While windmills and wooden clogs may evoke traditional stereotypes, today the Netherlands is equally known for its liberal, open-minded culture, and remarkable feat of reclaiming land from the sea. Spring visitors will find tulips in abundance alongside some of the 32,000 kilometres of cycling paths which criss-crossed this famously flat landscape. Accommodation options abound, with the best places to stay in the Netherlands ranging from restored canal-side townhouses to sleek contemporary constructions. Many also offer excellent restaurants, soothing wellness experiences and the chance to gather with friends and family in a superb setting. 

Art enthusiasts will discover that the Netherlands houses one of the world's finest collections of masterpieces. From Rembrandt and Van Gogh to Vermeer and Mondrian, Dutch masters are displayed across exceptional museums throughout the country. Rotterdam's modernist marvels contrast beautifully with Amsterdam's charming canal houses, while characterful cities like Delft, Utrecht, and Maastricht each offer distinct cultural treasures and architectural heritage. The contemporary cultural scene is also hugely lively, with pop-up exhibitions, gigs and performances held in restored warehouses, leafy gardens, along riverbanks and on small islands during the summer months.

While Amsterdam deservedly captures international attention with its UNESCO-listed canals and world-class museums, the Netherlands also rewards those who venture beyond the capital. Edam beckons with its famous cheese, The Hague impresses as the seat of parliament and home to royal residences and international courts, and the islands of the Wadden Sea invite laid-back exploration in the sunshine. Whether you're drawn to the traditional Dutch villages of the Zaan Region with their wooden houses and windmills, or prefer exploring the maritime heritage of historic ports, the best places to stay in the Netherlands are studded right across the country, offering easy access to seemingly endless attractions. Do book your trip well in advance if travelling during the summer — the Netherlands is always very popular!

The Best Places to Stay in the Netherlands

For Old Town Charm

• Hotel Goud em Zilver is a beautiful boutique hotel in Gorinchem's charming old centre. 25 eclectic suites are decorated in earthy tones, with wooden antiques, white linens, exposed brick walls, patterned textiles and original artwork. Savour laid-back breakfasts at La Kantina before heading out to explore. Cosy, creative and inviting.
• Au Lion d'Or is a beautiful little B&B in the pretty Wyck district of Maastricht. Each of the four individually decorated rooms has antique and vintage furnishings, plus warm patterned textiles. Breakfasts are served in the dining room each morning. 
• The Roosevelt is a charming 32-room boutique hotel with eclectic interiors featuring velvet upholstery, colourful tiles and atmospheric lighting. Tuck into delicious Dutch and Mediterranean fare at the restaurant, unwind in the small wellness area with sauna and hot tub, and set off to explore Middelburg on foot. 
• Hotel de Sterrenberg is a beautiful, adults-only hotel in Otterlo with sleek contemporary interiors. Think crisp white linens on cosy beds, clean lines, full-length windows and sink-into bathtubs. Highlights include an expansive wellness centre with indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and spa, plus a superb gourmet restaurant specialising in tasting menus made using organic produce. One for well-heeled travellers and romantics.  

For Boutique Chic

• Supernova Hotel is a fabulous boutique property in Rotterdam with stylish interiors and the warm atmosphere of a home-away-from-home. Some rooms boast record players, other loft-style options feature private terraces. A chic boutique bolthole for well-heeled travellers. 
• Hotel Central Park Voorburg is a gorgeous boutique hotel surrounded by leafy parkland in Voorburg. Elegant contemporary interiors blend beautifully with heritage architecture, in spacious guest rooms and suites with exposed beams, clean lines and bold wallpapers. The Michelin-starred dining is reason to visit in itself. 
• Maison Haas Hustinx is a gorgeous boutique offering in Maastricht, spanning two townhouses on Vrijthof Square. Rooms, suites and apartments have high ceilings, muted grey, white and coral colour palettes, and a chic grown-up feel. Period touches have been carefully preserved, as has a lovely courtyard. 
• Nobel Hotel, set close to the beach in Ballum on lovely Ameland, has a more understated feel, with earthy tones, handmade Nilson beds topped with cosy throws, and lots of light from full-length windows and skylights. The restaurant specialises in delicious seasonal fare, and the terrace is perfect for sundowners. A laid-back boutique spot near the sea. 

For Romantic Luxury

• MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel in Haarlem offers 14 romantic guest rooms with exposed beams, warm painted walls and well-chosen antiques. The chandeliers and velvet upholstery add to the sense of opulence, and moreish snacks and drinks are served in the Grand Café. A luxurious choice. 
• Brietner House offers just two sumptuous suites in Amsterdam, perfect for romantics. Expect champagne breakfasts in a glorious setting, with exquisite original art pieces and antiques housed in the rooms where Impressionists George Breitner and Isaac Israel once worked. A splendid B&B for art lovers and fans of boutique opulence. 
• Hotel Estheréa has been owned and run by the same family since the 1940s. Originally offering just 12 bedrooms, this Amsterdam icon has expanded to have 70 rooms across four restored townhouses on Amsterdam's oldest canal - yet the feel is no less personal. Think extravagant decor with patterned prints, draped four-poster beds and glittering chandeliers. Breakfasts are superb; as are late-night drinks at the bar. A romantic gem. 
• Herberg de Vliegende Vos is a restored 17th-century inn with just three guest rooms set above an atmospheric restaurant in Delft. Expect quirky, antique-filled spaces with glittering chandeliers, old portraits and plenty of blue-and-white ceramics. The cosy restaurant is excellent, and the canal side setting very charming. 

