We are planning a car trip one week in Normandy, drive from Paris Airport and one week in Holland (Haarlem base) in late April, Although auto drop off fee is large(400 euros) by the time we pay transportation from northern France to Haarlem and rent another car we will probably be about the same cost. Now the question, we figure on staying some where between Normany and Haarlem for a night, prefer smaller town, does anyone have a suggestion, also any suggestions for day trips north of Haarlem. We will also spent a couple of days in Amsterdam by train after we drop off car.
Posted by
OP
Westminster, CO, USA
194 posts
we are looking at the hotel Amadeus, my understanding is the parking is limited and not real convenient (70 euros a week) but like the convenience of a car for side trips and wondering around. we like B&B's but want our on bath.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
April is one of the best months for tulips. It's high season at Keukenhof, which you can reach easily from Haarlem. Most visitors to the Netherlands also want to see windmills, so check out the collection at Kinderdijk, which is near Rotterdam.
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
Daytrips in Holland: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, Monnickendam, Hoorn. Maybe visit some castles too? http://www.castles.nl/nl/nl.html You might like staying in Delft on the way north. We did. Bruges is gorgeous as well.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
In addition to the Tulips at the excellent Keukenhof gardens, next April also marks the start of the once every 10 years Floriade horticultural expo in Venlo Holland. No doubt there will be plenty of tulips on display: http://www.floriade.com/
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33847 posts
Parking in most parts of Haarlem is not completely easy. Where do you intend to stay?
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
There are many choices near Amsterdam. Haarlem is just OK. I used the Amadeus and did train trips into A'dam. But neither the Amadeus nor Harlem qualifies as Nirvana. The hotel itself is overwhelmed by Rick-niks clutching his book and it's maybe a tad overpriced. I'd look for a B&B with private bath elsewhere that is convenient to your destinations. You might check B&B's in Haarlem and other nearby towns on Tripadvisor. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g188593-c2-Haarlem_Noord_Holland-Hotels.html