5 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Hotel in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most charming travel destinations—think canals, windmills, tulip fields, and vibrant cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. But when it comes to booking a hotel, it’s easy to fall into some common traps, especially if it’s your first time visiting. To help you have a smooth and stress-free trip, here are five mistakes you should avoid when booking a hotel in the Netherlands.

1. Only Booking Hotels in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is beautiful, but it’s not the only place worth staying. Many travelers make the mistake of booking exclusively in the capital, missing out on less touristy (and often cheaper) cities like Haarlem, Leiden, or The Hague.

➡️ Dutch Accommodation Advice: Choose a hotel near a train station in another city. The Netherlands has an excellent rail network, making day trips easy and efficient.

2. Overlooking Hotel Location and Accessibility

Not all hotels in the Netherlands are well-located. Some budget options may be far from tram or bus stops, making travel time-consuming.

➡️ Tip: Always check the hotel’s location on Google Maps and read reviews that mention accessibility. Search for “book hotels in the Netherlands near public transport” for better options.

3. Assuming Air Conditioning Comes Standard

You might expect air conditioning everywhere—but in the Netherlands, especially in older hotels, that’s not always the case.

➡️ Tip: If you’re visiting during summer (June–August), filter your hotel search by AC or ventilation. This is a key detail many travelers miss when booking hotels in the Netherlands.

4. Forgetting About Tourist Tax

The toeristenbelasting (tourist tax) is an extra fee charged per night and is often not included in the room price listed online.

➡️ Netherlands Hotel Tip: Always check the booking details or hotel website for information about local taxes. These can add up quickly on longer stays.

5. Not Reading Guest Reviews

Photos can be misleading, and star ratings don’t tell the full story. A 4-star hotel might have noise problems, poor service, or be located in a sketchy area.

➡️ Tip: Always read recent reviews on Booking.com, Google, or TripAdvisor. Focus on reviews from the past 3 months for the most accurate picture.

✅ Final Travel Tip

Booking a hotel in the Netherlands should be easy—but a little preparation can save you time, money, and stress. By following these simple Netherlands hotel tips, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right place, in the right location, for the right price.

Bonus Tip: Consider Booking Directly with the Hotel

While booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia offer convenience, you might find better deals, flexible cancellation policies, or free perks when you book directly through the hotel’s own website. Some hotels in the Netherlands even offer a discount for direct bookings or include breakfast for free. Another smart approach is to join hotel loyalty programs, which are often free and can unlock member-only discounts, room upgrades, and early check-in or late check-out options. If you're planning to visit multiple cities in the Netherlands, look for hotel chains with locations in different regions to maximize your benefits. Also, don’t underestimate the value of contacting the hotel directly with questions—this can give you a sense of their customer service quality before you even arrive. Taking these small steps can lead to a more personalized experience and help you feel more confident in your final hotel choice.

➡️ Tip: Compare both options before confirming your reservation—it could save you money and offer more flexibility, more you can find on unstandardizedprep.com.

Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, avoiding these Netherlands travel mistakes will help ensure a comfortable and memorable trip.