The Netherlands’ northernmost city, Leeuwarden, is known for its Medieval architecture, historic landmarks and laid-back nightlife. Thankfully, the city also has many excellent hotels to stay in, ranging from oh-so-traditional establishments to smaller, uniquely designed boutique hotels. Here’s our pick of the best hotels in Leeuwarden.
Offering affordable lodgings with plenty of charm, Leeuwarder Euro Hotel is within walking or biking distance of many of Leeuwarden’s cultural attractions, including the Fries Museum and Nature Museum Fryslân. Thanks to its towering white facade, the hotel is fairly hard to miss and features 45 well-equipped guest rooms, furnished with double or single beds, plus en-suite bathrooms. There’s a ritzy restaurant on its ground floor, too, where guests can start the day with a breakfast buffet and return after dark for three-course dinners.
Roughly one kilometre away from Leeuwarden’s historic centre, this polished, modern establishment has an eye-catching geometrical design that’s unlike any other hotel found in the city. Much like its exterior, the hotel’s 28 guest rooms are inviting and stylish, featuring elegant, contemporary furnishings with light splashes of pastel colours. Aside from its lodgings, the hotel also houses a high-end restaurant, Wannee, which centres its menu around fresh, seasonal produce farmed in the Netherlands.
Located opposite Leeuwarden’s main railway station, this long-standing hotel has served as a gateway to the city for travellers for well over a century. The hotel has been renovated several times since it first opened its doors in 1879 and nowadays has a modern yet classical design complete with dark-wooden decor and other classy flourishes. A perfect spot for couples, small families or solo travellers, the hotel has 78 guest rooms of varying sizes that can accommodate between one to four guests. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served at the hotel’s brasserie throughout the day and the restaurant has plenty of space for casual coffees and evening drinks.
Built inside a former post office dating back to the early 20th century, this charming four-star hotel stands on the eastern side of Leeuwarden’s historic city centre. Though it has been renovated to meet modern standards, the hotel still features many historic elements, including high vaulted ceilings and red-brick exterior walls. The hotel has 82 well-put-together rooms designed with style and comfort in mind, complete with comfy beds, en-suite facilities and flat-screen TVs. There’s also a gym and a large brasserie in-situ.
Set inside an 18th-century royal palace, this stately establishment in central Leeuwarden looks stunning, to say the least, and features many regal elements like chandeliers, four-poster beds and oil paintings that reflect its long history. There are 28 rooms available, ranging from simple lodgings furnished with all the basics to deluxe suites equipped with custom-built jacuzzis. Other amenities include Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof’s on-site gourmet restaurant, Us Heit, and several meeting halls.
