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active 46 mins ago

Mieke Arendsen

Born and raised in the province of Gelderland in the east-central part of the Netherlands, I have traveled to most corners of the world, especially to Asia. But deep down, I will always remain a true Dutchy. I love cycling, I even own a pair of wooden shoes and you can wake me up any time to have some cheese.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"The Netherlands are excellent for cycling since it is extremely flat and has the most brilliant cycling lanes in the world. As distances between sights are relatively short, I would suggest the bicycle as a means of transportation. For those that like to take it easy, an e-bike can be a good choice.
I especially love the landscape on the northern islands and the vast forests in the central part of the country. But it’s not all nature that charms me; I also enjoy a stroll through the small cobbled streets of the lesser known characteristic cities of the Netherlands, such as Deventer and Groningen."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I have been in the travel business for over twenty years, both in outbound as well as in inbound tourism. Distant places have always fascinated me, but closer to my home there’s also a lot to explore….it’s a never-ending process of finding new places and routes. What also keeps my work interesting is that every guest has his/her own wishes and interests; every request is different and thus treated as such. I take joy from trying to make an itinerary that fits their specific wishes best. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Cycling the island of Texel with one of my kids in the bicycle front seat, the sea breeze cooling us down. With the sound of the cycle wheels on the lane consisting of shells and sometimes a screeching seagull flying over, I secretly stuffed my nose in my kids hair to sniff that baby smell. Heaven!"

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Mieke

Entire trip was excellent!
The Netherlands | May 25 - Jun 8, 2024

DWANE & KAREN
DWANE & KAREN S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 01, 2024
Mieke was excellent. We had great things planned and plenty of time to explore on our own. It took us a few days to figure out the amazing train system, trams, etc., but then it was a great way to see the rest of the countries we visited. We did a combo with kim kim (Netherlands and Germany) and a cruise with MSC to Denmark and Norway. We loved staying right across (Premier Suites) from the Rotterdam Central Train Station and then visiting different cities from there. Gouda was our... Read more

Mieke was excellent. We had great things planned and plenty of time to explore on our own. It took us a few days to figure out the amazing train system, trams, etc., but then it was a great way to see the rest of the countries we visited. We did a combo with kim kim (Netherlands and Germany) and a cruise with MSC to Denmark and Norway. We loved staying right across (Premier Suites) from the Rotterdam Central Train Station and then visiting different cities from there. Gouda was our favorite. We did the Cheese Experience (Excellent and so fun) and made our own stroopwafels at Berg's Bakery. Soooo fun. In Amsterdam, we did some things on our own. The Lookout Restaurant was well worth it. The Anne Frank House is so interesting. Very very worthwhile. We did a lot of just walking and visiting shops and restaurants and little cafes, etc. We opted not to do a planned Kinderdijk windmill tour (from Rotterdam) - it was cold that day and we decided to just do other things. We came back to Amsterdam after some time in Norway and Germany (also thru Kim kim) and did a tour to the Zaanse Schans Windmills. They were great! A clog shop and cheese place right there. The only suggestion I have for kim kim is to figure out some way for people to have a phone. Our carrier did not provide coverage there. We contacted Mieke one day from our hotel and she gave us very detailed directions to the Anne Frank house. This was great. However, if we would have had phones with mapquest that worked, it would have avoided alot of looking on our own. We had wifi on germany trains but not in the netherlands. We checked train schedules, platforms, etc. in the morning at our hotel before walking to the Rotterdam train station, and we were fine that way, but it would have been very very helpful to have a phone with wifi. The chip cards are a must (provided by kim kim). They loaded it with sufficient dollars for what we scheduled and then we added to it for some extra places we wanted to go. Then they provided an envelope and on our last day, we mailed them back to them at the train station. You can use them on any form of transportation which is very very convenient. We will never forget this trip - it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. The two words that best describe it all are - Beautiful and interesting. Thank you all!

