Split down the middle, the village of Kaag is located on a rugged little island and perched on a sliver of mainland connected by a car ferry. Down the main lane of the island, on the left past the only church, is the Hotel Orion. Having been a sailing school dormitory at one time, the hotel has a three story rustic and glass foundation. Inside the foyer leading into the bar cafe adorned with the hull of a dingy as the actual polished bar, was reception. Our room was on the second floor and was reached by circular metal staircase on the outside in the middle of the hotel. The landing was wire mesh with metal railing and another flight of stairs leading to the third floor. Two doors down, we entered our quaint,compact room (as only the Dutch can make them).
Inside the half glass door to the left was a narrow long table just underneath the picture window snuggled up with a chair underneath and nudging the side of the first single bed, more like a cot. Efficiency was not a problem as we had clothes closet in the far left corner with the second chair, desk, telephone, televison hung on wall above the desk and a huge bath. Our quarters had more of an institutional feel than tourist with damask colored drapes and bed cover, no decorations on the white walls, complete with dull gray carpet. We later learned that it had a quite a reputation as a seminar hotel for local businesses. Heating was provided and as I did not see any sign or need air conditiong, we guessed there was none. Only problem, other than we had to give each other hand signals when we wanted to pass, was two twin beds, and not even pushed together. Well! we fixed that and tied the legs together with a towel. Now! This was the best - what they left out of the room they put in the bathroom and then in the shower. A huge yellow tiled rectangular bath room with a monsterous shower tucked the right end. Just maybe they needed that large shower for all those rustic sailing men long ago. Breakfast was served in the cafe down stairs and was never varying with eggs, cheese, coffee, tea, juice, and sliced loaf bread. Not the most of exotic of places, but comfortable and the owners and staff were wonderful with tips and information on dinning and attractions. The rooms were always clean and fresh. Hotel Orion is noted for it's quiet atmosphere, except for a occasional jet from Schiphol Airport and the rare wedding guest who runs the metal stairs on Saturday night. Our hosts were very quick to apoligize in the morning. Anyway, we just needed a place to stay to go see the wonderful bulb fields (Bollenstreek) and the fabulous Kuekenhof.