Landgoed De Klinze

The hotel brochure says "Wakker worden in een wereld die verdwenen leek" (waking up in a world that seemed disappeared). For once this is totally true. I had a magnificent stay here and will repeat. I had booked at a Dutch website for weekends away for a normal room price but got an upgrade to the Margaretha Suite, which I loved as it has no neighbours (a corner room with the silent (but very slow) elevator and then stairs next to it. It is one of only 3 or 4 rooms with airco and free bathrobes/slippers (otherwise 9,95 euro). It is quite spacious and beautifully furnished, 2 big comfort chairs and super-soft canopy bed. Nice bathroom with bath with handheld shower and separate shower cubicle. Minibar was filled. Normally empty and they fill on request. May be that is why at checkout I was not asked if I had taken anything. Could I have taken all without paying? I was honest and paid quite a bit for 3 drinks. Swimming pool open 7 till 22.00 H. A bit cool and not very cosy. Whirlpool did not work. I was told they could have switched it on on request. The bridal suite has a Jacuzzi in the room. This hotel is about 400 meters from a very quiet road so very very quiet. Only birdsong as surrounded by forest. I reached it by bus 51 from Leeuwarden to Dokkum, bus stop Sminiastate, about 3 euro. The restaurant is marvellous, a great style,and it was full and stillI heard little of the people. Tables far apart and big and most importantly (for me) CLASSICAL MUSIC !! Not easily to be found anymore. 3 courses plus 2 amuses for 39,50 euro. Most striking are the large gobelins and chandeliers. Really top-class French cuisine, Fixed menu but one can add French fries if wanted. I had 2 wines incl. 6,50 euro for a Spanish desert wine (3 sorts) and signed my bill for all that but strange was that at checkout they had added 2 wines I had not drunk. Luckily it was taken off the bill. Personell is nice enough but don't talk much and don't react to my talking to them. I found them stiff and not enthusiastic and don't smile, which was a let-down, as I find that quite important. The receptionist showed me my room but took the stairs herself. Some simple questions they did not know the answer to. The TV is quite small and has the 28 standard KPN Digitenne channels, incl. 28 which is the 1st time I saw anywhere in the world a porno channel for free (a Dutch one, MvHtv). Requires the easy to guess code 1234 the receptionists did not know. I mention it here only for completeness of information, not that I care but some people do. I would have preferred a classical music channel like BravaNL or Mezzo but the Dutch have a bad taste in general. Breakfast was OK, nothing special and not particularly tasty, for 15 euro.In a 1970's room with bar, with no atmosphere , a total contrast to the beautiful restaurant. They have candlelights to keep the coffee or tea warm on your table. Hard boiled eggs. A bit of fruit. I still rate this hotel highly for the total quietness and beauty of room and restaurant. One can rent a bike for 10 euro and they have cycle routes.