Has anyone visited Haarlem in recent years?

I have found that my paternal ancestor Marten lived there in the late 16th Century and so I am very interested to stand upon a few of the places he once stood.

Where is the best place to stay to take in the atmosphere of Haarlem ?

Topping - would greatly appreciate current advice on Haarlem accommodation for 3-4 nights.

Hi Will. I haven't been to Haarlem yet but will be staying in a studio apartment in the Jordaan later this week. It looks great, ground floor, own garden, etc, 150 euro. Can tell you about it next week if you're interested.

Thanks tarquin. Please let me know about the apartment.

My Great Great Grandfather about seven or eight generations back was Manager of the Amsterdam Theatre at some point in the 17th C and was provided with a house on the Emperors Canal - Keizersgracht.

We have spent time in Amsterdam on a few previous visits years ago so have seen much of Amsterdam but little of the countryside or satellite towns.

I thought Haarlem may be a good place to get a different view of Holland and provide easy quick access to Amsterdam.

Also we find that our family history in the early 16th Century takes us back to Haarlem where we were involved in the early days of land reclamation.

It would be nice to find a good hotel in HAARLEM with local character, a view and good breakfasts. We intend to do a lot of walking in the area. So far the Stempels Hotel is the hotel we have focused our interest on from a few previous reviews and Tripadvisor etc.

Maybe there is a Fodorite(s) out there with great knowledge of HAARLEM. Hope so.

Thanks for any advice on Haarlem Hotels, restaurants, sites etc.

Seems that there are few memories of Haarlem - Any other recommendations for a hotel in Haarlem ??? Going Going .....

I stay at a B&B in Haarlem.
For hotels the Carlton has south facing windows and balconies overlooking a park. It is on the south side near the Frans Hals Museum. This is a very nice place, probably only about 25 years old.
The Lion d'Or is across the street from the train station so it is better for getting to Amsterdam and other points of interest in Holland. If you have a front room you have a view of the station (beautiful) and the bus terminal. The windows are fitted with noise reduction. The hotel is old but in very good condition, a businessman's hotel.
Stempels is in the center of the city. It is rather new and has had good comments from Fodorites, as I recall.
The Amadeus is a one star, at best, on the Grote Markt. It is very old with miniature rooms. Not recommended.

Hi, had gone from Amsterdam a few years back. It was a day trip for me - one that I enjoyed but of course did not have the context that you do for wanting to spend more time there. I did the Franz Hals museum +1, the city centre, tour bus and was back in Amsterdam by evening!

Thank you for the comments and advice.

We will soon visit Haarlem where we will stay at Stempels Hotel.

We are happy with Haarlem as a base and in the knowledge that my ancestors lived there in the 16th C

Also we find that our family history in the early 16th Century takes us back to Haarlem where we were involved in the early days of land reclamation.

You would probably be interested in a visit to the Cruquius. It was one of three massive vacuum based steam engines used to pump out the Haarlemmeer, now a polder in which sits Schiphol Airport 15 feet below sea level.

Good Will: when are you going to Haarlem?

We almost decided to stay there when we travel with some friends next May, because there is a very good apartment in the old center. Unfortunately, it wasn't large enough for four couples.

However, it is just around the corner from the Amrath hotel, where one couple contemplated staying. That hotel certainly looks good on the Internet, but it doesn't lookas "old Haarlem" as the Stempels.

I'dlove to hear about your experience especially if you will return before our trip.