Hotel Review
Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam
Rotterdam

This hotel is great - right across from the central train station. We had a room that overlooked the central station - very nice and interesting. Restaurants and shops are close. We could walk. They also provide a coffee/expresso machine in their lobby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Gouda - Stroopwafel workshop
Gouda - Stroopwafel workshop
The Netherlands

Berg's Bakery is amazing. It is a 6th generation family bakery. The owner, himself, did our workshop, and we enjoyed chatting with him about his journey in the stroopwafel industry.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jul 03, 2024
Hi Dwane and Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip and send us valuable feedback - especially about having a smartphone and wifi coverage - that is very helpful indeed and a very good suggestion.
I am glad to hear you have enjoyed the trip so much and have found your way with the planned activities and the free time as well. I am not surprised you love the stroopwafel bakery in Gouda, it's a gem of a place. I
Cherish your happy memories of this very special trip -...
Read more

Hi Dwane and Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip and send us valuable feedback - especially about having a smartphone and wifi coverage - that is very helpful indeed and a very good suggestion.
I am glad to hear you have enjoyed the trip so much and have found your way with the planned activities and the free time as well. I am not surprised you love the stroopwafel bakery in Gouda, it's a gem of a place. I
Cherish your happy memories of this very special trip - and I am honored to have been a small part of making it happen.

Best regards,
Mieke
PS: I totally forgot to ask you how you experience the Dutch language! Were you able to follow some of it given your knowledge of Pennsylvania Dutch?? Or a different lingo after all?

Transforming Dreams into Reality: A Glowing Review for Mieke's Dutch Adventure Planning Expertise
The Netherlands | Jun 2 - Jun 11, 2024

Kristie
Kristie B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jun 13, 2024
Mieke's exceptional expertise and meticulous planning truly transformed our 9-night adventure in the Netherlands into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her guidance led us to extraordinary accommodations and facilitated our exploration of three distinct locations—Rotterdam, Texel Island, and Amsterdam—allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the Dutch culture. Thanks to Mieke's thoughtful recommendations and bookings tailored to our family's (2 adults and a 11 and 12 year old) preferences,... Read more

Mieke's exceptional expertise and meticulous planning truly transformed our 9-night adventure in the Netherlands into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her guidance led us to extraordinary accommodations and facilitated our exploration of three distinct locations—Rotterdam, Texel Island, and Amsterdam—allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the Dutch culture.

Thanks to Mieke's thoughtful recommendations and bookings tailored to our family's (2 adults and a 11 and 12 year old) preferences, every activity she arranged seamlessly aligned with our interests, creating unforgettable moments throughout our journey. Her availability for questions and assistance was invaluable, reassuring us about using public transportation, which indeed proved to be the most convenient way to navigate the country. With her guidance, we quickly adapted to the Dutch transport system, becoming adept travelers in no time.

During our trip, Mieke remained accessible and supportive, ensuring that our travel experience was smooth and enjoyable. Her dedication to curating a personalized and enriching itinerary reflected her passion for creating memorable experiences for her clients. Without her expertise and attention to detail, we would have missed out on the charm and diversity that each location offered.

In summary, Mieke's exceptional planning skills, hands-on support, and commitment to delivering a tailored Dutch experience made our journey unforgettable. We are grateful for her dedication and expertise, which made our trip truly remarkable. Thank you, Mieke, for orchestrating a dream vacation that exceeded all expectations!

Hotel Reviews
Huize Welgelegen
Amsterdam

Our 3-night stay at Huize Welgelegen within the ARTIS zoo was nothing short of extraordinary. The location was superb, with easy access to transportation and a plethora of excellent dining options nearby. The highlight of our stay was the exclusive access to the zoo after hours—a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the animals up close and personal, with the entire zoo to ourselves. This magical experience was a huge hit with our children and left an indelible mark on our memories and our favorite stay while in the Netherlands. The daily delivered breakfast, thoughtfully left in our fridge, added a delightful touch to our mornings. The historic charm of the home, juxtaposed with its modern and remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, provided a perfect blend of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort. The spacious layout allowed us to relax and unwind, with the primary bedroom offering breathtaking views of the zoo. Every detail, from the comfortable beds and bedding to the overall ambiance, contributed to a restful and rejuvenating experience. We highly recommend Huize Welgelegen for those seeking a unique and unforgettable retreat, as it truly offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that surpasses expectations.

