Many US travelers to The Netherlands do not venture north, instead staying in and around Amsterdam…read more- this is a huge mistake. Friesland is a beautiful place that must be experienced. And Piaam-State Bed and Breakfast in Piaam, just outside Makkum, is a great place to stay - a good location to venture out to Leeuwarden, Sneek, Franeker, Bolsward, Heerenven, and other cities. The owner Antoinette Groeneveld is one of the world's finest humans - you will make a friend for life - which is really the best part of travel, isn't it?

I just got back from a weekend in Amsterdam with a friend, and I must say, staying at Amsterdam Bed…read moreand Boat really made my visit to Amsterdam special. Loes and Wing, the owners of the houseboat, were incredibly generous and accommodating hosts. This is especially true given my circumstances. To give some context, I am being reimbursed for my trip to Amsterdam, but in order to get reimbursed, I needed a signed contract and receipt as proof for my stay. Loes and Wing personally wrote, signed, and printed these for me -- much of it while they were on vacation! If that didn't already cause enough trouble for them, my friend and I arrived into Amsterdam around midnight, yet Loes and Wing graciously stayed up and waited for us to arrive -- greeting us only with smiles and a bottle of wine. Each day for breakfast, Loes and Wing went out to buy fresh bread for our breakfast, served when we wanted it, along with a generous assortment of juice, eggs, meats, cheese, yogurt, granola, and more. When it rained in Amsterdam the first day my friend and I were there, we were even provided with umbrellas to use. I was actually shocked that for the weekend we stayed in this houseboat, it wasn't sold out like nearly all the other boats in Amsterdam. One would think that the 5-star treatment we received as guests (along with a great rate per night) would cause this bed, boat, and breakfast to be permanently booked. Many thanks to Loes and Wing for making our stay absolutely wonderful!

My partner and I just returned from a week spent on Loes and Wing's Bed and Boat. The room/cabin…read morewas beautifully appointed with a very comfortable sitting area in addition to the comfy bed. We were treated with wine and a lovely table bouquet on arrival, with this then the amenities began..... excelllent breakfasts with a daily tray of meat, cheese, several breads, jams, orange juice, yogurt, granola and eggs or fruits. Of course, the unforgetable coffee karafe. All this within skipping distance of our daughter also on Levantkade and the trams/buses terminal. We were most appreciative of their kind concern for our wellbeing from umbrellas to boarding passes to directions. These folks are wonderfully personable hosts...truly recommend them and their beautiful houseboat

This is our favorite spot for the Friday afternoons to get a wine, beer or a Dutch hot chocolate…read morenear the fireplace. During the summer you could have a drink in their garden between the farm animals. They have an amazing menu for dinner, which is always inspired on fresh seasonal regional products. If you don't want a complete dinner, but just a snack, try the homemade nachos with a special beer. If you want to have a dinner, be on time with your reservation! If you do have a horse, you could bring him to the stables and sleep in their B&B.

**BEST BED AND BREAKFAST IN AMSTERDAM**…read more WOW, loved this place! I booked a double room for 115 EURO a night for 2 persons. Vlad, one of the owners, was fantastic. He was friendly and communicative. He provided us with tips, suggestions, and went out of his way to make sure we were happy. Room was beautiful. Lots of light, good bedding, and awesome bathroom. Despite many hangovers, we were *gently* woken up by the friendly staff to ensure that we enjoyed our European breakfast every morning. Nice location, walking distance to everything. I took the train station and walked there. It saved me 12-15 EURO. PROS: *Location *Staff *Good breakfasts *Super clean *Felt homey *Great rooms *Reasonable rates *Non-smoking *Front living room area where you can read and relax *Quiet CONS: *Advance reservations (first come, first serve) *2 weeks cancellation policy *Lots of stairs Completely enjoyed my experience here. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Just left our 5 night stay at Maes B & B and we couldn't have been happier. The correspondence…read moreprior to arrival was swift and responsive. The owners like to have your flight arrival information and check it for any delays etc. They are waiting for you, ready for your arrival. We stayed in the yellow suite which was the entire 2nd floor. Stairs are typically steep but easy to navigate if you don't have any handicaps. The living room was large with a large couch and multiples chairs and a lovely view below of the cobblestone street. The bedroom holds a comfortable bed with a few dressers - there is no view but after my first night there realized this was perfect. Quite quiet, away from the street noise, it was the perfect environment for sleeping. The breakfast was tasty and ready every morning at 9 am. The freshest cut fruit, fresh breads and croissants (which permeate the house :) starting around 8 or 8:30 am). Great coffee and tea. Ed and Ian are an enjoyment to speak with during the meal. Many excellent restaurants are just a few steps away - and you can be at Central Station within 10 minutes walking. Would highly recommend Maes B & B and would be thrilled to stay there again.

My husband and I stayed at the Breitner house on our delayed honeymoon/anniversary trip in April…read more2015. Our stay was purely magical, and no review could do this place justice. We've had the privilege of staying at some wonderful hotels over the past few years, but the Breitner house holds themselves to a standard that is a cut above even the most prestigious places we've been. Our hosts were warm and welcoming, informative, and made it clear they were there to help us in any way. The rooms and decor are stunning - a beautiful oasis in an already beautiful city. Our room was comfortable and our hosts went above and beyond to provide the little touches that are hard to find in most accommodations. The food in the morning was in a word, divine. I have never woken up to such a feast, and indeed, we remarked many times about how much we felt like royalty while enjoying our breakfast. On the day we flew out of Amsterdam, our hosts still managed to provide a scrumptious breakfast before an early pick-up (which they gladly helped us arrange) to the airport. We will always be grateful for the visit we had here and have recommended Breitner to many friends and family traveling through Amsterdam. We most certainly will stay here again if we can arrange a return trip. Until then, we will remember it as a rare, once in a lifetime experience! I would encourage anyone to splurge on a stay at the Breitner house - it is less of a bed and breakfast and more an experience in exceptionally rare high-level hospitality.

My wife and I stayed here for our honeymoon and cannot overstate what an unbelievably wonderful…read moreexperience we had. From the moment we met Camilla we knew we were in for a stay unlike any other and she did not disappoint. Camilla was so warm, friendly and entirely selfless throughout our stay, always armed with directions, a thoughtful recommendation or simply a kind word. Accommodations left us speechless in both their originality and cleanliness. When we eventually plan our return to Amsterdam, if we cannot stay at The Breitner House we may reconsider/reschedule the trip, it was that fantastic. If we somehow go anyway, you can bet we will at least stop by to say, "Hello!" and "How we've missed you!". A beyond Five Star location.

This is a really great café! Every time I'm in Holland, I make a point of going in for coffee, wine…read moreor a meal. My relatives there think I'm crazy for being so enamored of tiny little Surhuisterveen. To them, it's nothing much: just the neighboring town where they do their shopping. To me, it's a charming European town with a great mix of practical chain stores and wonderful little boutiques. Where better to watch the locals go about their business on foot and bicycle than Kolkzicht? Literally, it's something like View of the Kolk (the main drag that it's on). During the Summer months (or if you're a smoker), enjoy their outdoor seating for the best view. There are heat lamps if it gets chilly. When last I went, in early December of 2010, that was not an option. Inside it's lovely as well. I just stopped in for an afternoon coffee. I was seated by a window and could gaze outwards, left in peace, to my heart's content. I've been there for drinking and for dinner. Both were great. (Note to self: Too many Berenburgs really are too many!) Next time I'm going to need to try their lunch fare. Uitsmijter, anyone? The bar and restaurant are attractive in a classic way. It's definitely worth a 'go'!