Leiden, with its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and vibrant university atmosphere, offers visitors a quintessential Dutch experience. Finding the right accommodation is crucial to fully enjoying this charming city. Whether you’re visiting for Leiden University, exploring museums, or using the city as a base to discover the Netherlands, we’ve researched and compiled the best hotels in Leiden Netherlands to suit every traveler’s needs and budget.
Hotels in Leiden Netherlands: Quick Comparison
| Hotel Name | Location | Price Range | Rating | Best For |
| Breathe Boutique Hotel | City Center | €150-190 | 9.0/10 | Luxury Experience |
| IntercityHotel Leiden | Near Station | €110-130 | 8.4/10 | Business Travelers |
| Hotel VIC | City Center | €110-140 | 8.1/10 | Modern Amenities |
| Boutique Hotel d’Oude Morsch | Historic Center | €115-150 | 8.8/10 | Historic Experience |
| ibis Leiden Centre | Near Station | €90-110 | 8.0/10 | Budget Travelers |
| Het Waterhof | Canal District | €130-160 | 9.4/10 | Authentic Experience |
Luxury Hotels in Leiden Netherlands
For travelers seeking premium accommodations, Leiden offers several exceptional options that combine Dutch hospitality with upscale amenities and services.
Breathe Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Leiden, Breathe Boutique Hotel offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms in a quiet street while remaining close to all attractions. This 4-star property combines modern luxury with traditional Dutch charm.
What Guests Love
- Spacious, stylish rooms
- Quiet location yet central
- Helpful, attentive staff
- Comfortable beds
Good to Know
- Premium pricing
- Limited parking nearby
From €153 per night
Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites
This adults-only boutique hotel offers a fitness center, shared lounge, and stylish bar in a historic building. Each suite is uniquely designed with attention to detail, combining historic elements with modern luxury.
What Guests Love
- Characterful, spacious suites
- Central location
- Fitness facilities
- Adults-only tranquility
Good to Know
- Not suitable for families with children
- Historic building may have stairs
From €139 per night
Historic Hotels in Leiden Netherlands
Experience Leiden’s rich history by staying in one of these characterful properties that combine historic charm with modern comforts.
Boutique Hotel d'Oude Morsch
Housed in a historic building just 656 feet from Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, this boutique hotel offers free WiFi and a terrace. The property is located 3 minutes from the center, providing an ideal base for exploring Leiden’s cultural attractions.
“Comfortable bed and good shower. Great location. Very walkable to Hortus Botanicus, historic churches, museums, restaurants and close walk to train station. Wonderful breakfast served graciously by the kind staff.”
What Guests Love
- Historic building with character
- Excellent breakfast
- Proximity to museums and attractions
- Helpful staff
Good to Know
- Some rooms require climbing stairs
- Limited parking options
From €116 per night
Boutique Hotel Huys van Leyden
This intimate boutique hotel is set in the historic center of Leiden, right next to the Oude Singel canal. The hotel offers uniquely decorated rooms that blend historic elements with modern comforts, creating a truly authentic Dutch experience.
What Guests Love
- Authentic historic ambiance
- Canal-side location
- Uniquely decorated rooms
- Personalized service
Good to Know
- Historic building may have uneven floors
- Some rooms are compact
From €129 per night
Hotels in Leiden Netherlands Near Central Station
For travelers prioritizing convenience and connectivity, these hotels near Leiden Central Station offer easy access to both the city’s attractions and day trips to other Dutch destinations.
IntercityHotel Leiden
Located just a minute’s walk from Leiden Central Station, IntercityHotel Leiden features a bar, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel’s prime location makes it perfect for both business travelers and tourists looking to explore the Netherlands.
“Everything was excellent. Really top hotel. The staff very nice, the room clean, big and comfortable. Very quiet there even it’s a minute walk from the train station.”
What Guests Love
- Unbeatable location next to station
- Modern, soundproofed rooms
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Clean, comfortable accommodations
Good to Know
- Some rooms have limited views
- Breakfast not included in all rates
From €119 per night
ibis Leiden Centre
Situated right next to Leiden Central Station and just 984 feet from the historical city center, ibis Leiden Centre offers comfortable, affordable accommodations with all the essentials. The hotel features the signature ibis Sweet Bed, ensuring a good night’s sleep after exploring the city.
“Staff is kindness. Very close to Leiden Centre Station. Supermarket is also close.”
What Guests Love
- Excellent location near station
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Good value for money
- Clean, functional rooms
Good to Know
- Rooms are compact
- Limited storage space
- Basic amenities
From €97 per night
Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
This 4-star hotel is opposite Leiden railway station and within 5-minutes’ walking distance from the historic city center. Golden Tulip Leiden Centre offers modern accommodations featuring flat-screen TVs, comfortable beds, and all the amenities needed for a pleasant stay.
What Guests Love
- Prime location opposite station
- Modern, well-equipped rooms
- Good restaurant and bar
- Business facilities
Good to Know
- Can be busy during peak times
- Some rooms face the railway
From €129 per night
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Leiden Netherlands
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on location or comfort. These affordable options offer excellent value while still providing a comfortable base for exploring Leiden.
Hotel Mayflower
Hotel Mayflower is located downtown in one of the best locations in Leiden. This budget-friendly option offers simple, clean rooms in the heart of the city, making it perfect for travelers who prioritize location and value over luxury amenities.