Authenticity & Character
This is truly a once in a lifetime place to stay
Location
Close to public transportation
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wikkelboats Wijnhaven
Rotterdam

Our stay at Wikkelboats Wijnhaven in Rotterdam was a fantastic experience that catered perfectly to our family of four. The well-laid-out accommodations made us feel right at home and garnered attention from passersby, giving us a touch of celebrity treatment during our vacation. The location was ideal, being conveniently close to all the amenities one could need in downtown Rotterdam. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the hot tub, which provided a luxurious and relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The comfort of the beds was much appreciated, ensuring a restful night's sleep for all of us. Overall, Wikkelboats Wijnhaven offered a unique and memorable stay that exceeded our expectations, making it a highly recommended choice for families looking for a truly special accommodation experience in Rotterdam.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to everything in downtown Rotterdam.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Daalder
Oost

Our stay at Daalder, the country cottage on Texel Island, was a delightful retreat that offered a clean and well-appointed space for our vacation. The presence of 1.5 bathrooms and shared laundry facilities was a convenient and welcomed perk, adding to the comfort and ease of our stay. The cottage lived up to its description, providing a peaceful atmosphere that allowed us to unwind and relax amidst the island's serene surroundings. While the location was tranquil and ideal for a peaceful getaway, it was a bit distant from most of the island's attractions and activities. However, this seclusion added a sense of tranquility to our stay, allowing us to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of Texel Island. The thoughtful welcome bag filled with Texel goodies was a charming gesture that added a touch of local flavor to our experience. The kids were thrilled to have their own room, adding an element of excitement and independence to their stay. Daalder on Texel Island provided a cozy and comfortable retreat that met our expectations and offered a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's a recommended choice for those seeking a peaceful and idyllic escape in the heart of nature.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We felt it was a little far from amenities of the island with kids. If you have a car, this would be of no issue at all.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Rotterdam food tour by bicycle
Rotterdam food tour by bicycle
Rotterdam

AMAZING - Astrid was great with the kids, food preferences and overall made the experience fun for the whole family. The biking made us a little nervous at first, but in the end, it was a fun addition to the trip and we can now say we biked in Rotterdam. Astrid did an incredible job of understanding we were still a little jet lagged and the kids being tweens and them not being fully engaged at all times. We were concerned with it being a private tour that there wouldn’t be anywhere to “hide” if we didn’t care for a food selected, but that was never an issue. Astrid was very understanding that we may not like/enjoy every food we tried. That made the whole experience more enjoyable as we didn’t have to pretend what we liked/didn’t care for. This also allowed us to try everything and not feel forced to eat the entire portions given if we didn’t want to. The tour was certainly more than just about food - but a cultural experience with traditional Dutch food along the way.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Astrid was wonderful to spend our afternoon with!
Transport
It was fun to bike around in Rotterdam.
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
The Netherlands

This food tour was truly delightful, offering us valuable insights into Rotterdam. The transition from Texel to Amsterdam felt quite overwhelming, yet Jelte's expertise truly helped us feel more connected to the city and appreciate its history and charm. Our son has a passion for architecture, and it was truly fascinating when Jelte, who holds a degree in architecture, shared intriguing insights about Amsterdam's architectural aspects during our tour. Jelte also interacted wonderfully with the kids and was empathetic to the fact that we might not enjoy everything we tasted. The only drawback of the tour was the repetition of foods we had already sampled in Rotterdam. However, the silver lining was comparing our preferences between the same dishes from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Jelte was fantastic in offering us a new item to taste when we mentioned we had tried and disliked herring (we hear the taste grows on you). We certainly appreciated his flexibility and attentiveness he gave throughout the tour.

