Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Best: B&B Setola
Why: Lut could not have been more wonderful. She called a cab for me, prepared a special pack breakfast for me in the morning, and genuinely cared whether I was having a good tie. Thank you for the recommendation!
Stacey Oziel in Santa Monica, CA USA 11/25/2011
Best: Annette's B&B
Why: http://annettesbb.nl/ Depending on the room you're assigned, it's only 3 or 5 stops on Tram 1 from Leylaan station in Overtoom. Tram stop is very close by. However, room may not come with breakfast. We stayed in a room in Annette's daughter's apt at 552 Overtoom.
Kay Ishii in Renton, WA USA 10/30/2011
Best: Hotel Estherea, Amsterdam -- add to your list
Why: comfortable, great service, good canal views. skip the breakfast
Philip Braverman in New York, NY USA 09/05/2011
Best: Hotel Amadeua in Haarlem, Holland
Why: The owner was rude. The room was small. The walls were thin. It was not even close to being as comfortable as accommodations we paid a lot less for. Don't stay here.
Jackie in Anchorage, AK USA 08/05/2011
Best: Hotel Delta
Why: It accommodated our family of five. Staff were friendly. Breakfast was great. Place was clean enough; room capacious--water pressure and temperature excellent; convenient laundry right downstairs!
Clownis in Clomper, Ca USA 07/17/2011
Best: Boogards in Amsterdam
Why: It is a charming B & B that makes you comfortable in every way. Wilma makes great pancakes and desserts!
Sara Shaughnessy in Palm City, Fl USA 07/12/2011
Best: Residence Les Ecrins
Why: Outstanding accommodation at a good price, in a quiet neighborhood, within easy walking distance to the St. Catherine metro stop. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the beds excellent. The towels were changed daily plus the room was cleaned daily, too. Breakfast, which was pastries and croissants, was more than adequate.
David in Laramie, WY USA 07/04/2011
Best: Hotel Patritius in Brugges
Why: Beautiful old mansion. Pleasant, courteous, and helpful staff. Nice garden to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Worst: Hotel Hegra in Amsterdam
Why: I can't believe Rick would recommend this place. Had a VERY small double room, but it did have a nice view of the canal. The bathroom was barely large enough to turn around in. No hair dryer. No the cleanest place. Warm weather so we opened the windows but there were no screens. The mosquitos were terrible. the owner was not pleasant or helpful. I tried to print an e ticket( and I had paid for my computer time and printing). It would not print my PDF. The owner responded with," Yea, it doesn't print PDFs very well." Fortunately, his helper was there and offered the help me. Breakfast was not ready at 0800 like it was supposed to be. We had to leave by 0820 to catch a flight. The owner did not seem to be concerned with getting us checked out in a timely manner.
Penney Haas in Belleville, IL USA 05/17/2011
Worst: Hotel Amadeus, Haarlem
Why: Cannot believe thsi is even recommended. Have traveled with your books many times, this time lots of disappointments. This hotel is the "pits". Elevator, halls, etc are horrible. DO not stay here.
Kathleen in De Pere, WI USA 05/05/2011
Best: Patritius bvba
Why: clean place, nice location. Although our queen size bed was actually 2 twins pushed together. This is ok if you are Lucy and Ricky Ricardo on TV in the 1950's.
Lance Stronk in Northfield, CT USA 04/28/2011
Best: Royal Stewart B&B Brugge
Why: We enjoyed our stay at the Royal Stewart B and B. Maggie proved extremely friendly and helpful. Clean, uniquely decorated rooms showed her knowledge of antiques. Breakfast consisted of breads, a plate of meat and cheese, and oj and fruits. The location let us walk almost anywhere in Brugge within 5 to 20 minutes and the price made for an excellent value. We highly recommend the Royal Stewart.
Craig Morgan in Westmont, NJ USA 04/25/2011
Best: hanna penso in amsterdam and setola b&b in bruge
Why: clean , great owners who answer questions and serve a good breakfast
bruce lahr in sauk rapids, mn USA 04/16/2011
Best: Hotel Malts
Why: Friendly, helpful owners who also know when to let you wake up slowly and engage in conversation in your own good time. :) Good location, charming rooms, and a fabulous breakfast spread.
