I like Ikea and I am glad they started to become more environmental and conscious of different…read morecultures. For students it is an affordable solution. Their designers' ingenuity in having hiding places and fitting storage areas into furniture is unlimited. A huge advantage when you live in tiny-room-or-house-Holland. Plus that they come up with good design and make it accessible for people who start out on their own. Yes, most Ikeas carry the same products. When you read their magazines and history, however, you find out that there is a difference in products. I have to admit that back when I started out and got furniture at Ikea, the quality seemed better in my memory -- but I don't mean a 'everything was better in the good ole days'! For example, I have stainless boxes that have lasted over 20 years and crossed oceans. Of course it's a place I recommend.

So apparently Ikeas are the same no matter where you are. I've now been to one here in NL, in…read moreGermany, and various locations in the US. You'll find affordable furniture, a huge parking lot, and several pregnant women since they flock to this place. Oh, and meatballs.

I have always been a fan of the Blokker. They carry good quality items and are reasonably priced…read more The reason for the 3 stars is the lack of air conditioning on warm days and lack of stock. I was looking for a few items but quickly gave up since the better quality names were out of stock and I couldn't even continue searching the store because I was sweating. It was stuffy and humid inside and it wasn't that warm out. I recommend they invest in a fan or something because I'm sure warmer days are ahead. I did appreciate that they remained open on a holiday. I admire that. Especially when they are so close to camping areas.

I know I love my local IKEA here in Utrecht, but this one in Amersfoort just has a certain "je ne…read moresais quoi" that ours doesn't (yet) have. Being an IKEA, it is awesome for all the obvious reasons, but this one always reminds me of the IKEA in Israel because it's also super huge. And anything that reminds me of home and my family already has a special place in my heart. This IKEA has a slightly wider range of their products than ours does because it has so much more space, which is great! The restaurant is also nice and big and seats lot's of people without being cramped together. The food is good and the specials are great. They had a steak dinner as a special last month and much to le boyfriend's surprise it was cooked quite well. Much better than you would expect from an IKEA really and also the portions are generous for a great price. What's not to love? Actually, the coffee is what's not to love. Not sure if it was a one time mistake, but the cappuccino I had tasted like the beans were burned. I hate burned beans, way too bitter! My regular amount of sugar (half a sachet) couldn't fix it, nor did the entire sachet, so I chucked the coffee. Luckily, with my IKEA family card, it was free anyway.

I know it may be North American of me to be surprised by this but I actually liked the IKEA dark…read morebeer I got here . I always recommend IKEA for a cheap breakfast!