Hello - I'm interested in seeing sights in Amerstam, going to the Tulip parade, seeing Keukenhof and finding some windmills. Would it be better to stay in Haarlem or Sassenheim? Any recommendations or pros/cons of each location? And, would it be quick and easy to get into Amsterdam from either location? Thank you!
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
That choice isn't difficult: Haarlem is an attractive historical city, while Sassenheim isn't much more than a large village.
Besides Haarlem is just 15 to 20 mins from Amsterdam with 8 trains per hour; Sassenheim some 35 mins on a half-hourly train.
The Tulip Parade (»Bloemencorso«) seems to be in Haarlem on 14th April. The easiest way to reach the Keukenhof from Haarlem is to take the train to Leiden and there change to the Keukenhof Express (departure outside the railway station).
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you so much for the feedback! I was also hoping to decorate floats the day before the parade. Do you have a hotel recommendation? The Rick Steves recommendation that looked the nicest was Hotel Stempels, but they are booked April 12-15.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
The Hotel Lion d'Or, at two minutes from the railway station, gets enthousiastic reviews. Otherwise use a site like Booking.com or google with »haarlem hotel«.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2418 posts
hey beth
are you looking for a place next weekend and how many people? it is soooooo busy with tulips, spring break, getaway weekends plus expensive all the time. been there twice, it's a gorgeous, fun and crowded city. if you find a place grab it, it's probably slim pickens. look at your transportation to anywhere you are. good luck
aloha