Quality of Experience
The food was exquisite, and our guide was exceptional, seamlessly fitting in with our family.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5 stars for Jelte!
Transport
n/a
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
The Netherlands

Our private canal boat tour in Amsterdam was a truly remarkable experience that brought a unique perspective to our exploration of the city's iconic waterways. The boat itself was impeccably clean and well-appointed, with thoughtful amenities like sunscreen, and beverages available for us, ensuring our comfort throughout the tour. Our guide Julian was not only informative but also engaging, making the tour both educational and entertaining. His insights and knowledge of the city added depth to our understanding of Amsterdam's rich history and culture. What set this tour apart was the flexibility it offered—we had the freedom to request specific sights or let our guide lead us to hidden gems and must-see locations, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience tailored to our preferences. Cruising along the canals in the comfort of our private boat, surrounded by the charm of Amsterdam, was an unforgettable experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the beauty and uniqueness of the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jun 15, 2024

hi Kristie and family,
I am so glad you have had such an amazing family time. The places you have stayed at were indeed very bespoke and one-of-a-kind. I loved seeing your pictures of family fun. Lots of happy memories and quality time with the 4 of you. It has been a great pleasure organizing the trip for you and I am thrilled that it was such a success! Kudos for trying all the local specialities and cycling too!
Till next time! :)
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Our wonderful trip to the Netherlands!
The Netherlands | May 13 - May 22, 2024

Jan
Jan P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 30, 2024
Mieke did an outstanding job of listening to our wants and needs as she assembled and refined our Netherlands trip plan to address both our preferences, as well as those of our daughter and son-in-law who travelled with us. The finalized trip plan we received was extremely detailed and thorough, including turn-by-turn directions to orient us upon arrival in each city. Our hotels were clean, comfortable and centrally located. We were pleased to discover that they had period charm and/or... Read more

Mieke did an outstanding job of listening to our wants and needs as she assembled and refined our Netherlands trip plan to address both our preferences, as well as those of our daughter and son-in-law who travelled with us. The finalized trip plan we received was extremely detailed and thorough, including turn-by-turn directions to orient us upon arrival in each city.

Our hotels were clean, comfortable and centrally located. We were pleased to discover that they had period charm and/or amenities that made them much more special. As they had requested, our daughter and son-in-law even had balcony rooms in two cities!

Traveling in and between cities was simple because Mieke provided us with OV-chip cards for public transportation which made hopping on trains, buses, subways and water taxis quick and convenient.

Additionally, Mieke scheduled some activities for us with private guides. One of the highlights of our trip was our driver, Maarten who took us to the flower auction at Aalsmeer and then drove us into the country to see tulips in the fields. He was absolutely delightful and provided us with many helpful observations and suggestions. Another trip highlight was our guide, Tamara who led us on a 3-hour private cycling tour in Rotterdam. Not only was she informative, but she had a wonderful sense of humor!

In Amsterdam, Mieke arranged tickets for us to visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. In Rotterdam, Mieke not only included the Cube Houses but also the Markthal. We marveled at the architecture of both. Our boat cruise of the Rotterdam harbor enabled us to have a unique view of the one of the world's busiest ports.

No visit to the Netherlands would be complete with a visit to windmills - Mieke arranged for us to see both the mills in Schiedam and those in Kinderdijk.

Besides our scheduled activities, Mieke provided us with numerous tips and suggestions of places to eat and explore in each city.

We cannot than Mieke enough for a wonderful trip to the Netherlands! Her thoroughness and attention to even the smallest detail was simply amazing!

Hotel Reviews
Singel hotel
Amsterdam

This hotel is conveniently located near the central train station. The staff was helpful and our room was clean and comfortable. The only drawback was that our stay coincided with a very warm spring day and the window in our room opened to another building only 6-7 feet away. As such, airflow was greatly reduced and our room was quite warm. Other than that, we would defintely recommend the Singel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Corps de Garde
Groningen

The Hotel Corps de Garde is a charming, characterful small hotel conveniently located just on the edge of the city center just opposite a canal. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and provided exceptional service. Our room had beams and a window overlooking the canal. Air conditioning as a welcome bonus. Best of all was the breakfast each morning served in the pleasant dining room overlooking the canal. Breakfast included eggs prepared to order, sliced meats and cheeses, a variety of breads and croissants, as well as cereals, fruit, juice and coffee or tea.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Leonardo Hotel Utrecht City Center
Utrecht

This is a large hotel located in the city center. Our room was on the ground floor with a door to a courtyard seating area. Unfortunately, this proved to be quite noisy in the evening. Additionally, the men in the room next to us were easily heard through the wall which kept us awake until 2 a.m. While the bathroom was spacious and clean, the rest of the room looked "tired" and in need of updating. The carpet was not clean. The redeeming aspect of this hotel was the breakfast buffet that provided a wide variety in a top-floor dining room with a commanding view of the city.

