Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Kasteel Erenstein

A Historic Adventure at Fletcher Hotel Restaurant ErensteinDespite stepping into the Fletcher Hotel Restaurant Erenstein with a possibly broken toe (we'll find out tomorrow!), our spirits were high.I was swiftly aided by the compassionate reception staff who supplied me with ice and painkillers. Such a warm welcome set a positive tone for our stay.After all, how could one resist the charm of this establishment that has been standing proud since the 14th century?Situated a brief 5-minute walk away from the castle, just enough time to pretend you're on a royal procession through your kingdom. The rooms offer an amiable atmosphere with upgrades available for a price that doesn’t require you to plunder a treasure trove. Yes, there is carpet – it lends a certain kind of atmosphere, although it has held onto its history perhaps a tad too passionately, retaining a not-so-fresh odor.The rooms had a comforting bed and bathtub. During our stay, we found delight in the simple joys of mulberry picking in the rich trails nearby, a sweet addition to our adventure.Dinner time saw us navigating the historic grounds up the stairs to the smaller dining room on the right, a choice that traded views and more space for a more intimate, let's just say cramped, setting. Here, amidst the company of a replica plated armor standing guard, we shared space with a presumed father-son duo. The younger of whom couldn't help but cast admiring glances at my girlfriend, somewhat more interested in her than his own dessert, adding an uncomfortable yet somewhat amusing chapter to our dining tale.The restaurant in the castle — a structure with roots dating back to the year 1331 — still brought a touch of romance and antiquity to our dinner. The food was decent, albeit not the centerpiece of the experience, with the staff putting up a heartwarming performance of professionalism and friendliness that somewhat made up for the culinary aspect.A word of advice for potential visitors — late reservations (8:20pm call on a Friday) might lead to a main-course-only affair, albeit delivered with utmost courtesy and a smile.For those contemplating a visit, bear in mind that the Netherlands’ regulations on monumental buildings mean that modern conveniences such as air conditioning are off the table, preserving the authenticity of historic sites like the Erenstein. It’s a warm embrace from history, both figuratively and literally.The true hero of our adventure was the great outdoors, with the nearby reservoir home to a theater of swans, ducks, and a choir of other birds, harmonizing with a diverse range of flora to offer a picturesque setting for a walk (preferably with a healthy toe).Conclusively, the Fletcher Hotel Restaurant Erenstein offered more than just a stay; it was an adventure woven with historic threads and dotted with sweet mulberries. It is a gem that goes beyond a rating, promising an experience rich with stories waiting to be discovered.