Nadine was very helpful and really kind, but we were not glad she booked us in Ghent for 3 nights; we would rather have been in Burges. Perhaps KimKim does not have an affiliated hotel or inn there? Our Ghent hotel was quite nice, but the surrounding neighborhood wasn't and Burges has so much more to see and do than Ghent. The altarpiece was spectacular, but that could have been a day trip from Burges.
Belgium
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Mar 28 - Apr 21, 2025
Nadine was very helpful and really kind, but things didn't go as smoothly when she was gone during part of our trip. The most unhelpful incident was when I asked about tipping our Amsterdam driver: the response came after our last interaction. I have asked Nadine to please give Albert an additional sum (40 or 50 euros) before finalizing our account. I have not heard if that has happened.
I did not like the KimKim computer system. I used it at home on my MAC book, but took only our iPad and iPhone with us. Accessing tickets and a whole lot of past messages was not easily done on the iPad, and not at all on the iPhone during our times away from the hotel. Plus, I had to print each ticket for everything before leaving home since I could not put tickets on my iPhone. That took much time and organization on my part. Sometime please use the system as if you were a tourist. You'll see accessing the notes for individual day events requires you to scroll thru the entire system to find the note. I also had to create a separate Excel spreadsheet, as the summary report provided did not have enough information on it.
What was very helpful was Nadine getting the hotel reservations, two drivers/guide, and making museum (mostly) and train reservations. She also was helpful with canceling the safari event. She was not very helpful with our day trip to Waterloo, but once we got to the town via the train, my husband figured out the bus route and times. It was a worthwhile and interesting trip. Our day trip to Flanders Field arranged by Nadine was excellent and our guide, Lucas, was top-notch. Nadine also suggested if time to see the Mesgad Panorama, and that truly was good to do.
Hotel Reviews
I truly underestimated the effort to pull our trolley carts from the train to the hotel. While it was only a mile, the stone surfaces of the road made the effort really challenging. We should have been forewarned. One day staff member was extremely rude, but her colleagues made up for it.
Lovely hotel and very nice staff. Poor location as it's getting run down around them. Too bad.
We stayed at the Renaissance (Marriott) Hotel in Amsterdam and it was very good. My husband booked it with points and I want Nadine to know she can depend on the services of the hotel desk. They were all very helpful with whatever was needed. The hotel too was well placed for all events we did.
This is like an old-fashioned elegant hotel, but it lacks enough business to reach that mark. The breakfasts were individually packaged (ie, yogurt in small containers, not in bowls for self service) and the last day only three customers were there. The woman server told us they do not have a kitchen where they make things.
Activity Reviews
Fantastic. We needed 8 hours at least.
Too touristy.
Excellent special exhibit also
Even better than I had expected. A must.
I should have been told the price...I would not have agreed on that level. We ended up taking a public trip, which was fine. The boat was VERY hard to find. I think Nadine has not been there, as the directions were poor. It said we should pick it up near the mueums, but that wasn't correct. It was walking distance from our hotel.
Really easy to use. We missed it when we left for Belgium!!
This was really good to see. Glad we added it although I got the impression from Nadine that wasn't usually visisted.
I guess I had expected more of his original works.
Dear Marjorie,
Very glad to hear that you appreciated my part in planning your trip. At the same time, thanks for sending your feedback about various aspects of your trip. We will surely use your feedback in order to improve our services for our guests.
Warm wishes,
Nadine
PS. We have sent an extra tip to driver Albert as you requested