Hi All,

Any special recommendations for Guide books for the Netherlands and or Belgium?

I normally use Lonely Planet, but their Netherlands book is from 2003, and the Belgium book from 2002. They do have a new "Best of" for Brusslels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent for a decent price that looks good. Frommers also has a nice looking Walking Tours book for Amsterdam, if a bit expensive.

Rough Guide are also old: 2003 and 2002.

Am interested in budget places to stay.

What else?

Thanks!

ttt

I thought Time Out's books on Amsterdam was good and comprehensive. I think Lonely Planet is the only people who publish a guide that includes so much of Belgium.

You can get a feel for Time Out's Amsterdam book here:

http://www.timeout.com/amsterdam/

Hi, una. What do you consider the price range for "budget" places to stay?

I used Let's Go for Amsterdam and thought they did a great job with the city.

Thanks all. Am checking out the Time Out...

Rufus - I would prefer something under 50 Euro a day incl bkfst. Have found one so far, well located. Still looking...

I confess that I used Rick Steve's for our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium last summer with a bit of Fodor's and Frommer's photocopied for those areas that Rick missed. It worked out well for us. Have a great trip. Barb

UnaS

From a historical angle you just can't beat the Blue Guide to the The Netherlands, published by A & C Black . Wonderful, comprehensive information.

The one I have here is from 2002 but I am sure there will now be a newer version.

Joe

Hi Joe,

Want a giggle? I googled Blue Guides. They referred me to amazon.uk Used the search engine - guess what Blue Guide pulled up?

Yup! One blue water sailing and the rest porno

Under Amsterdam there is no Blue Guide.
But...the idea of using amazon.uk has turned up some good books, like LP, RG, Time Out and DK for less than they cost on the home sites!

So - thanks! A good steer in the right direction. Much appreciated.

Went back and tried Blue Guide Netherlands - and found it!

Thanks again.

I like the AA guides [means automobile Association in the UK] because they are quite comprehensive,and have spiral spines, so they lay flat. THey are available through amazon UK I think.

Thanks to all.
Joe set me off in the right direction.
Found the Blue Guide Netherlands on abebooks for just US$4.45 and ordered it!!

unaS,

I wouldn't worry about the date if it is within the last few years. Very little is changed in those books year-to-year because very little changes in Europe year-to-year. Yes, prices go up, especially if the euro is rising in value compared to the dollar, but relative prices of hotels and such remain almost constant. A budget hotel 5 years ago is still likely to be a budget hotel today. Besides, most books are researched, if at all, a year before the date on the cover so the actual prices given are never correct. Fodor's guides don't even give prices, just an indication like $, $$, $$$.

For finding budget accommodations the best deals and indications of room availability can usually be found on the internet, not in those budget guide books. The cheap hotels tend to fill up in high season because of the mention in a book. Do a search for "B&B city" and insert any city you are interested in. Also check smaller cities close to Brussels, Amsterdam, etc. for lower prices. Public transportation is excellent so you can get to the big city rather easily.

For guide books describing artifacts and natural wonders the Michelin Green Guides are my favorite. Fodor's Guide to the Netherlands is also a good one. Lonely Planet's "Europe on a Shoestring" is the book I carry when visiting more than a few countries.