Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleep code
(€1 = about $1.40)
To help you sort easily through these listings, I've divided the
rooms into three categories based on the price for a standard
double room with bath:
$$$
Higher Priced
$$
Moderately Priced
$
Lower Priced
To give maximum information in a minimum of space,
I use the following code to describe the accommodations.
Prices listed are per room, not per person. When a price range
is given for a type of room (such as “Db-€80-120”), it means
the price fluctuates with the season, size of room, or length of
stay.
S =
Single room (or price for one person in a double).
D =
Double or twin. Double beds are usually big enough
for nonromantic couples.
T =
Triple (generally a double bed with a single).
Q =
Quad (usually two double beds).
b =
Private bathroom with toilet and shower or tub.
s =
Private shower or tub only (the toilet is down the
hall).
According to this code, a couple staying at a “Db-€85”
hotel would pay a total of €85 (about $130) for a double room
with a private bathroom. Unless otherwise noted, English is
spoken, breakfast is included, and credit cards are accepted.
Bed-and-Breakfasts
B&Bs offer double the cultural intimacy and—often—nicer rooms
for a good deal less than most hotel rooms. Hosts usually speak
English and are interesting conversationalists.
In the Low Countries, B&Bs are common in well-touristed
areas outside the big cities. There are plenty to choose from in
Haarlem, and especially in Bruges. Amsterdam also has B&Bs,
though they tend to be more expensive and not as good a value
as those in small towns (I've listed the better-value B&Bs in
Amsterdam). Urban Brussels has no recommended B&Bs. Local
TIs have lists of B&Bs and can book a room for you, but you'll
save money by booking direct with the B&Bs listed in this topic.
Hostels
For $30 a night, you can stay at a youth hostel. Travelers of any
age are welcome, if they don't mind dorm-style accommodations
or meeting other travelers. Cheap meals are sometimes available,
