At first glance this hotel ticks all the right boxes, but having stayed here I found it wasn't all that great. Let me summarize: plus: - Large rooms overlooking the river - nice location - comforatble beds - nice decorations and fine bathroom - free and ample parking minus: - noisy doors - no free internet - rather expensive for the locations and luxury, I paid 140 euro's - very limited room service and a rather steep extra charge of 7,50 for service - no minibar (not so great when roomservice charges 7,50 for service) - barges in the river maybe fun to look at for some but many of them make a terrible rubling noise. sometimes the windows of my room were actually shaking. It seemed to get a lot less after dark though. - roomservice food not very good - found some nasty hairs in the bathroom

Stayed at this hotel in a wet & windy March. Despite being out on it's own on the river bank it's a great place for a break. From the moment you check in you are made to feel a special - all the staff are cheerful, friendly and helpful and, of course, lack of the ability to speak [& understand] the tongue-twisting Dutch language is not a problem as English is spoken and understood by most Dutch people. Hotel rooms are big, beds are comfy and if you overlook the river there are plenty of barges going past 24 hours a day. Food in the restaurant is superb as is the service - seems to be a speciality of the Van de Valk chain. Bar prices are not bad by UK standards especially when you get Continental measures as opposed to the UK damp glass! The locals use the restaurant a lot at weekends for family get-togethers - always a good recommendation. Rotterdam is just up the road and if you don't fancy driving into the city follow signs to the river bus stops around the town - a nice way to travel. Go visit to the Ara - you'll enjoy it [and it works out a lot cheaper than the equivalent English hotel!!].

Have just spent 4 nights at the Hotel Ara, close to Dordrecht. A good base for visiting Rotterdam, Gouda and Antwerp. Hotel staff were helpful and courteous. Large modern hotel with spacious rooms - the rooms in the front have views over the Oude Mas. Cycle and walking routes signposted near the hotel. Good sized indoor swimming pool and small gym available to guests. Breakfast is a substantial hot and cold buffet. A good range of restaurants in Dordrecht [about 10 mins away]. The only complaint is that it is not particularly easy to find the first time but definitely worth seeking out.

the ARA hotel is located in a peadeful, relaxing area, and is a good alternative to rotterdam. the staff are very helpful, and attentive, and try to make your stay a positive experience. i found the food very good, and although maybe a little pricey, the generous portions make up for this. the hotel in all respects was immaculate, and i had no complaints. i would certainly recommend this hotel, and i will definitely be back, when i am in this area.