What Guests Love
- Central location
- Affordable rates
- Basic but functional rooms
- Helpful staff
Good to Know
- Basic amenities
- Some rooms need updating
- Can be noisy on weekends
From €110 per night
City Hotel Rembrandt
Rembrandt City Hotel Leiden is located in the historic center of Leiden, offering well-kept rooms in a lively university city environment. The hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring Leiden’s cultural and historical attractions.
“Stayed five days to tour the city. The hotel is perfectly located for a short walk to Centraal station, to restaurants and the park. The rooms were clean and had plenty of space to sit. The two front desk staff were awesome.”
What Guests Love
- Great location in historic center
- Clean, comfortable rooms
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Good value for money
Good to Know
- Limited facilities
- Some rooms face busy streets
From €112 per night
Apartment-Style Hotels in Leiden Netherlands
For travelers seeking more space and self-catering options, these apartment-style accommodations offer the perfect blend of hotel services and independent living.
Apartement hotel Stays by ADM
Offering free WiFi, Apartement hotel Stays by ADM provides stylish accommodations in Leiden’s city center. These well-appointed apartments combine the convenience of a hotel with the space and facilities of a private apartment, including kitchen facilities.
“The place is really beautiful and close to everything. Just for your information: for people with mobility difficulties, the stairs are a bit steep.”
What Guests Love
- Spacious, well-designed apartments
- Central location
- Self-catering facilities
- Modern amenities
Good to Know
- Steep stairs in some units
- Limited reception hours
From €130 per night
NR22 Leiden
Close to Leidse Schouwburg, NR22 Leiden offers comfortable, stylish apartments in a convenient location. These well-equipped units provide all the comforts of home, making them ideal for longer stays or travelers who prefer more space and independence.
What Guests Love
- Spacious, well-designed apartments
- Great location
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Comfortable furnishings
Good to Know
- Self check-in process
- Limited parking nearby
From €134 per night
Where to Stay in Leiden Netherlands: Location Guide
Leiden is a compact city with several distinct areas, each offering different advantages for visitors. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best location for your stay.
City Center
Best for: First-time visitors
Staying in Leiden’s historic center puts you within walking distance of most attractions, including museums, historic buildings, and picturesque canals. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby.
Recommended hotels: Breathe Boutique Hotel, Boutique Hotel Huys van Leyden, Hotel Mayflower
Near Central Station
Best for: Day-trippers
If you plan to take day trips to Amsterdam, The Hague, or other Dutch cities, staying near Leiden Central Station is extremely convenient. This area also offers easy access to the city center.
Recommended hotels: IntercityHotel Leiden, ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
University Area
Best for: Academic visitors
For those visiting Leiden University or attending academic conferences, the university area offers convenient accommodations close to university buildings and the Botanical Garden.
Recommended hotels: Boutique Hotel d’Oude Morsch, ExLibris Boutique Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels in Leiden Netherlands
What is the best area to stay in Leiden?
The best area to stay in Leiden depends on your priorities. For first-time visitors, the historic city center offers easy access to attractions, restaurants, and shops. If you plan to take day trips to other Dutch cities, staying near Leiden Central Station is most convenient. For longer stays or families, the slightly quieter residential areas just outside the center can offer more space and value.
How far is Leiden from Amsterdam?
Leiden is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) southwest of Amsterdam. By train, the journey takes about 35 minutes on the direct intercity service from Leiden Central Station to Amsterdam Central Station, making it an excellent base for day trips to the Dutch capital.
What are the most luxurious hotels in Leiden?
The most luxurious accommodations in Leiden include Breathe Boutique Hotel, Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites (adults-only), and Boutique Hotel Huys van Leyden. These properties offer premium amenities, stylish interiors, and excellent service in historic or central locations.
Are there budget-friendly hotels in Leiden?
Yes, Leiden offers several budget-friendly options including ibis Leiden Centre, Hotel Mayflower, and City Hotel Rembrandt. These hotels provide clean, comfortable accommodations at more affordable rates while still offering good locations in or near the city center.
How far is Keukenhof Gardens from Leiden?
Keukenhof Gardens is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Leiden. During the tulip season (late March to mid-May), there are direct buses from Leiden Central Station to Keukenhof, making Leiden an excellent base for visiting the famous flower gardens.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Leiden Netherlands
When to Book
Leiden can get busy during tulip season (late March to mid-May), university events, and summer months. Book at least 2-3 months in advance for these periods to secure the best rates and availability.
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring (March-May): Busiest and most expensive season due to tulips and pleasant weather
- Summer (June-August): Popular tourist season with higher rates
- Fall (September-November): Fewer tourists and moderate rates
- Winter (December-February): Lowest rates except during holiday periods
Money-Saving Tips
- Book non-refundable rates if your plans are certain
- Consider Sunday-Thursday stays for lower rates
- Look for packages including breakfast
- Check if the hotel offers free public transport tickets
- Join hotel loyalty programs for potential discounts
Final Thoughts on Hotels in Leiden Netherlands
Leiden offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. From luxury boutique hotels in historic buildings to practical options near the train station, you’ll find the perfect base for exploring this charming Dutch city. The compact size of Leiden means that most hotels provide convenient access to attractions, restaurants, and transportation, making it an ideal destination for both short city breaks and longer stays.
Whether you’re visiting for Leiden’s rich cultural heritage, using it as a base to explore the Netherlands, or attending university events, booking the right hotel will enhance your experience of this beautiful canal city. Consider your priorities—location, amenities, price—and use our guide to find the perfect match for your Leiden adventure.
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