Authenticity & Character
Please see above.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Please see above.
The James Hotel Rotterdam
Rotterdam

We had asked to have a room no higher than the third floor since we do not use elevators. Upon our arrival we were informed that our room was on the sixth floor. Although the hotel was fully booked, they were able to accommodate us on the fourth floor and even upgraded us to a comfort room. We were amazed at the size of the room - large by American standards, but positively palatial for Europe! Our room had a king-sized bed, a seating area with tv, a refrigerator, and a spacious bathroom. Breakfast was included for which we were provided 10 euro vouchers per person with which we could select a variety of breakfast pastries, juice, smoothies, cereal, coffee, tea, yogurt, and miscellaneous. The hotel staff were friendly and accommodating. We greatly enjoyed our time at The James.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
CitizenM Schiphol
Amsterdam

Although this appears to be a somewhat non-descript hotel from the exterior, the interior is a highly polished with a modern, clean design. Many of the ground floor furnishings appear to be Herman Miller Eames design. Our hotel room was "pocket-size" but well-appointed with an i-Pad to operate the window shades and even the color of the lighting! Fun and funky decor and our room was spotlessly clean. Breakfast the next morning was buffet-style and included a wide variety of both hot and convenient grab & go options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Within walking distance of the terminal.
Staff
Helpful and efficient.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotlessly clean!
Activity Reviews
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

It allowed us to hop on and off busses, trains, subways and even a water taxi.

Aalsmeer Flower Auction
Aalsmeer Flower Auction
Amsterdam

The sheer volume of flowers that are moved through this huge facility in a highly orchestrated fashion is nothing short of amazing. And the flowers were varied and beautiful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our private driver to this attraction was a highlight of our trip!
Transport
Rotterdam - Private Guided Cycle Tour
Rotterdam - Private Guided Cycle Tour
The Netherlands

Tamara, our guide, was informative and had a lively sense of humor. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rotterdam - harbor boat tour
Rotterdam - harbor boat tour
The Netherlands

The tour gave us the opportunity to see one of the world's busiest ports in action from a vantage point that we would not otherwise have had.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 31, 2024

Dear Jan & family, Thank you for taking the time to review your trip. Glad you have enjoyed and have survived climbing the Martini tower in Groningen and spending time with your family here.
Your feedback about the different hotels is also very valuable for us, thank you so much!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

An Adventure Trip to the Netherlands
The Netherlands | Apr 17 - Apr 24, 2024

Milbert
Milbert P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 02, 2024
We had a great trip with great planning. We had many new experiences in sights and culture. We enjoyed the contrast between quieter small towns of Bergen and the hustle of Amsterdam. Every part of our trip was an adventure and all our connections were planned and easy to manage. We especially enjoyed Keukenhof and the dunes of Bergen. We loved our e-bikes and all the fine food! Read more

We had a great trip with great planning. We had many new experiences in sights and culture. We enjoyed the contrast between quieter small towns of Bergen and the hustle of Amsterdam. Every part of our trip was an adventure and all our connections were planned and easy to manage. We especially enjoyed Keukenhof and the dunes of Bergen. We loved our e-bikes and all the fine food!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Heerlijkheid Bergen
Bergen

This hotel was clean but the service and breakfast were not at the standard of the other hotels we stayed in!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heavens Hotel
Hoorn

Very friendly and helpful receptionist!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ambassador City Centre Hotel
Haarlem
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hoorn - Private boat tour historic harbor
Hoorn - Private boat tour historic harbor
The Netherlands

