De Bonte Wever

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Description

When you step into De Bonte Wever in Assen, Netherlands, it’s hard not to be impressed by the lively yet relaxed atmosphere. I found it’s less like staying at a typical hotel, and more like walking into your own personal resort—there’s always something to do, yet plenty of places to just sit back and recharge. The location is ideal if you’re arriving from anywhere in the Netherlands: it’s tucked on the edge of the city at Stadsbroek 17 but close enough to the heart of Assen to explore local attractions.

De Bonte Wever is officially a four-star hotel, and it shows. The rooms are spacious, filled with natural light, and feature modern, functional decor—think Scandinavian simplicity mixed with some Dutch coziness. My room had fast Wi-Fi (free, thankfully), a comfortable bed, air conditioning, and views either of the green grounds or the pool area, depending on which wing you’re in. If you’re traveling with family, you’ll love the fact that everything you need for a fun, hassle-free stay is under one roof—no need to drive around town searching for entertainment or dining options.

What really makes De Bonte Wever stand out, though, is how well it combines leisure, activity, and relaxation. You’ll find a subtropical swimming paradise (that’s what they call it, and they’re not wrong), two large pools, saunas, a fully-equipped gym, beauty salon, bowling alley, and even a mini-golf course. Evenings often feature live music or fun bowling competitions, and there are frequent concerts and events in their dedicated event spaces. I ended up joining a group for a spontaneous game of ten pin bowling one evening and made some new friends over drinks.

Dining is a real treat. The buffet restaurant is all-inclusive (depending on your package), so you can easily fill up on Dutch and international favorites after a day of exploring or lounging. Don’t miss the house-made apple pie. For business travelers, there’s a well-run conference center that often hosts everything from meetings to trade shows. And if you’re driving an electric car? You’ll be relieved to see a bank of Type 2 chargers just outside, all in working order—from my experience, they’re rarely full.

Key Features

• Subtropical Swimming Paradise: Heated indoor and outdoor pools with water slides, whirlpools, and a kids’ splash zone. Great for all ages, and very clean.
• Spacious, Bright Rooms: Rooms with ample natural light, modern amenities, air conditioning, and free speedy Wi-Fi throughout the property.
• Bowling Alley: Multiple modern lanes that host friendly competitions—perfect for groups and families.
• Mini-Golf Course: An outdoor mini-golf course surrounded by greenery, ideal for a relaxing hour or two.
• Sauna & Wellness Center: Includes a Finnish sauna, spa, and beauty salon for massages and treatments.
• All-Inclusive Dining: Generous buffets, à la carte options, and a bar serving regional and international drinks.
• Event Spaces: Concerts, conferences, darts tournaments, and other events held in well-equipped halls.
• Free Parking & EV Charging: Large car park with several modern EV charging stations (Type 2, both medium and slow options with plenty of availability).
• Fitness Center & Gym: Recently upgraded gym with cardio and weight machines, open for hotel guests.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Kid-friendly pools, play areas, and a packed entertainment calendar during school holidays.

Best Time to Visit

Timing your visit to De Bonte Wever depends on your travel goals. If you’re seeking a relaxing escape with fewer crowds, I’d recommend coming in the late spring (April–June) or early autumn (September–October). The pools are comfortably heated all year, but these months offer mild weather and less busy public areas—ideal if you want to try every amenity in peace.

During Dutch school holidays—especially summer (July–August) and Christmas breaks—the resort fills with families. The atmosphere is delightfully lively, with extra activities for kids and themed evenings. I once visited in August: it was vibrant, but never felt packed, as the facilities are generously sized. If you’re a night owl or like music, plan your stay around scheduled concerts or darts tournaments, as these events add buzz to the evenings.

If you’re keen on exploring the city of Assen or nearby Drents Museum, choosing a weekend when there are no major events (like the famous TT motorcycle races) means more wallet-friendly rates and plentiful parking. Whenever you visit, be sure to check in after 3:00 PM and set your check-out for 10:30 AM—those times are firm, but the friendly staff will help with luggage storage if you arrive early or want to spend your last hours by the pool.

How to Get There

Getting to De Bonte Wever is straightforward. The address—Stadsbroek 17, 9405 BK Assen—is well recognized by GPS, and you’ll see signs for the resort as you approach Assen. If you’re driving, there’s ample free parking. For electric vehicles, the charging bays are to the right of the main entrance; both medium (11 kW) and slow (9.7 kW) Type 2 chargers are available and, in my experience, rarely all in use.

Prefer public transit? Assen’s central train station connects to Groningen and the Randstad comfortably. Taxis are quick and affordable from the station to De Bonte Wever—it’s just a ten-minute ride—but regular city buses also stop within a short walk. Cycling is always an option in the Netherlands: well-marked bike paths lead directly from the city to the hotel.

If you’re arriving from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, trains to Assen run direct several times daily, often with only one change at Zwolle. Total travel time is about two hours, making it entirely feasible for a weekend break or business trip. Note the hotel does not offer an airport shuttle, but with such easy rail and road connections, you won’t miss it.

Tips for Visiting

• Book all-inclusive: If you enjoy freedom with dining and drinks, I highly recommend an all-inclusive plan. It simplifies your stay and you sample a wide variety, including regional specialties.
• Reserve activities in advance: During busier weekends, bowling lanes and spa treatments can book out—don’t leave it to the last minute, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
• Pools essentials: Remember to bring flip-flops and swim caps (not always required but recommended). Large towels are provided, but extra ones cost a small fee.
• Families: If you have kids, check the entertainment schedule for themed pool afternoons and mini-disco events. The staff are amazing with children—my youngest still talks about the pancake mornings.
• Accessibility: The hotel is fully accessible, with ramps and adapted rooms. If you have specific requirements, note them when booking—the staff go the extra mile to help.
• Charging your EV: Charging spots are almost always available given the number of sockets. Bring your own cable for a smooth experience.
• Quiet corners: For some downtime, the lounge-bar area is usually calm before dinner, and the garden-facing terrace is perfect for morning coffee.
• Exploring Assen: Bring or rent a bike; beautiful residential areas, the TT Circuit, and the Drentsche Aa National Park are all within cycling distance.
• Conference guests: If you’re attending a business event, you’ll find meeting rooms equipped with the latest tech and staff who know how to handle both small workshops and large expos.
• Check local events: It’s worth looking up the calendar before booking, as you may catch a well-regarded darts tournament, live concert or a family festival happening right in the resort.

I’ve found De Bonte Wever is one of those places that’s easy to recommend—whether you’re organizing a conference, planning a family getaway, or just needing a weekend to unwind by the water and under the sauna’s steam. The friendly team, extensive amenities, and genuinely welcoming atmosphere make it a memorable stay each time.