Grand Hotel Karel V

This hotel is in a fabulous location and backs right up to old town Utrecht. The staff don't seem overly friendly and in fact, I think we only received a smile 3 times in the week that we were there. The rooms are big, and the welcome note was appreciated, even if addressed to my husband who wasn't traveling with me and had nothing to do with this reservation! Breakfast is fantastic with a huge selection to satisfy every dietary requirement and while expensive, felt like a reasonable price for everything that was available. The grounds are beautiful and seeking shade one afternoon we tried to sit at a table under umbrellas outside the dining area. We were quickly moved away from that area by a very brusque member of staff and told to try in the garden area. The staff in the garden/bistro area subsequently told us we couldn't sit there if we weren't going to order anything. I think if the staff had felt more friendly, then I would have felt more inclined to give a higher rating. However, this doesn't detract from the fact that the hotel is very clean and well maintained, the rooms feel spacious and well-appointed although the bathrooms feel a little dated. There is a very small pool area and gym but we never got the chance to utilize either space. Proximity to the beautiful city of Utrecht really can't be beaten, and it did feel special to stay somewhere with such history and I left a little bit of my heart in Utrecht. Overall, I'd recommend this hotel and would absolutely return to stay at this fabulous location.

This is a beautiful hotel in a super location. Canal at the front, and straight into the old town at the back, everything about the Karel V is perfect. Pristine interiors, wonderfully restored from its previous lives as a hospital and monastery, it oozes elegance and luxury. The breakfast in the newly refurbished dining room is a real highlight, and all the staff were so friendly and helpful. I came here for business but will return with my family! A very special place.

Beautiful hotel, conveniently located in walking distance of Hoog Catharijnen. Very attentive and welcoming staff, gorgeous bedrooms with comfortable beds. The rooms have complimentary bathrobes and slippers. Breakfast is first class and the dining area is stunning as is the rest of the building. There’s a small pool with a whirlpool and sauna. Everything is clean. There are plenty of towels and shampoo and shower gel available. We stayed for two nights/three days with 5 adults ranging from 20-56 year old.

Perfect stay in freshly renovated room 252, we really liked everything and if we come again to beautiful and relaxed Utrecht (and we probably will), we stay again in Karel V. We went to visit overcrowded Amsterdam and left after one hour back to Utrecht. It's just the better town - without the misbehaving drinkers and dopers and stag party ****** from the UK.