Luxury IJsselmeer Jetty House: Medemblik Waterfront Dream Home
IJsselmeer Jetty House: My Love-Hate Affair with a Waterfront Dream (and a Few Mosquito Bites)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, the koffie, the whole darn pot of Dutch gold on the Luxury IJsselmeer Jetty House in Medemblik. This place? It's a vibe. A slightly chaotic, utterly charming, occasionally frustrating vibe. Let's dive in, shall we? Forget the perfectly polished brochure – I'm giving you the real deal.
First Impressions (and a Minor Panic Attack):
Driving up to this place, you’re immediately hit with the “wow” factor. It is a waterfront dream. Seriously, the location is bonkers – right on the IJsselmeer, boats bobbing, the sun glinting off the water. Pure postcard material. The architecture is modern, sleek, all glass and angles, which, on paper, sounds perfect. In reality? Well, when you pull up and see this seemingly giant house perched on stilts over the water, you might have a quick moment of, "Okay. This is either amazing, or I need a Xanax." Spoiler alert: it’s both.
Accessibility – The Good, The Almost Good:
Let's be brutally honest, accessibility is a mixed bag. They say they’re ready for all. And they do have some facilities for disabled guests, including elevators to avoid walking the stilt bridge. But as someone who appreciates a good, easy-to-navigate space, I had a few struggles with the winding hallways and some of the door frames that felt unnecessarily narrow. The staff, bless their hearts, were genuinely helpful, but the building itself… it's not perfectly accessible. We have to be honest here: luxury doesn't always equal accessibility, you know?!
Rooms: My Slice of Heaven (with a Side of Mosquitoes):
My room – oh, the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the IJsselmeer. A plush king-sized bed begging for a lazy day. A deep soaking tub practically made for bubbles and a glass of Dutch gin. It was… blissful. They’ve really thought of everything. The internet access was super smooth. Free Wi-Fi, even in the damn bathroom! The only blemish on this perfect scene? The mosquito battle. Apparently, being right on the water is an open invitation for buzzing little vampires. Bring repellent. Seriously.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Protected (and a Little Over-Zealous):
Okay, so, the cleanliness thing? They are obsessed. I mean, in a good way. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. Staff wearing masks, even outside. The rooms are "sanitized between stays," and I'm pretty convinced they use the same technology NASA uses to sterilize the space shuttle. It’s reassuring, especially these days, but I had a slight moment of panic when I saw them scrubbing the inside of the mini-bar. But hey, better safe (and squeaky clean!) than sorry, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Stumbles):
Alright, let's talk food. The à la carte restaurant? A culinary highlight. Fresh seafood, perfectly cooked steak, and desserts that could make angels weep. They offer Asian cuisine and make for a well-rounded experience. The breakfast buffet, however, was…well, it was there. Decent, but nothing to write home about. I’m talking about the usual suspects. Decent pastries, eggs, a lot of meats. There’s both Western and Asian options. I was expecting some really creative Dutch thing, but maybe I’m expecting too much. However the Poolside bar? Fantastic. Happy hour was… well, it made me very happy. And the coffee shop definitely did its job, especially after one too many glasses of jenever the night before.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – A Spa Day, A Swim, and Some Serious Chill (and a Tiny Bit of Gym Regret):
This is where the Jetty House truly shines. The spa? Pure indulgence. I had a body wrap, like, I melted. The sauna and steam room were pure bliss. The view from the outdoor swimming pool? Unreal. You could just float there, staring at the water, and forget all your troubles. The gym, though? Tiny. It felt like an afterthought. I’m thinking they should have just turned it into another sauna, or a game room.
Services and Conveniences – Smooth Sailing (mostly):
The staff here are genuinely lovely. Super helpful, always smiling, and happy to help with anything. The concierge was a godsend, arranging taxis, suggesting boat trips, and generally making my life easier. They have a shop too, good for picking up little gifts or forgetting you don't have shampoo and buying a completely overpriced bottle! I have to give them a shout-out. The Wi-Fi was strong, and I was able to work remotely, which was essential. Also, the "doorman" was amazing at holding the opening for the hotel in the pouring rain.
For the Kids – Family Friendly? (maybe):
I didn’t bring any kids, but the place seems pretty kid-friendly. They have babysitting services, kids' meals, and facilities like an indoor playground. Maybe if I have kids I might bring them, they are really well organized and it's nice to know they'll be safe, and also give me time for myself!
