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Accommodation
HOTELS: The Netherlands has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels in big towns to modern motels along motorways. The Netherlands Reservation Centre (NRC) (Netherlands Reserverings Centrum) can make reservations throughout the country: Neuwe Gouw 1, 1442 Lepurmerend (tel: (299) 689 144; fax: (299) 689 154; e-mail: info@hotelres.nl; website: www.hotelres.nl).
Grading: The Netherlands Board of Tourism issues a shield to all approved hotels by which they can be recognised. This must be affixed to the front of the hotel in a conspicuous position. Hotels which display this sign conform to the official standards set by Dutch law on hotels, which protects the tourist and guarantees certain standards of quality. Hotels are also graded according to the Benelux system, in which the standard is indicated by a row of three-pointed stars from the highest (5-star) to the minimum (1-star). However, membership of this scheme is voluntary, and there may be first-class hotels that are not classified in this way. Benelux star ratings adhere to the following criteria. For further information, contact the Netherlands Board of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section).
5-star (H5): This is a new category signifying a luxury hotel. Amenities include private bath and/or shower, toilet, radio and TV in every room. 24-hour room service. Fax facilities in reception. 4-star (H4): First-class hotels. 80 per cent of rooms have a private bath. Other amenities include night reception and room service. 3-star (H3): Half of the rooms have a private bath or shower. Other amenities include day reception and the sale of tobacco products. 2-star (H2): A quarter of rooms have a private bath. Other amenities include a bar. 1-star (H1): Simple hotel. No private baths, but hot and cold water in rooms. Breakfast available. Cat H: Hotel with minimal comfort. Cat O: Simple accommodation.
GUEST-HOUSES: These are called pensions and rates vary. Book through local tourist offices.
BED & BREAKFAST: Not as common a form of accommodation as it is in the UK but reservations can be made online (website: www.bedandbreakfast.nl).
SELF-CATERING: Farmhouses for groups can be booked months in advance via the local tourist offices. Holiday chalets, especially in the relatively unknown parts of Zeeland, can be booked through the local tourist office. Bungalow parks throughout the country can be booked through the Netherlands Reserverings Centrum (NRC). Most bungalow resorts offer a full range of recreational facilities including swimming pools, golf and tennis. Prices depend on size, quality of amenities and the time of year. To order a self-catering brochure, call the Netherlands Board of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section).
CAMPING/CARAVANNING: There are some 2500 registered campsites in Holland. Only 500 offer advanced booking, the others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Off-site camping is not permitted. Prices are fairly high and it is often far better value to stay more than one night. A list is available from the Netherlands Board of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section) and reservations can be made through the Stichting Vrije Recreatie, Scr Broakseweg 75, 4231 VD Meerkerk (tel: (183) 352 741-3; fax: (183) 351 234).
YOUTH HOSTELS: There are 34 hostels in various surroundings, from castles to modern buildings. People with a Hostelling International card pay approximately €9.00-13.60 for an overnight stay including breakfast (non-members pay €2.27 more). Information is obtainable from the Dutch Youth Hostel Association (Stichting Nederlandse Jeugdherberg Centrale), Postbus 5030, 2900 EA Capelle a/Ijesseli (tel: (10) 264 6064; fax: (10) 264 6061; website: www.njhc.org).
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