Stopped here whilst passing through on business. First of all I wasn't sure if I'd found the right place as there's no signage with Van Der Valk, it just says Hotel Haarlem and you can't really miss it.

Got the key to my room and it was pitch dark when I walked in, had to fumble around to find the light switches on the little lamps which is a pain.

Even when I did figure out all the lighting it was pretty dark still.

Decor had a general tired 80s feel to it, not horrible or filthy but not especially pleasant either.

Bathroom in my room 752 was very good though, power shower with a lot of power which is always refreshing.

Had a quick beer in the bar before going out, E3.75 for a small bock beer which I thought was a bit pricey,

Breakfast was pretty uninviting, plenty of choice but I'd stick to the things in packets and the pastries.

No thanks or anything from the girl at reception when I checked out, no interest in whether I'd had a nice stay or not.

Can't really grumble for £66 paid (not including breakfast which was 13 Euros) but I wouldn't rush back.

Pretty avarage. Clean enough, spacious rooms although quite dated. Food at the restaurant was pretty good. Padi around £70 per night so good value for money on this occassion.

This is a large, sprawling conference-class hotel about 20 mins leisurely walk from Haarlem city centre. Once state-of-the-art, the VdV needs a bit of a makeover now to bring its bedrooms into the 21st Century as their facilities are quite basic. Although the old 4:3 CRT tv had a wide spread of northern-Euro channels, mine had good reception on all but the one I actually wanted to watch - BBC1!

My bathroom was poorly lit but clean. There was an un-lit shower cubicle, plus a bath wedged into an very dim corner. There was no beverage-making facilities or mini-bar. This is very much a minus-point against the VdV as many of its rooms are so remote from the bar. There are drinks and snack vending machines near the first-floor reception area.

Where the VdV scores is in its dining area; their large, roughly 'L' shaped room overlooks a busy roadway but has an intimate feel to it and offers some cozy nooks to dine in peace, if the fancy takes you. Guests are spoilt for choice at breakfast and the hotel provides an excellent spread of hot and cold food and drinks.

Stayed for 3 nights to browse Haarlem , service was good especially when my room safe box was locked on my things ..response was quick.
Room and shower was clean , hot water, 42" LCD TV, and great view of old Haarlem houses ..
I guess its a good value of money and close to city center.