North Holland

Credit: Image by Michael_Ra from Pixabay

Credit: Image by Valdas Miskinis from Pixabay

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About North Holland

A beautiful part of the Netherlands, North Holland offers bucolic landscapes of fields and flowers, dotted with picturesque windmills. Filled with pretty villages connected by canals and cycling paths, this region showcases the rural Netherlands at its finest. The former industrial hub of Zaandam and charming Alkmaar are both within appealingly easy reach of Amsterdam, and home to some of the best places to stay in North Holland.

Amsterdam is inevitably the region's most popular destination, with its world-class museums, restaurants and boutiques. The city abounds with beautiful hotels, many in restored townhouses overlooking the network of canals. Nearby Haarlem is also lovely and promises easy access to Amsterdam for those keen to stay somewhere slightly quieter. Fans of fabulous cheese should make a beeline for medieval Alkmaar, which has hosted an iconic cheese market since the 14th century. Held every Friday in the old town centre, the market welcomes small-scale producers from across the region, and has a brilliant buzz. Alternatively, discover functional windmills, innovative museums and fascinating former factories in Zaandam, or hop aboard the ferry to the lovely island of Texel for windswept beaches, gorgeous nature reserves and a rejuvenating sense of escape from the wider world.

Outdoorsy types will find cycling and hiking opportunities aplenty in Schoorlse Duinen, or the coastal communities of Bergen aan Zee and Egmond aan Zee. The the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea, within easy reach of Texel, will delight bird watchers and nature lovers alike. The teams at the best places to stay in North Holland will point you in the right direction for top family-owned eateries in well-preserved medieval towns, post-industrial cities or pretty villages.

The Best Places to Stay in North Holland

For boutique chic

Manzo's Suites offers 10 stylish guest rooms with modern, minimalist decor and indulgent bathrooms in Zaandam. The chic bar and restaurant add to the appeal, and Zaandam's many attractions are within walking distance. An intimate choice for a city break.
Hotel t'Fnidsen has seven individually designed guest rooms with whitewashed beams, cosy beds and soft linens. The excellent restaurant specialises in French cuisine, made from seasonal ingredients and paired with an extensive selection of wines. A chic boutique base in lovely Alkmaar.
Misc is a carefully renovated 17th century canal house near the fashionable district of Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam. The B&B has just six individually decorated guest rooms, each with their own personalities, but boasting well-chosen antiques, retro treasures and curios. Perfect for peace, privacy and stacks of quirky style.
Vesting Hotel in Naarden has elegant, understated interiors, fusing minimalist contemporary style with well-preserved heritage charm. The trendy resto-bar is a fabulous spot for an evening drink. Appealingly close to Amsterdam, yet far more relaxed.
Seven One Seven Hotel has been transformed from a 17th century sugar-trader’s residence to an intimate 12-bedroom hotel. Set on the Prinsengracht, the hotel promises spacious suites with plenty of space for long, lazy breakfasts, plus a cosy sitting room for a nightcap after an evening spent exploring Amsterdam's foodie scene. Beautiful and historic.

For foodies

Pulitzer Amsterdam is made up of an impressive 25 canal houses in central Amsterdam, 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.
Restaurant Hotel Merlet boasts an excellent Michelin-recommended restaurant in the quiet village of Schoorl. Just a short drive from the coast, this cosy, artistic hotel has been welcoming guests since 1984. Expect characterful guest rooms and suites, a soothing spa and a fantastic café. Quiet and lovely.
Art’Otel is a design lovers' favourite in Amsterdam, with its own art gallery and ever-changing range of exhibitions. This sleek, stylish spot near the train station welcomes movers and shakers, and has a fresh, creative feel. This continues in the award-winning ARCA restaurant, where a team of talented chefs create spectacular dishes fusing Portuguese and Asian flavours. A foodie standout.
Frenchie in Haarlem is first and foremost a fabulous little restaurant. Specialising in traditional dishes including Dutch pancakes or champagne and locally sourced oysters, this is an enormously popular spot with Haarlem residents. The five stylish guest rooms feature exposed wooden beams, herringbone floors and a muted palette of soft greys, cream and dusky pink. Book your table in advance.
Hotel Okura is a luxurious high-rise hotel in Amsterdam with stunning city views. Two of the four restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars; the Ciel Bleu is the real highlight. Book well in advance for mouth-watering tasting menus. There's also a sensational spa, so this is a real treat of a city stay.

