Where to stay in the Netherlands?

On Badhuiskade, in Overhoeks, on the north bank of the IJ, 1.8 km from the centre. For those who want a design hostel in a quiet spot and don't mind the ferry into town.

The free ferry behind Central Station crosses the IJ in three minutes, day and night.

On Zandpad, in the Vondelpark itself, 1.9 km from the centre. You step out of the hostel into the park and walk to the Museum Quarter and Leidseplein in ten minutes.

On Nieuwendijk, 1.1 km from the centre, on the shopping street leading from the station. You walk from the train and do the whole centre without a tram, including the trip back at night.

Grand hotel in a row of canal houses, for those who want to sleep in 17th-century Amsterdam. An address for exploring the Jordaan and the canals on foot.

Twenty-five canal houses joined together between the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht, near the Anne Frank House.

On the Herengracht, in the canal ring, 600 m from the centre. You step out onto the city's most prestigious canal and walk to the flower market.

Six 17th-century mansions joined together on the Gouden Bocht, the wealthiest bend of the Herengracht.

On Langevelderlaan, in the dunes of Noordwijk. For those who want the beach and the bulb fields by bike, away from the Keukenhof coaches.

On Duinweg, in Noordwijk aan Zee, between dunes and fields. For those who come by car and want the beach in the evening after the gardens.

On Koningin Astrid Boulevard, facing the beach at Noordwijk. You walk on the sand in the evening and reach Keukenhof in a quarter of an hour by car.

On Scheepmakersstraat, in the Rivierenbuurt, 1.7 km from the centre of The Hague. You take the train to Delft in ten minutes and the tram to the beach at Scheveningen.

On the Lange Voorhout, 1.7 km from the centre, in the museum district. You walk to the Mauritshuis and the Binnenhof along the tree-lined avenue, without ever taking the tram.

A hotel since 1881, in the former mansion of Baron van Brienen, on the Lange Voorhout.

On Zeestraat, 1.6 km from the centre, in the Zeeheldenkwartier. You walk to the Noordeinde and the Binnenhof, and Scheveningen is just a tram ride away.

The Panorama Mesdag, a circular painting from 1881, is on the same street, a few doors down.

On Kneuterdijk, 1.3 km from the centre, between the Noordeinde and the Lange Voorhout. You are a few minutes' walk from the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis, in the museum district.

On Overblaak, 1 km from the centre, in the Cube Houses district. Step out of the hostel and you are already in front of the Markthal, within walking distance of the whole centre.

The hostel occupies several of Piet Blom's Cube Houses, next to the Markthal.

On Witte de Withstraat, 1 km from the centre, on the street of bars and galleries. For those who come for the nightlife and want to walk home.

On Koninginnenhoofd, on the Wilhelminapier, 2.3 km from the centre, at the end of the quay. You sleep in the former headquarters of the Holland America Line, facing the port and the towers.

The water taxi leaves from the quay in front of the hotel and crosses the Maas to the centre in a few minutes.

On the Weena, 100 m from the centre and Central Station. You arrive by train, drop your bags and walk to the Markthal and Witte de With.