Netherlands Travel Deals

Fierce creatures weekend
With the Artis package of Novotel Amsterdam City you can take the whole family to visit the fierce (and not so fierce) creatures in the Artis zoo in Amsterdam. Artis is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. There, you can admire more than 900 animal species from all over the world or discover new worlds in the Planetarium. Opposite the hotel there is also the Amstel Park with a children?s farm and a playground. You may park for free during your stay and we?ll also give you a public transport card to get to the zoo.
On arrival at the hotel, the children will get a small surprise and, of course, they can make free use of the hotel?s play corner, which also includes a PlayStation.
Details of your stay

From euro 270
/2 Adults. 2 Night(s)

Single supplement: 120.- Accommodation

Two nights stay in the "novation" room including breakfast.
Activities

Entry tickets to the most famous Zoo in Amsterdam, the Artis Zoo.
Parking and transport

During your whole stay you may park at the hotel for free and you will get a public transport ticket.
Offer Starts :
23/10/2007
Offer Ends :
31/12/2008

Hotel Gooiland is centrally situated in The Netherlands with easy access to Amsterdam and Utrecht but also to the lovely areas Gooiland and Vecht.
The hotel itself is a national monument, built in 1936 by the architect Jan Duiker. It also houses a theatre.

One night at Hotel Gooiland is normally 155 euro (single room, including breakfast or 140 excluding breakfast).

This deal includes 1 night accommodation, glass of champagne on arrival, breakfast buffet and entrance to the Media and Sound Experience for only 60 euro per person.

Minimum reservations is for 2 persons. For 1 person, an extra fee of 35 euro applies. The offer is valid until Dec 31, 2008
To make reservations it seems easiest to email receptie@gooiland.nl and mention the 'Duiker Arrangement'. Or phone +3135-6212331

More info about the hotel (in English) at:
http://www.gooiland.nl/templates/mercury.asp?page_id=1527

More info about the 'Beeld en Geluid Experience' (Media and Sound):
http://experience.beeldengeluid.nl/index.aspx?chapterID=7878

NH Hotel Group is offering cheap hotel rooms for travellers aged between 18 - 35 --> pay just 60 Euros for a double room.
Breakfast buffet is charged separately for just 7 Euros.

SPECIFIC PROMOTION CONDITIONS

> Price includes accommodation in a double room.
> VAT not included
> Offer valid for weekends and vacation periods.

> You must present a form of ID on arrival at the hotel, proving that at least one of the guests is between the ages of 18 and 35.
> Offer valid from 1st January to 31st December 2008.
> Car park not included.

Telephone Numbers for NH Hotels:
Freephone number from: Germany, Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and the UK: +800 0115 0116

Freephone number from Italy +800 87 87 87

Freephone number from the USA +888 726 05 28

Freephone number from Canada +866 299 70 96

USA and Canada +800 232 98 60

* * * * * * * * * *
PS: This offer is valid in 65 NH Hotels all around Spain, Portugal, Germany or the Netherlands!

There is a special offer of the Dutch railways for the amusement park Efteling (http://www.efteling.nl/) this summer, until October 26:

It is called "wonderkaart" and gives you 20% reduction on the entrance ticket (23 euro instead of 27 euro) and 20% discount on a train ticket from any station in the Netherlands to Tilburg or Den Bosch. From those stations you can take the bus to Kaatsheuvel/De Efteling for 2.50 euro per person.

Free train and bus tickets for 3 kids under 11 years per paying adult.

You can only order the tickets on internet and they will be send within 3 working days to your address

http://www.ns.nl/efteling

Website is in Dutch, some help:

Vertrekstation = departure train station (fill out city)
Reisgezelschap = composition of the party of travelers
Hoeveel reizigers beschikken over een abonnement, OV-studentenkaart of begeleiderskaart? = Only fill out in the unlikely case you have a train-subscription
Bestellen = to order
Voltooien = to complete

Fill out form, accept "voorwaarden" and pay with e.g. credit card.

