Nestled just 20km west of Amsterdam, Haarlem offers the perfect blend of Dutch charm, historic architecture, and convenient access to the Netherlands’ major attractions. Finding the right accommodation is crucial for experiencing this picturesque city to its fullest. Whether you’re seeking luxury boutique hotels in the historic center or budget-friendly options with easy transport links, our comprehensive guide to hotels in Haarlem Netherlands will help you discover the perfect stay for your Dutch adventure.
Why Choose Haarlem Over Amsterdam for Your Stay
Many travelers to the Netherlands focus solely on Amsterdam, but savvy visitors are increasingly choosing Haarlem as their base. Located just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem offers several advantages:
- More affordable accommodation rates than Amsterdam
- Authentic Dutch atmosphere with fewer tourists
- Walkable historic center with beautiful architecture
- Easy access to Amsterdam (15 minutes by train)
- Direct connection to Schiphol Airport (20 minutes)
- Proximity to the beautiful Dutch coastline
- Charming shopping streets and local markets
- Excellent dining options at lower prices
- Peaceful atmosphere for relaxing after sightseeing
- Historic attractions like the Frans Hals Museum
Local Insight: Haarlem is known as a “mini Amsterdam” but with significantly lower accommodation prices and a more relaxed atmosphere. Most hotels in Haarlem are within walking distance of the train station, making day trips to Amsterdam, the beach, or tulip fields incredibly convenient.
Luxury & Boutique Hotels in Haarlem
For travelers seeking upscale accommodations with distinctive character, Haarlem offers several exceptional boutique and luxury hotels. These properties combine premium amenities with the charm of historic buildings and personalized service.
Brasss Hotel Suites
Located in the heart of Haarlem, Brasss Hotel Suites offers spacious luxury accommodations with stunning views of the city center. The hotel features elegant rooms with premium amenities, free Wi-Fi throughout, and exceptional attention to detail.
What Guests Love
- Spacious, well-appointed suites
- Central location near main attractions
- Exceptionally friendly staff
- Luxurious bathrooms
Good to Know
- Premium pricing (from €210/night)
- Limited on-site dining options
- Some street noise in front-facing rooms
Perfect for: Couples seeking a romantic getaway or business travelers wanting upscale accommodations.
Distance from station: 7-minute walk from Haarlem Central
MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel
This charming boutique hotel offers a perfect blend of historic character and modern comfort. Located within walking distance of Haarlem’s main attractions, MAF Boutique Hotel features concierge services, a welcoming terrace, free WiFi, and a stylish bar where guests can unwind.
“MAF is a small boutique hotel under new ownership by 2 kind and hospitable owners. They took the time to share their knowledge of the property with us and made sure that we had suggestions and reservations for our daily itinerary.”
Perfect for: Travelers seeking personalized service and local insights
Distance from station: 10-minute walk from Haarlem Central
Cavallaro Hotel
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Haarlem, Cavallaro Hotel offers stylish accommodations with a prime location for exploring the city. This newer addition to Haarlem’s hotel scene has quickly earned a reputation for its ideal central position and contemporary design.
Perfect for: Visitors who prioritize location and modern amenities
Distance from station: 8-minute walk from Haarlem Central
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Haarlem
Haarlem offers excellent mid-range accommodations that provide comfort and convenience without the luxury price tag. These hotels are perfect for travelers seeking quality stays with good amenities at reasonable prices.
Hotel Lion d'Or
This classic city hotel is located in the heart of Haarlem, within easy walking distance of the Market Square and the famous St. Bavo Church. Hotel Lion d’Or combines traditional charm with modern amenities, offering comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and excellent service.
What Guests Love
- Central location near main attractions
- Comfortable, well-maintained rooms
- Helpful, friendly staff
- Good breakfast options
Good to Know
- Some rooms can be on the smaller side
- Limited parking options nearby
- Street noise in some front-facing rooms
Perfect for: Couples and solo travelers who want a central location
Distance from station: 5-minute walk from Haarlem Central
Carlton Square Hotel
The Carlton Square is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Haarlem that combines international allure with a luxurious ambiance and Dutch hospitality. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving international cuisine, and a cozy bar.
