Unique places to stay in the Netherlands | Both in Amsterdam and around the country

Adventure can be found in many ways. In this post, I’ll give you some examples of unique and interesting places to stay in the Netherlands that will take your visit up a notch. These alternative hotels and B&Bs are an experience in themselves and some will make a dream come true while some will blow your mind.

There’s something for every budget here, so don’t worry. From traveling with friends, your whole family, or your special partner, there’s something amazing awaiting you on this list! This will inspire you to discover special places throughout the Netherlands — places you never knew existed.

Unique places to stay in the Netherlands by the water

Lighthouse – in the province of Friesland you’ll find this stunning and romantic lighthouse giving you a panoramic view of the town of Harlingen and the Wadden Sea. This is also where the ferry picks up if you want to visit the picturesque Frisian Islands. View availability here.

Beach houses -Beach houses are in the province Zeeland and is a whole other side to this incredible Dutch country. Zeeland is the south-western most part of the Netherlands and is an area you go to relax and eat great seafood because it’s a cluster of peninsulas and islands! Obviously, you need seafood. Just so you know, having a car is best to get here and to get around the Zeeland coast but a train can get you to the main cities. Check out more about these beach houses.

Amstelschutsluis from canalside

Bridge house in the middle of the Amstel – with new technology, these bridge houses are no longer needed for those who managed the bridges. Now, this one (and many others in Amsterdam) have been fully renovated and are available to rent. This one in particular is super special because it’s in the middle of the Amstel river and only accessible by private boat with a captain. You can watch our YouTube video about our 24 hours on this island! Read more and check availability on Booking.com.

Crane Apartment – located on NDSM island in Amsterdam this crane hotel is a piece of Amsterdam history. Built in the 1950s, it was part of the industrial harbor for the Royal Dutch Steamboat Company. In 2016, it was renovated into a luxury 2-bedroom apartment unlike anything else. We enjoyed our stay there (you can watch the YouTube video here) and I loved that they have a bed high up to watch sunrise or sunset. That tiny room even has a hidden toilet! Book it here.

Houseboat – this traditional houseboat is in the center of Rotterdam on a quiet residential peninsula but within easy walking distance of the metro and shopping areas. It’s nicely renovated with 3 bedrooms and can hold up to 12 people when utilizing the sofa-beds. Read more and check pricing on Booking.com.

Romantic and cozy alternative accommodations in the Netherlands

Castle image with moat
Courtesy of Kasteel Huis Bergh press release

Stay in Huis Bergh Castle – have a romantic getaway in one of the two authentic towers in this lovely castle near Arnhem. The origins of this castle begin in the 1100 and is now one of the largest castles in the Netherlands. Oh, and it’s surrounded by a moat! You have to check this place out.

Romantic windmill – just outside the south-east neighborhood of Amsterdam is this well-equipped windmill. I can sleep up to 6 people, but it would be perfectly romantic for just two. The landscape is stunning and you have a lovely walking area just behind the windmill with a little river. There’s onsite parking and bike rental available, too. View availability and prices on Airbnb.

Barrel hotel – stay on the coast of the IJsselmeer in a super-cool wine cask with some fancy facilities. For ultimate relaxation, the Wine Cask Royal with Sauna has a big spa soak tub, a massive shower with tons of features, and a sauna. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised! Book this today. Though it takes a while to get to from Amsterdam, the train takes you directly to the incredibly walkable town.

Private plane suite – on an airstrip in the province of Gelderland, you’ll find a plane. It’s not just any plane, it’s an airplane suite built for two. With a jacuzzi tub, infrared sauna, and large shower, the bathroom might be bigger than an entire section of first-class! Also on the plane is a kitchen for those midnight snacks. See photos and check availability.

Cozy B&B by the tulip fields – charming is the best word I have for this B&B. With two little apartments to choose from, you’ll be right next to the famous Dutch tulip fields. Each apartment has exactly what you need for a short stay. This place is in the northern part of Noord Holland, so having a car would be best. Check prices on Booking.com.

Epic accommodations for a group

Texel Yurt – on the islands in the north, you’ll find this unique accommodations that lets you be one with nature in a traditional yurt. For a romantic hideaway, they have a lovely 2-person yurt, but if you want more of a family or group getaway, they also have 4- and 6- person yurts. This area is especially nice for kids to get out and play in nature since it’s set on a National Park. Check it out here.

Hostel in the Cube Houses – yep, you can stay in the cube buildings in Rotterdam on any budget. The StayOkay hostel is well-known and well-respected with private and mixed rooms available. The Cube Houses are centrally located to the Markthal and they have bikes you can rent to explore the city. Read more about this hostel on Hostelworld.

Hostel in a castle – a 13th century castle, named Slot Assumburg, has turned into a fancy hostel. This StayOkay Heemskerk has mixed and private rooms available with bathrooms in the rooms. The stately garden in the back is what caught my eye, it’s all so “Royal”! Do you want to stay in a castle on a budget? Check out prices and availability on Booking.com.

Gothic monastery Maastricht – explore the southern part of the Netherlands from Kruisherenhotel Maastricht. This former gothic monastery has been fully renovated with rooms designed by international designers. This means that you’ll have a contemporary room with the spectacular architecture of the gothic style in the public spaces. The best of both worlds! Learn more here.

Jessica Cutrufello wearing a green floral dress, glasses and pink lipstick

Hi! I’m Jessica, an American who made Amsterdam her home in 2014. I share European gems through food and memorable experiences. Want to know more? Head to my about page or check out my YouTube channel.