We have had to change our travel plans and are now flying into Amsterdam. We have 4-5 nights before we will be heading to Antwerp and then into France. We will be arriving in Amsterdam April 23rd. We spent a week there 3 years ago and really enjoyed our time. We did day trips to Delft and Edam ( train and bus). This time we were thinking of staying in Haarlem, only day trip planned so far would be to see the Keukenhof gardens. Hotel prices are very high ( $300-400 CAD) for basic accommodation. Any recommended hotels? Should we look at The Hague or Leiden instead? TIA
Posted by
36 posts
I really like both Haarlem and Leiden. The Ibis in Leiden is a good budget option and very close to the central train station. We like staying there the night before our return flight. The train ride to the airport is about 20 minutes.
Posted by
Reston VA
513 posts
I'd choose Leiden over Haarlem, but both are pleasant. You're running a bit late in the planning for April, so you will likely see higher prices and less availability.
I think you could "play" Leiden, Haarlem, the Hague, and more against each other to find the best hotel rates. All are relatively close together so there is no big reason to eliminate one of them logistically.
Posted by
6 posts
Leiden has a more intimate historic city center compared to Haarlem with a lot of canals, narrow streets. It almost has a storybook atmosphere. Everything is within short walking distance of each other. Haarlem is also charming and full of history, but it feels more spread out and busier, with more shopping streets and larger squares.
We stayed at the Golden Tulip Inn hotel in Leiden (https://tulip-inn-leiden-centre.goldentulip.com/en-us/) and really enjoyed our stay there.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6932 posts
Prices are high because it's tulip season, very close to your dates, and then paired with a new increased hotel tax. And Amsterdam is reducing the number of Airbnb type lodgings. Kings Day is April 27. Also, many of the hotels seem rather small, from what I've seen. We will be there in mid-April. Either Leiden or Haarlem would be great. Perhaps research on booking.com, come back here for reviews, then book directly for the best price.
I like the Hotel Boutique Staats in Haarlem. We are staying in the B &B Hotel Malts, Haarlem, but I haven't been there yet. In Leiden, we love Steenhof Suites.
Good luck, and have a great trip!