Have fun,
Dennis

The Rotterdam Welcome Card is a voucher book with over 100 euro worth of benefits. Participants are:

TOURIST INFORMATION:
VVV Rotterdam Store 25% discount on any RTM-article
VVV Rotterdam Info Café 50% discount on the Welcome Card

ATTRACTIONS
Railz Miniworld 50% discount on admission
Spido 25% discount on harbour tour in 75 min.
Grote- of St. Laurenskerk free ticket for climbing the tower
Shipyard De Delft 50% discount
Pancake Boat 25% discount on all sailings
Euromast ? 2.50 discount (=30%)
Kijk-Kubus (Show Cube) ? 1.00 discount(=40%)
Rotterdam Zoo ? 1.50 discount (=9%)
Boat excursion Kinderdijk 20% discount on boat excursion
Plaswijckpark 25% discount on admission
De Eendracht ? 10.00 discount on a sailing day trip

FOOD & DRINKS
Engels 15% discount on the check (food and/or drinks)
Restaurant 70 25% discount on a 3 course dinner
Hilton Rotterdam 25% discount on a High Tea
Bar & Brasserie Water ? 2.00 discount on coffee/tea + French apple pie
Humphrey's Rotterdam 25% discount on a 3-course set menu
Gonzales BBQ Restaurant 25% discount on the ice-cream menu
China Boat 10% discount on all sailings

MUSEUMS
Nederlands Fotomuseum 50% discount
Maritime Museum R?dam 25% discount
Netherlands Architecture Institute & Huis Sonneveld ? 3.00 discount

NIGHTLIFE/ENTERTAINMENT
Pathé de Kuip & Pathé Schouwburgplein 25% discount on a film
Rotterdam Philharmonic 25% discount on a concert
Thermen Holiday Schiedam 25% discount on sauna entrance
Baja Beach Club free entrance or free cocktail

The Rotterdam Welcome Card is available at a lot of hotels PLUS:

VVV Rotterdam Store, Coolsingel 5 (next to the Hilton)
VVV Rotterdam Info Café (near Central Station) Stationsplein 45
Rotterdam Airport Information/Service desk Rotterdam, Airportplein 60
StayOkay Rotterdam (hostel), Rochussenstraat 107-109

Rooms in the Wijnberg hotel are 74-98 euro per night (double room).
It's in a monumental buildinig in the center of Sneek with it's lively shops, pubs, watersports, restaurants...

This deal comprises:

3- course dinner
breakfast buffet
single room with showr, toilet, TV and telephone.

? 87,00 per person, per night.
1 May-1 Septmber it is 98,50 per person, per night.

You can find a description of the hotel on my Sneek page:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/2bf0c/6faed/3/

The hotel in my street is known for a very good cuisine. I've always very much enjoyed my dinners here. Not only a la carte but also in the cafe.
Go to the website and click Package Deals and choose this deal or any other.

3-day Gastronomical Package includes:
- Welcome with complimentary Drink
- 2 nights accomodation
- 2 Deluxe Buffet Breakfasts
- One 3-course dinner on the day of arrival
- One 5-course dinner on the 2nd day
- One day use of bicycles

Now from 129 Euro p.p. (excluding 2 euro tax p.p.).

To compare: a double comfort room (2 persons) is 129 euro per night.
That essentially means that you get excellent meals for free and use of bicycles.

Also available are Last minutes, 1 night 39 euro per night.

Permanent low prices within Europe!!!

Tun Fun is a great indoor play ground under the famous Waterloo market. You could go browsing the market, while the kids have the time of their lives.
For information, click on the link at tunfun.nl

Normal entrance fee is 7,50 EUR per child. With the discount voucher, it is only 6,50 EUR per child (2 children per voucher).

Simply print the voucher at http://www.kortingswinkel.nl/files/3/tunfun_6.50entree_2.jpg

This voucher gives 5 euro discount for adults and 2 euro discount for children, for tours around Amsterdam in an old American schoolbus with glass roof.
The voucher is valid for max. 4 persons, for 1 or 2 hour tours that start after 14.30 hrs. For the tour there's a choice of 15 languages!

The normal price is 16 euro per adult and 8 euro per child (under 13) for a 1 hour tour.
The 2 hour tour is the same, but includes a visit to a diamond center, with a free drink. This costs 20 euro per adult and 10 euro per child (under 13).

What you need to do:
1) Click on 'Print deze gratis kortingsbon' to print the voucher.
2) Bring the voucher to the office of Tours & Tickets at Damrak 34 in Amsterdam (that's near Central Station).

More information: http://www.touristbusamsterdam.com/ (in English).

When you book a room at the hotel 'Het Loo' in Apeldoorn, normally breakfast is not included (breakfast cost Euro 12.50 per person per night).
But there is also a special deal when you book a deluxe room. The price for this room inclusive breakfast is Euro 90.00 per night.

