Grand Hotel Opduin

Ever been to a hotel where the web site totally oversells it? Less common is the opposite and that would be the Hotel Opduin. When I booked it, looking at the website I presumed a charming (and perhaps slightly run down) hotel nestling near the dunes. Perhaps a simple dining room, and a hotel with a few guests mid week in May. Which couldn’t be more wrong. Let’s get a couple of issues out of the way. From some angles the hotel appears to have been built using one of the local fortifications from the Atlantic Wall. Outside the drive way to the main door is pretty steep. That’s something the hotel should think about after I saw someone pushing a wheel chair up that slope. Handicapped access needs some attention. But inside the hotel is lovely. Modern, clean in its lines. My room, overlooking the forest full of light and well looked after. This really is a very nice place. The dining room is very pleasant as well and it would be a mistake not to make a reservation. The food is very good - not that cheap unless you take the daily special - but interesting enough and they do seem to make good use of local food stuffs. The wine list isn’t going to win any awards, but then most seem to plump for the local and excellent beer. Looking at the car registration plates in the car park Texel and the hotel are something of a secret confined to the Dutch and the Germans. If you do come from the ferry take the bus - but keep on the bus after you think that bus has reached it’s final destination. It’s a circular route and the stop you need is as after the stop on the destination board. Post 37 is what you need and it’s right outside the hotel. The bar is a very pleasant place and a good choice of drinks. Four types of Calvados and three Armagnacs. Such pleasure is rare these days. There is no water in the room, to me an oversight but a well stocked Nespresso machine. And you might need that machine because breakfast doesn’t start until 0800 and by 0805 it is rammed. The hotel might want to think about an earlier start. The hotel is well placed if you want to go walking or biking with trails adjacent to the hotel. The actual beach is probably further that you might think. There are sea view rooms but the water bit is some way away. The beach is lovely fine sand, you know the kind of sinking sand that strains your muscles after ten minutes walking. The staff are generally lovely from those on the front desk, to those in the restaurant. I only had one issue during my stay. On my last night’s dinner despite the restaurant being less crowed than on previous nights (I stayed 4 nights) food was slow coming out of the kitchen. Nearly 90 minutes after the start of my 1930 reservation i was still waiting for my main (the steak dish). I was rather unamused to see the Chef doing his ‘victory lap’ around the room given how many tables were still waiting for food. By all means go and talk to your guests but wait until the the kitchen has cleared any backlogs. The server did c

I am told by locals this is nicest hotel on Texel . Im sure that is right. We loved our room facing the dunes and ocean. Saw ring neck pheasants prancing about. Very comfortable and fantastic breakfasts. Some of the best i have ever had. We will come back

We visited Texel between 16th and 19th July 2022 staying at the Grand Hotel Opduin and absolutely loved the place. Fantastic location just between the main town centre and the beach nestled against the beautiful dunes. Expect to see rabbits and pheasants from your bedroom window and the most incredible sunsets. We seriously could not fault this hotel. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, light, well-furnished and quiet. The breakfast is absolutely delicious with lots of choice. The staff are welcoming, kind and helpful. Texel and De Koog itself are stunning - we truly had a magical time and would have happily stayed another few days. Don't forget to rent bicycles (which can be done directly through the hotel in advance of your stay). We love, love, loved it and can't wait to come back!