Angela Mairs in Lynnwood, WA USA 03/22/2011
Best: Boogaard's B&B
Why: Everything about the place was superb, from the rooms, to the beds, to the bathrooms, to the central location; but what stood out as the highlight of the trip was Peter the proprietor. He was incredible! He helped us plan our trip to his fabulous city, suggested restaurants and made reservations for us, gave us a map and highlighted all the routes we needed AND printed our tickets to the various museums we wanted to go to from his personal computer in his upstair living space, which he graciously invited us into. He then proceeded to tell us the full history of the home and when he found out we were in the software/computer industry, talked geek with us!!! On top of all this he makes the most delicious breakfast every morning and leaves treats for you at night to help with the "munchies", late night or otherwise. We were staying here as part of our honeymoon and he even went so far as to have a bottle of bubbly for us! He is very generous with his time and genuinly enjoys sharing his home with his guests. Conversations around the breakfast table where the highlight of our stay there. I would recommend him without reservation. You have not been to Amsterdam unless you have stayed with Peter!
He also has the cutest dogs in the whole world!
Emma Alvarez in Redmond, WA USA 02/07/2011
Best: Brugge - Royal Stewart B&B
Why: Maggie and Gilbert's warm hospitality was the best! They made my wife and I truly feel like guests rather than tourists. Our room was charming, comfortable and had a great view. Our favorite memories are the breakfast times we had; Maggie often had coffee with us and helped us plan our time well giving us her invaluable insider tips and excellent recommendations.
Mark & Asha Harrington in Santa Ana, CA USA 01/05/2011
Best: Hotel Patritius,Bruges
Why: Great place to stay...large clean rooms, very friendly owners,good location and good breakfast
Pete Hall in Haddonfield, NJ USA 12/01/2010
Best: Hotel Welcome, Brussels
Why: Great location, great price. The only drawback was being placed on a floor without lift access, and I had a huge suitcase from a business trip prior to my visit to Belgium. It was a long trip up the stairs!
Shawn Broda in Downers Grove, IL USA 11/19/2010
Best: Hotel Patritius in Bruges
Why: Just as Rick said, only even better in every way. Exceedingly comfortable and accommodating, convenient and a great value.
Elizabeth Harris in Los Angeles, CA USA 09/19/2010
Best: Hotel Patritius in Bruges
Why: Just as Rick said, only even better in every way. Exceedingly comfortable and accommodating, convenient and a great value.
Elizabeth Harris in Los Angeles, CA USA 09/19/2010
Best: Hotel Keizershof, Amsterdam
Why: Rooms are not fancy but the people are very friendly and helpful. A typical Rick Steves pick!
Rebecca in Washington, DC USA 08/28/2010
Worst: 't Keizerhof - Bruges
Why: Not the worst (and we were grateful for the room on a Friday night after Collier's B & B gave away our booked room) but noisy road and loud guests made for a last night in Bruges with very little sleep. Also, we awoke with many little red bug bites all over our bodies.
Tom Bruno in Whitefish Bay, WI USA 08/08/2010
Best: Hotel Heritage in Bruge
Why: fruit bowl in room & discounted bike rental next door
Steve in Beverly Hills, CA USA 07/27/2010
Best: Brussls, Hotel Noga
Why: We had a large, clean, & very comfortable room, away from the street & very quiet. The staff was friendly & helpful to a person and the included breakfast was just fine. In the St. Catherine's neighborhood, which has some fine restaurants. We were able to walk to all the sites, with the exception of the Ixelles suburb & Cinquantenair Park. A very good value!
Shirley Ellsworth in Caldwell, TX USA 07/22/2010
Best: Any B&B in central Bruges
Why: I stayed at the Baert B&B and had a patio and canal outside my room/ Who could ask for any more?
Worst: Hotel the Moon in Brussels
Why: Hard to find using either your or their directions. Most expensive of all though you had warned me to expect little. No one in Brussels even within a block of the place knew its location.
David W. Madsen in Seattle, WA USA 07/16/2010
Best: Boogaard's B N B
Why: Must add yet another rave on this place. Peter is wonderful, the place is unbelievable. For us 120 Euro a night is a splurge, was worth every penny. How great is the room? I went to plug in my battery recharger for the camera, and couldn't. Why? because I then looked and found out that the outlet already had a US adapter in it! Watch out if you are trying to control your weight though--his breakfasts are killers, and too good to moderate yourself!
Margaret Plotkin in Elkins Park, PA USA 07/15/2010
Best: Hotel Keizershof
Why: Wonderful people that run this hotel. Very warm and helpful. The Dutch breakfast in the garden was a treat. Our room was bright and cheerful.
Jessica Gill in Hamilton, OH USA 07/07/2010
Best: Royal Stewart - Bruges
Why: One of the nicest, friendliest B&B's we've been to, and we've been ETBD fans for quite a while. Excellent food and drink options within a couple hundred meters, and far enough away from the tourist hordes in the center of Bruges.
