staying in Harlem or Amsterdam.

If you mean the spring flower season and are thinking of visiting Keukenhof, then it makes little difference because it's easily and inexpensively reached from both Amsterdam and Haarlem. I'd stay in Amsterdam and explore what it has to offer. Haarlem is just a brief train ride away and can be a day trip. The spring flower season is fabulous (I've been there twice and am considering another trip.)If you're not going until next April, you have lots of time to inform yourself about your transportation options and what you want to see and experience. Have fun planning!

If you can hold off until 2012 the next Floriade Expo will be held again in the Netherlands. To see Keukenhof and Floriade on the same trip will be something you'll never forget.

http://www.floriade.nl/en-GB.aspx

RS likes Haarlem, has his tour groups stay there. To be honest I'm not sure why, unless its the affordability of a hotel that can hold his group of 25 or so. I've gone on a RS tour and in other cities (Rome, Florence, Venice) the group stayed right in the heart of downtown even though suburb lodging exists for those cities too.

Me, I'd say stay in Amsterdam if I was using public transit for my stay. There is plenty to do and see, and its a lot easier when its just a walk or tram ride away rather than going to a train station. With a car, its probably easier to park in Haarlem than Amsterdam unless there are big car lots on the approach to Amsterdam (don't know, since I've never had a car there)

If you've not been to Amsterdam you will want to visit it so why not stay there. You can buy tickets online which include the bus trip. Visit the main Klukenhof website, there is lots of information there. I would also suggest a visit to Aalsmeeer to see the flower auction. Enjoy.

I agree with Mike. For me Haarlem is a daytrip, not a destination.

BTW, not so happy with the World Cup result. I was in Amsterdam for the early rounds, quite an experience. A good run for Holland, though.