For romance

Hotel Estheréa has been owned and run by the same family since the 1940s. Originally offering just 12 bedrooms, this Amsterdam favourite 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.
MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel 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.
Brass Hotel Suites is another couples' favourite in Haarlem, set just steps from Grote Markt. The 14 individually appointed guest rooms have unusual colour palettes, some with chequered marble floors and rain showers or big whirlpool tubs. Romantic and characterful, whilst also feeling fresh and modern.
The Hoxton, set right on Amsterdam's Herengracht Canal, has grand interiors with a hip fusion of classic Amsterdam style and more mid-century twists. Think original features, an earthy colour palette and parquet flooring in the 111 guest rooms. The lively bar and lounge are ideal for unwinding together, and the restaurant is excellent. A romantic luxury choice with character in spades.

For families or groups

The July - Boat & Co offers sleek multi-bedroom apartments with well-equipped kitchens and sitting rooms. Set on the water in Amsterdam's Houthaven district, it's great for keen adventurers of all ages seeking a more independent experience with the option to self-cater. Spaces are minimalist yet characterful in design, and there's a smart restaurant as well as a wellness area.
Haarlem Hotel Suites offers a mid-century modern sense of cool in vast, apartment-style spaces in Haarlem. Think sitting rooms and some kitchenettes, plus easy access to nearby eateries and bars. Many of the 12 rooms have big terraces, and families are welcome in larger spaces.
Park Centraal Hotel sits between Leidseplein and Vondelpark in Amsterdam. Spacious rooms, suites and family apartments with separate living and work spaces are decorated in cool steely hues and feature coffee makers and modern art. There's fabulous fusion Asian cuisine at MOMO restaurant, plus there's a trendy cocktail bar. The billiards table is great for group evenings!

For an island escape

Hotel Texel is a stylish spot on Texel with 42 swish guest rooms and suites, all with a contemporary yet cosy feel. The indoor pool, steam room and sauna are wonderfully indulgent, and the fine dining restaurant will delight keen foodies. Great views of the beach add to the appeal at this luxurious island escape.
Hotel Op Oost offers a more intimate hideaway experience, with 12 airy, light-filled guest rooms featuring whitewashed walls, exposed beams and white linens on Texel. The farm-to-table restaurant and charming bar are brilliant, as are the leafy gardens. A lovely, laid-back choice.
De Smulpot is a cosy boutique hotel in Texel's Den Burg. Seven stylish rooms feature comfy king-size beds, parquet flooring and smart bathrooms with rainfall showers. The restaurant is a bit of a highlight too, and counts itself as one of the best on the island.

For luxury

Hotel Villa Kranenbergh in Bergen has just eight guest rooms. The interiors are sensationally stylish, with a fresh, contemporary feel and a muted palette of white, cream and grey. An inviting bar and sunlit terrace add to the appeal. A brilliant luxury base for those seeking to explore the best of Bergen.
Conservatorium was originally a bank, and later the University of Amsterdam's music school. Now a gorgeous design hotel with 129 rooms and suites, the building's classic brick façade belies a rather more contemporary interior. Well-located for the Vondelpark and Amsterdam's art museums, this is a brilliant luxury choice with two top-notch restaurants, a serene spa and expansive indoor pool. Fabulous.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is a dazzling grand dame of a hotel on Amsterdam's Herengracht Canal. Lavish interiors fuse classic Dutch charm with a more modern twist, and guest suites boast beautiful views towards the water. Dine in style at Michelin-starred Spectrum, or unwind at the Guerlain Spa. A very luxurious choice.
Fort Resort Beemster is housed within a beautifully restored fortress near Purmerend. Vaulted ceilings top the hip restaurant, there's an exceptional spa and wellness centre, and the views of the moat from art-filled guest rooms are superb. Ideal for a relaxing retreat in a sophisticated historic setting.

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, 30 minutes' drive from Zaandam and Alkmaar, and two hours from Texel. Most hotels will be happy to organise an airport pickup in advance.
North Holland 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.

Still not sure?

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

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The best hotels in North Holland

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Volkshotel

Amsterdam (Oost)

Set in East Amsterdam, an old Newspaper Office HQ has been redesigned as a creative hub welcoming all guests, 'from stockbrokers to punk rockers.' The contemporary feel runs throughout the hotel, from the flexi work space to the exciting bar and nightclub and into the individually designed rooms.

Contemporary - Once a newspaper's office, it has been artfully converted to create chic modern spaces not forgetting the building's history
Business Centre - In the hotel is a vibey co-working space and artists' studios - making this a great environment for those on a 'workation'
Value chic - A stylish yet well-priced hotel perfect for those travelling on a budget
Lively - On Fridays and Saturdays (after 11 pm) the restaurant becomes a club

from £75 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees