South Holland (Zuid-Holland) is one of the Netherlands' most vibrant and diverse provinces, combining bustling urban centres with beautiful rural landscapes and a picturesque stretch of coastline. Home to major cities like Rotterdam, The Hague, and Leiden, this region represents the heart of Dutch culture, politics, and innovation. The best places to stay in South Holland are enormously wide-ranging, with lovely boutique boltholes, imposing landmark hotels and attractive rural retreats set across this fascinating region.

Culture-focused visitors can delight in discovering the world-class museums which stud The Hague, or admiring the futuristic architecture of bustling Rotterdam. Leiden is another favourite, with wonderfully preserved historic buildings lining picturesque canals, and Dordrecht prides itself on being the oldest city in the Netherlands. Delft may be famed for its blue-and-white tiles, but this small city also boasts a thriving foodie scene; perfect for couples, solo travellers or groups of friends eager to savour the region’s distinctive dishes.

Beyond towns and cities with buzzy markets and regular cultural events are more laid-back villages surrounded by fields and polders, windmills and waterways. Stroll through the dazzling tulip fields of the Bollenstreek, cycle and ramble along leafy trails, or navigate ancient canals in the sunshine. For a coastal escape, look no further than charming Noordwijk, with its iconic lighthouse, and elegant adults-only villa — undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in South Holland.

The Best Places to Stay in South Holland

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.
• The Collector in The Hague has eclectic interiors, blending artistic flair with a soothing palette of earthy tones offset by modern art pieces in guest rooms with king-sized beds and all the mod-cons. Hearty breakfasts can be taken in the courtyard on warm days, before heading out to explore.
• Huys Van Leyden is a boutique bolthole with just 13 guest rooms on the edge of the Oude Singel canal in Leiden. A small, well-priced choice for a city stay, the hotel has atmospheric rooms and suites, some with exposed wooden beams, others with rich tapestry fabrics draped behind cosy beds. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and delicious afternoon teas in between exploring the city.
• 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 is very charming. 
• Steenhof Suites fuses the centuries-old charm of a well-preserved red brick residence with more contemporary interiors. Spacious guest rooms promise polished wooden floors, exposed beams, bold patterned armchairs and attractive canal views. Continental breakfasts are served onsite and there are countless eateries nearby. A 14-bedroom spot in a 15th-century Leiden canal house.
• Suite Hotel Pincoffs is a laid-back, 11-bedroom bolthole on Rotterdam's trendy left bank. Formerly a customs office, the 19th-century exterior belies a cool, contemporary sense of style in guest rooms with exposed beams, high-tech music systems, clean lines and velvet upholstery. Evening charcuterie and cheese boards on the terrace are a highlight.

For Contemporary Chic

• Breathe Boutique Hotel has a calm, understated feel with pale herringbone floors, brass accents on wooden furnishings, and beds topped with crisp white linens. An adult-only spot with well-equipped kitchenettes and smart bathrooms, it's a great choice for those seeking a little bit more independence in the heart of Leiden. 
• Casa Julia Hotel fuses old and new with ease in white-on-white guest rooms with crisp linens, big mirrors, cosy sofas and arrangements of fresh flowers. Breakfasts are served in-room, there are meeting facilities for business travellers and families are welcome. A swish, contemporary hotel for a Delft city break.
• Karel Hotel Bar & Kitchen in Gorinchem has a fresh, contemporary atmosphere. Set outside the Waterpoort and facing the picturesque moat and city wall, this spot promises clean lines, polished herringbone floors and lots of natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows. Gather at the waterside restaurant and bar after days of discovering the area's top sights. 
• D'Oude Morsch promises contemporary interiors with Crittall doors, industrial-style hanging lights, big bathtubs and brown leather sofas. Gather at the buzzy Pipa Streetfood Bar or Spanish and Italian-inspired Restaurant Scarlatti after fun-filled days of exploring Leiden.  
• ExLibris Boutique Hotel is another modern choice in Leiden, with just eight guest rooms featuring soothing blue-grey tones, soft yellow accents and cosy fireplaces. The moody wine bar has an appealingly intimate feel, and the historic Pieters district is full of quirky spots to discover on foot. 

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 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.
• Hotel Indigo Palace Noordeinde was formerly The Dutch Central Bank. Transformed into a glamorous Art Deco hotel in The Hague's Museum Quarter, it now offers slick rooms and suites with polished wood, brass and velvet touches. The meeting rooms are impressive, and communal spaces sensational. Brilliant for well-heeled travellers or those hoping to host a special occasion in the heart of the city. 

For Architect-Led Style

• Mainport Hotel, set right on the banks of the Maas River in Rotterdam, promises exceptional views. The 215 rooms are flooded with natural light, accentuated by white linens and patterned wallpaper. There’s a soothing spa and wellness centre, saunas aplenty and a lively cocktail bar. One for fans of swanky urban design.
• nhow Rotterdam, designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, occupies a glittering skyscraper overlooking Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge. Minimalist interiors have squishy pale blue armchairs, white linens and impressive views — plus a distinct industrial feel. The riverside bar and terrace are wonderful. Very hip. 

For Luxury

• 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. 
• 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. 
• T Goude Hooft, another of The Hague's most luxurious hotels, has sleek, design-led interiors and impressive murals decorating large walls. Savour gourmet fare at the fine dining restaurant, craft cocktails at the whimsical bar, and a grown-up sense of style throughout. Beautiful for urban weddings, too. 

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. 

For Great Value

• Hotel Mozaic, set in The Hague's beautiful Archipel area, has 25 stylish guest rooms. Largely done in monochrome tones, compact spaces are cosy and comfortable, perfect for a more affordable urban break. Breakfasts are served onsite and there's lots to see within walking distance. 
• The James is a centrally located Rotterdam hotel with sleek modern interiors. Great for business or pleasure, the 2nd floor lounge is the ideal location for logging on or grabbing a bite from the 24/7 Food Market. Book this place for cool rooms at a very reasonable rate.

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, within an hour's drive of most destinations across South Holland. Most hotels will be happy to organise an airport pickup in advance. 
• South 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 Leiden. 
• Alternatively, see our pick of all the best places to stay in the Netherlands. 
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.