Many tourists miss out on visiting The Hague, as they all flock to Amsterdam. Pity, as The Hague has a lot to offer -- great museums and great restaurants in an ever-so-elegant city where the Dutch government resides (although Amsterdam is the official capital). And there's one very stately yet intimate hotel in The Hague that makes this side trip even more worthwhile: Le Meridien's Hotel Des Indes -- sitting front and center on the most elegant street in the city, the Lange Voorhout, home to many embassies, AND the fantastic M.C. Escher Museum (if you don't know Escher's work, look him up! You'll recognize it, I'm sure.)

The Des Indes was built for Baron van Brienen (the personal advisor of King Willem III) in 1858, and was converted into a luxury hotel in 1881. A massive, recent restoration has restored the monumental building to its former glory, but given all the contemporary flourishes that current guests expect of a 5-star hotel -- and more. There are only 92 rooms, so the feel is more intimate than many grand hotels. And the luxury is unprecedented. Every corner and every doorknob is a work of art -- much of it original but lovingly modernized. It makes you feel like you're stepping into the past in the present. Every room is different, and there are 250 kinds of tulips tastefully gracing the halls, all handpainted, of course.

The rooms have a romantic boudoir atmosphere, and the beds are the kind that you NEVER want to get out of, even though there's much waiting for you outside. 'Sweet surrender' is how I'd describe my stay there, in the utmost of intimate elegance that perfectly matches the feel of this regal city.

Des Indes has accommodated many kings and emperors, and a slew of famous people (including the famous ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, who actually died in the hotel's library parlor after developing double pneumonia on a train journey from Paris. A serious accident occurred and, after offering assistance to her fellow travelers, she became ill.). Mata Hari stayed here too, and her portrait hangs in the foyer! 

The Health Club at this hotel is the epitome of old world class. Everything's here: pool, sauna, solarium and steam bath, with the requisite cosmetic and massage treatments in a wonderfully calming environment. (Yes, it will definitely be hard to head outside with such spendor at your feet.)

So, if you're in the mood for the royal treatment, get thee to Des Indes in The Hague. And while you're there, ask incomparable Executive Chef Ben Hardeman to stir up something special for you. He's amazing. Enjoy!