Perfect for: Business travelers and tourists seeking reliable comfort
Distance from station: 12-minute walk from Haarlem Central
Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals
Ideally located in the center of Haarlem, Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals offers comfortable accommodations within walking distance of all tourist sites. The hotel features spacious rooms, a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
“Great central situation, just off the main Square. Ideal for trips into Amsterdam but with great options for dining out when returning in the evening.”
Perfect for: Travelers who prioritize location and convenience
Distance from station: 7-minute walk from Haarlem Central
Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Haarlem
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or location in Haarlem. These affordable options offer excellent value while still providing convenient access to the city’s attractions.
Amadeus Hotel
This family-run hotel is situated in a historic building on the picturesque Grote Markt in Haarlem. Amadeus Hotel offers basic but comfortable accommodations with an unbeatable location, an internet cafe, a terrace, and a lounge with traditional Dutch décor.
“Brilliant hotel in Haarlem, right in the town centre in market Square, everything is close by – train station, shops, cafes, restaurants & it’s only 3 stops on the train to Amsterdam Central. The continental breakfast, with hot croissants was lovely.”
What Guests Love
- Unbeatable location on Grote Markt
- Free breakfast included
- Friendly, family-run atmosphere
- Great value for the location
Good to Know
- Basic rooms with limited amenities
- Some rooms share bathroom facilities
- Steep stairs typical of Dutch buildings
- Can be noisy during events on the square
Perfect for: Budget travelers and backpackers who prioritize location
Distance from station: 10-minute walk from Haarlem Central
Holiday Inn - the niu, Dairy Haarlem
This modern hotel offers comfortable accommodations with contemporary design at reasonable prices. Located within walking distance of Haarlem’s attractions, the hotel features a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property, and a bar.
Perfect for: Travelers seeking modern amenities at affordable prices
Distance from station: 15-minute walk from Haarlem Central
ibis Styles Haarlem City
Located 1.7 km from the Grote Markt, ibis Styles Haarlem City offers comfortable, affordable accommodations with free WiFi. The hotel features colorful, modern design and provides good value for budget-conscious travelers.
“The people is very kind and the breakfast bufet was the best 👌🏼”
Perfect for: Budget travelers who don’t mind being slightly outside the center
Distance from station: 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from Haarlem Central
Family-Friendly Hotels in Haarlem
Traveling with family requires accommodations that cater to the needs of both parents and children. These Haarlem hotels offer family rooms, convenient amenities, and locations that make family travel easier.
Van der Valk Hotel Haarlem
Van der Valk offers spacious rooms with extra-long beds, satellite TV, and balconies just 1.2 miles from Haarlem’s city center. The hotel features free WiFi throughout, Tesla charging points, a restaurant, and comfortable family rooms.
“As always this hotel never fails! Best van der valk in the Netherlands! We stayed in the large family room. Great location, with friendly staff, clean and luxurious.”
What Families Love
- Spacious family rooms
- Free parking on-site
- Restaurant with children’s menu
- Quiet location away from city noise
Good to Know
- Located outside the city center (5-minute drive)
- Public transport options limited
- Restaurant can be busy at peak times
Perfect for: Families with children who prefer space and parking
Distance from station: 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi from Haarlem Central
Bed & Breakfast Hotel Malts
Located in the heart of Haarlem on one of the most popular shopping streets, Bed & Breakfast Hotel Malts offers a characteristic Dutch breakfast and comfortable family accommodations. The small, family-run hotel provides a warm, personal touch that many families appreciate.