My Deep Dive:
Okay, so, my biggest moment of pure, unadulterated joy? The couple's room. It was like stepping into a different world. Private, intimate, with a stunning view. We spent an afternoon just soaking it all in. That alone made the slightly wonky accessibility and occasional mosquito bites worth it. The Imperfections, the Quirks, and the Honest Truth:
- The "Luxury" Tax: Let's be real, this place ain't cheap. Every damn thing has a price tag that makes your wallet weep.
- The Dutch Calendar: The service slowed down a little when the weather was inclement.
- My Inner Critic: I can’t help but feel they're trying too hard sometimes. The relentless emphasis on "luxury" occasionally felt a little… forced.
- My Biggest Regret: Not finding a better restaurant in Medemblik. If anyone has a recommendation, please tell me!
Final Verdict:
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the (very minor) shortcomings, the Luxury IJsselmeer Jetty House is a special place. It’s a place to escape, to relax, to indulge, and yes, to battle a few mosquitoes. The location alone is worth the price of admission. Just remember to bring your bug spray. And maybe a sense of humor. Because this place is a wild ride.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (because, marketing!):
- Keywords: Luxury Hotel Medemblik, IJsselmeer Waterfront, Jetty House, Spa Hotel Netherlands, Accessible Hotel, Dutch Holiday, Romantic Getaway, Family Friendly Hotel, Sauna, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Medemblik Accommodation, Dutch Vacation
- Meta Description: Experience waterfront bliss at the Luxury IJsselmeer Jetty House in Medemblik! Read a candid review with insights on accessibility, spa, dining, and the overall experience. Find the perfect Dutch escape!
- Alt Text (for images): (Use descriptive alt text for each image, e.g., "Stunning view from the balcony of the Luxury IJsselmeer Jetty House," "Relaxing in the spa at the Medemblik hotel," "Delicious seafood at the Jetty House restaurant.").
- Article Type: Hotel Review, Travel Blog, Dutch Travel, Luxury Travel
- Target Audience: Affluent travelers, couples, families, spa enthusiasts, those seeking unique accommodation experiences, those with a search intent for Hotels in Medemblik.
- URL Slug: luxury-ijsselmeer-jetty-house-review-medemblik-netherlands
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're not just planning a trip to a house; we're planning a pilgrimage to a damn beautiful house with a jetty near the IJselmeer in Medemblik, Netherlands. And trust me, this isn't going to be one of those perfectly curated Instagram feeds of a trip. No, this is going to be the real, messy, glorious, occasionally disastrous, and utterly hilarious adventure of ME in Medemblik.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Impression (aka, OMG, Is THAT the House?!)
- Morning (Amsterdam, the Gateway to Chaos): My train from Amsterdam (where, let's be honest, I was mainly fueled by stroopwafels and the sheer audacity of the canal houses) was, well, a train. Trains are trains. The only drama was trying to squeeze my giant suitcase into a compartment that clearly was not designed for someone who packed as if they were preparing for the apocalypse. "Right, essentials," I muttered, wrestling with the zipper, "enough socks to last a nuclear winter and approximately twelve books I'll claim to read but probably won't."
- Afternoon (Medemblik & the Grand Reveal): Arrived in Medemblik! A charming village, and even the walk from the train station was a treat. Cobblestone streets, little shops, the scent of what I think was fresh-baked bread… This already felt a million miles away from the manic energy of Amsterdam. Then, the moment of truth. The address. The anticipation. And BAM! There it was. The house perched on the IJsselmeer, looking like it was plucked straight from a postcard. Seriously, the photos online didn't do it justice. It had more character and a better view than my own apartment. I took a deep breath, grabbed the keys, and prepared to be utterly spellbound, or, you know, maybe just tripped over my suitcase.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Unpacking, Jetty-Envy, and the Cheese Aisle): Okay, first things first: Unpack. Which, as mentioned, is an ordeal. I spent at least an hour wrestling my way through the luggage, feeling like I was excavating a particularly stubborn archaeological dig. The jetty was a total seduction! I had to go out there, immediately to feel like a lord of this beautiful place. The only thing missing was a champagne. As I watched the sun dip, painting the sky in fiery oranges and purples, I was so overwhelmed. Then, the realization struck: dinner. And cheese. Because, Netherlands. The local supermarket was a revelation of dairy delights. I probably spent an embarrassing amount of time in the cheese aisle, oscillating between Gouda, Edam, and something that looked suspiciously like a wheel of pure happiness. Tonight, cheese and wine on the jetty, listening to the water lap against the shore. Heaven.