Matt Rogers in San Diego, CA USA 07/01/2010
Best: Frederic's
Why: Terrific location, practical apartment outfitted with the basics (they even rent out some houseboats, apparently), and especially Frederic and staff are WONDERFUL: not only were they kind and had great recommendations, but they helped get me medical attention on a Sunday (and let my family stay as long as we needed to in the apartment), which was the day we were supposed to leave (long story - but they really took care of us).
Rachel France 06/21/2010
Best: Kaiserhoff
Why: Breakfasts were great.. more than the usual. Hostess was friendly. Circular staircase up 3 flights a bit daunting but do-able. Room was spacious but not well-lit.
S. MacLean in Clayton, CA USA 06/15/2010
Best: Hotel Welcome, Brussels
Why: Delightful rooms, excellent service. Stayed in the Kenya room, wonderful. Close to subway stop. Good choice's for breakfast.
Worst: Hotel Parkzicht, Amsterdam
Why: This hotel was dirty and the bedding filthy. The over all condition was far below what you usually recommend even for a cheap lodging. Checked in and then left for another hotel
Philip Correia in Fairfield, Ca USA 06/10/2010
Best: Hotel Hoksbergen in Amsterdam
Why: Very sweet and helpful B&B hosts. Yes, the rooms are small and the bathrooms tiny, but Tony is great and the central location and canal views are superb. An excellent value.
Susan in Longmont, CO USA 06/04/2010
Best: Hotel Patritius
Why: It was so elegant, esp. for the price. The owners were helpful esp. to those caught out by the volcano (luckily not us). The location was near to everything but also quiet. The breakfast was large & good.
Jan in Rhodes, CA USA 06/01/2010
Best: Koen & Anniemie Dieltiens B & B in Bruges
Why: This is hands-down the best B&B in which we've ever stayed!--and we've traveled throughout Europe over the past two decades. Actually, we stayed with them last year and when we found that we were returning to Bruges this year, we HAD to stay with them. They are the most gracious hosts you can imagine. Their rooms are spacious and clean; their breakfast is wonderful; and their location is perfect. We would give them our absolute HIGHEST recommendation. You won't be disappointed.
Ray & Kay Burke in Advance, NC USA 05/26/2010
Best: Absoluut Verhulst in Brugge
Why: Benno and Frieda are just the best! They have a beautiful home, our room was perfect and the breakfast are delicious with a choice of cereals, cheeses, pastries and made to order eggs if you so desire.
Barbara Murphy in Chicago, IL USA 05/11/2010
Best: Malts Hotel in Haarlem
Why: We were stranded in Amsterdam during the volcano eruption. We had just completed our river cruise when we discovered our flights were cancelled. The cruise line was able to provide us with one night's accommodation. After that, we were on our own. Fortunately for us, we had Rick Steves' guidebook. We contacted the Malts Hotel in Haarlem, and they had rooms available. The owners were extremely friendly and helpful. They made a very stressful situation easier to handle. I don't know what we would have done without the Malts Hotel and Rick Steves' guidebook.
The Channells in Newnan, GA USA 05/10/2010
Best: Hotel Noga - Brussels
Why: Comfortable hotel with helpful owners. Outstanding breakfasts - eggs, sausage, beans, croissants, breads, yogurt, cereal, and so much more plus coffee and warm milk.
Pamela Kahn in Atlanta, GA USA 05/02/2010
Best: Royal Stewart B&B - Bruges
Why: Charming and helpful host Maggie made our stay enjoyable. the breakfasts were very nice with endless coffee. Beds are very soft (possibly a problem for those with bad backs).
Pamela Kahn in Atlanta, GA USA 05/02/2010
Best: Wildervanck B&B - Amsterdam
Why: Wonderful hosts, great breakfasts, and comfortable room in a great location.
Pamela Kahn in Atlanta, GA USA 05/02/2010
Worst: Koen and Annemie Dieltiens B&B in Bruges
Why: She insisted we pay 40 Euro for a broken key--even though the key simply broke in the room door. Tiny rooms and no public area to sit and relax before going out--AVOID.
stephen wahlberg in denver, co USA 04/17/2010
Best: La Vie en Rose B&B
Why: I put this in this category, but wouldn't really call it best or worst. We liked staying in a B&B - is was well-appointed and the owners were friendly and helpful. It was really nice to have a kitchenette to have juice, soda, bread, etc. The bakery next door was a great source of breakfast pastries and Koffe. However, there was a bar/cafe below and there were nights - especially Sunday when the music was too loud - although it usually stopped by 10:30 to 11:00. If I were staying here again (which i WOULD) I would choose the number 2 apt which is one floor up and is larger - especially the bedroom. Parents traveling with kids will not have good privacy in the bedroom in either apt.! Showers were nice and there plenty of nice amenities like coffee maker, blow-dryer, etc. Very convenient access to the tram right across the street - so nice in terms of not hauling luggage a long way. Stairs very narrow and steep - but that's typical for Amsterdam
Marie Griffin in Leawood , KS USA 03/15/2010
Best: Hotel Fita Amsterdam
Why: Great location, great price. Free wireless internet, free laundry. Very helpful owners and staff. < 5 minute walk to tram stop, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. They sell tickets to the 2 museums...guests can bypass long waiting lines.
