Chapter VIII
Where we dine and sleep in North Holland
Canal houses with two stars, a family house by the dunes and a former rectory on Texel. North Holland offers the widest contrast, from grand hotel on the Amstel to a dike-side inn on the water.
In North Holland the book holds four addresses for now. When we come across more that belong here, they go in. If we had to pick one, it would be De L'Europe Amsterdam. If you are coming for a star, try De L'Europe Amsterdam, The Dylan Amsterdam, Merlet and ML. The next place is still empty: that is the address we are trying next.
Grand hotel with two-star restaurant
A grand hotel on the Amstel whose kitchen skips dairy.
On the Amstel since 1896 and owned by the Heineken family for decades. We go for Flore, where Bas van Kranen cooks to the rhythm of the Dutch micro-seasons.
Canal-side boutique hotel with two-star restaurant
Dinner in an old bakery, a bed on the Keizersgracht.
A boutique hotel in the Nine Streets with a restaurant where the old bread oven still stands. We go for Jurgen van der Zalm's sauces, and because bed is under the same roof.
Family-run hotel with starred restaurant by the dunes
Braised eel by the dunes, then a suite with a name.
A family house on the edge of the Schoorl dunes, run by the Van Bourgonjes since 1984. We come for Marco Helsloot's regional cooking, with crab, shrimp and lamb from close by.
City hotel in a listed building with starred restaurant
At the Chef's Bar you're practically in the kitchen.
Mark and Liane Gratama run a restaurant and hotel under one roof in the centre of Haarlem. We come for the Asian-leaning broths and the Hästens beds.
Our book lists four addresses in North Holland: De L'Europe Amsterdam in Amsterdam, The Dylan Amsterdam in Amsterdam, Merlet in Schoorl and ML in Haarlem.
De L'Europe Amsterdam in Amsterdam. On the Amstel since 1896 and owned by the Heineken family for decades. We go for Flore, where Bas van Kranen cooks to the rhythm of the Dutch micro-seasons. If it is full, we ring The Dylan Amsterdam.
For two, count on € 470 at Merlet up to € 1,160 at The Dylan Amsterdam, for dinner, one night and breakfast. Amounts come from their own booking systems, for a weeknight in November 2026.
Yes: at De L'Europe Amsterdam in Amsterdam, The Dylan Amsterdam in Amsterdam, Merlet in Schoorl and ML in Haarlem. After dessert you just walk upstairs.