For Families or Groups

• La Paulowna has just five well-equipped suites and apartments in The Hague's trendy Zeeheldenkwartier. Families and groups will love the playful, light-filled spaces, and the well-equipped kitchens. The sunny terrace and Basque restaurant are brilliant additions. 
• B&B Le Rêve in Maastricht will delight families and friends. The six spacious rooms are simple and airy, the hosts wonderfully welcoming, and the rural farmhouse setting ideal for explorers of all ages. Rooms share a communal kitchen, but the owners are also happy to host dinner. A relaxed favourite. 

For Foodies

• Pulitzer Amsterdam is made up of an impressive 25 canal houses, and boasting beautiful interiors. Foodies will be thrilled to savour modern Dutch cuisine at Restaurant Jansz, and to enjoy craft cocktails at Pulitzer's Bar. A dazzling luxury hotel which prides itself on its exceptional food and drink offerings. 
• Villa Augustus promises quirky vintage elegance and contemporary cool inside a former water tower surrounded by landscaped gardens and facing the river in Dordrecht. The gourmet restaurant is a highlight, as are the impressive views from the upper floors. An unusual and characterful hotel choice. 

For a Rural Hideaway

• Chateau Neercanne promises sweeping views of the Jeker Valley from its elegant guest rooms and terraced gardens. Think herringbone floors, glittering chandeliers, exposed beams and free-standing tubs in indulgent bedrooms. A romantic fairytale castle with two chic French-inspired restaurants. 
• Guesthouse Ensenada has just six rustic and quirky, individually designed guest rooms in the countryside to the north of Bruges. Think characterful combinations of vintage pieces, exposed wooden beams and waterfront views. The wine bar is a highlight, as is the heated outdoor pool. A wonderfully peaceful escape. 
• Kasteel Daelenbroeck, set on a private estate, was built on the foundations of a 14th-century castle. A gorgeous rural retreat for romantics, this 24-room hotel has superb spa suites with private saunas, tower rooms with fireplaces, and an appealingly spacious feel. Feast at the gourmet restaurant after days of exploring. 
• Boutique Hotel Beekhuizen is a 21-bedroom escape in the Veluwezoom Forest. A wonderful rural retreat near Arnhem, the hotel offers a fresh take on the classic chalet. Expect floor-to-ceiling windows facing the trees, crisp, contemporary interiors with clean lines, leather sofas and cosy beds. The honesty bar offers some great wines, and there are walking and cycling trails right on your doorstep. A warm and stylish retreat.
• Château St Gerlach is a beautiful rural escape near Valkenburg. Formerly a monastery, this imposing heritage landmark combines chic, country-style interiors with a sense of imposing Baroque elegance. Savour French fine dining, kick back in a refreshing pool, and stroll around the manicured gardens. A wonderfully romantic hideaway. 

For a Classic Landmark

• Hotel des Indes — originally built in 1858 for the treasurer of King Willem III — is now a fabulous five-star hotel on The Hague's leafy Lange Voorhout. The 92 rooms and suites are smart and elegant, as are the generous sitting and dining spaces, with glittering chandeliers, red and gold upholstery. High teas are a real treat, as are multi-course dinners at the Des Indes Lounge & Restaurant. A classic landmark choice. 
• Hotel De L’Europe is a classic grand dame of a hotel, with Michelin-starred restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa in a beautiful canalside building. The 111 rooms and suites are sensational, with glittering chandeliers and velvet upholstery. Absolute opulence in Amsterdam for fans of traditional city style. 
• Hotel New York is an imposing historic building in an unparalleled riverfront location in Rotterdam. There are 72 large, white-on-white guest rooms, a smart cocktail bar and a choice of restaurants. A 1901-built city landmark with Art Deco touches.

For a Coastal Escape

• Villa de Duinen is a charming white-painted villa with classic-contemporary interiors in Noordwijk. Just a short walk from the beach, this elegant adults-only hotel offers an upscale French restaurant, rejuvenating massages and 11 cosy guest rooms with an understated, grown-up feel. A relaxed and inviting boutique favourite. 
• Strandhotel Cadzand is a sleek contemporary hotel with uninterrupted waterfront views. Cool, understated interiors are decorated in white and cream, with full-length windows, big bathtubs and cosy beds. The Michelin-starred restaurant will delight keen foodies, and the soothing spa with indoor pool and steam room is ideal for rejuvenating getaways. 

For an apartment or holiday house

• For a self-catering spot, we recommend visiting our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport, or to one of the country's smaller international hubs. Hop in a car, train or shuttle bus to your destination from there. Alternatively, most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• The Netherlands is great for exploring with the freedom of your own transport! If you would like to hire a car, we suggest that you contact our online partner Rentalcars.
• Travel during the summer for temperatures ranging between 11 and 23ºC, although this is the busiest time of year. The spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October) are ideal for those seeking fewer crowds and great hotel offers in destinations across the country.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to explore our list of the best places to stay in Amsterdam. 
• Alternatively, see our pick of all the best places to stay in The Hague. 
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.