As a result of information posted on this board, we booked Stempels for three of the four nights that we'll be in Haarlem in April. We're waitlisted for the first night, as they currently have no availability. I'd like to book a cancellable back-up in case they don't offer us a room for the first night.

I'm looking for a small two- to three-star closer to the square than the station. I looked at Joops and decided the quality of the rooms is too variable to chance booking there. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Carlton, on the main square?

Thanks, Pal. I have read and saved your long thread about Haarlem. Great info!

thanks -one thing i never could get into in Haarlem was some kind of convent that has some kind of nice courtyard restaurant - i happened to be walking on the main pedestrian shopping street and heard some local telling a visiting friend that there was the door to the convent and there was a neat courtyard and restaurant - but times when i walked by it was closed. Might be worth ferreting out?

Pal, the Carlton Square is on the Baan, just south of the Singel. Probably a 4 star. Very nice. All rooms, I think, have a south facing balcony overlooking a park.

At the Grote Markt are the Carillon and Amadeus. Joops is a block away. Nearby 300 meters west is the Raeckse. These four are 1 or 2 stars. I've stayed at the Raeckse and Carillon in the past, and have inspected the Amadeus and Joops. I would probably choose the Raeckse or the Carillon. Rooms are very small.

At the station is the Lion d'Or, a 3 or 4 star. Business hotel. I stayed there years ago.

Pal, I think that you recommended a B&B not too long ago. It is on the Singel.