Stadsherberg Alphen

A place where the mayor drinks a beer with the carpenter, where everyone feels at home and where everyone is equal—this was the image that Niels and Laura had in mind when they began to breathe new life into the old walls of a former principal’s house. In the brick building from 1895 in the heart of the Dutch town of Alphen aan den Rijn, they’ve created a boutique hotel oozing with exactly this kind of warm and informal atmosphere. It’s so beautifully furnished that you constantly find yourself taking notes for ideas to emulate in your own home. The rooms and suites, which are spread over three floors, are all individually designed. What they have in common, however, is the mix of vintage pieces such as midcentury furniture, brocante-style furnishings and modern custom-made pieces. Natural tones and pastel colors blend harmoniously. On the first floor, the aromas from Laura’s kitchen are enticing. In addition to a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner are also served on certain days of the week, offering an international and varied menu. In good weather, we recommend eating out on the covered terrace, surrounded by cobbled streets in the center of the lively little town. There are benches attached to the front of the building, furnished with colorful cushions, where you can watch the hustle and bustle go by on the street while enjoying good wine and cheese. You can also take the opportunity to plan your next excursion, as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague or the beaches of the Dutch North Sea coast are not far away. No matter which destination you choose, it can only be the right one, even if it means just staying put and treating yourselves to a second glass ...

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• How successfully the house has been restored to its original state. During the renovation, Laura and Niels discovered that many authentic details had fallen victim to an earlier refurbishment. They carefully removed the soulless office look, transforming it back into a place that tells stories.
• The creative solutions that can be found everywhere, alcoves for the kids in the family room, a walk-in closet integrated into the sloping ceilings or a self-designed headboard for the bed
• The pops of color in the form of colorful tiles in the bathrooms, numerous cushions, curtains and bedspreads
• The cozy seating areas in the restaurant with self-made corner sofas by Niels
• The delicious breakfast with fresh bread rolls, cheese and fruit, which is prepared with lots of love using mainly local produce. Guests can choose between “Petit Parisien”, “Healthy Start” or “Deluxe Full Breakfast”.
• The covered terrace with bistro-style furniture, which makes you feel like you’re in a cozy outdoor living room
• The attention to detail—from creative decorations, vintage tableware and fresh flowers to edible flowers on the plates
• Niels and Laura’s hospitality and casual style are evident everywhere. In the south of France, the two have already helped bring a glamping concept to life, and in the Lot-et-Garonne, they’ve breathed new life into an old farm barn for guests. They’re dedicated to the well-being of their guests and are happy to help with ideas for activities and excursions.
• The Hotel Stadsherberg offers an ideal starting point for discovering South Holland. The capital Amsterdam, the port city of Rotterdam and The Hague are just over thirty minutes away by car.
• Take a short cruise to the surrounding farms and local producers on the day of departure to stock up on asparagus, flowers, cheese or smoked eel from the region.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The 11 comfort, deluxe and family rooms range from 22 to 40 square meters in size, and are equipped with king-size box-spring beds and en-suite bathrooms and toiletries.
• Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but can be booked as an extra. 
• The hotel restaurant is open to anyone who wants to have a coffee on the way to work, meet up with friends for lunch or have a business lunch on the terrace. A delicious lunch is offered six days a week and three evenings are open for dinner, mostly French inspired, once a month Indonesian cuisine
• Hotel Stadsherberg also offers private dining. The restaurant, conservatory or garden can be reserved for special occasions for groups of 20 or more. The menu is put together to suit requirements.
• Themed evenings or special events take place regularly, from game and wine dinners to live jazz on the terrace.
• There are plenty of excursions on offer here. The countryside with its typical polder landscapes can be explored by bike, you can sail on the surrounding lakes and hike along the historic “Limes Route”. In Leiden, there are beautiful museums and architecture to discover. In Gouda, there’s the world-famous cheese market, and in Keukenhof, there’s the great tulip splendor to admire.
• The boutique hotel is a 25-minute drive from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The train station is within walking distance.