Counting Sheep Outside Amsterdam - Ever Stay Here?
Feb 22nd, 2005, 07:38 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Counting Sheep Outside Amsterdam - Ever Stay Here?
My wife and I next summer will be spending six days in Holland and are considering a three-day stay in Edam and a similar length stay in Delft, making day trips to Amsterdam, Haarlem, and The Hague. My question concerns lodging. Has anyone stayed at the Edam-located Hotel de Fortuna and/or Delft's Herberg de Emauspoort, and if so, what were your impressions?
Thanks in advance for the consideration.
Thanks in advance for the consideration.
Feb 22nd, 2005, 03:04 PM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I haven't even been to the Netherlands yet, but I bought a wonderful book called 'Daytrips- Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg http://tinyurl.com/3tt9t It let's you use one city as your base (such as Amsterdam) and then you take daytrips to various cities from there. Unless it's important for you to stay in each one of the cities you mentioned, it might be an option. 
Feb 22nd, 2005, 07:30 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
rapunzll,
Thank you for the terrific tip. Just when I thought I had perused the entire line-up of Holland travel books, along comes your reply. I've used the "Daytrips" book for Germany and have found it useful and an enjoyable read. I'll order this one from Amazon. Thanks again.
Thank you for the terrific tip. Just when I thought I had perused the entire line-up of Holland travel books, along comes your reply. I've used the "Daytrips" book for Germany and have found it useful and an enjoyable read. I'll order this one from Amazon. Thanks again.
Feb 23rd, 2005, 05:02 AM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DavidD -
We stayed at the Emauspoort in Delft 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed our stay (3 nights). The next time we return to the Netherlands, we will probably stay there again, if schedule allows.
It is a small hotel (12 rooms) located directly behind the Nieuwe Kerk in the center of Delft. Rooms two years ago were going for E72.50 single and E82.50 double, breakfast included, which was a decent standard fare Dutch breakfast. The Emauspoort also has a bakery on site, which was just delicious, and they have free (and wobbly) bikes available for "rolling" around Delft.
There is a bus stop right around the corner from the Emauspoort, so you will have easy access to the trains or the tram system. You can take Tram #1 from Delft into den Hague and Scheveningen, which we found to be more interesting than taking the train. You can use the Strippenkaart with the tram.
Enjoy your travels (I'm envious). Peace.>-
Robyn
We stayed at the Emauspoort in Delft 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed our stay (3 nights). The next time we return to the Netherlands, we will probably stay there again, if schedule allows.
It is a small hotel (12 rooms) located directly behind the Nieuwe Kerk in the center of Delft. Rooms two years ago were going for E72.50 single and E82.50 double, breakfast included, which was a decent standard fare Dutch breakfast. The Emauspoort also has a bakery on site, which was just delicious, and they have free (and wobbly) bikes available for "rolling" around Delft.
There is a bus stop right around the corner from the Emauspoort, so you will have easy access to the trains or the tram system. You can take Tram #1 from Delft into den Hague and Scheveningen, which we found to be more interesting than taking the train. You can use the Strippenkaart with the tram.
Enjoy your travels (I'm envious). Peace.
>-Robyn
Feb 23rd, 2005, 05:50 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Robyn,
Many thanks for the feedback. Thanks to you, the Emauspoort will get the nod. It sounds delightful and within the budget. Thanks, too, for the tram tip; it sounds like an enjoyable alternative to the train.
What was your take on den Hague? Any recommendations as regards sightseeing?
Thanks again for the information.
Many thanks for the feedback. Thanks to you, the Emauspoort will get the nod. It sounds delightful and within the budget. Thanks, too, for the tram tip; it sounds like an enjoyable alternative to the train.
What was your take on den Hague? Any recommendations as regards sightseeing?
Thanks again for the information.
Feb 23rd, 2005, 06:42 AM
#6
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
David,
We only had a half day in den Hague and spent most of it at Escher in het Paleis (#74 Lange Voorhout), which is the relatively new museum (opened Nov 2002) dedicated to M.C. Escher. It was fantastic. The first two floors displayed many of Escher's works, somewhat in chronological order. Some of the pieces, which I had seen in print previously, where just incredible to see in person. On the third floor was a virtual reality tour that you can participate in which was awesome. The tour takes you through several of his more famous pieces. What a trip it was!!!
The other museum to see is the Mauritshuis, which unfortunately we just didn't have enough time to visit (maybe next trip). THE painting to see there is Girl with the Pearl Earring. Many of the Dutch Masters are also on display.
We also visited the Panorama Mesdag, which was interesting in that it is only one of a handful of panoramas left in the world. Mesdag certainly was not one of the greatest painters, but the panorama concept was worth the short visit.
We also walked/trammed around the Peace Palace, Hofvijver and the city centre. We took tram #7 or #8 (can't remember) out to Sheveningen, where we walked the Strandweg and went down to the North Sea and stuck our finger in the water (we were there in April, too cold to stick our toes in).
When you visit Haarlem, I would highly recommend a stop at the Teylers Museum, which is devoted to science and the arts. There is so much interesting "stuff" to see - when we were there in 2003 they had a special exhibition on Body Piercing, which was very intriguing. Haarlem is a lovely city just to wander around in (as is Delft & Gouda). The Grote of St. Bavokerk is definately worth a stop also. We didn't visit the Frans Halsmuseum (time constraints) so I can't comment here.
May I recommend a quick stop in Leiden on your way to or from Haarlem, for a visit to the Molen de Valk, the windmill museum which is located right around the corner from the train station. For a couple of Euros you can climb the seven (sometimes steep) flights to the top, where you can walk out on the deck for a lovely view of Leiden. If you're lucky you might be there when the sails are turning. You could easily do this quick stop in an hour.