Until december 23, 2008 you can stay the night in Stayokay Soest (formerly known as youth hostel) and visit the Royal Palace Soestdijk in one package. Prices: 72 euros and up.
Bycicle tour/rent and dinner/lunch included
For bookings contact the Stayokay: soest@stayokay.com

As you can see at www.efteling.nl and on De Efteling VT page, this is one of the best family amusement parks that The Netherlands has to offer. The main theme is 'fairy tales' and it really is fun for young and old. Almost every Dutch child will have been to De Efteling on a school trip or with their (grand)parents. I too have my own childhood memories of De Efteling, and I visited again 25 years later. I suppose I should go again soon!

Dutch Railway (www.ns.nl) offers a good discount from any station in The Netherlands to the nearest train station to De Efteling), including bus transportation from the station to De Efteling PLUS entrance fees.

You do this by buying the so-called NS-Wonderkaart (wonder card). This is exclusively available from the NS website.
Of course the discount differs, depending on with how many people you travel (adults/children).
In general the discount is 20% on train tickets (from age 12) PLUS 4 euro discount on the entrance fee per person (23 euro instead of 27 euro).
Children under 12 travel for free by train and bus in this offer. This saves you 4 euro per child under 12.

Example:
a family of 2 adults, 1 child over 12, and 1 child under 12, travelling from Amsterdam. They pay 156,60 euro instead of 190,90 euro (discount 34,30 euro) for train/bus + entrance fees.

Oh and, children under 12 receive a gift!

PS If you need help translating, do e-mail me.

This hotel is one of the best in service and ambiance, chosen by the ANWB (Dutch AA). Located in the east of The Netherlands, near the German border in lush green surrounding, great for biking, walking and sightseeing.
I've stayed here numerous times over the last 15 years.
The hotel restaurant is EXCELLENT (yes, those capitals are on purpose!).

Their cheapest offer is the Sweet Sunday.
That means you arrive on a Sunday afternoon.
You stay one night in a double room, including breakfast and a 4 course dinner.
Prices for this offer, depending on room size, are between 59-79 EURO.
To compare: normal room rates are between 89-129 EURO (incl. breakfast).
This specific deal can be found at
http://www.drostes.nl/logeren-arrangementensweetsunday.php

Droste's hotel restaurant
Uelserweg 95
7651 KV Tubbergen
Telefoon: 0546 - 621264
Fax: 0546 - 622828
info@drostes.nl

This has been an ongoing thing for several years and was formerly know as "The Amsterdam Express". Travelling from any "ONE" station in East Anglia, including from Liverpool Street, London, taking you to any Dutch station, Amsterdam or further afield, AND including the ferry crossing from Harwich, the 25 quid deal is definitely worth a thought - OK it takes a bit longer, but without the hassle of airline check-ins, baggage restrictions and etc. - this is a nice way to travel if time is not a commodity.

There seems to be no restriction on dates, but you must book online at least 7 days in advance.

special deals from Eindhoven to London Stansted and to Stckholm
travel between Ocotber 2008 and jAN 2009

From the Belgian website Hotelspecials.be, a weekend-deal for the Rotterdam Hilton hotel dead center of town and walkable from Central Station.

Includes 1 night accommodation
Free entry to Holland Casino
Excluding breakfast ? 22.50 per person
Cancellations up to 16 hrs on the day of arrival.

A reservation for two nights costs ? 115.

Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM, Rotterdam

Translations:
Controleer beschikbaarheid = check availability
Kamer = room
Volwassene - Adult
Aankomst = Arrival
Nacht = night
Kies = choose
Parkeren = parking (hotel has no parking facilities, however there's a parking garage next door)
Toeristenbelasting = tourist tax (in this case: inclusive)
Huisdieren = pets (15 ? per pet/per night)



If you want to see the rooms, go to VT member stefank60's Rotterdam page and check his accommodation tips at:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/43761/6fc73/

Rent a "mini" at the airport terminal! How convenient is that? You can't go wrong with BUDGET RENT-A-CAR... and why go with BUDGET?

Values

A commitment to great value for customers:

We provide great service at a great price that clearly demonstrates to our customers that they received the best car rental value.
We use new ideas and innovations to enhance service and increase customer satisfaction.
We solve problems creatively, and take action on behalf of our customers.
A focus on quality and service:

We deliver quality work for the benefit of our customers and coworkers.
We provide consistent and dependable service that exceeds expectations and creates loyal customers.
We care each day about how our job affects the quality of the Budget product
A deep pride in who we are and how we work:

We always keep the highest personal standards of integrity and honesty.
We assist others on our team and throughout the company.
We share our talents, skills and knowledge to improve team performance.
We communicate openly and honestly, and share great ideas.
A recognition that profitability fuels our growth:

We understand the importance of growing the profitability of our location and our business overall.
We inspire others to elevate their performance and contribute to the company's success.
We continue learning and developing new skills that help us build our bottom line and set the stage for continued growth.
A dedication to being a great place to work:

We believe in creating a fun and friendly car rental experience for employees and customers alike.
We maintain an upbeat work environment that is respectful of and welcoming to all employees and customers of all backgrounds.
We are committed to a well-maintained, safe and presentable workplace.
We show caring for our communities and encourage employee involvement in civic and charitable activities.

