Experience of a Resident

It’s time for another resident interview! This time, we spoke with Olatz about her experience living in a CHF apartment and settling into life in the Netherlands. Originally from Bilbao, she recently relocated to The Hague for work and is happy to share her impressions and tips to help make your stay even more enjoyable.

Before we start, could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Olatz, I’m 27 years old and originally from Bilbao. I moved to The Hague for work and I currently work at Danone. 

When staying away from home for business, finding somewhere that is more than just a place to sleep can make all the difference. Why did you choose a serviced apartment from Corporate Housing Factory instead of a hotel? What do you see as the main advantages?

I chose a serviced apartment from Corporate Housing Factory instead of a hotel because it feels more like a real home. The atmosphere is much warmer and more comfortable compared to a standard hotel room. On top of that, the flexibility is a big plus — things like flexible rental terms, weekly cleaning, fresh linen, and less paperwork make life a lot easier when you’re staying for work. 

We understand you’ve been living in the Netherlands for a little while now. What's been the most surprising cultural difference you've encountered in your day-to-day life here?

Living in the Netherlands has been a great experience, but it did take some getting used to. The biggest surprise for me was the famous Dutch directness — people are very straightforward, which can feel blunt at first but is also refreshing once you get used to it. Another big difference is the strong focus on work-life balance. People here really make time for themselves outside of work, which is very different from some other cultures I’ve experienced. And of course, the biking culture really stands out — everyone, from kids to grandparents, seems to get around by bike, and the whole city is built to make that easy.

Have you discovered any hidden gems or local secrets during your stay that you’d like to recommend to future residents?

The Hague has plenty of nice spots, but the beach is definitely a highlight. It’s not exactly a hidden gem, since Scheveningen is very well known, but it’s still one of my favorite places to go. I love having a drink there and watching the sunset — it’s a perfect way to relax after work.

Exploring a new country can be an exciting adventure. Are there any specific blogs, websites, or apps that you found particularly helpful or enjoyable for newcomers to the Netherlands?

For newcomers, I’d definitely recommend IamExpat. It’s a really helpful website for expats, with news, housing options, job listings, and events. For getting around, the 9292 app and the NS app are essential. They make using public transport much easier and save you a lot of time when planning trips.