Hope this helps with your planning.>-
Robyn
We only had a half day in den Hague and spent most of it at Escher in het Paleis (#74 Lange Voorhout), which is the relatively new museum (opened Nov 2002) dedicated to M.C. Escher. It was fantastic. The first two floors displayed many of Escher's works, somewhat in chronological order. Some of the pieces, which I had seen in print previously, where just incredible to see in person. On the third floor was a virtual reality tour that you can participate in which was awesome. The tour takes you through several of his more famous pieces. What a trip it was!!!
The other museum to see is the Mauritshuis, which unfortunately we just didn't have enough time to visit (maybe next trip). THE painting to see there is Girl with the Pearl Earring. Many of the Dutch Masters are also on display.
We also visited the Panorama Mesdag, which was interesting in that it is only one of a handful of panoramas left in the world. Mesdag certainly was not one of the greatest painters, but the panorama concept was worth the short visit.
We also walked/trammed around the Peace Palace, Hofvijver and the city centre. We took tram #7 or #8 (can't remember) out to Sheveningen, where we walked the Strandweg and went down to the North Sea and stuck our finger in the water (we were there in April, too cold to stick our toes in).
When you visit Haarlem, I would highly recommend a stop at the Teylers Museum, which is devoted to science and the arts. There is so much interesting "stuff" to see - when we were there in 2003 they had a special exhibition on Body Piercing, which was very intriguing. Haarlem is a lovely city just to wander around in (as is Delft & Gouda). The Grote of St. Bavokerk is definately worth a stop also. We didn't visit the Frans Halsmuseum (time constraints) so I can't comment here.
May I recommend a quick stop in Leiden on your way to or from Haarlem, for a visit to the Molen de Valk, the windmill museum which is located right around the corner from the train station. For a couple of Euros you can climb the seven (sometimes steep) flights to the top, where you can walk out on the deck for a lovely view of Leiden. If you're lucky you might be there when the sails are turning. You could easily do this quick stop in an hour.
Hope this helps with your planning.
>-Robyn
Feb 23rd, 2005, 08:17 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Robyn,
Kudos to you for the wealth of information about den Hague and beyond. The Escher museum sounds terrific, as does the chance to see Vermeer's "Girl with the Pearl." I've heard positive words about the panorama painting, and of course a side-trip to Haarlem - Hals Museum, Grote Kerk - is part of the itinerary.
Before I sign-off, may I ask if you had the chance to visit the Keukenhof bulb-flower garden, located outside Leiden? Is it worth a stop given we won't be there in the spring?
Once again, thank you.
Kudos to you for the wealth of information about den Hague and beyond. The Escher museum sounds terrific, as does the chance to see Vermeer's "Girl with the Pearl." I've heard positive words about the panorama painting, and of course a side-trip to Haarlem - Hals Museum, Grote Kerk - is part of the itinerary.
Before I sign-off, may I ask if you had the chance to visit the Keukenhof bulb-flower garden, located outside Leiden? Is it worth a stop given we won't be there in the spring?
Once again, thank you.
Feb 24th, 2005, 04:27 AM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello David,
I've been to the Keukenhof three times, but it was always during the bulb season, so I can't comment on how the Gardens are during the off season. I believe they have special exhibits and events during the course of the year, so perhaps something will be happening at the Gardens when you make your visit to Holland that might make it worthwhile to go. You can check out their website at: www.keukenhof.nl
I woke up at 3:00 am this morning and thought about my earlier post to you. I don't know if you are interested in Delftware (purchasing or looking at), but you might want to check out these two threads, since you will be staying in Delft.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34499097
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34503105
Any other questions, I'll be happy to try to help. Peace.>-
Robyn
I've been to the Keukenhof three times, but it was always during the bulb season, so I can't comment on how the Gardens are during the off season. I believe they have special exhibits and events during the course of the year, so perhaps something will be happening at the Gardens when you make your visit to Holland that might make it worthwhile to go. You can check out their website at: www.keukenhof.nl
I woke up at 3:00 am this morning and thought about my earlier post to you. I don't know if you are interested in Delftware (purchasing or looking at), but you might want to check out these two threads, since you will be staying in Delft.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34499097
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34503105
Any other questions, I'll be happy to try to help. Peace.
>-Robyn
Feb 24th, 2005, 05:39 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Robyn,
Thanks for your reply. I am indeed interested in Delftware, so I appreciate those two threads.
I'm very much looking forward to Holland, and your experience has been most helpful.
Thanks for your reply. I am indeed interested in Delftware, so I appreciate those two threads.
I'm very much looking forward to Holland, and your experience has been most helpful.
Feb 24th, 2005, 11:13 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi David,
Robyn has given you some great advice. May I also suggest Madurodam in the Hague (not just for Children!) and the fabulous Gemeentemuseum (Municipal Museum), designed by the architect Berlage, which houses the largest collection of Mondriaan in the world?
If you're interested in things scientific or their history, the Museon (next to the Gemeentemuseum) has some interesting things - for instance, one of Van Leeuwenhoek's original microscopes.
Enjoy!
Robyn has given you some great advice. May I also suggest Madurodam in the Hague (not just for Children!) and the fabulous Gemeentemuseum (Municipal Museum), designed by the architect Berlage, which houses the largest collection of Mondriaan in the world?
If you're interested in things scientific or their history, the Museon (next to the Gemeentemuseum) has some interesting things - for instance, one of Van Leeuwenhoek's original microscopes.
Enjoy!
