Bambu Sleep Boutique

The restaurant staff and managers downstairs were kind, from what little we saw of them. The rooms themselves, though, were shabby and dirty, and I’d never return, especially at these prices. We paid €200 a night for a sofa bed with a poor mattress and sheets that were too small. On arrival the sheets were dirty and had holes; we asked for replacements, but nothing happened. There was a cracked ceiling, a broken lamp that didn’t work, filthy windows you could barely see through, and a tiny 2-square-meter bathroom that smelled like a sewer. It doesn’t feel like a hotel to me, since it lacks the amenities. The location is great, but there’s no soundproofing at all, so being in the town center made sleep impossible. They supplied very poor earplugs, which barely helped. It was like trying to sleep in a public square. €1000 wasted.

My girlfriend and I stayed Sunday night to Monday and enjoyed ourselves. For what we paid, it was a very good choice. If someone wants a hotel costing over 300 euros, they should book one at that price. The room was neat, with coffee, tea, and a fridge. The staff were incredibly friendly and told us where to find a good breakfast and a nice meal. Breakfast wasn’t included, but there’s a lovely spot across the square. The location is fantastic: step outside and you’re on Haarlem’s central square. It’s naturally not completely quiet all the time in the city center, and they’d left earplugs on the bed. The bed was comfortable, which is unusual for me because I don’t often sleep well. The view was just a wall, but we came to stay overnight, not for a view. I really disagree with the person who gave this place one star.

A charming, pleasant place right in the heart of Haarlem.