The Netherlands has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels in big towns to modern motels along motorways. 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 3-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. For further information, contact The Netherlands Board of Tourism (see Top Things To Do).

These are called pensions and rates vary. Book through local tourist offices.

Not as common a form of accommodation as it is in the UK.

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 Top Things To Do).

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 Top Things To Do) and reservations can be made through the Stichting Vrije Recreatie.

There are around 30 hostels in various surroundings, from castles to modern buildings. People with a Hostelling International card receive a discount of €2.50 for an overnight stay including breakfast. Information is obtainable from Stayokay (the Dutch Youth Hostel Association/Stichting Nederlandse Jeugdherberg Centrale).

The Netherlands Reservation Centre (NRC) (Netherlands Reserverings Centrum)
Plantsoengracht 2, 1441 DE Purmerend, The Netherlands
Tel: (299) 689 144.
Website: www.hotelres.nl

Bed & Breakfast Service Nederland (Online Reservations)
Website: www.bedandbreakfast.nl

Stichting Vrije Recreatie (Information on Camping/Caravanning)
Scr Broakseweg 75-77, 4231 VD Meerkerk, The Netherlands
Tel: (183) 352 741.
Website: www.svr.nl

Stayokay (the Dutch Youth Hostel Association/Stichting Nederlandse Jeugdherberg Centrale)
Tel: (10) 264 6064.
Website: www.stayokay.com