Our tour was excellent

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Mieke: Your pass that you provided was so helpful and easy to use!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Haarlem canal cruise
Haarlem canal cruise
The Netherlands

The guide was great!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
The Netherlands

Dirk was very good and knowledgeable!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 25, 2024

Dear Mil and Ruth, it was a great pleasure meeting you and hosting your visit to the lowlands for you. Our morning among the spring bulb flowers was so enjoyable! Thank you for your feedback and review.
wishing you and your family (and Charly!) all the best!!
Mieke

Thank you so much for organising everything, ...
The Netherlands | Apr 18 - Apr 25, 2024

Amy
Amy J.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on May 02, 2024

Thank you so much for organising everything, we had a fantastic time and everything was made to done so easily.
Albert was an absolute star⭐️!! He had loads of inside knowledge and was an absolute joy to be with. Thank him again for the sweet treats.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 03, 2024

Hi Amy,
Good to hear from you. Unfortunately I did not get to meet you, but you had amazing travel companions and I am glad to hear you have no regrets on joining the trip and had a wonderful time here☀️
Wishing you all the best! Mieke

Amsterdam or Bust!!
The Netherlands | Apr 18 - Apr 25, 2024

W
Wendy G.
Boca Raton, FL | Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024

Mieke, our wonderful specialist was nothing but excellent in everything she planned & organized for us.
From the day we started to plan our trip she was always available to answer our questions & was very timely in getting back to us despite the time difference.
The highlight was we got to meet her.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 10, 2024

Hi Wendy, It was lovely meeting you and hearing about your long-time friendship. I am glad you have enjoyed your time in our small country and hope you can make many more of these amazing trips together. The weather was not always that great, but you have faced it bravely like true Dutchies!
Wishing you all the best!
Mieke

Outstanding Amsterdam and Brussels!
The Netherlands | Apr 12 - Apr 17, 2024

Abby
Abby B.
Walnut, IL | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
Our trip to Amsterdam and Belgium was phenomenal! Beautiful sights and excellent hotel/apartment properties were at each of our stops. Our car pick ups were on time and pleasant. Read more

Our trip to Amsterdam and Belgium was phenomenal! Beautiful sights and excellent hotel/apartment properties were at each of our stops.

Our car pick ups were on time and pleasant.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel le Dixseptième
Brussels

Beautiful property and nicely appointed. The room and hotel were outstanding with nice space and a beautiful bathroom. Location is excellent. We went the wrong direction out of the train station which added lots of extra walking. Study your exits and access to this property and the walk is easy even with luggage.

Authenticity & Character
Lots of character at this property.
Location
Great location with easy access to the train, Galleria and Grand Place.
Staff
Overall, staff was friendly. The genetlman at the front desk in the afternoon is helpful, but unfriendly. He didn’t say hello. He just took our bags and card for fees and walked off with our bags to the room. He needs work. Other staff in the breakfast area and the morning staff at the desk were outstanding.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The property is lovely.
Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam
Rotterdam

This property is nicely located across from the train station. Staff was attentive, but not overly helpful to temporary residents since this is an apartment property. We had some confusion with advance planning and capacity requirements and did not need 2 rooms for 3 people. The property promptly addressed our concerns.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Nicely located near the train and bus stops.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kimpton DeWitt
Amsterdam

Great hotel with good service, amenities and a nice location.

Authenticity & Character
Excellent service. Nice happy hour. Good restaurants and attentive service on property.
Location
Centrally located and easily walkable to the train station for day trips.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pleasant smell throughout and outstanding staff.
Activity Reviews
Haarlem - guided cycle tour: Keukenhof and tulips fields
Haarlem - guided cycle tour: Keukenhof and tulips fields
The Netherlands

This was a highlight of the trip. Our guide, Alex, was outstanding. He was attentive and patient while giving us great detail and fun facts. We can’t say enough about how outstanding Alex and this experience.

Quality of Experience
Outstanding!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alex was fantastic!
Transport
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
The Netherlands

This was a nice tour with lots of historical and anecdotal information.

