hotel, breakfast, drinks, and dinner can make a one-night stay expensive, suggesting it's best for special occasions. Breakfast is often an additional cost (€18.50 pp).

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Breakfast Pricing and Inclusions: A common complaint revolves around the pricing of the breakfast buffet, especially during peak times like Christmas, and the fact that certain items like latte, orange/apple juice, and warm items may not be included in the basic buffet price.
• Wi-Fi Quality: Some guests have reported issues with poor or inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity.
• No Mini-Fridge: A lack of a mini-fridge in some rooms has been a point of dissatisfaction for a few guests.
• Cleaning Issues: Occasional feedback mentions that cleaning could be better, with some instances of dust or spider webs.
• Lack of Air Conditioning: While the hotel's location by the water and ample windows often provide a nice breeze, some rooms do not have air conditioning, which could be an issue during warmer periods.
• Staff Entry to Rooms: Isolated incidents of staff entering rooms without prior notice or sufficient explanation have been reported.
• Bed Comfort: Although most reviews praise bed comfort, an isolated complaint noted an uncomfortable bed with feather duvets and pillows, with no anti-allergic option.
• Parking Difficulty: Finding the complimentary parking was described as "a bit tricky at first" by one guest.

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