Lydia Engelhardt, MD in Mount Pleasant, SC USA 01/29/2010
Worst: Shelter Jordan
Why: It was WAY too cold!!! They had no heat all weekend--just gave us extra blankets. Even with 3 pairs long underwear, three blankets, coat, gloves, hat and scarf, I was still shivering all night. They finally got the heat fixed, but I still wanted that many layers--I just didn't shiver after a while. They are a good location, but they just don't heat the rooms at all!!!
Alisa in New York, NY USA 01/27/2010
Best: Debruyne B & B, Bruges
Why: Such friendly, helpful owners and the fantastic breakfast in their unique home. Marie Rose and Ronny helped us locate sites, loaned us their maps and were just fantastic hosts.
Worst: Hotel Carrillon in Haarlem
Why: Those stairs!!! I recommend pointing out that older people will have a really difficult time climbing up and down.
Catherine in Edmonds, WA USA 12/15/2009
Best: Le Meridien - Brussels
Why: Large rooms, clean, friendly staff. They have a pre-paid rate on their site that matched their friends and family rate I used.
Monica B in Zionsville, IN USA 11/29/2009
Best: Absolut Verhulst-b&b Bruges
Why: My wife became ill on our trip and Frieda and Benno could not have been more helpful. Frieda also helped me connect to a real live telephone operator (very difficult to do)so I could connect to Bank of America who improperly put a hold on my debit card after having been informed in advance of our trip. The accommodations were excellent as were the breakfasts. I highly recommend this b&b.
Bill in Andover, MA USA 11/06/2009
Best: Hotel Jan Brito- Bruges
Why: Should be added to the recommendations. A wonderful and interesting old mansion that has been tastefully redone into a quaint & elegant little hotel. The breakfasts were great as was the staff.
Worst: Hotel Plaza Brussels
Why: Large and impersonal. Arrogant staff(except for the concierge who was great). Very expensive breakfasts, not well located.
Catherine Fox in Saratoga Springs, NY USA 10/26/2009
Best: Boogaard's B&B
Why: friendly and warm place with hearty breakfast and Curly and Pepe welcoming you.
Mike in Macungie, PA USA 10/23/2009
Best: Royal Stewart B&B, Bruges
Why: Maggie and Gilbert are gems. The room was large, beautifully appointed, quiet and comfortable. Breakfasts are wonderful, relaxed and delicious. Maggie goes way beyond the expected to make your stay memorable.
Craig in Portland, OR USA 10/17/2009
Best: Hotel de Leydsche Hof in Amsterdam; Absolut Verhulst in Bruges
Why: These two B&Bs were exactly as advertised. We spent 3 nights at each, and their owners were wonderful hosts, making us welcome and comfortable. Both B&Bs are in excellent locations for easily getting around Amsterdam and Bruges.
Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009
Best: Hotel de Leydsche Hof in Amsterdam; Absolut Verhulst in Bruges
Why: These two B&Bs were exactly as advertised. We spent 3 nights at each, and their owners were wonderful hosts, making us welcome and comfortable. Both B&Bs are in excellent locations for easily getting around Amsterdam and Bruges.
Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009
Best: Ibis at Central Station Amsterdam
Why: Clean and convenient with very helpful and efficient staff
Worst: The Moon in Brussels
Why: Place was clean and convenient but I did not receive the 10% discount as stated in guidebook
Jeannine Willis in Houston, TX USA 10/07/2009
Best: Hotel Cavalier is great
Why: Not a luxury place, but the woman who runs it is friendly and helpful and it is not far from the square. In Amsterdam, Tulips B&B is also very nice.
Craig in New York, NY USA 10/04/2009
Best: Brugge - Royal Stewart B&B
Why: Maggie & Gilbert are superb hosts. The rooms are clean, quiet and spacious, the breakfast terrific. Best of all are Maggie & Gilbert themselves. They are our favorites on a list of greats.
Bill in Miami, FL USA 09/22/2009
Best: Hotel de Emauspoort
Why: This was a very nice hotel! The staff was VERY kind and helped up find restaurants and shops. They even have a free book trading library for travelers!