Because I live in Brielle, I would like promote this hotel deal at this seaside hotel located in nearby Oostvoorne (5 kms from Brielle). The hotel name is Hotel Van Marion.
The offer seems to be valid all year round.

Name of offer: 'Geuzen'(Beggars)
Minimum 4 persons

Arrival: Friday from 2 pm
Departure: Sunday before 11 am
2 nights
2 buffet breakfasts
1x 3-course meal
1x ?Geuzen' menu
Guided walk through Brielle
1x coffee and cakes in Brielle
? 115 per person

The ?geuzenstad' (Beggars' town) Brielle is an old Dutch fortified town with some 400 monuments, such as the historic ramparts with bastions, moats, ravelins, buttresses and gates, but it also has some nice shops and cosy bars. In short: well worth a visit! If you like, go see my Brielle page: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/2bf0c/70f65/

This offer looks good to me. Lots of people enjoy golf. And if you're not golfing there's plenty to do in the area. Beach, sailing, discovering little villages and towns like my hometown Brielle.
There's also unique dune landscape where you can do great walking, cycling, fishing and birdwatching. The offer seems to be valid all year round.

Name of offer: Golf
Minimum 2 persons
Arrival: Friday from 2 pm
Departure:Sunday before 11 am
2 nights
2 buffet breakfasts
1x 3-course meal
1x 4-course meal
25-minute golf lesson, including folder and scorecard

? 137.50 per person

The golf lesson is given on the 18-hole ?Kleiburg' golf course, which is located between the Brielse Meer and the Hartelkanaal in an idyllically peaceful area. On the one side, you can enjoy the pastoral beauty of Brielle's scenery and, on the other, you have a view of the impressive docks in the Europoort area. It is difficult to imagine a greater contrast.

Bottoms up! Discover the legendary Amsterdam scene on a lively pub crawl.

The Ultimate Party Pub Crawl is a fantastic way to explore the city and its numerous vibrant bars. Meet other travelers, share your stories, and discover Amsterdam's famously vibrant nightlife!

Every night, Sunday through Friday, starting at 8:30pm

Inclusions:
Five dance bars and clubs
Five free drinks (beer, wine, and soda)
Vodka shots on the road
Unlimited free house shots between 8:30pm and 9pm
Drink specials at each venue
No cover charges for bars and clubs
Professional guides

-Children aged 17 and under are not permitted
-Tour operates Sunday through Friday starting at 8:30pm, year round. Participants must be 18 years old to join.
-Tour lasts five hours

Redemption Policies:
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, visit the Gray Line ticket shop opposite the Rijksmuseum (Stadhouderskade 42). Present your printed voucher in exchange for ticket(s). Allow 20 minutes from the ticket shop to the point of departure, which is in front of Dan Murphy's on Leidsestraat 24. For general information, call +31 20-6239886

Includes taxes and fees, price from 17.15 euro.

I fake-booked a flight September 2008, which comes down to just 102.28 EURO for a return flight. A flight in November 2008 comes down to about 61 EURO.

Travel Days: Mon - Thurs (subject to availability)
Not valid in the following periods:
17.10.08 - 03.11.08 EX UK only
24.10.08 - 03.11.08 EX Ireland only
18.12.08 - 07.01.09 all routes
Notes on this fare: All Holidays, School Breaks and Major Sporting Events are excluded from this offer.

Note: In the case of flights, I prefer to be realistic. That is why I do not mention the lowest price. However, I will mention the price of a flight that is booked at minimum 3 months ahead.

The webpage is self-explanatory about the discount system for NS HISPEED, the fast trains (for instance Thalys or ICE) that go to European destinations.

On Wednesdays the Boijmans-van Beuningen Museum offers free admission. This saves you the ticket price of 9 euro!
Young people under 18 years always have free admission.