Day 2: Windmills, Water & a Slight Misunderstanding
- Morning (Windmill Wandering and Cyclist-Induced Panic): I decided to be cultured. The windmills are mandatory. After a hearty breakfast (made of… surprise, breakfast cheese!), I rented a bike. Remember I said I packed a million things? Well, cycling wasn't one of them (I'm a walking hazard on wheels, actually). Still, I pressed on, wobbling along the bike paths, dodging kamikaze cyclists who clearly were born with a bike attached to their… well, you get the idea. The windmills were magnificent, majestic, and a bit intimidating when you're barely in control of a two-wheeled death machine.
- Afternoon (IJsselmeer Adventures & a Wet Surprise): Today's mission? Get out on the water. Booked a small boat. I'm a terrible sailor, but I figured I could at least steer, right? Wrong. The wind caught the sails, and it felt like I was suddenly battling a rogue Viking longship. I managed to (barely) avoid capsizing, but I got soaked in the process and, as I sat there, shivering, I decided that maybe I should have researched sailing beforehand.
- Evening (The Pub, the Language Barrier, and the Great Bitterballen Debacle): Back on dry land, I sought refuge in a local pub. "Let's embrace the culture!" I decided, and I attempted a sentence in Dutch. The bartender stared at me blankly. Ah, the language barrier. It's always a fun test of imagination! Food was a must. Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs) were on the menu. "YES," I thought. "This is what I need!" I ordered them, expecting crispy, savory deliciousness. What I got was… well, let's call it a culinary experience. They were warm, and had a sort of… unidentifiable flavor. I can't be the only one who doesn't understand the appeal of gravy-like food! I quickly abandoned the second half.
Day 3: The Magic of Medemblik
- Morning (Market Day & a Lesson in Bargaining): Medemblik has a fantastic market. I wandered through, eyes wide, buying flowers, fresh bread, and a piece of local art. Tried my hand at bargaining (badly). I realized my negotiation skills were more like "begging." But hey, I got a good story and a souvenir for the effort, right?
- Afternoon (The House, Alone Time, and Pure Bliss): Spent the afternoon just… being in the house. I took a long bath, read a book on the jetty, and drank endless cups of tea. No schedule, no pressure, just the peace and quiet that you can't get anywhere else in your life. Honestly, these simple moments were the best part of the whole trip.
- Evening (Sunset on the Jetty: The Grand Finale): Back to the jetty for the sunset. This time, I brought snacks. I had all my cheese. The sky exploded in colour again. This time, I knew how to handle the gentle breeze and the soothing sounds of the waves. It was a memory I will always cherish, and I will never forget this journey.
Day 4: Departure & a Promise to Return (With Better Sailing Skills!)
- Morning (Packing Up, Saying Goodbye, and a Bit of Melancholy): Packing up is always the worst part. Staring at the beautiful house, realizing I had to say goodbye, was heartbreaking. I promised myself I'd be back.
- Afternoon (The Train Home & a Re-Evaluation): The journey back was quiet. I reflected on the trip, the chaos, the beauty, the (slightly) failed attempts at sailing, the questionable bitterballen… And I realised that this, the trip, was the true essence of travel.
- Evening (Planning the Next Adventure): Already, I'm checking flights back. Next time: Sailing lessons! And maybe, just maybe, I'll become fluent in Dutch. (Okay, probably not, but a girl can dream).
So, there you have it. My imperfect, messy, and hilarious journey to Medemblik. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And in the end, that's all that matters. Now, where's that cheese?
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Vintage Holiday Home in Escalles, France!
Okay, spill the tea: Is this place REALLY as amazing as it looks in the photos? I mean, REALLY?
Alright, look, I’m a cynical New Yorker. I've seen "luxury" condos that felt more like upscale prison cells. So, naturally, I approached this... this IJsselmeer Jetty House thing with the skepticism of a seasoned critic. And… (deep breath) ... Yeah. It *mostly* is. The photos are good, but they *understate* the absolute zen factor. My partner, bless her heart – she's a Pinterest addict – started actually crying at sunset the first night. Not a dry-eyed sob, mind you. More of a sniffly, "I can't believe this is real" kind of cry. It's the light, you know? The way the water just *shimmers* gold... or maybe it was the Prosecco. Regardless, yeah, it's pretty damn amazing. Just don't expect perfectly manicured lawns. This is a *jetty* house, after all, not Downton Abbey. There's a certain… rugged charm.
What’s the deal with the location? Medemblik? Never heard of it. Is it, you know, *remote*? Do I need a horse and buggy?
