Delft Long-Term Stay Lodging Options
Delft is an ideal launch-point for adventures in the Netherlands. It’s connected to neighboring cities Den Haag (The Hague) and Rotterdam by rail, an easy 12-25 minute trip. Further, Delft is an easy 40 minutes by train from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and under an hour from Amsterdam proper. Since I can think of no better location for home-basing in the Netherlands, here is a handy guide to help those looking for long-stay lodging options.
Long-stays can be really helpful to travelers. If you pick the right town for your long stay, you can explore more than just the big sites. You can feel more like a local if you’re in one spot for more than a few days. Long stays in one city make a cramped European hotel room feel more like a prison, so we evaluated our options based on these criteria: value, comfort and ease.
Hotels
Delft offers a range of hotel options. We prefer two of them based on value, comfort and ease. Best Western Museum Hotel Delft has a high value because its included breakfast is first-rate. For families traveling with more than one child, you can request one of the hotel’s suites. The furnishings are new and comfortable and the hotel’s location cannot be beat. It sits in the shadow of Delft’s leaning Old Church (Oude Kerk), a 3-minute walk from the market center. Note that Best Western hotels in Europe typically garner more stars than their American counterparts.
Hotel Leeuwenbrug is a classy option, situated along a canal in central Delft. The rooms are more dated than the Best Western and the breakfast feels more old-world European but is still quite nice. Leeuwenbrug is a 5-minute walk to the market center, still very close to everything you need.
Both of the hotels we recommend in Delft are convenient to the Delft train station as well as the Delft University of Technology. Just remember that if you plan to walk from the train station to your hotel with luggage, the cobbled streets are quite an adventure for suitcase wheels. There are other hotel options in Delft, but the Best Western and Hotel Leeuwenbrug are the two best options. Look no further.
Airbnbs
Delft’s collection of Airbnb rentals is very limited. Furthermore, homes in Delft’s historic core are small. There are only a handful of options for booking with a family. Most options can accommodate up to four persons (2 bedrooms). It is rare to find availability for a family of five or more. Properties are reserved fast, so plan ahead in Delft, especially over holidays or during summer break.
Be aware that historic homes in Delft are often along canals – with no fences between their front doors and traffic or between their front doors and the canal. Most have steep, spiraling staircases not suitable for children. Some have intricate glass-work (pocket doors) and extremely old windows. Kitchens will be small. Lots are above street-level businesses so you’ll have to hike your gear up stairs. Since Delft is home to a massive university, street noise on weekends can be loud.
With all of these disadvantages, an Airbnb can still be an amazing option – and it’s our recommended choice. You can’t beat the value for the amount of space you get. In lots of cases, you’d need two hotel rooms for a large family whereas one Airbnb can accommodate everyone. Further, there is significant savings from having your own cooking facilities. You can’t beat the ease of having your own place. Airbnbs take a hit in comfort. Some offer luxurious bedding and towels, but often mattresses and linens are old and tired.
Makelaars
Dutch Real Estate Agents are called Makelaars. One in particular offers long-term stay options. Oude Delft Makelaars can rent furnished homes in Delft for longer stays (think monthly leases). between longer term renters. Makelaars don’t know their inventory until a few months out so this can be an option if you’re booking closer to your travel dates. A full month or more in one city has loads of benefits. Renting this way can save you tremendously. This option can be a part of a sabbatical or year of family travel plan. There is more paperwork involved in a long-term stay with a Makelaar but if you’ve ever wanted to feel like you really ‘live’ in a place, this is your best bet.
Private Operators
If you look in any city, you might be able to find a private operator that maintains a series of properties for short-term and long-term rentals. The largest in Delft is Luxury Apartments Delft. They offer many options from small studios to large family apartments. These options are fully furnished and are spread throughout the city, giving you the option to choose where you stay. We do not recommend Luxury Apartments Delft because we had a negative experience with their management practices. However, we list them as an option in Delft because you are sure to see their name when searching for long-term stays in Delft.
Delftse Hout Campground
The Delftse Hout Campground is a fantastic family option. While it is called a campground, it’s not what you’re thinking. Dutch campgrounds feature small houses, bungalows and a weird assortment of other lodging options. They have a restaurant, shop, swimming pool, playground and rental equipment. Some of the house options include a washing machine and full kitchen. Linen rentals are generally extra. Delftse Hout books up for busy periods months in advance. Delftse Hout is on a bus line during the warmer months but is walkable from the city center in 15 minutes. Neighboring the campground are two lakes (with beaches), a petting zoo, a nature center, an arboretum and a large forest.
For those wishing to spend some quality time in Delft – whether it be for exploring Delft, exploring the country or for a long work stay, take a look at these options and find what’s right for your family!
If your looking for more help planning your trip to the Netherlands check out our trip planning map for loads of ideas of things to do around the Netherlands (and beyond!) We also have a one week Netherlands itinerary to get you started.
