Netherlands Travel Guide - Accommodation

The Netherlands has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels in the big cities to modern motels along motorways and holiday villages in the countryside. 

Grading: The Netherlands Board of Tourism issues a shield to all approved hotels by which they can be recognised. Hotels are also graded according to the Benelux system, in which the standard is indicated by a row of three-pointed stars from the highest (5-star plus) to the minimum (1-star).

These are called pensions and rates vary. Book through local tourist offices.

There are over 3,400 small establishments offering bed and breakfast accommodation around The Netherlands, many of which can be booked via the Bed and Breakfast Netherlands website (see Accommodation Information below).

Farmhouses for groups can be booked months in advance via the local tourist offices. Holiday chalets, especially in the relatively unknown parts of Zeeland, can be booked through the local tourist office. Bungalow parks throughout the country can be booked through The Netherlands Reserverings Centrum (NRC). Most bungalow resorts offer a full range of recreational facilities including swimming pools, golf and tennis. Prices depend on size, quality of amenities and the time of year. Center Parcs (website: www.centerparcs.com) operates several large holiday villages in The Netherlands, offering serviced holiday cottages and apartments, and a wide range of family activities. Self-catering brochures are available from the Netherlands Board of Tourism (see Contact Addresses).

There are some 2,500 registered campsites in Holland. Only 500 offer advanced booking; the others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Off-site camping is not permitted. Prices are fairly high and it is often far better value to stay more than one night. A list is available from the Netherlands Board of Tourism (see Contact Addresses) and reservations can be made through the Stichting Vrije Recreatie.

There are around 30 hostels in various surroundings, from castles to modern buildings. People with a Hostelling International card receive a discount for an overnight stay including breakfast. Information is obtainable from Stayokay (the Dutch Youth Hostel Association/Stichting Nederlandse Jeugdherberg Centrale).

The Netherlands Reservation Centre (Netherlands Reserverings Centrum)
Plantsoengracht 2, 1441 DE Purmerend, The Netherlands
Tel: (0299) 689 144.
Website: www.hotelres.nl

Netherlands Board of Tourism
(Accommodation search facility)
Website: www.holland.com 

Bed & Breakfast Service Nederland
(Online reservations)
Website: www.bedandbreakfast.nl

Stichting Vrije Recreatie
(Information on Camping/Caravanning, in Dutch)
Broekseweg 75-77, 4231 VD Meerkerk, The Netherlands
Tel: (0183) 352 741.
Website: www.svr.nl

Stayokay
(The Dutch Youth Hostel Association/Stichting Nederlandse Jeugdherberg Centrale)
Tel: (020) 551 3155.
Website: www.stayokay.com