Like the service, the interior takes you back to another time. The house is one of a pair built in 1890. As owners of the adjacent property Guido and Irene van den Elshout were given the option to buy on condition that they kept the historic interiors, which were the same as they had been when built. Updating and modernising with central heating etc. is difficult in these circumstances, but by use of modern technology a charming small suites hotel has been created.

Heating is hidden in the walls, space is cleverly used to create ultra modern bathrooms and kitchens, whilst unalloyed sybaritic luxury is achieved in the suites themselves. The design of the suites will be the subject of a full Review at a later date, but it is the service that truly sets the Haagsche Suites apart from the competing five star offering. Each kitchen has a selection of chocolates and wines, juices and crisps (chips if you are from North America) for your pleasure. There is full fast and free internet connection.

Building on their experience of UK Bed and Breakfast establishments the Elshouts bring you into their home with service your mum never delivered – and nor do most hotels, as this is service above and beyond and is indicative perhaps of the future for small hotels where competition must be by service not price. Service here is all about your comfort.

Breakfast can be taken either on the terrace, in a dining room overlooking the terrace (where dinners for up to 24 can be staged) or in the ultimate luxury of your suite. Whilst there is no restaurant the couple will suggest and book a restaurant and drive you to your evening meal themselves, taking pleasure in telling you about the Hague as they do so.

On your return there will be a half bottle of champagne in your room, chilled to perfection, to round off your evening. All this in an environment that is to the total antithesis of the minimalist or corporate interior, an interior that is focussed totally on the physical and psychological comfort of the guest and all for the price of a standard five star bedroom.