Wilmina Hotel

I had an absolutely wonderful experience at the Wilmina, and if I had the time would have stayed on just to enjoy the glorious surroundings. Right from the start, when I had to cancel my last night, and did it a day later than the stated period, the managment very kindly allowed it anyway, and gave me a refund. When I arrived, the lady at reception (Lilian, I think) made me feel I was an old friend returning, and the nice young man who took my (large and heavy!) bags to my room refused a tip. The surroundings are breathtaking -- and perfect for the history of the hotel as once a prison for women resistance fighters of the 30s and 40s. The rather gloomy passage from reception leads to a metal door that then opens into a airy, light filled courtyard full of plants. In the wall at the other end is another intimidating door -- and that opens into an absolutely breathtaking space like a wild garden, full of extraordinary plants. A winding path takes you through it to the common living area, which is cheery and welcoming, with yet another paved courtyard that is surrounded by the building's wings. The lift lets you out onto a metal walkway which, with the original cell doors -- grey, peepholes, heavy bolt and all -- are redolent of the previous function of the place. But when you open your door, you walk into an airy, white room with windows looking down onto the courtyard and a very comfortable bed. Breakfasts are enormous and delicious; the breads are fresh and excellent, the choice of all the accompaniments is large. The staff in the breakfast room are welcoming and helpful, and the seating, inside as well as in the courtyard, where the wasps that seem to want to share your breakfast add to the ambiance, is more than adequate. Added to this is a room where tea, coffee and all sorts of other things seem to be available round the clock. I have been fortunate enough to have stayed at some nice places around the world, but the Wilmina experience tops all. My only suggestion would be that the somewhat slippery shower floors are provided with bath mats -- but one arrived as soon as I asked for it.

The vibe is very good, staff is extremely cooperative, The place has artistic sense to it. A piece of history morphed into something beautiful. Serene breakfast, great people all around. Could appreciate how this place has memories of some of the best days.