spaarne

Well dutyfree, it looks like you are on your way but if you have internet access here are some tips.

I also suggest Haarlem. I lived there. If you haven't found a place to stay yet try the B&B Paula. Paula is a friend of mine and has a small apartment in her attic. Very cozy. West side of Haarlem and close to a great restaurant/cafe. The price is a steal, and it is ideal if you are driving because there is plenty of free street parking out front.

The Carlton is not on the main square. It is on the southern edge of the center. It is a good location and quiet, but somewhat high in $$$, and close to the excellent Frans Hals museum. Hotels on the main square are Amadeus and Carillon, with the Joops around the corner behind the big church. The Raekse is a short distance west. These are all one star IMO. The Lion d'Or Golden Tulip, maybe 3 star, is across the street from the train station. Not a top neighborhood, but not bad either. The hotel is "sound proofed" because not only the trains are across the street but the bus depot is almost under the windows of the front facing rooms. There is a new Best Western just east of the Grote Kerk. I have not been in it but would assume it is 4 star or so.

History? Try the Cruquius Expo. There is also an interesting museum windmill in Haarlem but I recommned going up to the Zaanse Schans since you have a car. In Haarlem you have the Tyler's Museum, Frans Hals, and a couple more around the Grote Markt. And the "Grote of Sint Bavo Kirk," "Big or Saint Bavo Church," is worth a visit.

Your 26 yo son will probably appreciate the cafes "Proef" (we just call it the Proef but that is not the real name) and "In Den Uiver" (has live jazz a couple times a week). Dutch girls are friendly to American boys. Enjoy good burgers and slow service at the Brinkman Cafe on the Grote Markt. Outdoor seating is available rain or shine.

iris1745

Hi dutyfree; There is a 'lovely' little castle just south of Amsterdam, called Muiden Castle. ENJOY Iris

basingstoke2

Ditto on Brinkman's Cafe. They have good food and prices. We ate there 3 or 4 times. The veggie pancake was a full meal at about 6 euro if I remember correctly and very tasty. The herring stand in the markt is also very good. Dutch herring is a treat.

utrechtman

I'd include:

(1)utrecht, it's a lovely city with much to do.
(2) delft, same reason
(3) scheveningen, casino, beach, nightlife

dutyfree

Hi Everyone! Back from the Netherlands and had a great time.I found out why I was having so much trouble with finding a room in Haarlem this past week-there was a convention of over 10,000 persons in Amsterdam and every hotel within a 100 mile radius was tapped for use.

Unfortunately,I did not have internet access until the last night there but appreciate everyone's last minute suggestions especially since we ended up doing some of the things you recommended-Brinkman's,Delft,the beach out at the Hague and going up to Alkmaar(sp?).
We spent 4 days based in the Hague and enjoying things in that area-Delft,going over to Utrecht,going to the World Court/Escher musuem,etc. in the Hague and other fun things!
Then we found a cute pensionHotel Fabor for 81 euros a triple with breakfast) over in Zandvoort(found in the Fodors Book ironically) near the beach for basing ourselves near Haarlem and touring around that area.
I have been to the Netherlands many times but really enjoyed having the car and seeing the countryside and smaller towns. Thanks for all of the last minute guidance everyone!
Now to get my cholesterol down from all of the gouda cheese and beer..........

nkopp

What great responses! I hope dutyfree doesn't mind my hopping onto her question, but...what if you were going right after Christmas instead of now. Would the answers be the same or does the weather and shorter day make a difference?