Hampshire Hotel - Plaza Groningen

This was a hotel that was selected by others for our group to use. This should always be a thought provoking way of selecting accommodation. After a quite lengthy journey from Schipol airport by train and taxi, a large and somewhat impressive (architecturally) building appeared.

I arrived at 22.15, to discover that:

The kitchens shut at 21.00, and the restaurant at 22.00.

There was no room service available in the hotel; and the bar MAY make some snacks if asked or may not. No real reasoning behind that situation.

There were no minibars in the rooms (so no chips or chocolate bars).

Local restuarants operated the same hours as the hotel restauarant, and I ended up by just managing to have a pizza ordered from a takeway pizzeria.

It should be noted however that the staff were helpful, the beds are comfortable and the restaurant staff are very professional and friendly. The hotel offers meeting rooms and has a swimming pool.

The restaurant, Culinas, is excellent and well wortha visit. I was advised that they are apparently Michelin recommended; next step a star I am sure.

Unique Quality: Interesting art work and decor - quite a lot of white, grey and black. Art work everywhere. lots of large soafs and chairs very comfortable.

Free internet access in lobby.