Does anyone have any experience or recommendation of where to stay in Leiden or Haarlem? We are working on our plans for the spring of 2020. We plan to travel north on the train from Antwerp and stop in The Hague for the day, principally to visit The Mauritshuis Museum and to buy our Netherlands Museum card. Since we need 5 days from the time we register the card to receive the extension, we thought we would stop in Leiden or Haarlem for 2 days to go to the Keukenhof gardens and to visit Haarlem and then on the third day rent a car to go east to the Kroller Mueller and the Folk Museum near Arnhem before driving back to Amsterdam. By that time our extension card will hopefully arrive at the hotel where we are staying in Amsterdam.
1. Any thoughts or feedback on this plan?
2. Any recommendations on where to stay in Leiden or Haarlem?
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and ideas. Anne
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
In Leiden you'll find the functional Ibis hotel at two minutes from the railway station. For something more atmospheric consider the Doelen Hotel on the Rapenburg, the most beautiful canal of the city, and a less than 10 mins walk from the station.
When staying in Leiden, there is no need to have The Hague as an in-between stop coming from Antwerpen. It takes no more than 15 mins to get from Leiden at The Hague Centraal station, from where it is a short walk to the Mauritshuis.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I have just stayed at Hotel Amadeus in Haarlem. Right on square, fairly spartan but very clean, en-suite, nice included breakfast and lunch and dinner menus are tasty. Elevator also in this classic Dutch b&b style hotel. Well priced, friendly staff.
Posted by
Atlanta
2469 posts
I stayed at the Carlton Square Hotel in Haarlem in April 2018. Very quiet with large rooms and helpful staff. We ate breakfast and sometimes dinner in the hotel dining room. It’s about 1-1/2 miles from the train station, a quick taxi ride or a pleasant walk through town,
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
We've stayed at two hotels in Haarlem: the Amadeus and the Ambassador City Centre. Both are fine; the Ambassador is a little nicer and a little more expensive. The elevator at the Amadeus is only available when the downstairs restaurant is open, so that could be a factor. Both hotels are on the main cathedral square. The staff at the Amadeus was especially helpful when DH lost his credit and debit cards.
In Leiden, we stayed at the Nieuwe Minerva, on the Rhine Canal, about a 10 minute walk from the train station. We loved Leiden and this hotel. The room was big! and there are nice public areas. I don't remember whether or not there was an elevator. The staff was great here, as well.
We love Haarlem, but this was our first time in Leiden, and we want to go back. Lots of museums, lots of beautiful walks, and an amazing array of good restaurants. We tried to find a way to add on a few days to our upcoming trip to France so we could go back to Leiden, but that will have to wait for another trip.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6498 posts
We stayed four nights last year in the Lion d'Or in Haarlem and liked it a lot. It's right across a square from the rail and bus stations, about ten minutes' walk from the main square and Great Church, and close to lots of good restaurants. Comfortable room, great breakfast, friendly helpful staff. A good base for sightseeing in Haarlem and connecting elsewhere.
Posted by
Tucson
4153 posts
Thanks for the good review, Dick. I have reservations in late May for the Lion d'Or.
Posted by
OP
Vanc., WA
16 posts
Thank you all for your ideas and comments. They have helped us with our decision of where to stay on our trip.
Leiden's old town is very close to the train station and is filled with small canals and charming places to wander as well as not being as touristy. We are looking forward to staying there and exploring. Anne
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
Anne, have fun in Leiden. Take plenty of time to just walk around - the walking tour in Rick's book is a great start.
We loved Leiden, and can't wait to return.