Staying in Haarlem when visiting Amsterdam

Is it cheaper?? Regarding hotels and food.

We spent four days last September in Haarlem. We found it very convenient. We stay right on the city square. About a ten minute walk to the train station and ten minute ride to Amsterdam. The trams are right outside the train station and they will take you anywhere in Amsterdam. I don't know if hotels are cheaper because we did not price lodging in Amsterdam. I am guessing it would be cheaper but not substantially so. Maybe a difference of 10 to 20 Euro. Haarlem is just very relaxing and far less intense than Amsterdam. It is a lovely, small dutch town. No crowds to speak of. Several very good restaurants within a couple blocks of the city square. Prices seemed about the same as Amsterdam.

Thank you very much Frank! I understand that the convenience of staying in Haarlem has more to do with the quietness and charm of the town than with the budget. I didn't know how long is the ride from Haarlem to Amsterdam, 10 minutes is nothing!

Actually, Haarlem is cheaper than Amsterdam, Frank. Right now Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe right up there with Venice. Of course, there are budget lodgings, however, most hotels are very, very high.We did alot of traveling in The Netherlands when they had the guilder, now , of course, they have the euro. The difference is incredible. Hotels that were 50 US dollars then are five times that amount.We are planning a trip to photograph the flowers and the difference is shocking!!! I think I would rather be in Amsterdam ,though, to take those early morning strolls along the canals and see them lit up late at night. A lot of people think Paris is so expensive, but I really find Amsterdam higher.

Any suggestions for lodging in Haarlem for 2 adults (60+) who would like to have a private bathroom but if not, willing to share? (names of places)
we are into quaintness too (versus American style hotels etc.)
Thanks.

I would vote for staying in Amsterdam. We stayed in Haarlem a couple of years ago and although we liked the town, found it a bit inconvenient. On Sunday's, maintenance on the tracks will sometimes turn your fifteen minute train ride into a thirty minute train and/or bus ride. It is also a long enough journey that you will probably not want to do it more than once a day. We usually like being situated centrally to our main sightseeing objective to take advantage of early morning and late night strolls.

That all said we enjoyed the town of Haarlem. We stayed at Hotel Amadeus(ok rooms)right on the main square. It is a ten minute walk to the train station.

We stayed at Hotel Amadeus right on the square. We stayed in the B&B annex next door (because we needed a triple). The hotel is clean and nice. We really enjoyed Haarlem a lot. The Netherlands us one of our favorite places and Haarlem is a great sizxed city for wandering.

http://www.amadeus-hotel.com/GB/hotel.htm

I also stayed at the Hotel Amadeus in Haarlem once. Unfortunately, they had a very noisy carnival right in front at the time. Haarlem isn't a small town as it's about 150,000 population. I didn't get any small town feel, just the inconvenience of having to take the train into Amsterdam. If you're mainly visiting Amsterdam, I'd stay there. If Haarlem is a lot cheaper & that matters, you may find it worth the inconvenience (& the Frans Hals Museum is great).

Thank you all! I'am now more inclined to stay in Amsterdam rather than Haarlem! I'll probably go for a daytrip, but I guess it's more convenient to be in Amsterdam, given that I'll be visiting mostly that city. I'll have the option in mind though, in case I find cheaper accommodation.