Rotterdam Airport is a very convenient small airport where generally check ins and luggage retrieval are fast and efficient. Parking is also easy and very nearby (2 minutes walk from long-term parking to terminal). There's also easy and well-scheduled public transportation to and from Rotterdam Airport to Rotterdam Central station (the ride by bus/shuttle or taxi is about 15 minutes). If I can, I always choose Rotterdam Airport to fly from.

Transavia.com offers these ALL-INCLUSIVE low fares from Rotterdam Airport.

Some examples (onward flights only), in the period 2 June-2 September 2008:
Paris-Orly Sud 55.75 euro
Girona 85.75 euro
Nice 85.75 euro
Toulon (Hyères) 85.75 euro
Rome (Fiumicino) 105.75 euro
Faro 109.75 euro
Alicante 113.75 euro
Malaga 123.75 euro

Note: there is a registration fee of 7,50 euro per booking.

Information about Rotterdam Airport at:
http://www.rotterdam-airport.nl/en/Homepage (English)

During restaurant week 2008 from 25-31 August, some really good restaurants in Amsterdam offer a 3 course menu for only 25 euro per person. 3 course lunch at only 20 euro per person.
Take the opportunity to dine very well for a great price.
Reservations only through the website of www.restaurantweek.nl
Be quick! The restaurants fill up quickly with reservations.

This pass has been designed to give you a flexible and economical way of seeing The Netherlands. The pass gives you either 3 or 5 days of unlimited travel anywhere in the country during a one month period. You do not need to travel on consecutive days as long as you use the 3 or 5 days within a one month period. To give you extra flexibility you also don't need to specify which days you want to travel in advance.

This is the ideal ticket for people taking a short break in the Netherlands. Simply choose your base and take day trips to explore this fascinating country.

1st Class
3 days in 1 month EUR 83.00
5 days in 1 month EUR 133.00

Second Class
3 days in 1 month EUR 56.00
5 days in 1 month EUR 89.00

Child fare is 50% of adult fare

* Passes are valid for 6 months from the date of issue
* A valid passport (and/or proof of European Residency) must be held and shown to ticket inspectors when required. Passes are personal and non-transferable and may be used only by the bearer
* If your pass gets lost or stolen, it cannot be re-issued or refunded. A refund may only be obtained if the pass is returned before the first date of validity
* Seat reservation fees, couchette & sleeper fees are not included in the price of the pass
* If applicable to your country pass, supplements are may be required on special high speed trains such as Artesia, ICE, InterCityLyn, S200, Pendolino, TALGO, X2000, EN, CIS, CityNightLine, Thalys and Trenhotel services

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2008 is Open Monumenten Dag in The Netherlands. You can visit thousands of registered buildings and monuments for free. To search for monuments that open their doors to visitors, do a search at http://www.openmonumentendag.nl/zoeken/
In the box 'Gemeente of plaats' you can fill in a town or village.
There are free brochures and maps at local town halls or tourist offices (VVV) with general information and local maps. The theme for this year is Modern Monuments.

Badhotel Rockanje is situated in the quiet dune area, very near the beach. Outings to Brielle and Rotterdam are easily made. But in the area you can also go sailing, walking, enjoy the unique dune flora and fauna, cycling, bird watching, etc...

This looks like an excellent deal:
'Strand en Duin' (Beach & Dune) arrangement at 30.00 euro per person, per night
includes:
-A glass of Banchetto wine
-1 night stay
-Breakfast buffet for 8.50 euro, instead of the normal 14.50 euro.

The normal price is 92,50 euro for a double room.
There are other offers. This is the cheapest.
Note: for single room reservations there is an added fee of 15 euro. However, on Fridays and weekends this fee will not be charged.
For Fridays and Saturdays and on all weekdays in July and August there is a 7,50 euro surcharge per person.

Unfortunately the website is only in Dutch.
So here are the contact details:

Address: Tweede Slag 1, 3235 CR Rockanje
Phone: +31 181 - 401 755
Fax: +31 181 - 403 933
E-mail: info@badhotel.nl

Note: Badhotel means Bath Hotel or rather, seaside hotel.

During Restaurant Week 2008 from 25-31 August, some really good restaurants in Rotterdam offer a 3 course menu for only 25 euro per person. 3 course lunch at only 20 euro per person.
Take the opportunity to dine very well for a great price.
Reservations only through the website of www.restaurantweek.nl
Be quick! The restaurants fill up quickly with reservations.

Travel Between: Mon August 25, 2008 - Sun August 31, 2008
More info: http://www.diningcity.com/rotterdam/index_eng.jsp