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Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam North Holland, The Netherlands Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Diverse Choices

  • Hostels

    Ideal for frugal travelers and social atmospheres. Stayokay Haarlem is a popular choice.

  • Hotels

    Ranging from budget to 5-star, with various amenities.

  • Guesthouses and B&Bs

    Locally run, offering a personal experience in historical buildings.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Found in renovated historic buildings, offering unique design and personalized service.

Long-Stay and Outdoor Options

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Platforms like Booking.com and Vrbo offer space, privacy, and kitchen facilities.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Many B&Bs offer an immersive experience with local hosts.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    No direct camping within city limits, but available towards the coast near Zandvoort.

  • Pet-Friendly Options

    Some hotels and holiday rentals allow pets; check policies. TrustedHousesitters for house/pet sitting exchanges.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area offers a different character, balancing proximity to attractions with ambiance.

City Center

Pros
  • Easy walking access to the main sights.
  • Lively atmosphere with dining and nightlife.
  • In the middle of everything.
  • market days.
Cons
  • Can be noisy, especially in the evening.
  • Higher accommodation prices.
  • Limited and expensive parking.
  • Packed at peak times season.

Stationsbuurt

Pros
  • Excellent access to Haarlem Central Station.
  • Easy for day trips and the airport transfers.
  • Often quieter than the highly center.
  • Short walk to most attractions.
Cons
  • Lacks immediate historic charm.
  • Mix of residential and commercial.
  • Can have moderate noise levels near main roads.
  • Fewer unique cafes in comparison with the center.

De Vijfhoek

Pros
  • Charming and picturesque neighborhood.
  • Quiet, peaceful residential atmosphere.
  • Close to central attractions.
  • Authentic local living experience.
Cons
  • Fewer large hotels.
  • More B&Bs and apartment rentals.
  • Some pedestrian-only streets.
  • Limited immediate public transport stops.

Important Considerations

Safety

All neighborhoods are generally safe. Standard precautions against petty crime, like pickpocketing, apply. Be careful in crowded tourist areas.

Noise Levels

City Center can be lively and noisy. De Vijfhoek is generally quiet and peaceful. Stationsbuurt experiences moderate noise.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices secure your preferred accommodation and potentially save money.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (April-August): Book 3-6 months ahead for popular hotels or events.
  • Shoulder Season (March, September-October): Book 1-3 months ahead for more availability.
  • Low Season (November-February): Booking 1 month or less ahead is common for excellent prices.
  • Peak events and holidays require earlier booking.

Trusted Platforms & Policies

  • Use reputable global platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, Vrbo.
  • For smaller B&Bs, direct booking can sometimes offer better rates.
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not common practice in the Netherlands.
  • Always check deposit and cancellation policies before confirming.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

High Season & Events
  • Prices are significantly higher during high season (April-August).
  • Major events or public holidays also cause price increases.
  • Limited availability during these periods.
  • Book well in advance to secure a room.
Low Season
  • Lowest prices are typically found in winter (November-February).
  • Excludes the Christmas and New Year period.
  • More flexibility with last-minute bookings.
  • Often find good deals closer to arrival.

Explore Top Stays

Budget Options

Affordable hostels and hotels for cost-conscious travelers.

Mid-Range Choices

Comfortable hotels with good amenities at affordable rates.

Luxury & Boutique

Upscale hotels and unique boutique properties for a special stay.

Accommodation Recommendations

Specific recommendations for different budget levels and travel styles in Haarlem.

Budget and Mid-Range Stays

Stayokay Haarlem

Price Range: €25 - €60 (dorm/private)

  • Hostel environment.
  • Near Haarlemmerhout Park.
  • Bike rental available.
  • Social atmosphere.
Ambassador City Centre Hotel Haarlem

Price Range: €70 - €120

  • Budget-friendly hotel.
  • Central location.
  • Basic yet comfortable amenities.
  • Good for exploring on foot.

Upscale and Unique

Hotel Lion d'Or

Price Range: €120 - €180

  • Historic property.
  • Opposite the train station.
  • Elegant decor.
  • Highly rated for location.
Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals

Price Range: €130 - €220

  • Luxury feel.
  • Central location.
  • Spaarne views of the river.
  • Renovated building.

Family & Historic Stays

  • Hotel Carlton Square

    4-star, modern, comfortable. Short walk to the city center.

  • Haarlem Family Apartments

    Apartment-style lodging with kitchens, offering more space for families.

  • Hotel Haarlem

    Historic building (former hospital) with charm and character.

  • Find More

    Search Booking.com for exact properties and availability.

Extended Stay & Boutique

  • Boutique Hotel Staats

    Boutique style, with apartment-style options, centrally located.

  • Long-Stay Considerations

    Vacation rentals generally work best for longer visits.

  • Explore Locations

    Consider Stationsbuurt for transport access and De Vijfhoek for charm.

  • Booking Flexibility

    Many properties have flexible cancellation policies; always check.

Location & Insight

Ideal Locations for Exploring

Staying in the City Center or De Vijfhoek places you amidst attractions. Stationsbuurt offers excellent transport links.

  • City Center for lively atmosphere.
  • De Vijfhoek for historic charm.
  • Stationsbuurt for transport.
  • Schalkwijk for budget-friendly stays (further out).
Additional Tips for Your Stay

Consider noise levels in central areas and parking costs if traveling by car.

  • Book early for high season.
  • Check direct hotel websites for deals.
  • Confirm cancellation policies.
  • Look for B&Bs for local insights.

Overview of Stays

Hotels

Full range from budget to luxury, often with amenities like breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Guesthouses & B&Bs

Intimate, often historic, run by locals providing unique character and personal service.

Vacation Rentals

Apartments and houses offering space, privacy, and kitchen facilities, ideal for families.

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