I will be traveling to Aalsmeer in March. I realize this is just
Outside of Amsterdam but want to be as close to the De Bloemhof sports complex as possible. This will not be a leisure trip but one for a gymnastics meet for my daughter. We will be there from about March 14-18 2013. I am fine with public transport if it is easy and gets me to the venue quickly. I'm sure we will explore as well as we have time. I'd like a good place to stay with breakfast either walk able or very reliable public transport to the venue. I'm also up for renting a car but not sure if practical. Any other tips appreciated. Traveled quite a bit. But never to Netherlands. Thanks!!!!
Posted by
OP
AL, USA
45 posts
I am also open to homestay, bed and breakfast, hostel, etc
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
The sports complex is very near Schipol airport, in an industrial district. So the airport hotels might work best for you. Looking at Google Maps it doesn't appear that De Bloemhof is well served by public transport so a rental car and GPS might be the best way to go.
Posted by
Aalsmeer, Nederland
9 posts
I live in Aalsmeer. There is the Hotel Chariot located within a few minutes walk from de Bloemhof. Here is a link: http://www.hotel-chariot.nl/ I have no idea what it is like inside, but I do know they have an on-site restaurant. They are also located next to the indoor children's play place "Chimpee Champ", which my kids LOVE! There are also a few hotels in Aalsmeer Centrum. We stayed at Hotel Aalsmeer before we moved in to our house, and it was quite nice. There are buses everywhere - if you have the addresses you can search for a route on connexxion.nl. If you are staying in Aalsmeer you could rent a car, as there is typically parking available (I just wouldn't recommend driving in to Amsterdam). De Bloemenhof is not really located near anything interesting, so having a car to venture out might make the trip more fun. Driving here is very easy, just make sure you have a nav system or you WILL get lost if you are driving anywhere but the freeways. -Katie
Posted by
OP
AL, USA
45 posts
Thanks! Very helpful. Looking at the Marriott Courtyard since I can gain points with them. It is near the airport. And I'll rent a car I think. I hope we have time to explore!
Posted by
Aalsmeer, Nederland
9 posts
If you drive, just remember that the right ALWAYS gets the right-of-way unless otherwise marked in the Netherlands. There are no stop signs. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to slam on my breaks to let the car to my right go or have gotten beeped at when I haven't taken the right away when it is legally my turn (and be careful, because they assume you know the rules!).