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Located in a bucolic setting yet a short stroll from the centre of the town for which it is named, Hotel Heemskerk benefits from the best of both worlds. Heemskerk’s Marquette Estate is a classic Dutch manor house surrounded by extensive grounds that include rolling lawns, where grazing sheep are neighbours to hotel guests who stay in a modern building, a pleasant stroll across the grounds from the historical house that now serves as an events centre. Heemskerk is a small town seen exactly nowhere on the tourist radar screen, and therein lies its appeal. For visitors interested in gaining insight into simple Dutch country life, it is an appealing place to stay before an early morning flight or upon arrival at Schiphol Airport.

: Marquette estate entrance

: Hotel Heemskerk guestroom

: Hotel Heenskerk lounge

Rooms at Hotel Heemskerk range in category from single rooms to suites. Their spaciousness and cleanliness are top rate, and sliding glass doors to the abundant greenery outdoors add to the charm. The Marquette Estate is a perfect place for that quintessential Dutch experience: the bicycle ride. The hotel has bikes available for those who want to put the pedal to the metal without having to watch for cars, pedestrians, or other obstacles to a smooth ride. Further afield, it is possible to cycle to the coast to enjoy some of the nicest beaches in the Netherlands. Even in winter, an invigorating walk along the shore can be a revitalising experience.

Before setting off on two wheels, a hearty breakfast starts the day in the atmospheric dining room, where a bountiful buffet includes Dutch treats like the famous De Ruijter chocolate sprinkles. Yes, chocolate for breakfast. No wonder Dutch children are often cited as the happiest children in the world. The sprinkles are favourite toppings on toast, cereal, yogurt—really, any excuse to eat them is given, even by the spoonful. There are other flavours, too, such as anise, which is another breakfast taste sensation.

: Hotel Heemskerk bicycles

Revitalisation after a brisk walk or bike ride is possible at Spa Fitt, Heemskerk’s leading spa treatment centre, located a short walk (or short ride) from the hotel. Just walking in the door of this ultramod facility offers a relaxing environment for body, mind, and spirit; the treatments take that aura to the next level. For a grander scale of stimulation, Heemskerk’s convenient location in the Netherlands makes day trips to Amsterdam for culture, Haarlem for history, and Alkmaar for its famous cheese market easy to take, especially knowing the serenity of Hotel Heemskerk awaits at the end of the day.