Delft, a charming city in southwestern Netherlands, halfway between Rotterdam and The Haag, has been noted for its fine ceramics pottery and tile work since the late 16th century. Delftware, or “Delft Blauw,” are traditional blue-and-white ceramics originally patterned after imported Chinese porcelain.
Delft was home to scientist Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1632–1723), the inventor of the microscope; to lawmaker Hugo Grotius (1583–1645), who is considered the father of international law; and to Flemish painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675).
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The Hotel de Emauspoort has four apartments. |
The 2003 movie Girl with a Pearl Earring, a cinematic homage to Vermeer, put the spotlight once again on the medieval town, which has become quite a tourist attraction since the movie’s release.
Delft still offers some affordable hotels, such as Hotel de Emauspoort, situated behind the Nieuwe Kerk (new church), constructed between 1381 and 1496, and the historic market square.
Although the hotel itself is fairly new, the building it occupies is not. The space was a bakery beginning in 1922, owned by Jules Joseph Grossat. Jeroen Struyk, today’s owner and grandson of Grossat, decided that the location was perfect for a hotel, one that offers a unique flair.
Inside the side-street entrance is a courtyard with two Gypsy caravans. The wooden caravans, made especially for the hotel and imported from the Czech Republic in 1999, are used as accommodations. Both caravans are beautifully decorated, with cane chairs and flowing curtains.
They have a shower and toilet, as well as a TV, telephone, coffee- and tea-making appliances — everything an ordinary hotel room would have, only on four wheels. In addition to the caravans, the 3-star-rated hotel has 23 double rooms.
Continued: Gypsy-style Lodging: Delft ’s Hotel de Emauspoort
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