Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda

In the heart of the ancient city of Gouda lies a remarkable place — Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda. This luxurious four-star boutique hotel occupies the building of a former orphanage, which is today recognized as a monumental architectural landmark. Here, historical grandeur harmoniously intertwines with modern chic, creating a unique atmosphere of tranquility and comfort for travelers in the Netherlands.

Weeshuis Gouda. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The hotel is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family, ensuring guests receive impeccable service and exceptional gastronomic experiences. The crown jewel of the complex is LIZZ, a Michelin-starred restaurant where every dish is a work of art. For those who prefer a more relaxed setting, COCO bar is open, offering light lunches and signature cocktails.

Weeshuis Gouda attracts not only gourmets but also lovers of aesthetics: you can stroll through the well-kept inner garden, relax on the terrace, or spend time in the stylish lounge. It is the perfect place for both a romantic escape from the everyday and for discovering the city's cultural heritage.

For booking inquiries or to contact the staff, you can use the official contact details. It is highly recommended to reserve a table at the LIZZ restaurant in advance.

The main reason to visit Weeshuis Gouda is for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. You can start your day with breakfast in the historic Regent's Room or stop by bar COCO for a themed afternoon tea ceremony with exquisite snacks. In the evening, guests are welcomed at the LIZZ restaurant, where the chef offers signature 3, 4, or 5-course menus prepared from the freshest local ingredients with an international flair.

Beyond the tastings, it is a pleasure to spend time in contemplation: relax in the quiet garden overlooking the hotel's ancient walls or unwind in the shared lounge with a glass of champagne. The hotel is also a popular venue for weddings and family celebrations thanks to its picturesque interiors. Due to its central location, you can easily combine your stay at the hotel with walks through the Gouda market, tasting legendary cheese and famous Dutch stroopwafels.

Finding Weeshuis Gouda is easy, as the complex is located in the very heart of the historic quarter, just a few hundred meters from the City Hall. If you are traveling from Amsterdam, the most convenient way is by train: the journey to Gouda railway station takes about 40 minutes, and the hotel is a pleasant 10–15 minute walk from the station, passing by ancient canals.

For those preferring to travel by car, take the A12 motorway. Keep in mind that the hotel is located in a pedestrian zone in the city center, so on-site parking is not available. Guests can leave their cars at one of the paid parking lots within walking distance. You can also use a local taxi for comfortable access to the edge of the historic center.

The history of this majestic building began back in 1599, when an Almoner's orphanage for poor children was opened here. For centuries, this monumental structure in the city center served as a home for children in need, remaining an important symbol of charity and social support in the region.

After the orphanage closed, the building changed its purpose. In 1973, its walls welcomed a public library, which operated here until 2014. A long period of quiet ended in May 2021, when the new owners, Sharon and Lennart van Gastel, transformed the historic interiors into a luxury boutique hotel, carefully preserving the spirit of the past.

Today, the hotel is a proud member of the Relais & Châteaux association. Much of the site's gastronomic fame is linked to the name of chef Martijn Kajuiter. His impressive experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe allowed the local restaurant, LIZZ, to also earn its coveted star and become a pilgrimage site for foodies.

The length of your visit to Weeshuis Gouda depends on your chosen experience. If you are only planning for lunch or an exquisite tea at bar COCO, 1–1.5 hours will be sufficient. This is enough time to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the skill of the local culinary team.

For those embarking on a gastronomic journey at LIZZ restaurant, you should set aside an entire evening — a multi-course dinner usually takes between 2 to 3 hours. If you are staying as a hotel guest, one weekend is enough to fully experience the luxury of this place and explore the city center at a leisurely pace.

The Weeshuis Gouda hotel welcomes guests 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Weekend breakfasts are typically served from 07:30 to 10:30, allowing guests to start their morning slowly in a pleasant environment.

Please note that LIZZ restaurant and COCO bar have their own operating hours, which may vary. We strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website or contacting the management before your visit to ensure a spot at these popular venues.

Exploring the surroundings of Weeshuis Gouda will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of one of the Netherlands' most charming cities. Unique architectural monuments and cultural sites are located just steps away from the hotel.