Carla in Hollister, CA USA 09/17/2009
Best: B & B Dieltiens-Debruyne
Why: I agree with all of the nice things that others have written about this jewel of a B&B and its gracious host and hostess.
George Allen in Ann Arbor, MI USA 09/09/2009
Best: Hotel Adornes, Bruges
Why: This bed and breakfast was truly fantastic. It had a beautiful location, lovely rooms, and a delicious breakfast every morning. The staff was friendly and helpful, willing to recommend places to eat, places to hang out, anything we needed.
Worst: Hotel Ibis off the Grand Place, Brussels
Why: While this hotel had reasonable rates and clean rooms, the only problem we had with it was an excessive amount of noise throughout the entire evening. Our rooms were on the 5th floor and we were still kept awake by teenagers screaming, music blasting, etc.
Sarah in Bethesda, MD USA 08/16/2009
Best: Boogaard's B&B, Amsterdam
Why: Host Peter was so accommodating. The breakfasts were fabulous. Every afternoon we had freshly-baked cakes waiting for us. He encouraged us to make sandwiches out of the breakfast leftovers, so we rarely had to buy lunch at all. It was centrally located in the Jordaan area in a really quiet neighborhood. We met several very nice couples there, too, and it was easy to chat with them over breakfast. Best B&B we've stayed in.
Amery & Dan Bodelson in La Crosse, WI USA 08/13/2009
Best: Hotel Adornes, Bruges
Why: Great hotel, nice breakfasts and free bike use! Windmills just a short ride away!
Joy in Dayton, OH USA 07/23/2009
Best: Wildervanck B and B
Why: The hosts were nothing but friendly, and I really felt like I had my own little home in Amsterdam for a few days. Eating breakfast right off their own kitchen allowed me to see a slice of their real family life. The location is great too; it's far enough out to feel like a neighborhood, but close enough to get around easily. About 20 steps to the tram.
Abby in Seattle, WA USA 07/09/2009
Best: Dieltien's B & B-page 311-Bruges
Why: Everything about your book says about this B & B is true. The price is right, the accomodation is great and the location is excellent. These are really nice people.
Paul Overmyer in Fort Collins, CO USA 06/09/2009
Best: Hotel Brouwer - Amsterdam
Why: Fabulous location, large room, terrific breakfast.
Anne in Montgomery, IL USA 05/18/2009
Best: Ibis City Centre
Why: The rooms were definitely pretty basic, but clean & decent and we had a city view that was very nice. The location is fantastic! The staff was friendly too. One thing was that I prepaid for an internet special rate of 89 Euros per night. When I checked out I was told I owed 90 Euros. When I explained that I prepaid, I was told that the room rate was 357 Euros for 3 nights (119 Euros per night) and I only paid 267 Euros. I pulled out the printed confirmation showing a full pre-pay rate of 89 Euros per night. The gentleman made a copy of my confirmation, updated the account to 0 balance and apologized for the confusion. Ironically, I had confirmed with the person at check-in that my stay was paid in full (except for any incidentals). Regardless of the hotel, definitely take hard copies of confirmations with you.
Mary Ann in Orlando, FL USA 05/13/2009
Best: Royal Stewart B & B, Genthof 25-27, Bruges Belgium
Why: Maggie and Gilbert, owners of this wonderful establishment, treated my wife and I to the very finest B.& B. experience: EVER. The sunlit dining room looking out on a beautiful garden, and the spacious, comfortable, bedroom was fine, but the real reason for this recommendation is the genuine warmth and caring of Maggie and Gilbert and the outstanding attention to detail. Delicious and bountiful breakfasts were also appreciated. AS the taxi drove us away, there were Maggie and Gilbert, standing in the front doorway to bid us a big, smiling farewell. We'll be back.
Merv and Dolores in Eagle River, AK USA 05/10/2009
Best: Hotel Patritius in Bruges
Why: Classy in every way. Large comfortable rooms, helpful staff, great breakfast. One of the best hotels we have stayed at.
Worst: Hotel La Legende in Brussels
Why: By far the only dumpy hotel we stayed at. The room was slightly larger than a walk in closet, and the one chair could not be placed so as to see the TV. Should be removed from your book
Richard Becker in High Point, NC USA 04/02/2009
Best: Haus de Kiefte in Haarlem (Netherlands)
Why: This was a great place to stay. Hans and Marjet were amiable and we learned a great deal of interesting things about the Netherlands from them. Hans loaned us his map of the national park, phoned up the fellow at the train station to reserve some bikes for us and we biked to Zandvoort and saw the North Sea.
Dave W. in Seattle, WA USA 01/20/2009