Clear (16 oF • -9 oC)Accomodation
Accomodation
When you stay in Holland, there are a number of possibilities to arrange for accomodation. There is not really a need to stay in a Hotel or a five-stars ranked camping site. In course of time, alternatives will be presented here:
Nature camping sites, including addresses and reviews.
For non-campers
Friends on bike (Vrienden op de Fiets) is a Bed and Breakfast concept, exclusively for bikers and hikers. You stay with people that like to receive guests on a non-professional concept. So you really are a guest. Your host may charge you a generally modest amount of money for their expenses and effort.
The site www.Bedandbreakfast.nl offers search and booking of bed and breakfast in the netherlands. It has over 4000 addresses. The good news is that this site has a version in English language! The site does not provide very much information about the accomodations, just contact details. For some B&Bs you can make a reservation request. They also publish a guide, but I assume it is in Dutch. The English language site does not publish ordering details, but you can order through the orderform. Threy assume payment with iDeal (a Dutch internet payment system) or money transfer. I think best is to phone them if you want to order the guide.
If you like to stay in historical buildings, this site is for you: www.erfgoedlogies.nl. It provides information on accomodion and it has a contact form to request more information and avaialability.
StayOK are relatively cheap hostels. Their site supports English and German language. Reserviation is recommended during the season. See the map below for an indication of the locations. (Red= city hostels, blue= coast/water, green=forests, nature)
NIVON is an organization that origitnates from the social-democratic international movement. They have hostels and camping sites, managed by volunteers. The camping sites are mostly covered by the Nature camping sites, so no need to bother with the organization directly. The website is in Dutch only. You have to be a member of the organization or one of their international sister-organizations. If you like to stay in one of their houses or at one of the camping sites, I suggest you try to locate a local representative before you depart. You can phone NIVON directly here +31 204350700. At the NFI site you find a little information on NIVON as well.
See the map below for their hostel locations
Between camping and lodging
If you like camping but not sleeping in a tent, a "trekkershut" (hikers cabin), might be a solution. You need your own sleeping bag, and they are located at (regular) camping sites. Few of them are luxury versions, offirng shower, freeze and separate sleeping cabins. There is no membership fee, but you must make a reservation in most cases. Sorry, the website is in Dutch only, but the search page should be readable for yoiu.
On your way....
A brand new service. "Resting points". Farmers and other people that provide you with simple things for a short break. You may find a bike repair set, a facility to make some coffee, or even some fresh apple pie... You are supposed to pay for what you use.
More to come here soon...
