Cultural Capital: Leeuwarden-Friesland Hotels for the City’s Big Year

“It’s official – Leeuwarden-Friesland is having a moment in the spotlight. If you haven’t heard of the Dutch city of Leeuwarden before, it’s been named the European Capital of Culture for 2018, and – along with its wider region of Friesland – is hosting a series of unique events, shows, and exhibitions throughout the year, meaning there’s no better time to visit than now. Join in the celebrations with a stay at one of these hotels.

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Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof, Leeuwarden
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In the heart of Leeuwarden, the four-star Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof offers a luxury base for exploring the city’s cultural programme. A former palace of the Dutch royal family, the hotel will transport you back in time to a more opulent era with its 18th-century décor and antique furnishings. When you’re not checking out the many exhibitions and performances across the city, you can enjoy the royal treatment with high tea in the hotel’s garden or fine dining in the restaurant.

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Alibi Hostel Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden
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Designed for the budget-conscious traveller, Alibi Hostel Leeuwarden also offers the chance to stay in one of the city’s most unique buildings. A former prison, the hostel has refurbished old cells into dorms and private rooms, with communal areas for relaxing and socialising. It’s also just a short stroll from the Fries Museum, which is hosting exhibitions dedicated to Leeuwarden’s most famous talents: graphic artist Escher and dancer Mata Hari. Seize the opportunity to hire the hotel’s bikes and explore the city’s other cultural treasures during your stay.

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Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café, Leeuwarden
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The Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café enjoys a prime position on one of Leeuwarden’s most picturesque streets, just steps from the museums, galleries, and historic monuments. With its luxurious rooms, fitness centre, and popular restaurant and bar, this renovated post office has everything you need for a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel also offers activities and events to coincide with the city’s cultural calendar, including walking tours, gondola rides, and music performances in the Grand Café.

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Boutique Hotel de Eilanden, Harlingen
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The port city of Harlingen is just 30 minutes outside Leeuwarden and will provide the setting for several maritime spectacles as part of the Capital of Culture celebrations. Simple yet stylish, Boutique Hotel De Eilanden overlooks the marina and is within walking distance to the historic centre and ferry terminal, where you can catch a boat to the islands of Vlieland and Terschelling. The port will host the finish of the famous Tall Ships race in August, as well as the literary festival, The Sea! The Sea!, which will bring esteemed local and international authors to Friesland.

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Hotel Bornholm, West-Terschelling
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The island of Terschelling – part of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea area – has a starring role in Friesland’s line-up of events. The highly anticipated Sense of Place and annual Oerol Festival will see the rugged landscapes transformed into platforms for exhibitions, performances, street theatre, and music. To make the most of your time, stay at the central Hotel Bornholm. Kick-start your adventures with a hearty buffet breakfast, rent bikes and explore the island’s scenery, and end the day relaxing in the hotel’s wellness centre.

Have a look at our hotels in Leeuwarden page for more options.”