Accommodations

The Netherlands offers a range of accommodations, from major international chains and small, modern local hotels to family-run restored inns and historic houses. Rooms in Amsterdam are at a premium most of the year, so you should book well in advance, but the situation is not so crazy elsewhere in the Netherlands, outside summer months. During the week, hotels in larger cities often fill with business travelers. Such places also offer substantial weekend discounts in turn, which are also available during the week, as well as in July and August, when there are fewer business travelers. Wherever and whenever you go, you will have a wider choice if you plan ahead.

Apartment and House Rentals

If you travel with a group of friends or with children, or if you plan to stay for more than two nights, consider renting an apartment. Not only will you probably spend less money per person per night, you can also save by cooking your own meals. On top of that, staying in an apartment will offer you the opportunity to experience the city as a local. The Amsterdam tourist information website (www.iamsterdam.com) has a list of trustworthy companies that offer accommodation for rent.

A reliable organization with a varied choice of rentals is Amsterdam CityMundo (amsterdam.citymundo.com). Their carefully selected accommodations include apartments, studios, and houseboats. Most apartments sleep up to four people. All accommodations are privately owned and fully furnished, which makes for a homey feel. The minimum stay is generally two or three nights. Linens and towels are included in the price. The rate for one person per night is €25–€54, depending on the apartment, the location, the number of people, and the number of nights.

For a special and stylish stay, you can book Maison Rika (www.rikaint.com), a charming two-story guesthouse on the Oude Spiegelstraat with canal views. The beautiful 17th-century house is modernized and decorated by Ulrika Lundgren, the Swedish-born designer behind Amsterdam-based fashion label Rika. The apartment sleeps up to four people and costs €250 per night.

De Blauwe Polder (www.blauwepolder.nl) offers four modern cottages in the countryside, just outside Amsterdam. The comfortable accommodations guarantee a peaceful stay amid green fields. The rent includes bikes to explore the beautiful surroundings, or to cycle to the city center of Amsterdam, which is only 15 minutes away. Each apartment sleeps two people. A minimum stay of seven nights is required. Rates are per apartment per week and depend on the season. Rates run €440–€525 in high season (July 15–September 15), €395–€440 in mid-season (April 15–July 14 and September 16–November 1), and €260–€335 in low season (November 1–April 14).

The VVVs (tourist offices) in Amsterdam and in each region have extensive accommodations listings. They can book reservations for you according to your specific requirements.

Center Parcs and Landal Green Parks have information about park and villages, as well as rental accommodations, in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe.

Local Agents in the Netherlands

Center Parcs. 010/498–9764; www.centerparcs.eu.

Air Bnb. Amsterdam, North Holland. www.airbnb.com.

Landal Green Parks. 070/300–3506; www.landal.com.

VVV Netherlands Board of Tourism. www.vvv.nl.