Medemblik! Okay, confession: Me neither. Before this trip, I thought "Zaanse Schans" was the pinnacle of Dutch charm. Medemblik, though? It’s like discovering a secret, and honestly, it's *way* better. It's not super remote, thankfully. You could probably bike to it (if you're into that sort of torture - I'm a car person through and through). Amsterdam is an hour away, which is convenient for day trips when the urge to eat all the things hits you. The town itself is adorable. Think cobblestone streets, cute little shops (and the pastries, oh the pastries!), and a real, actual, working community. It's not overrun with tourists, which is a *massive* plus in my book. And no, you don't need a horse and buggy. Unless, you know, you're really into that. But Uber works just fine, and the local taxis are surprisingly charming.
Tell me about the "water access" – can I just, like, jump in? Is it swimmable? (Asking for a friend. Who is me.)
OMG, yes! You CAN jump in! (Please do so safely, of course. We don't need any headlines about reckless Americans.) There's a ladder right off the jetty, which is incredibly convenient. And yes, it's swimmable! The IJsselmeer water is surprisingly clean. I was expecting something, well, questionable. But it's actually lovely. Cold, though. Let me tell you, *that* first plunge… Bracing is one word. Freezing is another. But the feeling of being completely surrounded by water, with the little house just a few steps away, is pure magic. It's a real connection to the element, you know? After the shock wears off, it’s fantastic. Just be warned: the wind can pick up, and you’ll be grateful for the dock to hold onto. One day, I was trying to look cool and dive in, and the wind nearly blew me into the next county. Don't be me.
Is it REALLY a luxury experience? Or just fancy marketing?
Okay, here's where I get real. It's *actually* luxurious. Not just "luxury" in the sense of overpriced bath products. The details… the architecture… the quality of the linens (SO SOFT!), it's all top-notch. The kitchen is a dream, the view from the master bedroom is insane (you'll want to stay there forever, trust me), and the whole place just *feels* special. The owners have clearly put thought into every single aspect. You’ll have a moment where you question if you *deserve* all this. It's the kind of place you want to take photos of every corner and send them to your friends who think you're doing terribly in life. (Spoiler Alert: It *is* an escape from your average life) However - and I hesitate to say this because my inner grump is triggered - be ready for some quirks. It's not a hyper-sanitized hotel room. There are some inherent "jetty house" things. Like, the occasional… bug. (Dutch ones, thankfully not the giant horrifying ones they have back home). And the wind… it's a constant companion. But those small imperfections just add to the charm, don't you think? (Don't tell anyone, but I loved it.)
What about the kitchen? Can I actually cook a proper meal, or is it just a toaster and a sad microwave?
The kitchen is a *beast*. A beautiful, stainless steel, well-equipped beast. Seriously. It’s got everything: top-of-the-line appliances, plenty of counter space, all the pots and pans you could possibly need. They even have those cool Dutch pancake pans – because, duh! The first night, we went all out. Fresh fish from the local market (highly recommended!), veggies, the works. We ate it out on the deck, watching the sunset. It was… perfect. We looked at each other through the sunset and swore we'd never eat in another cold, empty restaurant again. I felt like a chef, a fisherman, a carpenter, and a genius. I even almost cleaned up everything. Almost. The dishwasher is an absolute godsend, thankfully. My only suggestion would be more spices. The Dutch are famously… understated with their seasoning. But hey, a quick trip to the little market in town solves that problem. Bring some extra salt!
Is it family-friendly? We have… *children*.
Hmm. *Children.* Okay. Depends on the children, frankly. If you have the kind that understand the concept of "don't run on the dock" and "water is wet," then, yeah, probably. If they're prone to spontaneous acts of destruction… maybe not. The house is beautiful, and things could get… messy. There's a lot of open space, which is great for running around, but also potentially dangerous near the water. The ladder into the lake is pretty simple, the access is easy, I didn't see any kid-friendly options though, or life jackets. Also, the quiet surrounding can make the normal child-like sound even louder. So, I wouldn’t suggest bringing a hyper-active child.
What are the downsides? There *must* be some!
Alright, alright, Mr. Sunshine. Here's the truth. Like I said, the bugs. Not a deal-breaker, but they exist. The wind. It can get *really* windy. The weather in the Netherlands is… well, let's just say it's unpredictable. Pack layers and a good raincoat. And, honestly, my biggest complaint? Leaving. I had to be dragged away. I wanted to stay there forever. That feeling of being on a jetty, floating on the IJsselmeerHotel Search Tips