“Central location, fresh fabulous breakfasts and super hosts”
Perfect for: Families who appreciate personalized service and central location
Distance from station: 8-minute walk from Haarlem Central
Practical Tips for Booking Hotels in Haarlem
Best Time to Book
- Book 2-3 months in advance for the best rates, especially during tulip season (March-May)
- Weekday stays are typically 15-25% cheaper than weekends
- Low season (November-February, excluding holidays) offers the best deals
- Last-minute bookings can sometimes yield discounts, but selection will be limited
Location Considerations
- City center hotels offer the best access to attractions but may be noisier
- Near Haarlem Station is ideal if you plan day trips to Amsterdam or the coast
- Residential areas like Kleverpark offer quieter stays within walking distance
- Accommodations near Grote Markt put you in the heart of Haarlem’s dining and shopping
Transportation Tips
- Train from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Haarlem takes just 15-20 minutes
- Bus #300 connects Schiphol Airport to Haarlem center every 10 minutes
- Renting bikes is an excellent option – most hotels can arrange this
- Parking in Haarlem can be expensive (€3-5/hour) – choose hotels with parking if driving
Money-Saving Tips
- Book directly with hotels for potential discounts or perks
- Look for packages that include breakfast (can save €10-15 per person)
- Consider apartments for stays longer than 3 nights
- Haarlem City Card offers free museum entry and discounts at some hotels
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May): Tulip season means higher prices but beautiful surroundings. Book 3+ months ahead.
Summer (June-August): Peak tourist season with pleasant weather. Expect higher rates and book well in advance.
Autumn (September-October): Fewer tourists, beautiful colors, and moderate prices make this a great time to visit.
Winter (November-February): Lowest prices (except during Christmas/New Year) but shorter days and cooler weather.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels in Haarlem
Is it better to stay in Haarlem or Amsterdam?
Staying in Haarlem offers several advantages over Amsterdam: accommodations are typically 20-30% cheaper, the atmosphere is more relaxed and authentic, and you’ll experience fewer crowds. With just a 15-minute train ride to Amsterdam Central (trains run until late), Haarlem provides excellent value while still allowing easy access to all of Amsterdam’s attractions. Haarlem itself is a beautiful historic city with plenty to see and do.
How far is Haarlem from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?
Haarlem is approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes by train, with direct connections running 4 times per hour. Alternatively, Bus #300 connects the airport to Haarlem center every 10 minutes during daytime hours. A taxi ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes and costs around €35-45.
Which area of Haarlem is best for tourists to stay?
The historic city center around Grote Markt is ideal for tourists, putting you within walking distance of major attractions like St. Bavo Church, Frans Hals Museum, and numerous restaurants and shops. The area near Haarlem Central Station is also convenient, especially if you plan to take day trips to Amsterdam or other Dutch cities. For a quieter stay that’s still central, consider accommodations in the Vijfhoek neighborhood, known for its charming streets and local atmosphere.
What is the average price of hotels in Haarlem?
Based on current rates, the average prices for hotels in Haarlem are:
- 3-star hotels: €120-140 per night
- 4-star hotels: €165-190 per night
- 5-star and luxury boutique hotels: €210-250+ per night
Prices can increase by 20-40% during peak season (April-August) and during major events. Weekday stays are typically cheaper than weekends.
Do hotels in Haarlem offer parking?
Parking in Haarlem’s city center is limited and expensive (€3-5 per hour, with daily maximums around €25-30). Some hotels like Van der Valk Hotel Haarlem offer free parking on-site, while others may provide discounted rates at nearby parking garages. If you’re traveling by car, it’s advisable to specifically book a hotel with parking facilities or to check with the hotel about parking options before arrival. Many visitors find they don’t need a car in Haarlem as the city is compact and well-connected by public transportation.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Hotels in Haarlem Netherlands
Haarlem offers a wonderful alternative to staying in Amsterdam, with charming historic architecture, excellent dining options, and easy access to both Amsterdam and the beautiful Dutch coastline. The city’s range of accommodations caters to every type of traveler and budget.
For luxury seekers, Brasss Hotel Suites and MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel provide exceptional experiences in historic settings. Mid-range travelers will find excellent value at Hotel Lion d’Or and Carlton Square Hotel, while budget-conscious visitors can enjoy comfortable stays at Amadeus Hotel or ibis Styles Haarlem City without sacrificing location or essential amenities.
Whichever hotel you choose, Haarlem’s compact size ensures you’re never far from its attractions, restaurants, and transport connections. By staying in this charming Dutch city, you’ll experience authentic Netherlands culture while enjoying more space, lower prices, and fewer crowds than in neighboring Amsterdam.
