Hotel NH Collection Barbizon Palace,

the 25sqm Superior Room, which like all the secondgrade rooms, came with a couch, complimentary tea and espresso, a 53-inch TV and stack of local magazines. Laundry service is available and hotel staff will iron one clothing item free of charge. RESTAURANTS AND BARS Dine in decadence at the one Michelin star restaurant Vermeer, where British head chef Chris Naylor successfully held onto one of his predecessor’s two stars when he took over in 2004. Vermeer’s major selling point is its emphasis on fresh, seasonal food and much of the vegetables and herbs on the four-to-six-course menus are grown on the hotel’s own rooftop garden. Late night beverages, including an array of cocktails are served at the ground floor bar Mar-Dique. Meanwhile breakfast itself is something of a luxury affair, with the traditional continental pastries being served alongside smoked fish, fresh asparagus and a selection of classic Dutch cheese. MEETING FACILITIES There are eight meeting rooms in total, one of which includes the hotel’s highbeamed, atmospheric chapel, which fits 200 people. Another 150 people can fit in the other principle meeting room. Many of the rooms were part of the houses that were converted and feature many unique touches such as a historic fireplace, while another bears a Renaissance-era mural upon the ceiling. LEISURE FACILITIES There is a gym and sauna located in the hotel basement, which opens between 6.30am-10pm daily. Small additional details such as the provision of towels, water and apples add to the experience. Eleanor Dickinson