Quality of Experience
The private tour was nice.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

This was easy to use and handy. We did not understand why we had to return it to the driver when the instructions later said to use it again in Rotterdam. This trip could have used a better explanation of how to get from the hotel to the windmills and beyond. We ended up having to use Bolt a lot for transportation. It would be helpful to communicate Bolt as an option for transportation…especially for those that can’t walk long distances.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 25, 2024

Hi Abby,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and feedback with us. I am glad to hear you have had a wonderful trip and we will use your experiences to make our trips even better 😉
The weather has not been that brilliant during the trip but, like true Dutchmen & Belgians, you have faced it and did not let it bother you.☔️ Kudos to you!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Best Trip I’ve Had in a Long Time!
The Netherlands | Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024

T
Tony J.
Bend, TX | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

The best trip planning and execution experience I’ve ever had! Things went very well during the trip and any hiccups were taken care of right away by Mieke and her team. Will definitely use KimKim again.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 24, 2024

Thank you Tony! It was a pleasure hosting you here and organizing this trip for you. You have been wonderful guests 🌷
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Amazing!
The Netherlands | Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024

L
Lara J.
Lockhart, TX | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
Mieke put together an amazing trip! It made it stress free, having our tickets and transportation taken care of in advance. We had a wonderful time and wish we could've stayed longer! I highly recommend Mieke and her team when planning a trip! Read more

Mieke put together an amazing trip! It made it stress free, having our tickets and transportation taken care of in advance. We had a wonderful time and wish we could've stayed longer! I highly recommend Mieke and her team when planning a trip!

Activity Reviews
Ghent - Private guided walking tour
Ghent - Private guided walking tour
Ghent
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 23, 2024

Thank you for your kind words, Lara!
It was a pleasure hosting your trip here. And if you ever feel like returning to spend some more time, then just reach out!🌷
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Mieke was the best!!
The Netherlands | Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024

Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn C.
Jollyville, TX | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024
Mieke was the best!! From the start of planning our trip almost a year ago to when we were there , she was nothing but attentive, personal, knowledgeable organized and everything you need in a travel agent. We told her what we were looking for and placed we wanted to visit and she organized it all. It was so easy to travel from one city to the next in the Netherlands and Belgium. I loved the private tours she set us up with for our canal tour in Amsterdam, waking tour in Ghent. The personal... Read more

Mieke was the best!! From the start of planning our trip almost a year ago to when we were there , she was nothing but attentive, personal, knowledgeable organized and everything you need in a travel agent. We told her what we were looking for and placed we wanted to visit and she organized it all. It was so easy to travel from one city to the next in the Netherlands and Belgium. I loved the private tours she set us up with for our canal tour in Amsterdam, waking tour in Ghent. The personal driver to get us to the Kukenhoff gardens was great too.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel le Dixseptième
Brussels
Authenticity & Character
Location
Super close to central station
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ghent River Hotel
Ghent
Authenticity & Character
Location
About a 15 min walk or 10 min bus ride
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa Augustus
Dordrecht
Authenticity & Character
Old water tower
Location
Longer ride to the train station , required the bus and about a 20 min walk to the nearest water taxi
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boutiquehotel Staats
Haarlem
Authenticity & Character
Very unique
Location
Quick walk to the train station
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ghent - Private guided walking tour
Ghent - Private guided walking tour
Ghent

Our tour guide , V, was super knowledgeable , it was so fun to hear the history of Ghent and all the architectural facts.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flower bulb, auction & Keukenhof excursion
Flower bulb, auction & Keukenhof excursion
The Netherlands

The flowers are so beautiful ! The auction was fun to see processes but there is no live auction anymore but still cool to see. Great to get to Keukenhof early !!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The private driver was so worth it
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

So nice to be able to use this anywhere

Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands

Our driver, Michael was super knowledgeable and gave us a great tour

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 23, 2024

Hi guys,
Thank you so much for your review, you have been wonderful guests :) I am sorry I could not come and meet you somewhere along the way - busy days here when the tulips are blooming :)
I am glad you have enjoyed your trip and the private excursions so much - and it's lovely to see your pictures
Since you feel you could have spent more time here, I guess you will just need to return some day :)

Wishing you all the best!
Mieke